Yes get on track, SIDC is the right time to do it, best driving etiquette and free instruction.
Talked my mate from Newcastle into coming up and doing his first trackday in his 350Z.
There are usually a few trackday virgins on SIDC days so you dont really have to worry about being slow. You soon pick up speed anyway.
C'mon!!
SIDC at Knockhill, Saturday 11th November 9am to 1pm £70/£
who gives a chuff if you're slow or not - its all about enjoying yourself. Ignore the willywaving about 'being faster than he is' - people respect good track etiquette far more than a fast driving 
As said, its a good opportunity to get out there mate. You'll tend to find the only people who care about being the fastest (true in so many sports)aren't actually that fast at all!
As said, its a good opportunity to get out there mate. You'll tend to find the only people who care about being the fastest (true in so many sports)aren't actually that fast at all!
Ferrari 458
Porsche 993 C2
Disco V
Porsche 993 C2
Disco V
Talk about peer pressure . . . ! 
I'm just a bit worried in case it's wet or I get in people's way. I also don't have trackday insurance yet and I wouldn't want to do it without it.
Also, having had no tuition at all, I wouldn't have a clue about lines or anything. Kenny, you mentioned free instruction?
I'm really keen to do it, just kacking my pants about doing it for real!
I'm just a bit worried in case it's wet or I get in people's way. I also don't have trackday insurance yet and I wouldn't want to do it without it.
Also, having had no tuition at all, I wouldn't have a clue about lines or anything. Kenny, you mentioned free instruction?
I'm really keen to do it, just kacking my pants about doing it for real!
2009 Mini Cooper, Midnight Black
2008 Elise S, Solar Yellow
2008 Elise S, Solar Yellow
You wont get in folks way, just watch your mirrors.
Dont feel you need to leap out of the way the instant someone gets within 100 yards, a quick lift off of the gas at the start of a straight is the easiest way to do it, dont leave it till the end of the straight.
The only times drivers get annoyed about someone being slow is when they deliberately dont move over on straights for several laps.
Knockhill's instructors are on hand at SIDC days free of charge to dish out advice, plus there will be no shortage of S_E'ers to hand out advice on lines etc.
As long as you go on with the correct attitude ie. You are NOT Micheal Schumacher and never will be you will be fine. Forget all the pit lane wind ups and take it very slow and gentle at the start. Easiest mistake to make is to go way to fast into the first corners. You dont take the corners as fast as you think you do from the pax seat.
I know you are concerned about doing a Walshy day first, I can understand why, but at the same time its good to get out on a day like this when it might be a bit quieter and there are plenty of mates about to find out that you are in fact rubbish and head off to the Walshy day knowing where you need to improve.
I was nervous as hell and it took me 18 months of saying I would do it until I finally took the plunge.
It was a hot marques day at the start of the season and the track was empty. I was thinking about going on but was a bit skint at the time.
Tut persuaded me on eventually, (If I remember correctly he said "just get on the fcuking track yer poofter") utterly cacking myself for the first few laps but you get into the flow very quickly.
No pressure or owt
Dont feel you need to leap out of the way the instant someone gets within 100 yards, a quick lift off of the gas at the start of a straight is the easiest way to do it, dont leave it till the end of the straight.
The only times drivers get annoyed about someone being slow is when they deliberately dont move over on straights for several laps.
Knockhill's instructors are on hand at SIDC days free of charge to dish out advice, plus there will be no shortage of S_E'ers to hand out advice on lines etc.
As long as you go on with the correct attitude ie. You are NOT Micheal Schumacher and never will be you will be fine. Forget all the pit lane wind ups and take it very slow and gentle at the start. Easiest mistake to make is to go way to fast into the first corners. You dont take the corners as fast as you think you do from the pax seat.
I know you are concerned about doing a Walshy day first, I can understand why, but at the same time its good to get out on a day like this when it might be a bit quieter and there are plenty of mates about to find out that you are in fact rubbish and head off to the Walshy day knowing where you need to improve.
I was nervous as hell and it took me 18 months of saying I would do it until I finally took the plunge.
It was a hot marques day at the start of the season and the track was empty. I was thinking about going on but was a bit skint at the time.
Tut persuaded me on eventually, (If I remember correctly he said "just get on the fcuking track yer poofter") utterly cacking myself for the first few laps but you get into the flow very quickly.
