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?

 

[TomE]

If you’re new to track days and only doing a few per year to explore performance rather than drive 10/10ths, then the stock setup will be fine.

Once you have more experience and confidence (and skill and pace) then you can start thinking about upgrading a few things.

The most important thing to upgrade first is the driver! So book some driver instruction at your first TD, read some relevant books or online guides, watch a few videos. There are also some great driver training organisations who do TD-specific training either in your own car (useful to get to know it) or a school car (saves wear on yours).

Helmet will be a mandatory requirement. Check the specs for the circuits and organisers you plan to use. Some will rent you a helmet if you want to try a few TDs before committing.

There are guides online about basic car checks and prep work for TDs, all doable by a competent person without special technical skills.

I’ll have a look tonight and dig out some useful links.

 

[VL3X]

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?

Most tracks should do a quick tech inspection of every vehicle to ensure tires are good, nothing is leaking, no windshield cracks, etc. They'll require you take all loose items out of the interior (usually floor mats too) and inspect your helmet for proper certification.

I recommend signing up for a high performance driver eduction (HPDE) track day instead of an open track event. HPDE will be broken up into groups of various driver ability/experiences and usually offer a full day mix of classroom sessions and ~20 minutes on-track sessions. Typically there will be a pace car leading the pack and there won't be any passing allowed.

I'd do a HPDE beginner track day no matter your skill level just because it's a new car you need to learn at its limits (or close to it's limits on the track). Once you feel comfortable and find yourself progressively getting more confident with the car and track, then next track day you may want to upgrade to some high temp brake fluid (prevents boiling and brake fade), dedicated track brake pads, and possibly dedicated sticky track tires (if not already on Cup 2s).

But like @TomE already said... The most important mod is seat time! Track days can be humbling experiences. You'll see a newb exotic car driver get passed by a skilled driver in a seemingly stock Golf GTI.

 

[Eagle7]

I also brought a torque wrench and laser thermometer with me. I would check the torque on all the lug nuts after coming in from a session, as well as use the laser thermometer to check the temps across the tires, especially the fronts. When you come in off the track DO NOT put on the parking brake, as they can catch fire if they're suddenly clamped to red hot brake discs. Just leave the car in gear and turn the engine off. Another thing I used to do after coming in off the track, was open the hood and leave it open to let the heat in the engine bay escape. That would help prevent heat soak for the next session. I would imagine this might be even more important for a mid-engine car like the Emira.

 

[PJS]

Reading with interest, only done a handful of laps but keen to get stuck in and do some this summer. Understand many track days need you to have a towing eye pre fitted? Would the regular one out of the boot do the job?

 

[VL3X]

I also brought a torque wrench and laser thermometer with me. I would check the torque on all the lug nuts after coming in from a session, as well as use the laser thermometer to check the temps across the tires, especially the fronts. When you come in off the track DO NOT put on the parking brake, as they can catch fire if they're suddenly clamped to red hot brake discs. Just leave the car in gear and turn the engine off. Another thing I used to do after coming in off the track, was open the hood and leave it open to let the heat in the engine bay escape. That would help prevent heat soak for the next session. I would imagine this might be even more important for a mid-engine car like the Emira.

Great thinking! An OBD2 scanner is a good tool to bring along too!

 

[Rollie]

Practical: take a small pincer with you to remove the protective bung(impossible with your fingers )in case you have to attach the recovery eye , mandatory on most tracks ..... or do this at home

 

[action_turtle]

If you’re new to track days and only doing a few per year to explore performance rather than drive 10/10ths, then the stock setup will be fine.

Once you have more experience and confidence (and skill and pace) then you can start thinking about upgrading a few things.

The most important thing to upgrade first is the driver! So book some driver instruction at your first TD, read some relevant books or online guides, watch a few videos. There are also some great driver training organisations who do TD-specific training either in your own car (useful to get to know it) or a school car (saves wear on yours).

Helmet will be a mandatory requirement. Check the specs for the circuits and organisers you plan to use. Some will rent you a helmet if you want to try a few TDs before committing.

