Beginners Track day

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:34 am

sliu82 wrote:i take it track days can be quite addictive? :lol
simon

You have no idea

JohnStewart · Post by **JohnStewart** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:49 am

I have run a beginners/ladies session as part of a track day in the past, but that was a 20 minute session in the middle of a longer one, and in the days when we had a high percentage of newcomers. At our last event, I think there was only about 3 or 4 people who hadn't done an event with us in the past or any other track day.

One option might be to have a beginners warm-up group for 5 - 10 minutes as the first group out, where there is an experienced driver out front to show everyone the lines slowly for a couple of laps, and then increases the pace towards the end.

With another one or two experienced drivers further back in the group, they could hold back, and then start overtaking towards the end of the session to give people the hang of pulling over and being passed etc.

John

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:54 am

Another option might be to have them pair up with an experienced driver for the first laps if they are very nervy?

Looking forward to Teeside - but still not heard on the Atom's eta

bobnitro · Post by **bobnitro** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:54 am

JohnStewart wrote:I have run a beginners/ladies session as part of a track day in the past, but that was a 20 minute session in the middle of a longer one, and in the days when we had a high percentage of newcomers. At our last event, I think there was only about 3 or 4 people who hadn't done an event with us in the past or any other track day.

One option might be to have a beginners warm-up group for 5 - 10 minutes as the first group out, where there is an experienced driver out front to show everyone the lines slowly for a couple of laps, and then increases the pace towards the end.

With another one or two experienced drivers further back in the group, they could hold back, and then start overtaking towards the end of the session to give people the hang of pulling over and being passed etc.

John

That sounds like a great idea John,

It would certainly encourage me to take the plunge.

thinfourth · Post by **thinfourth** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 1:12 pm

JohnStewart wrote:I have run a beginners/ladies session as part of a track day in the past, but that was a 20 minute session in the middle of a longer one, and in the days when we had a high percentage of newcomers. At our last event, I think there was only about 3 or 4 people who hadn't done an event with us in the past or any other track day.

One option might be to have a beginners warm-up group for 5 - 10 minutes as the first group out, where there is an experienced driver out front to show everyone the lines slowly for a couple of laps, and then increases the pace towards the end.

With another one or two experienced drivers further back in the group, they could hold back, and then start overtaking towards the end of the session to give people the hang of pulling over and being passed etc.

John

A slight tweak i think

Have the beginners as passengers in the first warm up session so they can see where it goes

The the third warm up session can be the beginners

I know when i first went to a trackday my main fear was getting in the way of other folk. But now i have more experience i'm not so bothered about holding gareth up

SteveBanks · Post by **SteveBanks** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:27 pm

georgeg33 wrote:I did the SIDC day last Saturday as my first trackday, had a ball and would thoroughly recommend it .
Apart from the initial nerves,which go as soon as you're on track, I agree with Simon that it's the speed of others thats initially frightening (disappointing?).
I considered the yellow sticker but didn't bother in the end , just kept an eye on the mirrors and moved out of peoples way as soon as I could (on the straights only - no overtaking on corners or in braking zones).

I went out with the instructor mid session for a few tips - "use the kerbs and don't take 5th on the straight" - so just need to be less "sympathetic " next time.

I survived, the car survived and I can't wait for the next one

George

Hi George,

Good to see the old car back on track. Hope you enjoyed yourself...but 5th

Will probably bump into you at some point as I plan on doing more track days this year, it will be weird overtaking my old car on track

I'll probably end up regretting typing that!

r055 · Post by **r055** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:30 pm

SteveBanks wrote: Will probably bump into you at some point as I plan on doing more track days this year, it will be weird overtaking my old car on track

I'll probably end up regretting typing that!

...just in case you really regret it and edit your post!

dezzy · Post by **dezzy** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:50 am

shooomer wrote:We could run a 20min beginners session at start of Teesside if there's enough interest

Yes please!

Definitely interested!

My first KH trackday is likely to be the TT one, so I might fork out for a Hi-Performance day before it to get to know the track, unless there might be an instructor at that day, like there is with the SIDC days? I've also been keeping a watchful eye on lines and gear changes when paxing, but I know I'll still get it all wrong!

georgeg33 · Post by **georgeg33** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:18 am

Hi Steve
Car is going well, driver less so !

SteveBanks wrote: Will probably bump into you at some point as I plan on doing more track days this year, it will be weird overtaking my old car on track

Will look out for you in my mirrors, mind the gaffa tape on the way past

Actually, I will be so much faster now I don't have to change gear - 5th

Was changing up at 6.5k-ish, so 7k next time (checked the handbook and max bhp not till 7k

, but max revs also 7k?)

Like the sound of Beginners warmup sessions, particularly Thinfourths suggestion of pax laps first. Mind you, I just joined the middle of the queue and followed the car in front. Might even feel brave enough to offer pax laps next time.

George

PS Andy G - missed you afterwards as I needed a bacon roll

Post by **simon** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:51 pm

dezzy wrote:I might fork out for a Hi-Performance day before it to get to know the track

That would be a total waste of money! A warm-up session is all you need to know where the corners are and you'll get the hang of which gears to use pretty quickly.

I really think you guys are worrying far too much about track days. My first track day was an MMC one and was a mix of experienced and beginner drivers and I just went out completely on my own, no instructor, been round for a few laps in someone else's car before and that was it.
Do you worry about driving on the road so much? If not then what are you worrying about this for, it really isn't any different and is probably safer as everyone's going the same way!

JFDI :thumbup

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:53 pm

We are all lilly livered woofters. Simple really.

Post by **simon** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:56 pm

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote:We are all lilly livered woofters. Simple really.

Well, you said it not me <BG>

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 2:03 am

Steve - George more than did VVC justice, glad to see her in the hands of someone who is knee deep in what S_E is all about

bobnitro · Post by **bobnitro** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:57 pm

Hi folks,

well i am a big chicken because i have booked myself on the nancy beginners trackday school on the 18th at knockhill 4.30pm. Bringing bro along with his scoob, so should be fun.

Any other woosies out there joining me?

Bob.

thinfourth · Post by **thinfourth** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:16 pm

bobnitro wrote:Hi folks,

well i am a big chicken because i have booked myself on the nancy beginners trackday school on the 18th at knockhill 4.30pm. Bringing bro along with his scoob, so should be fun.

Any other woosies out there joining me?

Bob.

Well done

The real nancys won't even be near the track