(engine revving)
Jess: Hello ladies and gentleman,
my name is Jess Shanahan and I'm here
to talk to you today about preparing
for a track day and how to get the most from it.
Track days are great fun,
regardless of whether you want to be a racing driver
or just want to get out on track
and test the limits of your car
and your own performance.
The key to getting the most
out of a track day is preparation.
Even if you've got someone else
looking after your car as a racing driver,
it's still important you're able
to check over the essentials.
First off, you need to check things like oil,
water, and tires, because all of these
will affect how you perform on track
and are integral to your safety too.
The checking of all the essential fluids can be done at home
before you leave for the track.
But when you get there, check your tires
especially if you've driven to the circuit.
Your tire pressures need to be in line
with the manufacturer's guidelines,
but there should be people at the track day
who can give you an idea of how to adjust these
to increase your performance.
Your track day will start with a driver briefing.
You need to be there and you need to pay attention
because all of this information will ensure
that everyone on track is kept safe
and has the most fun possible.
The rules at different track day providers vary
and at different tracks too,
so make sure you listen as not everything
is going to be the same as
what you might have experienced before.
Key things to take note of are
how you overtake, on which side,
and how to let others overtake you safely.
You also need to pay attention to the rules
in the pit lane and the paddock to make sure
everyone is kept safe at all times.
With any track day safety is key
both when you're moving around as a pedestrian
and also while you're on track.
For the most part, you are allowed to film
your runs out on track.
Just make sure your camera and the way you attach it
to the car both adhere to the standards
of the track day.
The last thing you want is a camera
or a GoPro rattling around loose in your car
after it's become unmounted.
And unfortunately many track day providers
don't allow external cameras on top of the cars.
If you're really keen to improve your performance
in your car than the best thing you can do
is to hire an instructor on track day.
This is a professional driver that will sit with you
and coach you around the circuit.
They will also help you to get an idea
of how you can improve on your lap times
and will look at the data after you've been out.
This is how professional racing drivers improve their craft
and you can do it too,
whether you're in a track day car,
a race car, or even your road car.
An instructor is also worth considering as well
because it can help to bring down insurance premiums
if you want to insure your track day car.
With an instructor on board, you'll probably find
that you're improving a lot quicker
than those who don't have an instructor.
So if you're really serious about improving
how you drive on track, then you need to have
an instructor sitting next to you
and you will be astounded at how quickly
you are able to drive.
You also need to pay attention
to the conditions of the track.
If it's bright and sunny and the track is dry
then that's great you can push it.
But if it's raining, then you get to learn
a really important part of the race craft,
but you have to take it easy.
You're not going to be able to push
your car as hard as you might if it were dry.
Again, this is a really great reason
to have an instructor on board
because they can coach you through
how to drive in these conditions.
If you don't have an instructor on board
but want a few tips, then speak to other drivers
on the day or even the track day organizers
as they often have tips for new drivers
looking to get the most out of their track day
because of course, they want you to come back.
Above all, safety is key
and if you want to be able to come back
to one of these track days,
then you need to make sure you're safe.
If you commit some foul error by driving badly
or without due care and attention
then it's unlikely that you are
going to be able to come back to one of these things.
So follow the instructions given in the safety briefing
and make sure you keep yourself and everyone else
safe on track.
In the event of any damage, or collision,
then it needs to be reported to the track day provider.
They'll have their own process for this kind of thing,
but more often than not,
unless you're insured you'll have to pay
for any damage to your car.
Remember, you're not racing.
The only times that you are trying to beat is your own.
So don't think that you need to get in the way
of other cars in order to win at this kind of thing.
The whole point of going along to a track day
is to learn to drive fast, learn to better yourself,
and to bring those lap times down.
There is no need to get in the way of anyone else.
Above all, keep safe and have fun.
Thanks for watching.
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As always, thank you for watching
and we'll see you next time.