£325 is expensive for a track day. I'm assumming it's the GP circuit. It's one I'v fancied doing but have not so far. I think it's the price putting me off!
I've done Brands Indy circuit and I think it's ok but I got bored by the end of the day. Not bad for a start though.
I've not done Rockingham and only know how it is for bikers and not car drivers.
Sessions : Some track days are open pit lane. This means that you can go out and come in when you want, subject to them not exceeding the max number allowed on at any one time. Other track days are done in sessions. Often it's beginner, intermediate, experienced or maybe just three of the same level but to make it fair on everyone getting equal track time.
Sessions are often 20mins each but it depends on where you go. 3 sessions p/h would mean that you get to drive 20mins of every hour. This doesn't seem much but your car will need the 40mins to cool down after 20 hard minutes.
My comments (and I'm not qualified so probably best to ignore them) are :
On a dry day I always add 10% to the tyre pressures. I do it when they're cold before I leave home. This stiffens them up and helps minimise wear and heat build up.
Check the torque on your wheel bolts before, at lunch time and at the end of the day. The heating of the alloys (from the braking etc) can cause them to come loose. Mine never have but I know of many stories when this has happened.
Check your car before you go - tyre condition, fluids etc.
Always do a warm up lap or two before pushing hard.
Always do a warm down lap or two before coming into the pits - this means using virtually no brakes.
Don't park with the handbrake on. Just leave it in gear. If you put the handbrake on then the pads in contact with the disk stop it cooling at the same rate as the rest of it and you could warp them.
I roll the car forward a couple of feet after about 10 mins just to help the heat dissipate evenly.
Pop your bonnet in the pits. It will help to cool the engine bay - better for the car and minimising heat soak will benefit the performance and brakes.
Get the ideal racing line early on and then gradually increase speed. If you can't hold the ideal racing line then you're over driving it and you'll be scrubbing your tyres and loseing speed.
Don't race anyone. Enjoy your own day.
ALWAYS be aware whats coming behind. It someone catches you then they're faster. Live with it...and let them through.
Be smooth and enjoy it. Don't get the red mist.
I'm sure others have their opinions but these are mine. Take them or leave them just don't blame me if you follow them! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