There are guides online about basic car checks and prep work for TDs, all doable by a competent person without special technical skills.

I’ll have a look tonight and dig out some useful links.

Great, seems like I don't need a lot then!

I'm considering doing the track day at Lotus in an Emira, they can teach me about my car and should progress me along a little better.

Thanks for the info!

 

[action_turtle]

Most tracks should do a quick tech inspection of every vehicle to ensure tires are good, nothing is leaking, no windshield cracks, etc. They'll require you take all loose items out of the interior (usually floor mats too) and inspect your helmet for proper certification.

I recommend signing up for a high performance driver eduction (HPDE) track day instead of an open track event. HPDE will be broken up into groups of various driver ability/experiences and usually offer a full day mix of classroom sessions and ~20 minutes on-track sessions. Typically there will be a pace car leading the pack and there won't be any passing allowed.

I'd do a HPDE beginner track day no matter your skill level just because it's a new car you need to learn at its limits (or close to it's limits on the track). Once you feel comfortable and find yourself progressively getting more confident with the car and track, then next track day you may want to upgrade to some high temp brake fluid (prevents boiling and brake fade), dedicated track brake pads, and possibly dedicated sticky track tires (if not already on Cup 2s).

But like @TomE already said... The most important mod is seat time! Track days can be humbling experiences. You'll see a newb exotic car driver get passed by a skilled driver in a seemingly stock Golf GTI.

I'll have a google for HPDE days, more knowledge upfront will probably save me issues down the road! thanks.

 

[action_turtle]

I also brought a torque wrench and laser thermometer with me. I would check the torque on all the lug nuts after coming in from a session, as well as use the laser thermometer to check the temps across the tires, especially the fronts. When you come in off the track DO NOT put on the parking brake, as they can catch fire if they're suddenly clamped to red hot brake discs. Just leave the car in gear and turn the engine off. Another thing I used to do after coming in off the track, was open the hood and leave it open to let the heat in the engine bay escape. That would help prevent heat soak for the next session. I would imagine this might be even more important for a mid-engine car like the Emira.

Did not know that! I've gone with the V6 Auto, will need to keep an eye on the auto handbrake.

 

[action_turtle]

Great thinking! An OBD2 scanner is a good tool to bring along too!

Any recommendations on an OBD2 for this car?

 

[kitkat]

I’m going to assume a few means 3-4 track days at a beginner level. I won’t make recommendations beyond that because we don’t know where that will progress. Some of the recommendations here have been overkill for what you want. I’m also assuming you’re doing beginner sessions with some structure / instruction.

Likely:
- Less expensive certified helmet or rental/loaner helmet
- Better brake pads for when you’ve gone through the first couple track days.
- Oem or upgraded tow hooks or straps, 1 or 2 depending on your track and organization

Unlikely:
- Brake fluid upgrade

Tech inspection before depends on the track and organization. Many are self tech, some are tech at a local shop, some are tech on site. The majority of tech is centered around not having loose items in the car, making sure a wheel won’t come off during a track day, and making sure you won’t spill any fluids onto the track.

Tech inspection after is pretty much up to you and I’ve yet to see an organized event that cares about you after the event. The check list would be very similar to your tech inspection and most track organizations provide this list.

 

[KAR120C]

Good ideas so far. Also:
- Good tire pressure gauge. Your pressures will increase dramatically and you'll find yourself needing to lower after the session to maintain correct pressure.
- Mechanix gloves or something similar. Important if you need to reach into hot engine bay, or touch area around brakes for some reason.
- Glass cleaner and paper towels. I like a clean windshield on track and you can pick up a lot of bugs and rubber.
- Hat - cover your sweaty head between sessions.
- Helmet. I would not go super cheap. Get one you'll be happy with for a while. You'll probably like doing track days. Make sure it fits tight. No moving around on your head.
- Plenty of water/gatorade. You'll get hot and dehydrated which will ruin your day. Throw in some snacks, too.
- Depending on the track/company your tracking with, you may be required to have long sleeve cotton shirt as well as long pants. I always pack an extra pair of clothes to drive home in, and a short sleeve shirt so you don't melt between sessions.

