Getting Ready For Your First Track Driving Experience
Fancy yourself the next Lewis Hamilton?
If the answer is a resounding ‘yes’, then you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you. It’s time to brush up on your skills and master the art of driving like a pro. Of course, like any professional driver, you’ll need to practice somewhere, so why not make that ‘somewhere’ a world-renowned racetrack?
Whether you’re perched in the passenger seat or trembling with excitement behind the wheel, nothing beats the sheer thrill of experiencing the torque of a high performance car as it hurtles around a race circuit. The roar of the engine, the smell of burning rubber, the adrenaline pumping around your body – you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’ve got aspirations of being the next racing star, or simply want to try your hand behind the wheel of an almighty vehicle, you’ll never forget your first track driving experience.
Of course, what type of car you drive is completely up to you. A nifty, supercharged Lotus Exige perhaps? Or, maybe you fancy pushing a Nissan GT-R to its impressive limits? If you’re after something a little more sophisticated, you might want to consider booking an Aston Martin driving experience.
Once you’ve pinpointed your perfect ride, the next thing to do is book it up and get excited. Note that you should check driver requirements before you proceed; many driving experiences will have age, height and weight restrictions and will only allow people on the track if they’ve held their license for a certain number of years.
On the day, you’ll be in the safe hands of fully-trained, qualified professionals, who will ensure that you’re track ready. In the meanwhile, if this is your first track driving experience, these tips may help you prepare for the big day.
Clothing
Stuck on what to wear? Opt for clothes and footwear that you’ll be comfortable in all day. You need to wear flat shoes, trainers are ideal. Many driving experiences will supply special protective clothing for you to wear, but you still need to be wearing comfy clothes underneath.
Rest
Get plenty of rest the night before your driving experience. You don’t want to be in control of a car capable of 200mph when your head is still groggy from the night before. In fact, it’s best to not drink any alcohol the night before as any suspicion that you might be over the limit means you might not make it into the driver’s seat at all. Make sure you get a good night’s kip, which means the whole eight hours!
On the day
The day is finally here. Make sure you eat a hearty, nutritious breakfast that will keep you fuelled until your mid-morning pit stop.
Be aware that many driving experience companies operate a NO SPIN RULE, this means if you spin any car, even once, then your experience will be over. They do not risk the safety of you or their instructor… or their insurance premiums.
Above all else, you need to make sure you pack both parts of your driving license. Nearly all driving experiences will require you to present your license when you sign-in at the start of the day; if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to take part.
Along with the relevant documents, you should pack plenty of food and water for the day ahead if not provided by the company – it’s tiring work out on the track! Instead of loading your bag with sugary snacks, opt for fruit and cereal bars that will keep your energy levels at a constant high. Although you may work up an appetite for lunch, try not to overeat as this may result in you feeling lethargic when you return to the track in the afternoon.
Of course, you’ll want to document your day and then brag about your experience when you return home to your friends and family, so don’t forget to pack a camera!
