Open Pitlane Thruxton upcoming - Do's and Dont's?

[tonydata]

So, I'm off to Thruxton in a few weeks for an open pitlane day, which I am a little excited about to say the least...

Of course I am thinking about a lot of things... should I uprate the suspension and ARB's to get more fun, should I go for a stage 1 for even more fun etc etc... all a bit pie in the sky tbh as the reality is, even in stock form, and with my limited driving skills... I'm gong to enjoy ragging the *** off the car round a proper race circuit anyways...!

Without trying to sound like a complete newb, anyone on here that's been on a track day like this got any advice? Obvious do's/don'ts etc... "Doh, why didn't I do/remember that...!" moments they want to share?

For example, I'm getting close to new tyre time, MOT is in July... do I go new tyres before hand, or wait till I've worn the crap out of the old ones on the day, then change for MOT...? Current tyres are prob on about 2/3mm so should be ok for the day...? Should I fill up with super duper unleaded for the day? What should I ditch from the car to lighten it up a bit? All advice welcomed!

I know these all sound a bit .... but the fact is, that's what I am!!

Cheers

 

[MICHAEL PARKER]

I don't think I would be putting new tyres on as you will destroy them to a certain extent , as for fuel you will go through a tank in no time and will most likely need to to refil at least once .As for mods how far do you want to go lol

 

[MalcB]

I'm jealous !!!....

Thruxton is nice track and fast. Never done a trackday there in my own car but have been on one of their Super Car days. Drove a Porche Cayman, Aston V8 Vantage and single seaters great fun.

Done a few track days in Scoobies etc. As above use your old tyres and make sure they are at the right pressure possibly a bit higher than normal. Make sure brake pads are good as they can soon disappear on track. I found the most important thing is to use good quality brake fluid as it can boil and the pedal will go to the floor. Scareeeee (I used to use Super Blue stuff)
As for fuel consumption it can get down below 10 mpg if you're trying
As it's your first time out I wouldn't bother with mods. My first time out I drove like "Miss Daisy". Once the track bug takes hold then do your mods.

As for don't .....just don't try to hard too keep up with everybody else. Go at your own pace and build up speed during the day.

Most of all ...HAVE FUN.

 

[tonydata]

Cheers @MalcB great advice

I'll chat to my mech about brake fluid... something else to research and read up on!!! Is it a big job to change do you know? Should I get anything else done in that dept. while he's at it?

 

[MalcB]

Easy job for mechanic. Not a bad job for DIY with a Gunson eazi bleed. Good front pads with plenty of life left in them are pretty much essential. Depends how hard you are on the brakes but I've seen pads down to the metal after 20 laps of Castle Combe.

 

[SootySport]

Use your existing tyres for the track, they'll grip better as more rubber is in contact with the tarmac.
You don't need to tune or change things for your first trackday. It's better to drive it as is, then if you like it you can think about how to improve it's speed/driveability/brakes later.
Most important thing is make sure the existing brakes and brake fluid are as good as they can. Brakes will be the first things to fail on a trackday, if they start to feel very spongy and the pedal gets closer to the floor give the car a rest for an hour. Hopefully the fluid is less than 2 years old, if not get it changed. The pads should have plenty of meat on them and be at least of OE quality, if not put new ones in.

Don't try and race any one else even if it's skinny teenager in a little Pug or Saxo, you'll loose!

Don't stay out on the track for more than 15mins at a time, you'll get tired and the car definitely will deserve a rest. If you have no idea how to drive on a track have instruction from the Thruxton organisers, there's always someone on hand or even a friend who's a regular trackday hero.
Report back on here on how you got on, love to know.

 

[MalcB]

There speaks the voice of experience. A trackday Westfiled driver. I've got a day driving Caterhams at Silverstone in August.. can't wait. ...and yes I'm a Grandad as well..... growing old disgracefully.

 

[tonydata]

Use your existing tyres for the track, they'll grip better as more rubber is in contact with the tarmac.
You don't need to tune or change things for your first trackday. It's better to drive it as is, then if you like it you can think about how to improve it's speed/driveability/brakes later.
Most important thing is make sure the existing brakes and brake fluid are as good as they can. Brakes will be the first things to fail on a trackday, if they start to feel very spongy and the pedal gets closer to the floor give the car a rest for an hour. Hopefully the fluid is less than 2 years old, if not get it changed. The pads should have plenty of meat on them and be at least of OE quality, if not put new ones in.

Don't try and race any one else even if it's skinny teenager in a little Pug or Saxo, you'll loose!

Don't stay out on the track for more than 15mins at a time, you'll get tired and the car definitely will deserve a rest. If you have no idea how to drive on a track have instruction from the Thruxton organisers, there's always someone on hand or even a friend who's a regular trackday hero.
Report back on here on how you got on, love to know.

Brilliant advice @Soot1 just what I was looking for!

New fluid and pads going on for sure before hand... new tyres after!

And.... breath...!

