5 Mistakes People Make When Attending Track Days

1. Turning up in a car that's not ready for track action

John has turned away countless punters hoping to get out on track in cars that simply aren’t up to muster. Poor tyre tread, badly worn brake pads and incorrectly fitted harnesses; he’s seen it all.

Your car will be put under immense strain, so as well as making sure your tyres and brakes are in good condition, it’s also important to make sure your engine is in fine fettle. Ideally, your car will have been subject to recent oil and spark plug changes.

2. Dressing inappropriately

Shorts and T-shirt are a big no-no when it comes to track days. Those arms and legs need to be covered, unless you like the idea of bare skin getting peppered with glass in the event of a serious crash.

Good footwear is a must, too. Hefty boots are no good, and neither are - god forbid - sandals. And if you have the audacity to turn up in Crocs, just go home and evaluate your life choices.

3. Trying to get out on circuit with a car full of unnecessary crap

If there’s anything loose in your car, you should always take it out. Jacks, drink bottles, spare oil; anything unsecured has to go. Sounds obvious, but John tells us it’s an all too common error people make: "I used to see all sorts of bizarre stuff. From open cans of Coke in cup holders, through to loose jacks in the back of a car. In my briefings I used to use a ‘like a brick in a washing machine’ analogy."

When it’s put into those words, it makes sense: if your car rolls over, anything loose will become a potentially very harmful projectile, ricocheting around the interior. There’s also the chance of stray items getting stuck under pedals, and at the very least, anything rattling around the interior will be an immense distraction.

4. Getting the hand positioning wrong

There are two main pitfalls commonly seen when it comes to hand-positioning: hovering or resting a hand on the gearstick, and not holding the steering wheel correctly. You need to be holding the wheel at the ‘quarter-to-three’ position, and only taking your shifting hand off at the time of the gearchange, returning it as soon as you’re done. Stick hovering is a common habit, but it’s an easy enough one to break.

5. Not asking for help

We all like to think we’re driving gods, but it’s unlikely you know everything there is to know about circuit driving. Instructors are there to help, and if you share your car for just half an hour to an hour with one of these ladies or gents, it may well make you a better driver for life, on and off track. Never be too embarrassed to ask for a little assistance.