For those preparing to go on their initial Track Days, there is bound to be lots of anticipation—and a few queries. What can you expect? What are the dos and don’ts? How do you prepare your car? Fear not; we have the solution for you below.
It is one of the ultimate guides that aims to cater to newbies interested in track days. We’ll walk you through every step, starting with scheduling your whole day and knowing all the rules and regulations. You will also be given practical suggestions on how to prepare your car and enhance your handling of the circuit.
Whether you are an absolute beginner participating in your first track day or an intermediate driver who wants to tune up your skills, our team at Gear Up Events, which has hundreds of track days under its umbrella, is ready to share our experience with you.
Preparing for Your Track Day – What You Need to Know?
It is crucial to engage in several activities in preparation for the track before you get running on it. As much as security is crucial, so is preparation, as it makes the whole experience unforgettable and stress-free.
Vehicle Preparation
- Check Tire Condition: Check the recommended tread and tire pressure. Again, traction is very important here, so don’t scrimp on this.
- Fluid Levels: Ensure you have fresh oil, the right coolant, and enough brake fluid, as these are consumed quickly during high RPM track performance.
- Brake Pads: Check the brake pads to see whether they are okay or worn out. Driving tracks are generally very worn, so it is better to replace them before the race.
Personal Gear
- Helmet: Make sure you have a tight-fitting helmet that is EU-approved. A few track days offer renting options, but it is normally better to bring your own equipment.
- Clothing: It’s advisable to dress appropriately for walking with free and rather loose clothing. Fire-resistant clothing may be necessary for certain track days but always check with the track or event organizer.
- Gloves and Shoes: For added comfort and safety while driving, consider wearing racing gloves and appropriate footwear to enhance grip and reduce fatigue.
Health and Fitness
- Stay Hydrated: Physically, track days may be taxing. Be sure to stay hydrated both before and during the event.
- Physical Preparedness: Driving for extended periods can be tiring, so if you’re not used to it, be sure to get plenty of rest the night before.
Review the Event Details
It’s important to pay close attention during this briefing, as it will cover essential rules regarding behavior on the track and procedures in case of an emergency.
- Rules and Regulations: There is no such thing as an identical track day. Always review the event’s rules to check whether there are specific rules for observing any particular track.
- Track Layout: If possible, map out the track prior to the run. This will give you a broad view of what has been taught and where you need to concentrate.
- Safety Briefing: Most track days begin with a briefing at the start of the event, prior to heading out onto the track.
Driving Techniques for the Track – Mastering the Circuit
As a driver, you are always on one type of racing track or the other, and the right techniques are essential in getting good control of the car and ensuring safety. Here are some critical tips to help you improve your track driving skills:
Driving Position
Before hitting the track, ensure your seat is adjusted for optimal control and comfort on the track; adjust your seat and steering wheel as follows:
- Seat Position: Move your seat 1-2 inches closer to the pedals so your leg has a slight bend when the clutch is fully depressed.
- Steering Wheel Position: Move the seat or the steering wheel closer to your body so that you remain partially bent at your elbows when turning the wheel.
- Arm Bend: When the steering wheel is at 90 degrees, the grip on the forearm should be slightly bent for more control and comfort.
Steering Wheel Holding Position
Other control for an efficient turning system on the track requires a driver to hold the wheel correctly. Here’s how to position your hands for better stability, smoother inputs, and quicker reactions:
- Quarter-to-Three Grip: Position your hands flat on the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions.
- Thumb Position: Place your thumbs around the wheel, as this will be firm enough to hold it properly and enhance control.
- No Shuffling: Keep your hand as steady as possible to enable you to make small and quick adjustments on the steering.
Smooth Inputs
- Throttle Control: Avoid sudden throttle inputs. Smoothly press the accelerator to get a good grip on the ground and be in control. Jerks cause the wheels to spin, mainly if one is driving a powerful car at high speeds.
- Brake Gradually: Do not push the brake pedal too hard at once; rather, develop pressure as the car approaches a curve. This prevents disturbing the car’s balance, and you are in a position to control the car while applying the brakes hard.
- Steering: When steering, make your movements slow and purposeful. Sudden movements that cause the car to rock on its axles may result in a loss of contact between the tires and the road at higher speeds.
Proper Cornering
- Brake Before the Turn: Always apply the brake prior to cornering, not when cornering. Preventing the car from rolling during cornering results in either understeer or oversteer. Take the vehicle for braking in a straight line, and after that, turn the wheel.
- Apex: Especially strive for the moment when your car is in line with the inside of the corner—an optimal point. When you hit the apex, you can correct your steering and apply more power for higher speed when coming out of the corner.
- Track Out: At the peak, turn the wheel as close to the vertical position as possible, then power out of the turn. Engage all the track width as you take the exit so that you will have more space to accelerate.
Use of the Racing Line
The racing line is the best approach to the track to make a quick and efficient way through each corner. For speed, stick to the racing line, which involves approaching the corner from the outside, touching the inner edge of the corner, and moving out wide.
Brake Late, but Don’t Overdo It
Braking late is one of the most advanced techniques currently on the track; the race car driver should delay the brakes for as long as possible. However, do not overdo it; otherwise, you will damage the gizzard.
If braking is done late, then one will go off the corner, or the car becomes out of control. Determine when to apply the brakes and when not to use them in order to get the best of both worlds.
Threshold Braking
Threshold braking is the use of the most intense braking, short of locking the car’s wheels. Try this to get the most out of your braking radius. This skill teaches you how to brake at the maximum and get the car to the stop point in the shortest time.
