With an increase in speed trapping and even more virulent policing across our beautiful road network the popularity of open track days rises with each passing month. These events give enthusiastic drivers the opportunity to exploit the handling and power capabilities of their respective machinery within the safe confines of a racetrack. Safety marshals are close at hand as are paramedic services making this a safer option than hooning it up a mountain pass in the middle of nowhere.
Killarney Raceway in Cape Town, Zwartkops near Pretoria and Kyalami in Johannesburg are some of the better known venues in the highly populated areas that host events for road cars.
I am a (semi) regular at events held at Killarney and see drivers pitch up woefully unprepared. While many of us would like to think that we are natural racing drivers there are a few things you need to do and know before you go ripping up the tar. So I present to you, the first in a series of track day basics starting with the very boring but critical safety gear.
The day before:
It may not seem too important but try to get a full night’s sleep the preceding evening, and if possible don’t consume any alcohol. You want to be as sharp as a tack when piloting your pride and joy at full tilt. Not only that, you may have passengers in your car or could jeopardise the safety of another car on the track if you happen to misjudge a braking zone or a turn-in point due to fatigue or a babalas.
Helmet:
Many drivers pitch up and expect that they can head out onto the track sans the appropriate headgear, but they’d be wrong. One cannot place a price on your noggin and therefore protecting it is vital. If you are unsure whether you are going to become a regular then most tracks have a rental service.
If not try to borrow a “lid” from a friend that rides a motorcycle, preferably a sports bike as these riders tend to have more expensive, lightweight dome protectors. Open-top cars, such as Lotus 7 replicas require a full face helmet for obvious reasons.
If you can, get a fire retardant/thin cotton balaclava. It gets very hot inside a car when lapping, especially in summer and washing the inside of your helmet is not an option. Rather opt for the balaclava so the perspiration smell can be washed out later.
Long sleeves and long pants:
As basic as it may seem to wear long clothing people still pitch up in T-shirts and shorts then expect to be allowed on track. It’s merely an attempt to keep as much of your body covered in the event of a fire. In the middle of summer you may not want to wear a jacket to cover up when a thin, cotton (avoid synthetics as they burn quicker), long-sleeve T-shirt works very well.
Shoes and shades:
Many guys and girls prefer to drive in sandals or barefoot; that isn’t allowed. Closed shoes are a prerequisite. Ideally you want to wear a pair with thin soles so you can feel the pedals better. If you can, avoid wearing a pair with laces; if these were to unravel they could flail around the footwell in an inopportune moment. Race boots, while making you feel faster, are overkill and not the easiest to walk around in all day.
Sunglasses are worth wearing, for obvious reasons. Racetracks go all the way around and return to the same point, so you’ll be staring into the sun sooner or later.
Gloves:
These aren’t necessary, especially in a tin-top car. I have, however, seen many drivers use them probably due to sweaty palms. If you plan to race at some point in the future and are currently using track days to practice then I recommend driving with gloves as these will give you better feel for when you eventually do drive competitively.
If you need or want any race clobber you’d do well to buy new, fresh equipment as opposed to buying used gear. ATS Motorsport in Johannesburg and G&A Promotions in Cape Town are worth a visit if you plan to make track days a regular occurrence at your local circuit.
Sundries:
Take a towel to wipe off your sweaty brow after a session, trust me, you’ll need it. Take sunscreen and a cap for when you are out of the car. If the day is ideally suited to driving chances are it’s also perfect for sun-tanning. There usually are vendors around the track but take water in a little cooler bag. Stay away from carbonated drinks as they may require a driver pitstop at the wrong moment.
Look out for Track day basics: Part Two that will cover some of the car preparation and requirements at the track.
