I want to share some experiences I had over the past 4 years while driving grip on various tracks all over Europe. I am by no means a JGTC, Formula nor DTM driver so there might also be other views on all this. But I guess it is not wrong to get somebody elses ideas on certain stuff. 🙂
First about the car
As long as it is a little bit sporty it will be enough to start. You do not need big horsepower to have fun or to be fast on a track. Of course a HKS EVO will most likely be faster then a Toyota Starlet but who cares. If you do not participate in proper racing then save the money and get some tracktime.
If you start to invest in your car then get a proper seat and steering wheel. It will help a lot. Then invest in handling and braking. More horsepower should be rather back on your list it will not make you faster in the beginning and your driving style will not really benefit from it. (That also goes for hydro e-brakes in drifting).
A sporty car makes the trip to track more enjoyable!
What should you do for your body
Try to be in ok condition. If you have more stamina you will be able to concentrate longer on the track. Driving on a race track is quite exhausting and takes a lot from your body. Always drink enough because you will be sweating and therefore dehydrate quite fast.
Also make sure you invest in a proper helmet. A helmet is the minimum safety gear you need to have. It is also mandatory on most tracks and at most events. After that think about gloves and shoes. They will help you with handling of steering wheel and pedals.
No matter if you prefere brand 1 or 5 over the others – Just drink enough!
Preparations for an event
Always try to get enough sleep. Believe me it really does not help if you get to an event tired and had like no sleep, I know. You will probably get through the day quite easy but as soon as the adrenaline leaves your bloodlines you will be really tired.
One of the biggest problems which leads to not getting enough sleep is a car that needs work. Try not to postpone work on your car until the last week prior to an event. There will be some unforeseen issues which will need to be taken care of in the last minute. If you can get the car ready at least one week in advance. This will leave enough time should you need to do some extra stuff or order parts.
If that track you go to is available on some kind of video game, then try to drive it as often as possible. Video games are quite accurate these days and give you an idea about the track. If Formula 1 drivers do it, why shouldn’t we. (This does not apply for ovals 😉 )
Racing games can teach you the layout accurately!
During a grip event
Take it easy during the first few laps, you will most probably not win anything then. All that can happen is loosing it all. If it is a race then try to focus hard from the first minute on. Tracktime actually is very limited at most race events so you need to get the hang of the circuit as soon as possible.
Out of my experience from organizing trackdays and driving worst times to get on the track is the first half hour in the morning. At that time everybody is hot to drive and traffic is the most heavy. So keep that in mind.
Do not forget to check tyre pressure after the first few stints. This can go up dramatically depending on type of tyres you got. Also adjustments to your car setup might help you. Also try to gather these informations in some form. They will help you the next time you come back, especially if you have a race there. Doing adjustments to your car setup also brings the benefit of knowing what works best for your car and your driving style. Do not forget this during a day at a track, time passes fast.
Don’t forget to tweak your setup – Trackdays are short!
After an event
After an event is always prior to the next one. So first get home safe. Should you be tired, take your time and do not rush home.
After every event check your car. It will need some care. Change fluids if needed, check the brakes, tires etc.
Then get online and register for the next Speed Industries event and order some parts or a car from us. 🙂
I want to share some experiences I had over the past 4 years while driving grip on various tracks all over Europe. I am by no means a JGTC, Formula nor DTM driver so there might also be other views on all this. But I guess it is not wrong to get somebody elses ideas on certain stuff. 🙂
First about the car
As long as it is a little bit sporty it will be enough to start. You do not need big horsepower to have fun or to be fast on a track. Of course a HKS EVO will most likely be faster then a Toyota Starlet but who cares. If you do not participate in proper racing then save the money and get some tracktime.
If you start to invest in your car then get a proper seat and steering wheel. It will help a lot. Then invest in handling and braking. More horsepower should be rather back on your list it will not make you faster in the beginning and your driving style will not really benefit from it. (That also goes for hydro e-brakes in drifting).
A sporty car makes the trip to track more enjoyable!
What should you do for your body
Try to be in ok condition. If you have more stamina you will be able to concentrate longer on the track. Driving on a race track is quite exhausting and takes a lot from your body. Always drink enough because you will be sweating and therefore dehydrate quite fast.
Also make sure you invest in a proper helmet. A helmet is the minimum safety gear you need to have. It is also mandatory on most tracks and at most events. After that think about gloves and shoes. They will help you with handling of steering wheel and pedals.
No matter if you prefere brand 1 or 5 over the the others – Just drink enought!
Preparations for an event
Always try to get enough sleep. Believe me it really does not help if you get to an event tired and had like no sleep, I know. You will probably get through the day quite easy but as soon as the adrenaline leaves your bloodlines you will be really tired.
One of the biggest problems which leads to not getting enough sleep is a car that needs work. Try not to postpone work on your car until the last week prior to an event. There will be some unforeseen issues which will need to be taken care of in the last minute. If you can get the car ready at least one week in advance. This will leave enough time should you need to do some extra stuff or order parts.
If that track you go to is available on some kind of video game, then try to drive it as often as possible. Video games are quite accurate these days and give you an idea about the track. If Formula 1 drivers do it, why shouldn’t we. (This does not apply for ovals 😉 )
Racing games can teach you the layout accurate!
During a grip event
Take it easy during the first few laps, you will most probably not win anything then. All that can happen is loosing it all. If it is a race then try to focus hard from the first minute on. Tracktime actually is very limited at most race events so you need to get the hang of the circuit as soon as possible.
Out of my experience from organizing trackdays and driving worst times to get on the track is the first half hour in the morning. At that time everybody is hot to drive and traffic is the most heavy. So keep that in mind.
Do not forget to check tyre pressure after the first few stints. This can go up dramatically depending on type of tyres you got. Also adjustments to your car setup might help you. Also try to gather these informations in some form. They will help you the next time you come back, especially if you have a race there. Doing adjustments to your car setup also brings the benefit of knowing what works best for your car and your driving style. Do not forget this during a day at a track, time passes fast.
Don’t forget to tweak your setup – Trackdays are short!
After an event
After an event is always prior to the next one. So first get home safe. Should you be tired, take your time and do not rush home.
After every event check your car. It will need some care. Change fluids if needed, check the brakes, tires etc.
Then get online and register for the next Speed Industries event and order some parts or a car from us. 🙂