A Guide to Using Your Road Car on a Race Track

Track days and car testing

Track days are non-competitive opportunities for you to drive your vehicle as fast as you dare – you can explore your vehicle’s limits without the pressure of a race. There will be rules on overtaking and letting people overtake you.

You will need a valid car licence. Generally, drivers need to be 18+. There are not usually restrictions on the vehicles you can take to a track day so your humble Peugeot or Vauxhall might be mixing it with Italian exotica.

If the track day is run in sessions, you will be grouped either by experience or the type of vehicle.

Most UK circuits require drivers to wear approved helmets, long sleeves, trousers and closed-toe shoes when doing track days. You may be asked to wear fire-resistant clothing in some circumstances (i.e. a race suit). Vehicles must meet specific noise restrictions. There’s not usually the requirement for a roll cage.

Regular car insurance will not cover you at track days. You can buy specialised insurance.

Check what type of track day you are attending so that you are not disappointed when you arrive. Some will have sessions for drifting, or might be motorbike-only days.

Some venues will hire you a car for a track day.

Racing (‘Run What You Brung’)

Competition driving demands a different mindset and skill set from everyday road driving. While the fundamental principles of vehicle control remain important, track driving requires drivers to operate their vehicles closer to their performance limits while maintaining safety and control under pressure! If you are going to use your road-going car on the race track, it will need to have additional equipment (roll cage, fire extinguisher, tow point, etc).

Essential Preparations

Before venturing onto any racing circuit, drivers must ensure both their vehicle and themselves are properly prepared. Your vehicle should undergo a thorough technical inspection, with particular attention paid to:

• Braking systems
• Tyre condition and pressures
• Fluid levels
• Safety equipment

You will need to have a way of getting your car from the circuit if it breaks down or you crash it.

Drivers’ Briefing

If there’s a drivers’ briefing, you must attend this. The head marshal will explain any variations of rules for the day, any track layout variations, emergency procedures, and other rules.

The Art of Racing Lines

One of the most crucial skills in competitive driving is understanding and executing the perfect racing line. Unlike normal road driving, where we position ourselves for safety and visibility, racing lines focus on maximising speed through corners while maintaining stability. The classic racing line consists of three phases:

1. Turn-in point
2. Apex
3. Exit point

This approach allows drivers to maintain the highest possible average speed while keeping the car balanced.

Advanced Techniques and Vehicle Control

Warm up slowly. This is to get your car up to operating temperature.

Competition driving requires mastery of weight transfer and tyre grip management. There is always a trade-off between the grip available for braking, accelerating, and cornering. On a circuit, this becomes even more critical as drivers operate closer to the limits of adhesion.

The key is smooth, progressive control inputs. Abrupt changes in acceleration, braking, or steering can upset the car’s balance and reduce overall performance. Professional racing drivers often say that to go faster, you sometimes need to slow down your inputs.

Safety and Etiquette

Track driving may be competitive, but safety remains paramount. Most UK circuits operate under strict safety protocols, including:

• Flag signals
• Overtaking zones
• Pit lane procedures
• Emergency procedures

Drivers must respect these rules absolutely, as speeds are higher and safety margins smaller than on public roads.

Mental Preparation and Focus

Competition driving demands intense concentration. A momentary lapse can have serious consequences at racing speeds. Successful competitors develop the ability to maintain focus while processing large amounts of information about their vehicle, the track, and other competitors.

Post-Track Maintenance

1. Cool Down:
   • After driving, let the car cool down with gentle laps or idling. Avoid turning the engine off immediately to prevent heat soak damage.
2. Inspect for Wear:
   • Check tyres, brakes, and fluids for excessive wear or damage.
   • Tighten any loosened components (bolts, wheel nuts, etc.).
3. Service Your Car:
   • Change the oil and brake fluid if they were heavily stressed.
   • Address any issues that arose during the track day.

Building Experience

For those new to competition driving, a graduated approach is recommended. Start with track days and driver training before progressing to competitive events. Many UK circuits offer professional instruction, which can significantly accelerate the learning process while establishing good habits.

Remember that even experienced road drivers should approach competition driving with humility. The skills required are specialist and take time to develop safely.

Competition driving can be an exhilarating and rewarding pursuit when approached with the right attitude and preparation. The key is to build skills progressively while always maintaining a strong focus on safety and control.