Track day preparations

[action_turtle]

I intend on doing a few track days a year in the Emira. What should I buy? I assume a helmet for ease. But should I be getting different pads, tyres, oils etc? What changes are needed from stock? Also, do i need to do any prep and/or after track checks?

 

[action_turtle]

Lotus On Track are a brilliant organiser of track days for Lotus and Caterham cars in the UK and Europe. Track etiquette is always very good. They get booked up quite a long way ahead. They have a lot of useful info for newcomers, including preparation and circuit guides:

Lotus on Track - The track day club run by, and for Lotus enthusiasts

Lotus on Track is a club run by Lotus owners. We aim to provide safe, reasonably priced and sociable track days for Lotus enthusiasts in the UK and Europe.

www.lotus-on-track.com

Frequently Asked Questions - Lotus on Track

What standards are enforced on events? All of our track days are non-competitive – timing is NOT permitted Overtaking is only by consent, only allowed on the straights, normally the left and never in the corners or braking zones All drivers must attend a briefing session or complete an on-line...

www.lotus-on-track.com

FAQ - Track Day Preparation - Lotus on Track

How do I prepare for a track day? Although modern cars are built to withstand stresses above those that they will experience on the road, standard production cars are not built with track work in mind. However, there are a few simple things you can do to help ensure the car will cope with the […]

www.lotus-on-track.com

Circuit Guides - Track guides, directions, accommodation - Lotus on Track

The Lotus on Track circuit guides are intended to give basic circuit information as well as a view of circuits from our LoT perspective.

www.lotus-on-track.com

Although it was written 20 years ago, Art Markus' book on track driving is a good read:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Track-Day-Drivers-Guide-High-speed

For driver trainer for advanced road driving as well as track driving, I had very good instruction from Andy Walsh at North Weald (https://www.awdrivertraining.co.uk/) and CAT Driver Training at Millbrook (https://catdrivertraining.co.uk/).

As you're in Bristol it would be worth looking at Castle Combe Racing School and their track days:

About CC Racing School | Castle Combe Race Circuit

Top reasons why you should choose to visit Castle Combe Circuit for the ultimate driving experience. Book now to drive real racing cars around a real circuit!

castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Car Track Days - Castle Combe Race Circuit

If your car's got 4 wheels, is to MOT standard and meets our noise restrictions you'll be made very welcome at one of our Car Track Days

castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Club Lotus also run an annual TD at Castle Combe.

And of course you can go to Hethel and be taught in factory Emiras around the test track:

Lotus Driving Academy | Lotus Cars United Kingdom

Welcome to the world-renowned Lotus Driving Academy at Hethel, Norfolk – the home of Lotus Cars since 1966.

www.lotuscars.com

Most track days in the UK don't include them doing a technical inspection (I think the Club Lotus days at Castle Combe do) but they will do an inspection for loose items inside the cabin. Some won't allow GoPro type cameras unless they are on a bolted mount, for example to a harness bar, not a sucker to the glass. Many require long-sleeved shirt and long trousers.

In the UK, many specialist insurers will include cover for track days in your main policy, either a set number or unlimited if they are organised by a club you belong to (like Lotus on Track) or an approved TD organiser. I've used Manning, REIS and Classicline and they all include TD cover either in the base policy or as an optional extra for about £70 for the year. The excess is usually increased while you're on track, typically to 10% of the car's value. Paying per track day gets expensive and can be around £100-150 per event.

Brilliant. Thanks for all the info! I have bookmarked it.

I haven’t thought about being a club member. Might be a nice thing to do, none of my friends are really into cars, so will give me a community to be part of.

 

[kitkat]

thanks for the info. what brake pads would you recommend?

So, on your side of the pond you should stick to pads from your side as they’ll be much cheaper. Prices seem to double when I get pads from your side of the pond and vice-versa.

I’ll make recommendations in two categories: trackable and track only. The trackable will be a pad that can be used on street and track even though I don’t recommend such a pad, I know plenty will still want such a dual purpose pad. The track only pad will need to be swapped on the day before your track day and swapped out after, you’ll not want to drive this on the street.

TRACKABLE: Pagid RS42, Ferodo DS2500, AP APF404

TRACK ONLY: Pagid RSL1, Ferodo DS1.11, AP APF401

If you do decide to go the track only route, I highly recommend a separate set of track only rotors.

 

[TomE]

I have Pagid RS42 on my Exige and Ferodo DS2500 on my Evora S, both excellent for all year fast road use and on track. The Pagids need to be bedded in carefully and re-done roughly every 3000 miles or they get noisy, at least on my Exige.

 

[action_turtle]

So, on your side of the pond you should stick to pads from your side as they’ll be much cheaper. Prices seem to double when I get pads from your side of the pond and vice-versa.

I’ll make recommendations in two categories: trackable and track only. The trackable will be a pad that can be used on street and track even though I don’t recommend such a pad, I know plenty will still want such a dual purpose pad. The track only pad will need to be swapped on the day before your track day and swapped out after, you’ll not want to drive this on the street.