 

[tonydata]

Any advice on brake fluid welcomed all

 

[SootySport]

Castrol Response dot 4. is pretty good for a Tin Top, ATE Blue is better but not intended for road use (don't know why)

 

[SootySport]

There speaks the voice of experience. A trackday Westfiled driver. I've got a day driving Caterhams at Silverstone in August.. can't wait. ...and yes I'm a Grandad as well..... growing old disgracefully.

Keep up the disgraceful bit. You may get hooked on trackdays after the Catering Van experience, have fun.
Already done trackdays this year at Rockingham, Silverstone & Snetterton, off to Woodbridge this Saturday.

 

[tonydata]

Castrol Response dot 4. is pretty good for a Tin Top, ATE Blue is better but not intended for road use (don't know why)

Okey doke, I expect what I put in will stay in after the track day so Castrol the way to go by the looks Cheers @Soot1

 

[Chris90]

Drop tyre pressures to around 24psi cold before you go out. Aim for low-mid 30s after they are warmed up.

 

[tonydata]

Castrol Response dot 4. is pretty good for a Tin Top, ATE Blue is better but not intended for road use (don't know why)

So will this do it @Soot1?

Amazon product

How much will I need?

 

[SootySport]

So will this do it @Soot1?

Amazon product

How much will I need?

Yes! Suck out the old fluid from the Master Cylinder before you start and fill with the new fluid (do not press the brake pedal at any time when the M/C is empty), then go about your bleed process however you normally do it. You should start at the furthest wheel away from the Master Cylinder and draw through about a 1/3rd of the bottle to get nice new fluid through, then the others will need a lot less fluid drawn through before coming through clear. Aim to use the whole litre bottle.

 

[MalcB]

Keep up the disgraceful bit. You may get hooked on trackdays after the Catering Van experience, have fun.
Already done trackdays this year at Rockingham, Silverstone & Snetterton, off to Woodbridge this Saturday.

Mmm jealous. Havn't done a trackday since I sold the Scooby 5 years ago. Used to do Castle Combe mostly plus the odd one at Donington and Silverstone.

 

[nluk100]

OK, so my list for a track newbie would be;

brakes - replace fluid with high temp fluid
brakes - check pad life and replace with fast road/race pads if funds exist (bed them in beforehand!)
tyre pressures - check pressures and set to highest settings on fuel flap
levels - check your oil and coolant levels before you go
wheels - check bolts before you go and after first session
esp - turn this off as it will overheat your brakes within a few laps
air-con - turn this off for max performance
warming up lap - don't be tempted to go flat out on the first lap - brakes and tyres will perform better and for longer if you warm them up
cooling down - always, always use the last lap to cool the car down, do not use the brakes (unless you really need to) and always try and park up without using the brakes. *DO NOT APPLY THE HANDBRAKE*
driver attitude - don't try and keep up with the car in front just because it's the same or lower model. You don't know what they have done to the car or how experienced the driver is

HTH

 

[tonydata]

OK, so my list for a track newbie would be;

brakes - replace fluid with high temp fluid
brakes - check pad life and replace with fast road/race pads if funds exist (bed them in beforehand!)
tyre pressures - check pressures and set to highest settings on fuel flap
levels - check your oil and coolant levels before you go
wheels - check bolts before you go and after first session
esp - turn this off as it will overheat your brakes within a few laps
air-con - turn this off for max performance
warming up lap - don't be tempted to go flat out on the first lap - brakes and tyres will perform better and for longer if you warm them up
cooling down - always, always use the last lap to cool the car down, do not use the brakes (unless you really need to) and always try and park up without using the brakes. *DO NOT APPLY THE HANDBRAKE*
driver attitude - don't try and keep up with the car in front just because it's the same or lower model. You don't know what they have done to the car or how experienced the driver is

HTH

Wicked, cheers @nluk100 thanks a lot!

 

[SootySport]

OK, so my list for a track newbie would be;

brakes - replace fluid with high temp fluid
brakes - check pad life and replace with fast road/race pads if funds exist (bed them in beforehand!)
tyre pressures - check pressures and set to highest settings on fuel flap
levels - check your oil and coolant levels before you go
wheels - check bolts before you go and after first session
esp - turn this off as it will overheat your brakes within a few laps
air-con - turn this off for max performance
warming up lap - don't be tempted to go flat out on the first lap - brakes and tyres will perform better and for longer if you warm them up
cooling down - always, always use the last lap to cool the car down, do not use the brakes (unless you really need to) and always try and park up without using the brakes. *DO NOT APPLY THE HANDBRAKE*
driver attitude - don't try and keep up with the car in front just because it's the same or lower model. You don't know what they have done to the car or how experienced the driver is

HTH

Good advice there in a nutshell, although I would reduce tyre pressures 3 or 4 pounds from normal, as they will heat up and increase pressure after a couple of laps.

 

[Chris90]

Agree with the tyres, setting them cold to the 35psi or whatever on fuel flap will have them around 40psi when they are hot, and your tyres will just fall to bits.

Aim for the low 30s after a couple of hot laps.

