12 replies to this topic

[SE10 Mini]

(First up, not sure this is in the right thread, let me know and i can move it!)

 

Thinking of doing a track day on the 18th Nov at Bedford Autodrome.

 

Is there anything that you would recommend doing to your car before doing a track day?

 

Just as some back ground, I have a 2000 Reg Mini Cooper Sport MPi and the only modification is a K&N Replacement air filter (original shape), an oil change and a new set of spark plugs.

 

I wont be going mad, I just want to have a bit of fun, off the public road and see how the mini performs.

 

If i want to go mad, I will jump into the Supercharged E46 M3 my friend is taking............

 

look forward to your responses.

 

Cheers!

[phillrulz]

Believe you need insurance for a track day as standard doesnt cover tracks 

[Cooperman]

You really do need a central oil pick up pipe.
In long right hand corners the oil surges away from the standard pick up and starves the bearings of oil. That is very expensive!

[minifreek1]

Believe you need insurance for a track day as standard doesnt cover tracks 

No you don't... you are there and on the track at yours and everyone else's risk....

 

If you get track insurance, which is available, it will be very expensive...

 

Iv done a few track days in my Mini and never once been asked to provide insurance... Iv been asked to provide my driving licence and MoT certificate, but never an insurance cert....

 

Even the F1 teams don't bother with track insurance...

[Steve220]

 

Believe you need insurance for a track day as standard doesnt cover tracks 

No you don't... you are there and on the track at yours and everyone else's risk....

 

If you get track insurance, which is available, it will be very expensive...

 

Iv done a few track days in my Mini and never once been asked to provide insurance... Iv been asked to provide my driving licence and MoT certificate, but never an insurance cert....

 

Even the F1 teams don't bother with track insurance...

 

 

You don't need it to attend, you'll need it if you have a bump on track as you're not covered and have no 3rd party indemnity. It's been a while, but i'm sure my track day insurance was a £35 bolt on to my current policy when I had my Evos.

Edited by Steve220, 31 October 2017 - 01:18 PM.

[DomCr250]

Just make sure you have plenty of meat on your front pads and the rear's are adjusted well.  Apart from that make sure fluids are good and you have fuel to last the event.

 

It can be hard on tyres, so if yours are worn you may find not much tread left on then at the end.

 

Do not be surprised to find that you are maybe the slowest car in the sessions, but do not worry because all of the organisers come from a motorsport background and love classic mini's.  I've be waiting to join sessions with Atom's, Severn's, 911's, and all sorts of exotica in front of me - the marshals walk past everything else and come to speak to the person in the mini - which is kinda cool, considering my whole car is worth just one alloy wheel on some of the exotic stuff.

 

Normally your signing on instructions will tell you everything you need and answer all your questions.

 

Most important thing is to have fun.... remember you have paid exactly the same as everybody else to be there.

Edited by DomCr250, 31 October 2017 - 02:42 PM.

[nicklouse]

just make sure your oil level is on max each time you go out.

[Cooperman]

If you don't have a centre oil pick-up pipe then run oil level about 2 mm over max before going onto the track and have a large 22 psi oil warning light.

 

It is VERY easy to get loss of oil pressure in long right-hand bends and when that happens the bearings will last but a few seconds unless you de-clutch and switch off immediately. A 22 psi oil pressure switch with a big orange light right in front of you will tell you when this is happening.

 

Personally I would be reluctant to take a Mini onto a track with the intention of driving it fast through long right-hand corners without a centre pipe. I know it's a few hours work to fit one, but it is cheaper than a crankshaft re-grind and a full set of main and big-end bearings! 

[Will16]

Make sure you've got good set of tyres / tread and your pressures adjusted, be careful if it's wet / slippy I span mine at silverstone a couple times and had it very sideways! Obvious stuff like fluid levels, brakes in good working order, battery strapped down, empty the cabin of loose objects

[mini_mad69]

I'll echo the above. Oil is the main one, and double check for leaks. If you're leaking fluids on track, you can balls up your car. But ruin the day for other people, or even worse cause accident. Take a tyre pressure gauge and pump, you'll be surprised the pressure difference when hot.

 

I did trackdays with my when it had a 998 and a 17 second 0-60. Probably had more fun than any other trackday in it.

[Shooter63]

I'll echo the above. Oil is the main one, and double check for leaks. If you're leaking fluids on track, you can balls up your car. But ruin the day for other people, or even worse cause accident. Take a tyre pressure gauge and pump, you'll be surprised the pressure difference when hot.
 
I did trackdays with my when it had a 998 and a 17 second 0-60. Probably had more fun than any other trackday in it.

All of the above my mrs did the minispares trackday at brands and loved it bog std 998 and all.

Shooter

Edited by Shooter63, 04 November 2017 - 06:30 PM.

[SE10 Mini]

Thanks everyone!

 

Much appreciated info and suggestions, probably good for everyone with track-days in mind.

 

Unfortunately I wont be doing the track day anymore due to family commitments, but there will definitely be one in the near future.

 

Thanks again.

 

Ed

[Matt Brighton]

Hi

 

Do post how you get on...

 

I might be redeeming a voucher (anniversary present)  for an open pit lane  own car track day at Brands next week.

 

If not and my vouchers valid at Bedford I might very well join you there...

 

Best

 

 

Matt