Have fun!

 

[kitkat]

https://nasa-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/document/document/277/_NASA_HPDE_Tech_Form_2023.pdf

Sample tech inspection form from NASA Southern California to give you an idea. Your country track and organizer will vary.

 

[Ft.S]

One thing I would recommend is NOT to change your brake fluid until close to the track day, certainly not until the car's break-in phase is complete. As soon as you open the brake fluid bottle, it starts absorbing moisture, which gradually reduces its intended purpose. To have as fresh of a brake fluid as you can, have it changed just few days before your track day.

 

[action_turtle]

Good ideas so far. Also:
- Good tire pressure gauge. Your pressures will increase dramatically and you'll find yourself needing to lower after the session to maintain correct pressure.
- Mechanix gloves or something similar. Important if you need to reach into hot engine bay, or touch area around brakes for some reason.
- Glass cleaner and paper towels. I like a clean windshield on track and you can pick up a lot of bugs and rubber.
- Hat - cover your sweaty head between sessions.
- Helmet. I would not go super cheap. Get one you'll be happy with for a while. You'll probably like doing track days. Make sure it fits tight. No moving around on your head.
- Plenty of water/gatorade. You'll get hot and dehydrated which will ruin your day. Throw in some snacks, too.
- Depending on the track/company your tracking with, you may be required to have long sleeve cotton shirt as well as long pants. I always pack an extra pair of clothes to drive home in, and a short sleeve shirt so you don't melt between sessions.

Have fun!

good tips, wouldnt have thought about the glass cleaner lol.
thanks.

 

[action_turtle]

I’m going to assume a few means 3-4 track days at a beginner level. I won’t make recommendations beyond that because we don’t know where that will progress. Some of the recommendations here have been overkill for what you want. I’m also assuming you’re doing beginner sessions with some structure / instruction.

Likely:
- Less expensive certified helmet or rental/loaner helmet
- Better brake pads for when you’ve gone through the first couple track days.
- Oem or upgraded tow hooks or straps, 1 or 2 depending on your track and organization

Unlikely:
- Brake fluid upgrade

Tech inspection before depends on the track and organization. Many are self tech, some are tech at a local shop, some are tech on site. The majority of tech is centered around not having loose items in the car, making sure a wheel won’t come off during a track day, and making sure you won’t spill any fluids onto the track.

Tech inspection after is pretty much up to you and I’ve yet to see an organized event that cares about you after the event. The check list would be very similar to your tech inspection and most track organizations provide this list.

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

 

[GetawayDriving]

Others have covered the most important bits. I'll add that if you have an Alcantara steering wheel you'll definitely want a pair of racing gloves so save your wheel from your sweaty death-grip. I have these and they're great:

Amazon product ASIN B004QMH0RY

You may also want to think about track insurance, especially until you're comfortable. You're out there trying to find the limit, with a bunch of other people trying to find their limits, and track insurance is just piece of mind if you or anyone in your proximity finds that limit in a bad way. You can pay per weekend or annually. At least, that's how it works in the states. Not sure what's available in the UK but Hagerty, OpenTrack, Lockton, RLI all worth looking into.

 

[TomE]

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

Is Lotus on Track the club for me? If you are looking for safe, fun track days in a friendly environment then please read our general rules and the standards we look to enforce below. Is my car suitable? (don’t have a Lotus – read on!) If you don’t have a Lotus don’t worry we […]

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.

 

[TomE]

Any recommendations on an OBD2 for this car?

There's a thread here and a reader I know works for the Emira:

❔ QUESTION - What OBDII Scanner is Recommended for use with the Emira?

After Reading Shaank's journal regarding his new Emira and his ECU issues; What OBDII Scanner is Recommended for use with the Emira? I assume Lotus complies with the basic OBD II Protocols, yet there are many "Brand Specific" systems that require unique software to interpret and reset. So is...

www.emiraforum.com