Track Day Essentials

17th March 2015

Novice Track Day Tips

Many racing enthusiasts still arrive at track and test days without all the essentials, so here at MSD we’ve put together a short list of must-haves to help you make sure you aren’t caught out on the day. Most of this can be bought on a budget from the usual retail stores or online, and it can all fit neatly into a box, making it easy to transport and store either at the track or at home.

Tools and spares

Gaffa tape – holds most cars together, but useful for taping bodywork or the handbrake down.
Towels, wipes and window cleaner – if the car in front sprays you with dirt, it goes without saying that you’re going to need to wipe it off.
Funnel and jerry can – some track day organisers charge if you run out on track, so make sure you’re well prepared.
Torque wrench/wheel brace – basic safety, make sure the wheels are tightened up correctly.
Latex gloves – not crucial, but useful if you don’t want dirty hands all day.
2 x axel stands and jack – an important piece of kit if you have an excursion and need to check under the car.
Foot pump and tyre pressure gauge – simple setup, but crucial to make sure temperature is working evenly.
Spanner set and screwdrivers – if you do any last-minute checks or have an incident, you will be grateful you have these with you.
Fluids, oil and brake fluid – most checks will be done at home, but you might need these on track if you run the oils low.

Car

MOT suitable for track – make sure the car is safe and presentable.
Fuel – as above, fill up and be aware of the gauge.
Towing eye – just in case; you don’t want them pulling your car from the bumper.
Car empty from spare wheel, rubbish – make sure you’re not hit by any debris in the car.

Driver

Helmet – crucial and can be cheap; don’t be tempted to use a bike helmet.
Gloves – help grip the steering wheel better.
Racing boots – racing boots are specially designed to be thinner and grip the pedal better.
Racing suit – not necessarily essential, but certainly recommended for open cockpit cars.

	Date	Circuit / Layout	Event Type	Cost
January 2021
+	Thursday 28 January 2021	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.	£119	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Brands HatchPaul Rivett – www.paulrivett.comBrands 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
+	Friday 29 January 2021	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
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife seriesDonington 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 29 January 2021	Cadwell Park Full Circuit	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.	£89	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Cadwell Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukCadwell 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
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	Castle Combe Full circuit	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
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only Castle Combe Alan Whibley – Old Farts MemberCastle Combe Circuit does not have any pit garages, so bring your own awning, marquee or race truck if you are expecting wet weather. However, there is an excellent clubhouse that serves hot food and drink all day. The track organisers make sure there is an informal feel and the atmosphere is relaxed but make no mistake this track can bite!There are two very challenging corners – Tower and Quarry. Neither have much run-off. It is worth taking time Read more
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	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.	£149	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukOulton 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
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	Silverstone 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.	££179
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Silverstone Steve Day – Caterham RacerSilverstone was originally an old World War II airfield and held the first RAC International GP in 1948. It then went on to host the first British F1 Championship round in 1950. It’s a circuit that has been driven and tamed by many famous names in racing, in single seaters, tin tops and some rather specialised cars and bikes over the years. The home of British Racing and with 18 bends, the annual 300,000 fans that flock to watch the F1 must know Read more
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	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.	£129	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife seriesDonington 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
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	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.	£179	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams Brands HatchPaul Rivett – www.paulrivett.comBrands 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
+	Saturday 30 January 2021	Bedford Autodrome GT	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.	£109	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams Bedford Autodrome Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukBedford has multiple configurations, although there are four main circuits (used individually on corporate days) which are linked together to form the 3.6 mile GT (Gran Turismo) version, frequently used on track days. Facilities are first class, with two well-equipped hospitality areas in the pit lane in which to huddle away from the often chilly wind. The joint briefing room and restaurant is also excellent (if a little pricey).It is worth Read more
+	Sunday 31 January 2021	Blyton Park Outer	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.	£99	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Blyton Park Originally a WW2 airfield Blyton Park was for many years used for the odd grasstrack event, but new owners have breathed new life into the circuit during 2011. New tarmac and plenty of grass and concrete run off have combined to produce a deceptively fast and technical circuit, which can challenge experienced drivers, yet also provide a fun and safe first time out experience for novices. 1.6miles long, the track is fairly flat, and a viewing bank allows for spectators to see the majority of the Read more

Date

Circuit / Layout

Event Type

Cost

January 2021

Thursday
28 January 2021

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.

£119

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Brands HatchPaul Rivett – www.paulrivett.comBrands 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

Friday
29 January 2021

Donington Park
Grand Prix

£199

Download

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

Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife seriesDonington 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
29 January 2021

Cadwell Park
Full Circuit

£89

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Cadwell Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukCadwell 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

Saturday
30 January 2021

Castle Combe
Full circuit

£175

Download

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

Castle Combe Alan Whibley – Old Farts MemberCastle Combe Circuit does not have any pit garages, so bring your own awning, marquee or race truck if you are expecting wet weather. However, there is an excellent clubhouse that serves hot food and drink all day. The track organisers make sure there is an informal feel and the atmosphere is relaxed but make no mistake this track can bite!There are two very challenging corners – Tower and Quarry. Neither have much run-off. It is worth taking time Read more

Saturday
30 January 2021

Oulton Park
International

£149

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukOulton 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

Saturday
30 January 2021

Silverstone
National

££179

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Silverstone Steve Day – Caterham RacerSilverstone was originally an old World War II airfield and held the first RAC International GP in 1948. It then went on to host the first British F1 Championship round in 1950. It’s a circuit that has been driven and tamed by many famous names in racing, in single seaters, tin tops and some rather specialised cars and bikes over the years. The home of British Racing and with 18 bends, the annual 300,000 fans that flock to watch the F1 must know Read more

Saturday
30 January 2021

Donington Park
National

£129

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams

Saturday
30 January 2021

Brands Hatch
Indy

£179

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams

Saturday
30 January 2021

Bedford Autodrome
GT

£109

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements Closed wheel, Caterhams

Bedford Autodrome Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.ukBedford has multiple configurations, although there are four main circuits (used individually on corporate days) which are linked together to form the 3.6 mile GT (Gran Turismo) version, frequently used on track days. Facilities are first class, with two well-equipped hospitality areas in the pit lane in which to huddle away from the often chilly wind. The joint briefing room and restaurant is also excellent (if a little pricey).It is worth Read more

Sunday
31 January 2021

Blyton Park
Outer

£99

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Blyton Park Originally a WW2 airfield Blyton Park was for many years used for the odd grasstrack event, but new owners have breathed new life into the circuit during 2011. New tarmac and plenty of grass and concrete run off have combined to produce a deceptively fast and technical circuit, which can challenge experienced drivers, yet also provide a fun and safe first time out experience for novices. 1.6miles long, the track is fairly flat, and a viewing bank allows for spectators to see the majority of the Read more

Track Day Essentials

Novice Track Day Tips

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

Track Day Essentials

Novice Track Day Tips

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

Are you track ready?