Droning Around

2nd August 2017

Drone technology has improved dramatically over the past 12 months and so Motorsport Days considers how these developments can be incorporated into an MSD Track Walk, helping a racer get a better understanding of a circuit and get that all-important edge over grid rivals.

Getting the best view of a circuit is always difficult. You either need to be in the grandstand or in a car. Even then though you are restricted to what you can see and learn. So, Motorsport Days decided to look into ways to help both the professional and amateur drivers and find a solution to this conundrum. The answer is a drone which is capable cruising at 100m above any corner, offering a bird’s eye view of the track.

Drones seem to be a buzz word now and easily accessible online. Although a drone for just a few 100 pounds doesn’t instantly make you capable of flying it, or capturing inspiring footage. For that you need an expert who has the required Civil Aviation Authority licence. Something else to consider is that flying a drone in public spaces or around machinery can be very dangerous and may require public liability insurance. That said, what can be learned

from this distance? Well, quite a lot actually. From up in the sky, all corners open up into a readable state. For example, the Paddock Hill Bend at Brands Hatch completely changes, allowing a driver to see various racing lines, gradients and grip. It allows you to view the run-off areas or marker points which are all important when trying to find those small margins we need as racers. MSD’s new Track Walks offer MSD’s new Track Walks offer even more. We’ve mixed the benefits of a drone with professional drivers, such as three-time British Touring Car (BTCC) Champion Matt Neal and fellow BTCC driver Jake Hill to explain how they achieve fast laps and racing on Europe’s most raced circuits. Every driver is different, but by creating a relaxed environment, a driver is more likely to reveal his or her enjoyment of a circuit and unlock areas that have been hidden to the most experienced drivers. In fact, MSD has been contacted by a variety of racers who have confirmed that these track walks have helped them improve on track. MSD will be continuing these track walks at circuits across Europe in 2017, so check out our website:www.motorsportdays.com – for more information.

SILVERSTONE TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

BRANDS HATCH TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

GOODWOOD TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

	Date	Circuit / Layout	Event Type	Cost
September 2023
+	Friday 29 September 2023	Thruxton Full	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£179
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Thruxton One of the longest and the fastest circuits in the UK at 2.356 miles, Thruxton is another old airbase which has been used for motorsport since 1950. Racing at Thruxton is limited, and track days are even rarer due to strict noise restrictions so the visit of British Touring Cars and the British Superbike Championship are the main points of the season at Thruxton. The surface at Thruxton is a tough one and is known for causing severe tyre wear. Graining occurs but it does give surprisingly Read more
October 2023
+	Monday 09 October 2023	Anglesey Coastal	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£184
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Anglesey David Walley – Porsche 997 GT3 www.davidwalley.com The newly tarmacked Anglesey circuit has some breathtaking views (even while driving). As you drift around Peel corner, the view of the Irish Sea is spectacular. The TV series 5th Gear used the circuit for “shoot outs”, which shows how demanding this circuit can be with Tiff Needell thrashing factory cars around. Needless to say, in Wales it’s normally wet, but there’s a surprising amount of grip. However, for a dry lap the Read more
+	Tuesday 10 October 2023	Donington Park Grand Prix	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£649
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Notes: Photography Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more
+	Friday 13 October 2023	Cadwell Park Full	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£149
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Cadwell Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Cadwell is just off the A153 between Louth & Horncastle. From the south, leave the A1 at Grantham and take the A153 all the way to the track. From the north, take the A18/A16 to Louth, then the circuit is 7 miles south on the A153. Coppice is a very fast corner but be really smooth with the turn in and allow the car room on the exit of the corner. Following the first corner, bring the car back to the left, light brake and then turn the car in Read more
+	Thursday 26 October 2023	Brands Hatch Indy	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£239
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Brands Hatch Paul Rivett – www.paulrivett.com Brands Hatch was once a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, but is now one of the most thrilling circuits in the UK with races from grass track to DTM. Below is an expert guide to Brands Hatch by Paul Rivett, three-times Clio Cup Championship winner. The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight, an off-camber, slightly curved stretch. The ideal line is to hug the pit wall until the start/finish line and then move to the left of the circuit to Read more
November 2023
+	Tuesday 07 November 2023	Snetterton 300	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£199
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Notes: Photography Snetterton Ben Clucas – www.benclucas.co.uk Snetterton has three configurations, split up into the 100, 200 and 300. By far the most used circuit for almost all track days, test days and races is the 300, three-mile configuration, completed in 2011. It isn’t the easiest of the main UK circuits to get to, situated in Norfolk, with parts of the A11 still single carriageway if you are coming from the Midlands or South, although this road is currently under construction and may all be dual Read more
+	Monday 13 November 2023	Donington Park National	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£149
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more
+	Thursday 16 November 2023	Cadwell Park	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£175
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Notes: Photography Cadwell Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Cadwell is just off the A153 between Louth & Horncastle. From the south, leave the A1 at Grantham and take the A153 all the way to the track. From the north, take the A18/A16 to Louth, then the circuit is 7 miles south on the A153. Coppice is a very fast corner but be really smooth with the turn in and allow the car room on the exit of the corner. Following the first corner, bring the car back to the left, light brake and then turn the car in Read more
+	Friday 17 November 2023	Donington Park Grand Prix	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£199
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Notes: Photography Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more
+	Tuesday 21 November 2023	Oulton Park International	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£154
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Oulton Park is the longest circuit in the UK, excluding Silverstone. It also has the steepest banked corner in the UK in the form of Shell Oils at 11 degrees. The circuit’s natural undulations and blind crests make this one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, both feared and revered by drivers on both two and four wheels. There is very little run off anywhere, so take your time – it is unlikely you will master the circuit on your first Read more