No pressure or owt
best thing is to get a few pax laps first of all to watch lines and braking distances etc and then go out with a fellow se'er/instructor.
i know tons of people including myself who was petrified before the first outing and after a couple of laps you will laugh about how you felt before hand. one thing though it is very addictive and can get very expensive.....
i know tons of people including myself who was petrified before the first outing and after a couple of laps you will laugh about how you felt before hand. one thing though it is very addictive and can get very expensive.....
Octopus Energy Referral Code (£50 each!) share.octopus.energy/light-lynx-588
10 Non-member spaces left, I reckon they might sell out.
check out http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/
Scotty, dont worry about not knowing the racing lines, Ed doesn't.
Seriously though its dead easy to learn, KH put out cones showing the turn in, apex and exit points behind the kerbs to show the correct lines and big signs saying BRAKE! at where you should be braking.
check out http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/
Scotty, dont worry about not knowing the racing lines, Ed doesn't.
Seriously though its dead easy to learn, KH put out cones showing the turn in, apex and exit points behind the kerbs to show the correct lines and big signs saying BRAKE! at where you should be braking.
Approximate line - leave pitlane, merge right, turn right for about 360 degrees, return to pits 
Guys, SIDC day is the day to come along for novices - it's rare to get anything other than superb standards and the scoobies get in the way anyway, so a few other slow cars make no difference
No one will care whether you are faster or slower than anyone else until we get back online, at which point everyone will be slagging whoever causes the first red flag
Cheers,
Robin
Guys, SIDC day is the day to come along for novices - it's rare to get anything other than superb standards and the scoobies get in the way anyway, so a few other slow cars make no difference
No one will care whether you are faster or slower than anyone else until we get back online, at which point everyone will be slagging whoever causes the first red flag
Cheers,
Robin
Probably going to do it, but it is my birthday and Verian has arranged a dinner party on the Friday, so she will not be impressed at me getting up at 0430 for KH.
Can not remember the last red flag that I caused, but obviously it would have been for a mechanical fault as opposed to a driving error..........
tut
Can not remember the last red flag that I caused, but obviously it would have been for a mechanical fault as opposed to a driving error..........
tut
Dezzy (and all other trackday newbies)
JUST DO IT. I can understand the idea about walshy training days, as alot of the good drivers on here have visited him and learned alot, but most had already been out on track before hand.
I was given a free MMC trackday when i bought my car and i learnt bucket loads. In fact, Graeme was quite shocked when i took him out at the end of the day, as i had gained a lot of confidence from that first test drive i went on with him 2 weeks earlier. It really does improve your skills, especially if you are conscious of the fact that you wont be the fastest thing out there and just try to have fun.
The only worry you should be having is about how to afford the rest of the trackdays once you are hooked.
I cant really comment on the insurance issue. I have always went on track with the notion that if i have a total loss, i can afford to buy a replacement. If you cant (understandable as your cost twice what mines did) then try CCI or consider changing your road policy to heritage which has free trackday cover included.
I'm 100% sure an experienced driver will volunteer to help you out from the pax seat for the first 30 mins. I would do it, but i will be 15000 miles going round a track a hell of a lot slower than you will.
So, in summary, just do it. dont be scared, but just have some respect for the car and the track and you will never look back
neil
JUST DO IT. I can understand the idea about walshy training days, as alot of the good drivers on here have visited him and learned alot, but most had already been out on track before hand.
I was given a free MMC trackday when i bought my car and i learnt bucket loads. In fact, Graeme was quite shocked when i took him out at the end of the day, as i had gained a lot of confidence from that first test drive i went on with him 2 weeks earlier. It really does improve your skills, especially if you are conscious of the fact that you wont be the fastest thing out there and just try to have fun.
The only worry you should be having is about how to afford the rest of the trackdays once you are hooked.
I cant really comment on the insurance issue. I have always went on track with the notion that if i have a total loss, i can afford to buy a replacement. If you cant (understandable as your cost twice what mines did) then try CCI or consider changing your road policy to heritage which has free trackday cover included.
I'm 100% sure an experienced driver will volunteer to help you out from the pax seat for the first 30 mins. I would do it, but i will be 15000 miles going round a track a hell of a lot slower than you will.
So, in summary, just do it. dont be scared, but just have some respect for the car and the track and you will never look back
neil