Heel and Toe Shifting
In manual transmission cars, heel-and-toe shifting is used to match the engine revs while downshifting. This technique uses the right foot for both brake and throttle control, enabling smooth downshifts and preventing the car from becoming unsettled.
While it may be slightly more complex, mastering heel-and-toe shifting can result in significantly faster lap times.
Consistency
It is important to be consistent when performing actions on the track. It is more effective to be consistent with lap times and avoid sharp turns rather than aggressive and risk getting lost.
Try to always approach the braking points, apexes, and the time of braking and throttle application the same way you would when making a lap. This will help improve your performance during track activities and build up your confidence when on the track.
Flag Rules for Track Days in the UAE: Understanding the Signals
Green Flag
The track is free for you, and you can continue with your session. This flag is displayed at the beginning of the session or when a yellow flag has been waved and cleared, demonstrating that the track is good.
Yellow Flag
The following indicator signals that there is a hazard or an obstruction on the track, and thus, you have to slow down. You are also not allowed to overtake during a yellow flag situation, and you should prepare for a possible stop.
Red Flag
The session is halted there, and then, since there is an emergency or an unsafe situation on the track, All drivers must decelerate and pull back to the pits and park on the stance awaiting further directive.
Blue Flag
A faster car is approaching. This flag basically informs the slow-moving vehicle to pull to the right, thereby letting the quick car overtake. It’s a signal to halt and yield, not to approach closer.
Black Flag
This flag indicates that a driver has to get back to the pit without delay. This may mean the driver has violated the track’s rules or his car is no longer considered dangerous to race. Sometimes, a number board may be flown together with the black flag to identify which driver is being signed.
White Flag
As you navigate the track, you notice a slow-moving vehicle or perhaps an emergency vehicle occupying the lane ahead. Out of respect and safety for others, you ease off the accelerator, allowing the slower traffic to pass.
You maintain a cautious speed, yet the thrill of racing still beckons you, and you remain aware of the excitement that lies just ahead on the winding path.
Yellow and red stripped
The yellow and red striped flag indicates a caution for a change in track surface conditions ahead, such as oil, water, or other debris that may reduce traction. Drivers should slow down slightly, remain alert, and be prepared to adjust their line or speed to safely navigate the affected area.
Checkered Flag
Speed should be reduced, the last lap should be completed, and drivers should take their cars to the pits or the end zone. This flag tells the participants that the race or driving session is over.
Why Are These Flags Important in Track Races?
It is important to recognize when these flags are given and react accordingly so that you may better understand your safety and the other riders. Stay on the watch and adhere to the mentioned directions to make a fun and magical track day here in UAE.
What Makes a Track Car Different?
A track car also refers to a vehicle that has been designed for a customized purpose or engineered for high-speed racing. Therefore, track cars, unlike ordinary street cars used on the roads, are designed to offer performance, durability, and security in the circuit. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Enhanced Braking Systems: The cars used to track are equipped with high-performance brakes, which can better control faster speeds. Braking needs more force to balance the speed when required.
- Firm Suspension: A stiffer suspension system helps cars maintain grip and excellent handling on the tracks, navigate through tight bends, and withstand the forces acting on a racing car.
- High-Performance Tires: Track cars have specially designed tires that provide extra grip and stickiness, which is important at high speeds around the track.
- Roll Cages: These are also incorporated for safety purposes; they are an added structure within the automobile to protect the driver in the case of an accident or a rollover, thus sharply reducing the likelihood of the driver’s death.
- Stripped-Out Interiors: Racing cars are extensively modified in terms of design, but they still have things such as a rear seat, four speakers, and a carpet floor removed to increase stiffness and decrease weight.
- Weight Reduction: Every part of the track car is designed so that many of the parts that are not necessary for racing are removed, which makes the vehicle lighter and better at acceleration, handling, and track worth.
While streetcars can be tuned for track days, proper track cars are designed with specific elements in mind, making them best suited for competitive circuit racing or track events.
Dos and Don’ts – Definitive Guide to Track Days
Dos
- Arrive Early: It is advisable to arrive early enough on the track and in the vehicle so that you get ample time to become acquainted with the track and the car.
- Wear Proper Safety Gear: When coming for your track day, make sure that you have the right helmet, gloves, and attire.
- Stay Focused: Stay focused on the race and do not forget the environment of the track.
- Follow Flag Signals: Every track flag should be answered since they highlight essential safety information.
- Practice Smooth Inputs: To be safe and have good control of the bike, avoid sharp movements of the steering wheel, pedals, and throttle.
Don’ts
- Push Beyond Your Limits: Always know how skilled you are and how much pressure you should apply on yourself when working out; always aim for steady improvement.
- Overtake Recklessly: Pass others only if it is safe, and it is prohibited to overtake aggressively.
- Use Your Phone: Do not use your phone or text a friend while on the racetrack or engage in other similar activities.
- Neglect Your Car: Before going out for racing, make sure that nothing is overheating or loose in your car and that the fluids are not leaking.
- Forget to Cool Down: Be sure to cool your car down after using it to avoid damaging your engine boat in the process.
Contact Us for Existing Experience
As Gear Up Event, we have been working to provide premium track day services for car lovers throughout the UAE regardless of their level of proficiency. Whether you are seeking to hone your abilities or improve your car for the racetrack, our staff is ready and willing to assist you. Contact us today for a personal consultation regarding your next track day.
Summary of the Tips
To excel on the track, start by adjusting your driving position for comfort and control, ensuring your seat and steering wheel are positioned correctly. Grip the steering wheel at the quarter-to-three position with your thumbs wrapped around it, maintaining a steady hold.
These adjustments will improve your handling, reaction time, and overall driving performance, allowing you to tackle the track with confidence and precision.
