TOP 5 TRACK TIPS

1. Don’t forget to take your driving license!You will need it, and it must be valid and in date! 2. Don’t forget a helmet! 3. Don’t forget to wear long sleeves and trousers — the marshals won’t let you out in shorts and aT-shirt! 4. Listen to the instructions given in the safety briefing – follow these simple rules and you’ll get the most from your track experience 5. Follow someone who knows the track. If you’ve got a mate who’s been round the circuit before, ask to follow them so you can learn the correct lines around the track— just remember to leave a sensible distance between you and don’t drive beyond your or your car’s limits.

TYRES

Tyres are probably the single biggest thing to consider if you’re venturing on to a track.There’s nothing to say you can’t turn up on your road rubber, drive round the track all day, and then drive home again. However, the chances are that hammering around the track all day will eat your tyres, and Mr Plod won’t take kindly to your driving home again with illegal treads! A spare set of ‘road’ wheels and tyres are a great idea, as you can guarantee being legal to drive home again. It also means that you can shod your ‘track’ wheels in some better rubber designed for track use. We’re not saying whack on a full set of race slicks — the marshals won’t let on track if you did — but some decent track-day rubber will offer improved grip and help you get round the circuit faster!

READ THE RULES

Before you hit the track take five minutes to read the rules for specific circuits and track days.These outline what you can and can’t do, what cars the marshals will allow on track, and what modifications are acceptable. Make sure you read them, and make sure you/ your car complies with them, otherwise you won’t be on track at all!

PREPARATION

You won’t want your time on track cut short by an ill-prepared car, so make sure your classic Ford is tip-top condition before you set off. Ensure you’ve given the car a thorough spanner check and that all fluids (coolant, oil, fuel, brake fluid) are topped up before you even leave the house. It’s also worth replacing the oil and filter to ensure everything is nice and fresh.

At the track don’t forget to check/set all your tyre pressures, and ensure the car has enough fuel — you wont want to run out half way round! Also make sure to take on board any mechanical work the car has had done recently — for example if you have recently fitted new brake pads take it easy for the first few laps until everything has bedded in.

ETIQUETTE

Everyone else out on the circuit will have the same goal as you—– to drive as fast as possible and not crash! Listen to what the instructors tell you in the briefing, take that advice on board, and you’ll have a great time.

But it is up to everyone out there to obey the rules and respect other drivers. All it takes is someone overtaking on the wrong side, or doing something stupid, for there to be a big crash that has knock-on effects for everyone out there. Don’t be an idiot. Don’t drive beyond your limits. And don’t let the red mist set in.

Be vigilant, be respectful of others out there, and have fun!