TRACKABLE: Pagid RS42, Ferodo DS2500, AP APF404

TRACK ONLY: Pagid RSL1, Ferodo DS1.11, AP APF401

If you do decide to go the track only route, I highly recommend a separate set of track only rotors.

I’ll probably go trackable for now, see how I get on. Will save this for later, big help, thanks

 

[Wolfram]

First, I can not recommend tuition highly enough. I learnt and achieved more from a single day's tuition than I would have in years of bumbling on trackdays on my own. And I usually book at least 20 minutes of tuition every day I do to work on or get feedback on something specific.

Helmet was my #1 priority - for safety and comfort. I spent a lot on a lightweight carbon helmet that fits perfectly. It's light and very comfortable for me to wear for long periods (it's a full-face - a requirement because I track an Elise) and in the event of a crash it's a bit less likely to cause neck injury due to the lightness. [Edit: I have racing harnesses fitted so the neck gets a lot of strain in the event of an impact] This is a big deal for me - I suffered a bad concussion as a pedestrian in a hit-and-run a while back and it took me years to get over it. The various brands fit differently (regardless of size) - try a few and you'll find one that works best for your head shape - Arai is my fit, Bell not so much. I would not track with a hired helmet - partly trust but mostly I want something that is as comfortable as possible.

Good, lightweight, thin-soled footwear, for obvious reasons. Most UK trackdays will require long sleeved top and full-length trousers / jeans. Gloves if you want, but drive in them for a while first to get the feel for the steering / gear shift with them. You'll have a lot of new information coming at you very fast on track, and you don't want your car to be feeling unfamiliar at the same time.

My essential toolbox includes a tyre pressure monitor and battery-powered inflator. Your pressures will increase dramatically if you're driving hard, and you'll need to bleed some air for best performance. You'll need to top them up again. I don't know if the Emira comes with tyre sealant / inflator but both would be a good add if not. Always fit your tow hook (most UK track days will require this). I carry an bluetooth OBD2 adapter (cheap one from Amazon) to check any codes that are thrown or reset the oxygen sensor error - I have a high-flow sports cat which is MOT legal but when driven hard can trigger a CEL. And yes, something to keep the windows clean.

Most important: have fun!

 

[Wolfram]

Oh, on the car itself, you'll probably not actually need anything over stock to begin with. As you progress you might want to uprate the pads (but be careful, high-performance pads and discs can really compromise the car's everyday feel - and sound) or racing brake fluid.

The most important thing is to get to know your car on the track as intimately as you can. It will tell you what it needs.

 

[VL3X]

Ferodo DS2500

Not sure if this was already mentioned in this thread, but I'm fairly certain these are the OEM Emira pads (at least with the First Editions). OEM pads might be different with base spec and w/o Track Pack.

 

[kitkat]

Not sure if this was already mentioned in this thread, but I'm fairly certain these are the OEM Emira pads (at least with the First Editions). OEM pads might be different with base spec and w/o Track Pack.

That would explain them fading after a few laps. I tried the ds2500 way back when I was trying to find a dual purpose pads after using track only pads and quickly faded them after 2 laps.

Would be nice to get confirmation via part numbers tho.

 

[VL3X]

That would explain them fading after a few laps. I tried the ds2500 way back when I was trying to find a dual purpose pads after using track only pads and quickly faded them after 2 laps.

Would be nice to get confirmation via part numbers tho.

They are part # AP Racing CP7040X61BX-DS25HP

 

[kitkat]

They are part # AP Racing CP7040X61BX-DS25HP

Yeah the DS25HP are a different pad from the DS2500 from some initial searches. Similar peak mu but lower compressibility, lower noise, and maybe a different torque curve. I think you can think of it as a more streetable version of the DS2500. That’s the pad number from the Evora or the Emira?

 

[Evotion]

As mentioned in my track thread, the only 'problem' I had with the car at speed was the brakes and was told to upgrade the pads and fluids.

Tuition is a great idea.

Other takeaways.

• Long sleeve top and trousers
• shoes that are not too side or cumbersome
• Try and get in the first sighting laps session and the join the back of the others and do it again! Excellent practice.
• Leave the rear hatch open as the engine gets really hot - also, do not put anything of value in the baking hot boot
• You'll get hot moving the car around at speed. I did not want the drain of the air con on so opened the windows up about an inch
• Make sure your helmet is a good fit and does not slip , at all, whilst driving.
• Leave the ego at home and spend the session just concentrating on lines and braking points and then build up speed
• Film it as you might learn something later
• The car is epic and was miles better than me so you can really push it and be surprised how much grip and balance there is
• Keep hydrated

I was a bit stressed out on my first track day in the Emira as I was so worried somebody would hit it.
Have castle coombe, brands hatch and nurburgring coming up.

 

[VL3X]

Yeah the DS25HP are a different pad from the DS2500 from some initial searches. Similar peak mu but lower compressibility, lower noise, and maybe a different torque curve. I think you can think of it as a more streetable version of the DS2500. That’s the pad number from the Evora or the Emira?

