CAR’s expert guide to what you need for a track day

If you're serious about making the most of your track days, you need the right gear to go with the right car. It's understandable that you should want to. Track days run across the country and are a fun and safe way of enjoying your car closer to the limit than what is allowed on the roads.

And while it's all too easy to think that you just need to turn up with some money and a steely-eyed face of concentration, if you don't prepare properly, you risk missing out on making the most of your time - or not even being allowed out on the circuit. How deeply disappointing that would be.

We've combined our experience of track days and put together a guide of essential kit you'll need alongside some nifty extras so you can enjoy your first track day as much as possible.

What you need for the car:

All this means is that you should look at bringing a tyre inflator with you to make sure your tyres are set up properly. This digital tyre inflator from AA features a clear digital readout so you know when your tyres are ready. It can also be used to quickly inflate your tyres for the journey home.

What you need for yourself:

ECE approved and made from Advanced Thermo Material (ATM), this helmet is designed for track use and features a hypoallergenic lining and cooling ducts to keep you comfortable as you drive around.

Other handy things to have:

Fully compatible with Android and iOS, all data can be stored and viewed on a free app. It features auto-track recognition, precise timing and is both waterproof (IP65) and shockproof for roofless driving.

It can record in 4K (UHD), features hyper smooth stabilisation and can even be used for live streaming. Just be warned that the battery is quickly drained.

This suction mount from Sametop is easy to mount, has excellent adjustability and comes with a quick-release buckle, too. Just make sure that you only use it on glass.

This marquee from Hamilton is made from 350g/sqm PCV coasted fabric and is designed to withstand strong winds without inverting itself like an umbrella. You can even buy some matching sidewalls to give yourself an even cosier setup.

Limited time track deal

What else you need to know before taking to the track:

Pay attention to the safety briefing

This may sound painfully obvious but the safety briefing is a crucial aspect to keeping everyone safe on track and you should pay full attention and ensure you adhere to the rules. Nobody wants to be that person that gets black flagged for driving like a berk.

Learn the track

It's always nice to turn up to a track and know how to drive around it straight away. If it's your first track experience then there are ways to ensure you turn up already looking like a seasoned pro.

Not only are there a load of YouTube videos that will show you the track layouts, but some of the better-known tracks (Silverstone, Brands Hatch etc) can be found in racing games, while games like iRacing have a rich selection of fan-made recreations of smaller tracks. We've got a list of the best racing games right here.

Some tracks also offer instructors you can hire to teach you the track. Don't be afraid to use them, they are experts after all.

Prepare your car

Now we're not saying to strip out the rear seats, fit a full roll-cage and add brake discs the size of manhole covers, but there are certain things you should do to prepare your car for a trip to the track:

1. Make sure your car's tow hook is exposed, you'll be grateful for doing this if your car ends up in a gravel trap.

2. Top your car up with the correct engine oil. This will just make the whole thing run smoother (you shouldn't need motorsport engine oil just yet). We have a guide to engine oil right here.

3. Give your car a full inspection. Go around and make sure that everything is as it should be. Ensure that all bolts are properly tightened and nothing looks damaged/ready to fall off. Most track day stoppages are caused by ill-prepared cars that either leak oil everywhere or suffer some mid-lap weight reduction littering the track with debris.

Remember you need something to drive home in

Unless you've brought your track car on a trailer and can bring it home, if you blow the engine up you'll need to remember some basic mechanical sympathy. All those late braking moments and redline gearshifts may make you feel like a racing driver, but they can cause premature wear on your car which could spell disaster for your journey home after the race.

The same goes for tyres. While there's no need to go and buy Some Toyo semi-slicks straight away, you do need to take care of your regular car's tyres. Remember to check they have a legal tread depth before setting off for the journey home.

Be considerate of others

Imagine you've just bought a brand new Nissan GT-R Nismo and want to get some track experience in. Obviously, it's a very capable and quick track car in the right hands, but if you don't know the track or the car very well you're not going to be the best through those corners.

There will be smaller cars that are much quicker through the corners even if they can't keep up with you on a straight. Think mid-range Caterhams, track-built hatchbacks like the JCW Mini and more nimble sports cars. And while most racetracks allow overtaking on the straights (left-hand side only), it's not allowed on corners.

What this basically means is that while your expensive sports car is monstrously quick on the straights and you'll be able to overtake everything else with ease, when it comes to the corners you'll end up holding them all up. In short, don't hold everyone up in the corners after overtaking them all on the straights because everyone will think you're a bit of a prat.

Other tips

Bring a friend. Not only will this make the track day a more enjoyable experience, but two pairs of hands will be better than one when it comes to impromptu mechanical work.

Get track day insurance; you won't be covered with your regular car insurance.

And don't forget to bring your driving license.

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