Date

Circuit / Layout

Event Type

Cost

September 2023

Friday
29 September 2023

Thruxton
Full

Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.

£179

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Thruxton One of the longest and the fastest circuits in the UK at 2.356 miles, Thruxton is another old airbase which has been used for motorsport since 1950. Racing at Thruxton is limited, and track days are even rarer due to strict noise restrictions so the visit of British Touring Cars and the British Superbike Championship are the main points of the season at Thruxton. The surface at Thruxton is a tough one and is known for causing severe tyre wear. Graining occurs but it does give surprisingly Read more

October 2023

Monday
09 October 2023

Anglesey
Coastal

£184

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Anglesey David Walley – Porsche 997 GT3 www.davidwalley.com The newly tarmacked Anglesey circuit has some breathtaking views (even while driving). As you drift around Peel corner, the view of the Irish Sea is spectacular. The TV series 5th Gear used the circuit for “shoot outs”, which shows how demanding this circuit can be with Tiff Needell thrashing factory cars around. Needless to say, in Wales it’s normally wet, but there’s a surprising amount of grip. However, for a dry lap the Read more

Tuesday
10 October 2023

Donington Park
Grand Prix

£649

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements

Notes: Photography

Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more

Friday
13 October 2023

Cadwell Park
Full

£149

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Cadwell Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Cadwell is just off the A153 between Louth & Horncastle. From the south, leave the A1 at Grantham and take the A153 all the way to the track. From the north, take the A18/A16 to Louth, then the circuit is 7 miles south on the A153. Coppice is a very fast corner but be really smooth with the turn in and allow the car room on the exit of the corner. Following the first corner, bring the car back to the left, light brake and then turn the car in Read more

Thursday
26 October 2023

Brands Hatch
Indy

£239

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Brands Hatch Paul Rivett – www.paulrivett.com Brands Hatch was once a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, but is now one of the most thrilling circuits in the UK with races from grass track to DTM. Below is an expert guide to Brands Hatch by Paul Rivett, three-times Clio Cup Championship winner. The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight, an off-camber, slightly curved stretch. The ideal line is to hug the pit wall until the start/finish line and then move to the left of the circuit to Read more

November 2023

Tuesday
07 November 2023

Snetterton
300

£199

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements

Notes: Photography

Snetterton Ben Clucas – www.benclucas.co.uk Snetterton has three configurations, split up into the 100, 200 and 300. By far the most used circuit for almost all track days, test days and races is the 300, three-mile configuration, completed in 2011. It isn’t the easiest of the main UK circuits to get to, situated in Norfolk, with parts of the A11 still single carriageway if you are coming from the Midlands or South, although this road is currently under construction and may all be dual Read more

Monday
13 November 2023

Donington Park
National

£149

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Thursday
16 November 2023

Cadwell Park

£175

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements

Notes: Photography

Friday
17 November 2023

Donington Park
Grand Prix

£199

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements

Notes: Photography

Tuesday
21 November 2023

Oulton Park
International

£154

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Oulton Park is the longest circuit in the UK, excluding Silverstone. It also has the steepest banked corner in the UK in the form of Shell Oils at 11 degrees. The circuit’s natural undulations and blind crests make this one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, both feared and revered by drivers on both two and four wheels. There is very little run off anywhere, so take your time – it is unlikely you will master the circuit on your first Read more

Droning Around

SILVERSTONE TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

BRANDS HATCH TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

GOODWOOD TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

Droning Around

SILVERSTONE TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

BRANDS HATCH TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

GOODWOOD TRACK DAY GUIDE / WALK

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

Are you track ready?