1. What is a track day?
A Track day is a non-competitive event for drivers of all road and race prepared cars, held on a FIM or ACU approved circuit,
with full track marshalling & medical support. It is not a racing event and no lap timing is permitted.
What does "open pitlane" and "sessioned" mean?
Open pit lane is when cars can use the track at any time rather than an allotted time slot.
The numbers of cars on track is limited and it is recommended that you only stay out for 15 - 20 minutes at a time.
Any longer and it puts extra pressure on the cars components and you as a driver. There may be queues at busy times such
as the beginning of the day and after the lunchtime break. The open pitlane format does give the driver greater flexibility
however it invariably will put more pressure on your car as it is so tempting to do just one more lap.
There will also be a big differential in driver's ability and the performance of cars on track.
Apex Trackdays strict overtaking policy will help ensure that all drivers are safe on track and enjoying the experience.
A sessioned day is when all drivers are split into 3 or sometimes 4 groups,
dependant upon experience and performance of car. Drivers will be allocated a group
at the signing on and will be given the times they will be on track.
This will be the at say on the hour, twenty past or twenty to. This will then run through the day to avoid confusion.
2. What will I need to bring to attend the day?
Driver and passengers.
Full or open face ACU or gold stamped crash helmet dependant upon open cockpit or closed cars.
A number will be available to hire on the day on a first come first served basis at a cost of £10 per day.
Arms and legs to be covered.
Driver to show valid driving license.
3. Does my car need any modifications?
No, none at all. All cars are welcome and it adds to variety on the day.
However, if it is a road car it will need to have an MOT, or if it's a race/track car,
it should be of a standard to pass scrutineering at a race meeting.
4. What about noise restrictions?
All tracks have different ways in which noise is measured, either a static or "drive-by" test. Most standard road cars are
under 98db which is the most common noise restriction at most circuits. The noise limits are enforced vigorously by local councils and neither
Apex Trackdays nor the circuit owners have a say in this. If your car fails, unfortunately it will not be allowed on track.
5. What is the normal format for the day?
Try to arrive allowing plenty of time to sign in with a member of the Apex team, and then attend the drivers briefing.
Drivers will be issued with a numbered sticker which should be mounted prominently on your car windscreen.
Drivers and passengers will be issued with wristbands. The safety briefing, of which you will receive a written copy,
will take no longer than ten minutes. There will be time for final checks of your cars (and last minute toilet visits)
The track will then be opened and initially a pace car will do a couple of laps for which drivers are encouraged to follow
to check relevant lines etc. Cars will be allowed onto the track in sessions throughout the day or the open pit lane format
with a short break for lunch. PLEASE NOTE - Drivers will not be allowed on track until they have attended the safety briefing.
If you miss it for whatever reason, it may not be possible to attend another briefing until lunch, although every effort will
be made to brief these drivers as soon as possible.
6. I plan to share the driving with a friend, is this allowed?
A maximum of three drivers per car is allowed on "sessioned" events. On "Open Pitlane" events two drivers are allowed per car.
All drivers must sign on and attend the safety briefing in the normal way.
There is no charge for these extra drivers.
7. What about passengers?
Passengers are free although this is limited to one per vehicle and they will need to be signed on in the normal way
and be issued with a passenger's wristband. Some competition
cars may not be suitable for passengers and if this is considered the case, no passengers will be permitted.
8. What if I crash?
A trackday is generally a very safe time and place to test the limits of your car and your driving. However accidents can,
and fortunately, fairly infrequently do happen.
We endeavour to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and
spectators. However, should an accident occur, there is always full medical support, paramedics
and ambulances on site and experienced marshalling.
9. Do I need insurance?
No, it is not a requirement. Normal road car policies do not normally cover track days.
If you prefer to take out insurance, Track day insurance is available and we can point you in the direction of suitable insurers.
10. Will I wear my car out?
Driving on track at a speed not permitted on UK roads will invariably put more strain on brakes, cooling systems and tyres.
It depends on the style of driving and how long you stay out on track. Brake wear is most common with even very good road
cars suffering reduced braking performance if they are out on track too long. This is why we recommend 15 minute sessions
and at least one cooling down lap. Tyre wear will also be higher than on the road, although a set of tyres should last
about 2 to 3 trackdays.
A lot of modern performance cars are developed on race tracks or the Nurburgring so should cope with spirited driving OK.
11. Will I need fuel?
Ideally come with a full tank of fuel as consumption will be high.
Many circuits have on site petrol stations or we will direct you to the nearest one if required.
12. Will I be fast enough?
Apex Trackdays enforces an "overtaking by consent only" policy.
This means that it is the responsibility of the faster car to only overtake when the car in front consents for him to do so.
This will need to be on a straight, on the left side and only after the car in front has indicated to the right. With this
policy in place, car to car contact should be impossible. If driving is deemed erratic or aggressive, the offending driver
will be black flagged and informed of the problem. If the behaviour is repeated they will not be allowed on track.
Any grievances with other drivers should be notified to Apex Trackdays staff who will then deal with the issue.
Apex does not permit aggressive or intimidating driving at any events, but also, a slower driver will be notified
if the are not sticking to the overtaking policy or not checking their mirrors.
13. I am concerned that my normal road car will not be suitable?
All types of cars are welcome. I have had as much fun on trackdays in an audi estate as in a dedicated track car.
There will be a speed differential
hence our overtaking policy. We would advise they are in a roadworthy condition, well serviced and not loosing fluids!
14. Can I reserve a garage?
On the booking form, garages, if available can be pre-booked. The cost of which will depend on the circuit.
15. Can I get tuition?
An ARDS qualified instructor will be available at all events.
A free 20 minute session is available subject to availability to all drivers.
