Editing An Idiots Guide to your first track day (section)

==Getting prepared==

While there are a few essentials to ensure your safety out on track, you don‘t need to be spending a fortune.

The most obvious requirement is that of a helmet. Ideally you should pick up your own to be sure of a proper fit, but Lotus-on-Track offer helmet rentals at most venues – typically around £10-20. Some venues are beginning to ask for a SNELL 2005 approved helmet, so if you are buying now it most likely makes sense to get one which meets this specification. If you want to use a car without the roof fitted you‘ll want a full-face helmet as well, as many will not allow open face helmets in convertibles.

Unlike racing, where fire-proof overalls are a requirement, when it comes to track days all you need is clothing that properly covers your arms and legs – a long sleeve T-shirt and jeans are fine.

You may find some people wearing other items such as driving gloves, proper race boots, or driving oriented trainers like Puma Speedcats, but these are down to personal preference – the rule of thumb is to ensure you‘re comfortable and in proper control of your car.
You‘ll also need to show both parts of your driving licence, so make sure you know where they are when you book the day.

Many Lotus specialists include a number of track days as part of their road going insurance cover, but you must inform them of the day in advance or you won‘t be covered.
If you don‘t have track day cover included as part of your regular insurance policy then companies like CCI can provide cover for a single day.
It is important to remember however that track insurance has no 3rd party element, and usually carries a much higher excess.

The next step is to ensure your trusty steed is up for the job. You don‘t need thousands of pounds on upgrades to survive your first track day, even a standard Elise will be better suited than most cars to track driving, and while with time you may want to make changes to improve its on track performance it‘s by no means a requirement.

What you do need however is a healthy car. Track time will use up everything a lot faster than even the most spirited B-road driving. I have the mechanical skills of a dazed rabbit but I usually manage to do a quick pre day check.

Check levels for oil and coolant and if the oil has been in there a while and looks a bit black and goopy think about treating it to a change – it‘s a very easy DIY job. Honest.

Have a look through your wheel spokes to make sure there‘s a decent amount of meat left on your pads. Chances are you can only see the outer ones easily, and the inner ones always seem to wear our first so bear that in mind.

Check your wheel nuts are actually done up properly and that your tyres have plenty of life, as you want to be legal for the drive home.

Finally you‘ll want to be sure your car meets the noise restrictions for the circuit.
Most tracks are coming under increasing pressure to keep noise levels down to avoid issues with nearby neighbours and it‘s really hard to give clear advice as every car/engine/exhaust/cat/induction combination will be different.
If you have a decat pipe you may need to refit the cat, and if you‘re considering a day with a particularly tight noise limit you may want to have the car‘s noise level checked in advance - some tracks will also noise test you even if you aren‘t driving if you ask in advance. If you are over the limit on the day and cant change anything you will be going home without a refund!