Common trackday errors (and how to avoid them)
Trackdays are about pushing your limits and improving your driving skills, but even experienced drivers make mistakes that slow them down, wear out their car faster or put them in danger.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trackday junkie, here are the most common trackday mistakes - and how to avoid them.
1. Lack of circuit familiarity
Many drivers jump straight into their session without taking the time to familiarise themselves with the track layout, braking zones or potential problem areas.
Solution:
Although unlikely, if there is an opportunity for a track walk – do it! If the track offers a track walk in the morning, do it! You'll notice elevation changes, kerbs and turn-off areas that aren't obvious at high speed – or on a video simulator.
Using a simulator and/or watchng Youtube onboard videos before hand can be great visual tools to build up a mental picture before you are at the track. It’s all about enhancing your comfort and confidence when you first leave the pitlane.
Warming up laps are essential for you and your car. They provide vital reconnaissance to establish a line of sight not visible until now. Speed can be increased lap by lap. Focus on the correct lines first, remembering that the most common mistake is to turn in too early. From this point it becomes easier to adjust braking points and establish grip levels.
Want to drive like a Jack Spangle or Jos Verstappen? Ever wondered why an F1 driver has a coach? It’s because in the history of motor racing not one single driver has managed one single perfect lap. Think about that for a moment..... if a driver says they have – they were not driving fast enough! Even experienced drivers can pick up small tips and hints. There are track bumps, markings, kerbs and “markers” that are used differently by drivers and learning from others is the fastest way to learn so we can become more like Jos not a Jack.
2. Balance
Many drivers push too hard too early and think that being aggressive means being fast. This leads to missed apexs, lack of speed overheatimg of tyres and general frustration why a guy in a car half as fast as yours is always in your mirrors.
Solution:
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. Take your time and focus on a slower entry speeds to a corner in order to be faster when exiting by maximising traction – especially in the wet.
Brake earlier, not harder - Instead of braking at the last minute, start braking a little earlier and more progressively to keep the car balanced and more settled for when you turn in to the corner. If the car is standing on its nose as you turn in you are over breaking and making the front tyres work harder than they need to.
Listen to the car - If you're constantly correcting skidding, understeering or locking, you're pushing too hard. Turn it down a little to get cleaner and more efficient laps.
Smooth and controlled is fast. Ever wondered why professional drivers make it all look so easy?
3. Poor braking technique
New drivers often brake too softly (and waste time) or press the pedal suddenly, causing instability. Anyone can hit the accelerator hard - but braking is an art in itself.
Solution:
Threshold braking – Easier said than done – especially in the wet. Applying firm, progressive pressure and maintaining this so the ABS does not kick in or you lock your tyres lock up. Both these scenarios will compromise your ability to slow down and give you less time to prepare if you are already going to be entering the corner too fast.
"Trail braking - The technique of light but continuous braking while turning into a corner. This can be especially useful in the wet. The really adventurous will experiment with left foot braking too – BUT we would definitely suggest some instruction first. This does take some getting used to.
Know your markers - Use reference points (boards, kerbs, cones) to refine your braking points lap by lap. BUT, do remember track surfaces can change depending on the weather and heat so you may have to make small adjustments through the day.
4. Ignoring tyre pressures
Remember that tyre pressure increases as tyres heat up, affecting grip and handling.
Solution:
Check tyre pressure: Take tyre pressure before your first laps and check again after 5 laps. Reduce pressures if necessary to maintain optimum grip. Remember for wet weather if might be an advantage to slightly over inflate the tyres to widen the groves.
Monitor tyre wear - Uneven wear can be a sign of incorrect tyre pressure or alignment issues. All of this leads to less predictable handling and compromises your efforts to refine your own skills.
5. Forgetting to cool down the car
Drivers come out of a session and park immediately, trapping heat in the engine, brakes and tyres.
Solution:
Cool-Down Lap - Before pitting, do a lap at a reduced speed in a higher gear to let the engine and brakes cool down naturally.
Leave the handbrake off - A hot handbrake can cause the brake pads to stick to the discs and boil the brake fluid. Instead, park in gear on a flat surface.
Open the bonnet - helps dissipate heat, especially on hot days.
6. Being in the wrong gear
Many drivers hold gears too long or change too early. Pay attention to the revs. Uphill blasts may require a moment longer at peak revs while blasting down hill means a slightly earlier change is preferable..
Solution:
Use the right rev range - Most performance cars have an optimal rev range where they perform the most. Learn about yours.
Heel & toe shifting is a technique used on manual transmission cars to make downshifts smoother. The technique involves using the right foot to operate the brake while blipping the accelerator to match the revs to the road speed. This is an advanced technique – but it is impossible to drive fast without it.
7. Not using the entire track
New drivers often stay too close to the centre of the track and don't use all the available space to drive smoother and faster.
Solution:
Think "Outside, Inside, Outside" - A classic racing line; drive wide in, hit apex, drive wide out for more speed.
Steer smoothly - Avoid jerky entries; instead, flow through the turns with smooth transitions.
Follow faster drivers - If allowed, observe faster drivers' lines to learn better positioning.
8. Ignoring mirrors and track awareness
Drivers often become so focused on their lap and drive in their own world, completely forgetting to check their mirrors. This creates frustration (or danger) for faster cars.
Solution:
Always check mirrors on straights. If someone is approaching quickly, them pass safely by indicating to them so everyone is clear.
Know the overtaking rules - Most trackdays exclude overtaking on some sections of the track and / or only allow overtaking on one side or another. Never needlessly defend your track position and instead assist your fellow drivers in letting them pass. It is generally accepted that a significantly faster car / driver bears the responsibility to pass safely.
Be predictable - If you let someone overtake, stick to your line. Avoid swerving or braking suddenly. Use your indicators to show the other driver in advance he has been seen and where he can expect you to position your car. – this is a tried and proven to be faster than mind reading.
9. Does not review the performance after the session
Many drivers don't analyse their laps and miss opportunities to improve.
Solution:
Use onboard footage - If you have a GoPro or dashcam, you can watch your laps to find errors.
Ask for feedback - An instructor or an experienced driver may see things you don't notice yourself.
Remember: Smooth is fast!
Trackdays aren't just about raw speed - they're about learning, improving and having fun. Avoiding these common mistakes will make you faster, more agile and more confident on the track.
Remember this: The best drivers aren't always the fastest - they're the ones who keep learning and refining their technique every time they hit the track.