I'm not 100%, but I thought they were the same. Maybe someone in UK or ROW who've taken deliveries can contact their dealer for a part number to confirm. I'd call my dealer, but as we know, US is in the dark about everything.

 

[frazzer]

or do a LDA driver bespoke training day and put all that wear on someone else's Emira! Expensive, but a great day and you'll learn a lot.

 

[Pegasi]

• Leave the ego at home and spend the session just concentrating on lines and braking points and then build up speed

My first track session was last year and this surprised me the most. My mountain/sport drives are much more free flow but the track is technical. All I was doing was focusing on lines, brake point, turn in, throttle.

One of the coolest things was learning to look all the way through corners not in front of the car. "Your hands will follow your eyes." I still do that on the street.

 

[action_turtle]

As mentioned in my track thread, the only 'problem' I had with the car at speed was the brakes and was told to upgrade the pads and fluids.

Tuition is a great idea.

Other takeaways.

• Long sleeve top and trousers
• shoes that are not too side or cumbersome
• Try and get in the first sighting laps session and the join the back of the others and do it again! Excellent practice.
• Leave the rear hatch open as the engine gets really hot - also, do not put anything of value in the baking hot boot
• You'll get hot moving the car around at speed. I did not want the drain of the air con on so opened the windows up about an inch
• Make sure your helmet is a good fit and does not slip , at all, whilst driving.
• Leave the ego at home and spend the session just concentrating on lines and braking points and then build up speed
• Film it as you might learn something later
• The car is epic and was miles better than me so you can really push it and be surprised how much grip and balance there is
• Keep hydrated

I was a bit stressed out on my first track day in the Emira as I was so worried somebody would hit it.
Have castle coombe, brands hatch and nurburgring coming up.

good info, thanks. Castle coombe will be my first as its local. Brands and Silverstone will be done after/once i feel happy on the track.

You're brave doing the ring if you were stressed out on a normal track... Doing laps in iRacing is stressful enough, no reset button in the Emira! lol

 

[action_turtle]

As mentioned in my track thread, the only 'problem' I had with the car at speed was the brakes and was told to upgrade the pads and fluids.

Tuition is a great idea.

Other takeaways.

• Long sleeve top and trousers
• shoes that are not too side or cumbersome
• Try and get in the first sighting laps session and the join the back of the others and do it again! Excellent practice.
• Leave the rear hatch open as the engine gets really hot - also, do not put anything of value in the baking hot boot
• You'll get hot moving the car around at speed. I did not want the drain of the air con on so opened the windows up about an inch
• Make sure your helmet is a good fit and does not slip , at all, whilst driving.
• Leave the ego at home and spend the session just concentrating on lines and braking points and then build up speed
• Film it as you might learn something later
• The car is epic and was miles better than me so you can really push it and be surprised how much grip and balance there is
• Keep hydrated

I was a bit stressed out on my first track day in the Emira as I was so worried somebody would hit it.
Have castle coombe, brands hatch and nurburgring coming up.

also, after watching your video, you mention telemetry. How are you getting that off the car? Do you have something different than the code readers suggested here? I know its not a built-in feature like the Porsche, so wondering how it works.

 

[crashprash]

Has anyone got tyre pressure recommendations from track experience? I've got sports with goodyears (will look to replace with more track focused tyres eventually)

 

[seriously]

I would ease into it. Only start modding after you pick up speed and start feeling limits of the car.

I would recommend mods in this order:
Helmet + tire pressure gauge > brake fluid > pads > tires

After that you can go wilder once you feel like you’re really pushing the car. But honestly you don’t need much other than a helmet and a tire gauge until you start reaching the limits of the car. (you should be lowering tire pressure for the track - your tires will heat up to the right PSI). On track you will realize that a properly driven sports car like the emira can go WAY faster than what you think is reasonable. A good way to understand this is to have an instructor drive your car and you ride passenger. You will be properly shocked at how much of the car you are not exploiting.

Last tip- track days are like camping. Bring enough food and shade to chill in between runs!

 

[kitkat]

Has anyone got tyre pressure recommendations from track experience? I've got sports with goodyears (will look to replace with more track focused tyres eventually)

You’re going to destroy those so quickly on track. You’ll be replacing them much faster than eventually.

I usually just take out pressure after every session to make sure i keep the hot pressure around 30-32psi (2-2.2 bar) right after i get back into the paddock. Fine tune for handling balance from there, and don’t forget to fill back up before you leave home.

 

[brainf18]

I intend on doing a few track days a year in the Emira. What should I buy? I assume a helmet for ease. But should I be getting different pads, tyres, oils etc? What changes are needed from stock? Also, do i need to do any prep and/or after track checks?

Agreed with all the previous posts. You may want to buy "track insurance". Its not cheap but almost all traditional insurance policies are void on a race track, even if your only doing HPDE.

Lastly talk with the organizer and find out who the chief instructor is. You should speak them then, tell them about your experience. That way they'll be able to pair you with an instructor who specializes in "new students" and your particular type of car.