Take coolant and oil, a pump to blow your tyres back up at end of the day, and plenty fuel. Remove anything loose from the car for the day too. you dont want it becoming a trajectile if you need to swerve or have a whoopsie moment.

 

[desertstorm]

I think most things have been covered above. The main one being your brakes, normal road car brakes don't usually respond well to being on a track. Make sure you do everything you can to get them sorted.
Make sure you listen to everything at the drivers briefing, each track has it's own rules about passing and being passed and what you should be doing on the track.
If it's an open pit lane then you have plenty of time to be on track.Take your time on the first few laps to learn the track and keep checking your mirrors. Thruxton is the fastest track in the country so speed differentials can be high on the main straights.
If you feel the brakes going spongy or losing efficiency, slow down. They are not going to get any better until they cool down. Always make sure to do a cool down lap to at least allow the brakes / engine to ditch some of the heat.Try not to use the brakes on the cool down lap and if you can park it without the handbrake on, On the flat with the car in gear it's not going to go anywhere.

Enjoy yourself.

 

[SootySport]

Had a blast round Woodbridge Saturday, here's a couple of laps with a bit of Mk1 Escort entertainment in front of me

 

[tonydata]

Is that a Ford Puma in front too!?!?
Super cool I need to get a little bit of coloured tape for my steering wheel too @Soot1!

 

[MalcB]

Stop it ....I'm not looking at this thread any more I'm feeling the urge to get back out there

Nice bit of side ways action from the old Ford. (Can't believe the price of MK1's these days)

 

[SootySport]

Is that a Ford Puma in front too!?!?
Super cool I need to get a little bit of coloured tape for my steering wheel too @Soot1!

Yes young lad in his Puma. I find yellow tape is the fastest, tried red tape once but went a bit slower.

Stop it ....I'm not looking at this thread any more I'm feeling the urge to get back out there


Nice bit of side ways action from the old Ford. (Can't believe the price of MK1's these days)

Get out on track mate. What else would you be doing in your spare time?

 

[tonydata]

Brake fluid uprated yesterday and a roll of yellow tape purchased!

Cheers for all the advice, will report back when I'm back!

 

[Mike.B]

Drop tyre pressures to around 24psi cold before you go out. Aim for low-mid 30s after they are warmed up.

Just been having a nosey at this thread - I was wondering why the drop in tyre pressure beforehand?
Is it just a case of heat expansion? 24 seems a little low is all I'm thinking (but what do I know, I've never done a track day in a car of my own)

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Chris90]

Heat expansion. too hot and they will just melt. Try checking your tyres after taking the car out for a 20minute drive, they will be higher than the start of your trip

 

[Mike.B]

Heat expansion. too hot and they will just melt. Try checking your tyres after taking the car out for a 20minute drive, they will be higher than the start of your trip

Interesting, I get the concept but wouldn't have thought it was that much.
Thinking about it I usually pump my tyres very early into a drive, probably worth checking what the difference is though, got a 6,000 mile road trip across Europe this summer and there will be some long lush roads in there

 

[tonydata]

I'm just looking in to insurance guys, any advice? Looking to be around the £80 for the day mark... do I HAVE to have it?

Any pointers greatly received as always!

 

[S3Alex]

I'm just looking in to insurance guys, any advice? Looking to be around the £80 for the day mark... do I HAVE to have it?

Any pointers greatly received as always!

Some do and some dont.....

Mine was done through my regular insurers,Greenlight,and provides some measure of comfort,in case of mishaps.
There are lots of others,and they will provide varying levels of cover.

 

[SootySport]

Trackday insurance can be horrendously expensive, so shop around. You'll find all the policies will only insure your car, they will not insure you for Public liability or damage to any other car, even if it is your fault. It's really every man for himself on the insurance front, look after yer own. I personally don't insure myself on trackdays and if I bend it, I fix it. Good thing is I've never hit anyone else in 15 years of trackdays and vice versa.
Accidents between cars on a trackday are very rare and I never seen one myself. The drivers briefing does go into detail on trackday etiquette so you'd be wise to listen carefully.

 

[tonydata]

Cheers @Soot1 and @S3Alex

 

[Chris90]

Wouldnt bother. Dont push beyond your limits and dont crash.

Guess its every man for themselves if you do bump someone

 

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,
Please feel free to give us a try for track day insurance if you like.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[Arcam]

Best bang for your buck with very high boiling point is Gulf Racing RF1000 brake fluid, Opie sell it. I have used it for the last 5 years and never had an issue with it in GTRs to my current RS3.

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[tonydata]

In for oil pickup pipe replacement today as had the "red oil pressure light on going round a corner issue" earlier in the week... other than that, think we're ready...! Just hope the weather plays ball, prefer it dry really as I'm a complete pu**y in the wet!

 

[Arcam]

Have fun tomorrow, I am really jelous, I have this circuit on my bucket list

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[MalcB]

Have fun tomorrow, I am really jelous, I have this circuit on my bucket list

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Me tooo. Great track. VERY fast. Driven it in an Aston V8 Vantage (not mine ).

 

[SootySport]

Have fun tomorrow and don't forget "A man should know his limitations"