Track time question

[Potter]

Hi guys
Finally going to be attending the Gathering in person after nearly 15 years on this forum and have some questions about the track time.

I've never driven at a track day before, would this be a problem?
What sort of helmet/safety equipment would be required and are passengers allowed?

Thanks in advance gents

[360beast]

Not a problem at all, I hadn't driven on a track until the first time I went around Goodwood/up Shelsley Walsh.

I use a motorbike helmet as my brother in law gave it to me when he sold his bike and that's it, for track action your arms and legs have to be covered.

One passenger who is 14 or over was the criteria for the Weekender so probably the same.

[slater]

Yeh any road/race/bike helmet you will be fine. Just don't turn up with something for the 1950s.. and as mentioned arms and legs covered.. don't turn up in shorts as seems a few people do every year

I think more usually becomes apparent when they open up the booking.

[Sf_Manta]

Also worth while to give the car a good once over and check when you had things last done.
2 year old brake fluid will boil up quicker during a track session if you're pushing it and you will be pushing the cooling system hard.

It's usually worth while checking / sorting any leaks as coolant or oil dropped will cause major issues and possibly result in other people as well as yourself having a bad end to the day in the barriers.

Short checklist below of things to check

• Coolant system is topped off and leak free, check coolant condition (as in reasonbly clean and not brown with rust), replace if needed
• Oil is topped off and reasonbly fresh - change if not
• Brake system - check pad thickness (+5mm = ok, lower consider fresh pads) and when fluid was last changed. Flush brake system with fresh fluid, ATE TYP200 is a good high temp DOT4 that's not silicon based.
• Tyres - check condition, pressures and tread depth - replace if out of date / low tread (2mm or less)

Just a few things i've picked up from the couple of years I've been doing track days and working in motorsports.

[Potter]

Thanks for the pointers lads, much appreciated!
One final question for you while we're here, do we have to clear the campsite by the Sunday eve or is it available till Monday morning?
Don't really fancy driving to Glasgow as soon as the show's over😂

Thanks again!