Board logo

Track Testing Days...
scootz - 8/1/13 at 10:10 PM

Does anyone know what the 'etiquette' is for these (I appreciate each track will differ, so just looking for an idea).

Reason I'm asking is that I fancy buying a single-seater and would be looking for somewhere to play whilst i build up courage to enter hillclimbs, etc.

It also seem a pretty cheap way of doing things - my nearest track (Knockhill) offers a seasons testing (10 sessions at 3-4 hours each) at only £350.


bi22le - 8/1/13 at 10:27 PM

You will almost defiantly need a race licence.


SeanStone - 8/1/13 at 10:31 PM

Yeah it's usually part of a race weekend so licence would be needed


JoelP - 8/1/13 at 10:37 PM

still works out bloody cheap!


theduck - 8/1/13 at 10:47 PM

Will need to pass ards tests but is certainly worth doing.


loggyboy - 8/1/13 at 11:20 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JoelP
still works out bloody cheap!


Really? the ones ive seen seem to charge about the same cost as a whole (cheap) trackday, but for only 1 session/hour!


BangedupTiger - 8/1/13 at 11:38 PM

Open pit lanes are a good bet. http://www.openpitlane.co.uk/

Open track have a lot of full days for around the £100 mark http://www.opentrack.co.uk/


Could always use them as "testing oportunities"


JimSpencer - 8/1/13 at 11:50 PM

Hi Scootz

Yup as above ARDS & Race Nat B licence required - but that deal that Knockhill are offering is belting, makes it worth doing the test and paying the MSA there 60odd quid!

'etiquette' is that it's as per a race or practice session, overtake wherever you like etc etc
- but -
saying that I've found that it's actually easier than a track day as there's definatly nobody messing about, plus most folks have a pretty good idea what they're doing and make 100% certain that car's don't make contact with other cars as they will be wanting them again shortly to compete with..

Stick the Novice cross on the back, make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted and you 'indicate' (stick your arm out!) which side for folks to pass and you'll have no problems what-so-ever.


JimSpencer - 8/1/13 at 11:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by BangedupTiger
Open pit lanes are a good bet. http://www.openpitlane.co.uk/

Open track have a lot of full days for around the £100 mark http://www.opentrack.co.uk/


Could always use them as "testing oportunities"


Hi

Very few track days allow pukka single seaters, know of only one - Liverpool motor club at Aintree - though would be very happy to hear of others!


snakebelly - 9/1/13 at 01:41 AM

I don't think it being a single sweater will be the problem, it's whether it will be open wheeled or not, I know that open wheeled test days are limited and when available can be expensive.


eddie99 - 9/1/13 at 01:59 AM

Test days are brilliant, on MSV tracks it normally ends up being more expensive but is more worthwhile if your looking to get faster. Bigger % of people know what they are doing, and you can overtake whenever therefore not getting held up all the time.
Other factor as above is most trackdays wont allow a single seater open wheeled race car, so it may be your only option.

Downsides are you need an MSA license, however ARDS isnt hard at all.


CNHSS1 - 9/1/13 at 09:31 AM

If your based in scotland what about Kames sprint circuit? Therell be no need for a race licence, speed event licence will be fine.
Long way from you, but Curborough sprint circuit can be hired for approx 350 quid for all day. We normally split it 10 ways (max number allowed in a day) makes cheap wek day testing :-)


scootz - 9/1/13 at 11:28 AM

Cheers fellas! All good info there!

I'm just fed-up of having 'projects', but nothing to actually drive, so thought about a scabby old single-seater workhorse that I can thrash the pants off whilst waiting!


mookaloid - 9/1/13 at 11:42 AM

quote:
Originally posted by scootz


Reason I'm asking is that I fancy buying a single-seater and would be looking for somewhere to play whilst i build up courage to enter hillclimbs, etc.




have a play by all means but don't let that stop you entering. Hill climbers are a friendly bunch and you can 'learn on the job'


mcerd1 - 9/1/13 at 12:01 PM

I think I can remember the code for the gait at a track very near you

only thing is he has a habit of stretching wires across the track when its not in use


Dangle_kt - 9/1/13 at 12:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by scootz
Cheers fellas! All good info there!

I'm just fed-up of having 'projects', but nothing to actually drive, so thought about a scabby old single-seater workhorse that I can thrash the pants off whilst waiting!


I'll believe it when I see it scootz!


lewisdallas81 - 9/1/13 at 01:37 PM

The test days at knockhill are very cheap, however they are split into sessions so you will get 20 mins and hour on track. Also you will need a race licence, and there are no rules regarding overtaking as the days are run under racing regulations. Best bet is to check with the circuit before purchasing anything, and also i would do some time on a track either trackday or one of Knockhills experiences, i have been on a test at Knockhill when it was obviously someone's first time and it was not fun being around them on track.