Start Your Engines. It’s Track Day.
Maybe it’s – ha ha – rush hour and nobody’s moving. Maybe you’re trapped behind that one slow what-the-freak-is-wrong-with-you guy in the fast lane on the interstate. Or maybe you’re just taking the kids to soccer practice when it happens.
Your eyes start to drift toward the extreme upper range of the speedometer and you wonder… what would it be like to put the accelerator all the way down? To experience g-forces as you lean into the curve. To feel your pulse quicken and the (figurative) wind blow through your hair?
We’ve been there. And we know what the remedy is: track day.
At a track day event, you can – safely – feed your need for speed. It may not be quite as Bill Elliott/Dale Earnhardt/Mad Max/Tokyo Drift as you envisioned, but man, it’s a rush.
And an education.
What’s a track day?
Simply put, it’s an organized event that allows non-race-car drivers to let loose on an established course – with no backseat drivers and no Smokeys. You can test your driving skills and the limits of your vehicle (more on that in a moment).
Tracks have different formats. Most often, participants are members of a car club; other times, individuals can sign up. Track days may be organized by manufacturer or model. Drivers are usually grouped by experience level to ensure that the vehicles are traveling at about the same speed. Tracks also usually allow various runs throughout the day, and experts or instructors are often on hand as well.
Do I have to have some sort of souped-up sports car? Different tracks have different rules, but, in general, no.
An estimated 95 percent of novices use their regular street cars with no modifications. Unmodified vehicles are actually preferred over heavily modified ones, according to the website No Money Motorsports.
Your car needs to be in decent mechanical shape with relatively new tires (less than 5 years old) and fresh brake pads and brake fluid. Because racing is super hard on brakes, NMM adds that track-specific pads are a good idea but are not a requirement, especially for your first day on the track.
What you can’t run on the track are vehicles with a high rollover risk such as lifted vehicles and certain trucks and SUVs. If you have a convertible, it absolutely has to have rollover protection. As of early 2023, most tracks also have stopped allowing hybrids and EVs.
If you drive a Mustang, you’ll be in good company on track day. But don’t let the GTs and Shelbys – or the super-competitive Dark Horse® — intimidate you. Yother vehicles in the Ford lineup perform just as well. If you’re still driving a Fiesta (discontinued in June 2023) – good for you. The car’s tight handling does especially well in the curves.
If you have questions, talk to the staff at your dealership. We love to share information about ways to enjoy your vehicle.
How do I find a track?
Most track days are organized by car clubs, so finding a local enthusiast group is a good place to start. You can also check out your preferred raceway and see if it has a track-day schedule. Another good strategy is to visit car shows to connect with folks who share an interest in track days or your specific vehicle make and model.
OK, cool. I’m ready! I can show up and put the pedal to the metal, right? No. Absolutely not!
First, go check out track day – or two, or several – as a spectator. Talk to experts and other track enthusiasts. Pay attention. Ask questions. Watch how things are done. Ask some more questions.
When you’ve done this homework, you’ll be almost ready for the track.
FINALLY you can start prepping for your track day. Here’s how:
This is when you’ll find out all the details that will make your day easier, including:
The meeting is also where you can ask questions, such as whether instructors will be available to share pointers and driving tips. If there are driving coaches or other experts on hand, listen, learn and take advantage of their knowledge.
Learn how to drive the track. Some tracks have classes for beginners, or lead-follow laps to get you familiar with the track. Other times you might need to talk one-on-one with an instructor or coach who can explain terms like breaking points, apexes and the proper line.
Many track-day organizers and driving schools will assign instructors to track beginners. This person will be in the car with you beginning with the first session and, increasingly often, for the entire day.
A few miscellaneous tips:
And remember: ask for help if you need it.
How to prepare your vehicle:
When you’re on the track:
Remember that the goal here is to have a fun day out, not smoke your fellow drivers who also want to have a good day at the track.
After you’ve enjoyed your first track day, come by and tell us about it! The staff at your local dealership would love to hear about your adventures. And if – or when – you’re ready for a dedicated track car, we are here to help you find the one that best fits your needs. Start your engines!
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