Beginners guide to track daysFrom TrackpediaHere are articles on the site that related to drivers education
TerminologyThere are a number of terms that the beginner should be aware of when starting out. Even before getting on track, you need to know what you're jumping into. Stack 05:55, 22 December 2006 (PST) HPDEThis stands for High Performance Driver Education. Also sometimes refered to as simply DE. This is what first-timers need to be looking for. Most HPDEs have run groups separated into different experience levels, including Beginner. These events are typically run on a weekend, although some of the more popular tracks, and tracks where professional race series are held, may also have them during the week. These events (or at least the HPDE groups within an event) are non-competitive with strict passing rules designed to keep everyone safe, and to keep the cost of entry down (generally nothing more than standard car maintanence and a helmet are required to participate.) You drive your own car, and beginners will be given an in-car instructor for all their on-track activities. Additionally, there are classroom sessions between the track sessions to educate and bring everyone up to speed. All HPDE events should use corner workers (unlike Autocross, participants don't also have to work) and, more importantly, Advanced Life Support should be on-site at all times there are cars on track. Most HPDEs are run by clubs that are not affiliated with the track, however, some tracks have their own HPDE programs Open TrackOpen track, or lapping day events are geared more for the experienced driver. These events are typically one day events, during the week, without a lot of structure to get in the way of track time. It is not unusual for Open Track participants to have to progress through the other HPDE groups then be tested. Competition SchoolThese events are geared towards someone who is looking to get immediately into wheel-to-wheel racing. Sometimes run in conjuction with HPDEs, they are usually more for experienced drivers who want to take the next step. You should already have a basic understanding of on-track protocol including traffic and crisis management. Most have a pre-requisute of a number of HPDE events before you will be allowed to participate in a competition school. These requirements and their intensity vary from club to club. A subset of competition schools are the Racing Schools like Skip Barber, Jim Russell, and others. These events typically run in the thousands of dollars to attend, but you drive the school's cars, usually open wheel formula style. Upon completion of these schools, you will usually be issued a provisional race license with the organization that runs the school, where after you complete a minimum number of races, will be upgraded to an official race license. CostIncludes but it not limited to: Transportation to and from track Motel School FeesEvent pricing ranges from free to upwards of $5000 depending on what type of event and its target attendee. You won't find many free ones, but you can get on track for little or no cost. It just won't be a high speed event. It may be a charity lapping day hosted by the track, or even parade laps sometimes held at HPDE events. For high-speed events, the pricing usually depends on the track. The more popular the track, the more money they charge to the renters, so the more expensive the entry fee will be. Some fees are based on the organization who may have a set fee no matter what track they are running at. In very general terms:
Event terms
On-Track termsThese terms are listed here simply as a primer for people just starting out in tracking their car. It is by no means a comprehensive list, and the definitions are purposefully simplified. For expanded terms, definitions, and theories, check out the Advanced Guide...Stack
Other AdviceMake sure you and your car are prepared
Don't be "That Guy"
Stack 04:30, 11 December 2007 (PST) General thoughtsThe best thing you can do, for your saftey, others' saftey and your piece of mind, is to get professional instruction. Preferably at an accredited racing/performance driving school. While HPDEs offer drivers' instruction, it isn't nearly as comprehensive as what you get from an established school. Unless you befriend a retired professional driver at an HPDE or track day, and have them take a full day to pay attention only to you, you'll never get the kind of feedback you will from some place like Skip Barber or Bonderant. The above statement is being debated on the forums here: LINK Once you decide to actually take your car on the track, the main thing is to find a low speed track. My own first track was going to be Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) and it rained us out. I then went to Mid America Motorplex (MAM) and with the PCA GPR and had a great time. I like MAM because it's a low pressure track. There is nothing much to hit if you screw up, no walls and there are no real high speed sweepers. We then tried to go to Road America with Nordstern and Phil Anderson politely said "NO WAY!!" which was a good thing. He told us to do the novice day with Nordstern at BIR for some high speed track training and then he'd consider it. These were wise words and funnily enough, I was paired with him for my DE at BIR. I went to BIR with the PCA Nordstern next and that was fun too. Now that I had a couple of days at MAM under my belt, this wasn't so scary. But, it's a fast track with very fast corners if you choose to drive those corners at pace. Turns 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10 are the ones to watch in my opinion. I've seen two different schools. DonnyBrooke Racing and the PCA. Which is better is hard to say. PCA is 'safer' for novices like me. They are stricter and enforce run groups with similar drivers/cars. Donnybrooke runs an open track day with instructors available when you want them. Anyone can go on the track when they choose. This makes passing the pit exit more dangerous as cars can come out on every lap. They also allow open wheel cars and sedans on the track together which can be dangerous as the sedans can't see the open wheel cars especially when cornering, plus there is usually a huge performance difference between even low end open wheel cars and sedans. That said, Donnybrook has an awesome chief instructor, Gary Curtis. He's an ex professional race car driver and he's unreal around that track and an all round great guy. So, at the end of the day, Donnybrook is good for the more experienced driver, used to a crowded circuit with different speed cars on. PCA is safer for novices. You can get a lot more track time with Donnybrook than the PCA. The food is a lot better with Donnybrook. It's like an outdoor barbecue. They are both recommended however. Advice on Lap TimesIf you're into track days or hot laps with your daily driver, consider buying a portable lap timer, preferably one that is battery-powered, so you don't have to wire it into your car. This keeps the work and hassle down, and keeps your insurance down, since an installed timer is usually a clue that you've been racing. Make sure it's an automatic lap timer (usually this is accomplished with a trackside beacon or magnetic strip in the track) so you're not relying on your buddy to pay attention to hit the button on a stopwatch. A portable system is best so you can use it at any track as not all tracks have AMB transponsders installed. Another benefit is the ability to use the timer on multiple vehicles. When driving a track, it's helpful to split the track into sections, for example splitting between turns and straightaways. If you time yourself on these segments, you can find out which section needs the most work. You might find that on some turns you're going as fast as you can, but by trying different lines you can dramatically improve overall lap times. A good lap timer will support segment timing. Lap timers and insuranceIf you use a lap timer in the car, then drivers education insurance will not cover you as they'll regard it as race training which is different. If you have track insurance then make sure you don't time yourself, encourage someone to time you or take part in time trial type events during the DE event. ResourcesTrack FacilitiesSchools and OrganizationsBooks and Reference MaterialHigh Performance Driving Manual
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