Track Smarter, Not Harder: 30 Must-Know Trackday Hacks
Here’s the ultimate list of clever tips and trackday hacks to bring more stress free enjoyment to your track day.
Trackdays are about much more than just going fast. If you ask those who have many track days behind them, it's about preparation, comfort, mental focus and not least those little life hacks that just make everything easier.
Here are 30 concrete tricks and hacks from seasoned trackday drivers – advice you didn't know you needed - but will never want to be without again.
Preparation & Gear
Always carry two keys - one in your car, one in your helmet bag. If you lose one, your day is not ruined.
Check your car thoroughly the day before - tyre pressure, fluids, brakes, hoses. No one wants to be left with leaking coolant at 08.15. Then check everything again when you arrive.
Remove anything loose in the car - bottles, coins, cables and rubbish can become dangerous when you're travelling at speed, braking and cornering far later and faster than you normally do. Always check under your seats.
Bring a torque wrench and tools - especially if you're changing tyres on the day.
Mark your tyre pressure cold and hot - learn how much it increases while driving.
Take extra oil and brake fluid - some cars burn a surprising amount.
Pack the car the night before to avoid forgetting essentials.
Driving license. DON’T Forget to have this with you!
Comfort & Personal equipment
Bring a change of clothes and extra socks - a dry jumper in the middle of the day is underrated. Tracks are often in open terrains and exposed to wind, rain and sunshine.
Bring sunscreen and a folding chair - you're outside more than you think.
Bring snacks and protein bars - tracks often don't have food for the first few hours and a little energy boost will help with concentration.
Have electrolyte drinks and water in plenty - sports drinks with salt are better than just water.
Wear earplugs under your helmet if you have a noisy or exposed cockpit - less fatigue after long sessions.
Charge your phone 100% and bring a power bank - you use GPS, camera, tyre data and more.
Technique & Driving
"Smooth is fast" - smooth, calm input almost always beats aggressive style. Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
Keep your eyes forward - look through the corner and beyond any thing immediately in front of you.
Learn the track from home - YouTube onboard videos and track guides are worth their weight in gold as a starting point. The real thing will always feel different – but for those going to a new track, being prepared really helps.
Set intermediate goals - "today I want to hit every apex and perfect my turning in points.
Avoid driving with track mode switched off all the time - ESP can save you the first few times.
Warm-up - spend 1-2 laps warming up the tyres, brakes and most importantly – you before starting to build up speed.
**Cooling down lap -**heat build-up kills parts so let the brakes and engine cool down as you return to the pits. REMEMBER do NOT park with the handbrake on when you stop in the pits.
Social & Practical
Talk to others in the pits - many are happy to give advice for you and your car.
Keep tape and cable ties in your bag - they can save everything from tyre sensors to wing mirrors.
Wear a name/badge on your helmet or car - it helps you connect and talk to others.
Ask for co-driving or instruction - even 2 laps with an experienced driver works wonders. Even F1 drivers have coaches!
Always carry cash - Not all tracks take cards and internet connections can sometime be unreliable.
Be humble and curious - you'll learn faster and become a better driver for it.