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
October 2020
+	Wednesday 28 October 2020	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.	£99
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
+	Wednesday 28 October 2020	Croft 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.	£179	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only Croft Matt Neal – www.mattneal.co.ukOne of my favourite circuits on the BTCC calendar. It’s our only trip to the North East side of the country and when we get there the circuit is a real challenge with the local fans always giving terrific warm support.Croft is very clean and picturesque, neatly cut lawns and a neat compact pit lane with all amenities close by. As a driver it requires a high level of commitment, so racing and finding an optimum balanced setup is key to a fast Read more
+	Thursday 29 October 2020	Zolder Paddock Zero	Drift Day Experience	€175
Download	Duration Full day Country Belgium Skill level All Requirements Zolder Situated in central Belgium just 170 motorway miles from Calais it's surprising Zolder isn't a more popular circuit with both UK track day organisers and those in the rest of Europe. The circuit is technical and perfect for the Elise and Caterham.Built in 1963 Zolder is a 2.5 mile undulating circuit that has held the F1 Belgium Grand Prix on 10 occasions during the 70's and 80's.The circuit starts with a fast 90 degree left hand bend which has plenty of run off but is a fairly insignificant Read more
+	Thursday 29 October 2020	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.	£149	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only 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 30 October 2020	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.	£55	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
+	Friday 30 October 2020	Mondello 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.	€135
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Mondello Park Mondello Park is a name synonymous with car and motorcycle racing and has been the home of motorsport in Ireland since opening in 1968.These days, however, it is much more than that. With significant investment over the past number of years, the venue now boasts launch/training/team building facilities second to none. Our Corporate suites are all plug and play for conferencing and can be set up in any style required – conference, classroom, banqueting etc. We also have a full industrial Read more
+	Friday 30 October 2020	Mondello 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.	€195
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Mondello Park Mondello Park is a name synonymous with car and motorcycle racing and has been the home of motorsport in Ireland since opening in 1968.These days, however, it is much more than that. With significant investment over the past number of years, the venue now boasts launch/training/team building facilities second to none. Our Corporate suites are all plug and play for conferencing and can be set up in any style required – conference, classroom, banqueting etc. We also have a full industrial Read more
+	Saturday 31 October 2020	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.	£149	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only 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
+	Saturday 31 October 2020	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.	£179	Book
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
+	Saturday 31 October 2020	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.	£169	Book
Download	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level All Requirements Closed Wheel Only 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

Date

Circuit / Layout

Event Type

Cost

October 2020

Wednesday
28 October 2020

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.

£99

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

Wednesday
28 October 2020

Croft
Full Circuit

£179

Book

Download

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

Croft Matt Neal – www.mattneal.co.ukOne of my favourite circuits on the BTCC calendar. It’s our only trip to the North East side of the country and when we get there the circuit is a real challenge with the local fans always giving terrific warm support.Croft is very clean and picturesque, neatly cut lawns and a neat compact pit lane with all amenities close by. As a driver it requires a high level of commitment, so racing and finding an optimum balanced setup is key to a fast Read more

Thursday
29 October 2020

Zolder
Paddock Zero

Drift Day

Experience

€175

Download

Duration Full day
Country Belgium
Skill level All
Requirements

Zolder Situated in central Belgium just 170 motorway miles from Calais it's surprising Zolder isn't a more popular circuit with both UK track day organisers and those in the rest of Europe. The circuit is technical and perfect for the Elise and Caterham.Built in 1963 Zolder is a 2.5 mile undulating circuit that has held the F1 Belgium Grand Prix on 10 occasions during the 70's and 80's.The circuit starts with a fast 90 degree left hand bend which has plenty of run off but is a fairly insignificant Read more

Thursday
29 October 2020

Brands Hatch
Indy

£149

Book

Download

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

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
30 October 2020

Cadwell Park
Full Circuit

£55

Book

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Friday
30 October 2020

Mondello Park
International

€135

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Mondello Park Mondello Park is a name synonymous with car and motorcycle racing and has been the home of motorsport in Ireland since opening in 1968.These days, however, it is much more than that. With significant investment over the past number of years, the venue now boasts launch/training/team building facilities second to none. Our Corporate suites are all plug and play for conferencing and can be set up in any style required – conference, classroom, banqueting etc. We also have a full industrial Read more

Friday
30 October 2020

Mondello Park
International

€195

Download

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level All
Requirements

Saturday
31 October 2020

Blyton Park
Outer

£149

Book

Download

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

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

Saturday
31 October 2020

Donington Park
National

£179

Book

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

Saturday
31 October 2020

Bedford Autodrome
GT

£169

Book

Download

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

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

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?