Author Topic: got a track day for my birthday, advice please?  (Read 6805 times)

Offline Cerialkarpins

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got a track day for my birthday, advice please?
« on: 29 August 2013, 14:56 »
Right sorry, im sure this has probably popped up quite a few times.

my girlfriend has bought me a track day for my birthday (not yet paid for but given me options)
i have no track experience whatsoever, the only extra driving thing ive ever done was a skidpan day so yeh.

i have an option of:
1) supercar experience
2) driving my own car (mk5 gti if it makes any difference) around a track for a total of 3 hours (dont think i could do that continuously anyway)
3) or a taster in my own car (im assuming a sort of lesson)

now as much as i would love to drive a ferrari, lamborghini etc i would only get about 8 laps, so probably about 15mins total for around about £150. i think i would leave feeling a little disapointed

the taster is only £25!

the problem i have with driving my own car around a track, is
1) its my everyday car, i have no alternative transport, i know if im thinking this its probably best not to jump in a ferrari or what ever, but then its only 8 laps (4 in one car, 4 in another), not enough time to think right i know this corner now, where as i can drive my car round for a total of 3 hours and get a little over confident.

2) its completely standard. brakes, discs, the lot. im sure every car on there will be faster than mine but if i want to drive faster than 70 legally i think this is the best way, plus i think i would love it.

if i were to take my car round a track should i be doing anything first? (apart from looking for track day insurance) obviously i would get my car checked over make sure everything is a good condition.

i dont want to spend a fortune and i dont want to modify my car

any help is appreciated so thanks in advance.


Offline Diamond Hell

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Re: got a track day for my birthday, advice please?
« Reply #1 on: 30 August 2013, 02:52 »
Change the brake fluid, make sure there's meat on the pads, make sure your geometry is correct, ensure you're not on budget tyres and don't let the red mist come down.  You'll be fine.

If I can do this, four-up and be comfortable with it and not suffer any problems:



You can take your Golf5 GTI out on track and have fun.  :grin:
Just because you're offended doesn't make you right.

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Offline notenoughtime

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Re: got a track day for my birthday, advice please?
« Reply #2 on: 02 September 2013, 16:39 »
Take your own car, check it over as stated, give it an oil change even? Remove everything that's not needed in the car even the spare wheel and go and enjoy yourself.

Offline DOA

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Re: got a track day for my birthday, advice please?
« Reply #3 on: 02 September 2013, 19:30 »
As above, check the basics and then get the full 3 hour one booked! Be warned, its addictive  :whistle: