Track Days Overview
At Turn8 we put on fun, safe, track day events that let you take your own car out on iconic racetracks so you can explore the limits of both you and your car in a controlled environment. This page will go over how our track days run, what you need, and what to expect on the day.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
RUN GROUPS
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Beginner - Complete novice (zero experience), up to 5 previous track days. -
Low Intermediate - Typically 5-10 previous track days. -
High Intermediate - Typically 10-15 previous track days. -
Advanced - Typically over 15 previous track days.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Before arriving to the track, there are several things you should do:
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Make sure the car you're bringing meets technical requirements (see "Tech Inspections" below).
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Make sure you have numbers on your car. All cars on track need numbers on the side of the car, 10-inches high. Try to avoid repeating numbers (like "111"), and keep the number between 1 and 999. Usually drivers will use pre-cut vinyl numbers, or in a pinch blue painters tape can be used to fashion the numbers on the side of your car.
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Make sure you have your personal safety equipment (see "Safety equipment" below).
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Try to make sure you have a tow hook installed on your car. A factory tow hook works well, and for those of you with modified and/or full track vehicles without a factory tow point, there are several aftermarket options. The tow hook will be used to pull you off track if you have an issue (e.g. mechanical failure, run out of gas, etc)
The towing company is employed by the facilities, and are instructed to remove disabled cars as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption to the schedule. This means that if you do not have a tow hook, they may "hook on" to any structural/solid part of your vehicle, which may lead to damage to your vehicle - which the facility, tow truck or Turn8 are not liable for.
Note that we will not deny you access to the track without one, but the you assume all risks as detailed above without one. We also highly recommend marking (using a sticker, or just blue masking tape), the location of your tow point. If you do not have a real tow hook, we recommend finding a good structural point to tow your vehicle, and marking that instead.
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Learn the flag system. On track we use the international standard flag system to communicate with drivers, so try to learn and commit to memory all of the flags. See "What to Expect On Track" below for more details!
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Get some sleep! We know it can be quite exciting the night before, but we highly recommend getting a good nights sleep before. Driving on track is extremely fun, but will also be tiring!
PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
TECH INSPECTIONS
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Aftermarket seatbelts must be either SFI or FIA certified.
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If not OEM 3-point, they must be either 5 or 6 point.
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4-point belts are NOT allowed UNLESS they are the Schroth ASM-style belts. These belts have a breakaway belt that allows your body to rotate and prevent "submarining".
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Unless specified by the belt manufacturer to be designed for use with OEM seats, the belts MUST be used with an SFI/FIA certified racing seat designed with the shoulder belt path and bottom "anti-sub" belt must route through the seat as designed.
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If using the belts with a head-and-neck restraint, make sure your shoulder belt width meets the requirements of your restraint (i.e. 2-inch belts vs 3-inch belts).
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
OPEN PIT
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Beginner: Passing only allowed in designated zones, and can only be performed if the driver being passed gives a "point-by" by indicating clearly to the driver behind which side to pass.
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Intermediate: Passing allowed anywhere except corners, with point-by's being optional, but recommended. Be aware that cars may pass you without warning.
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Advanced: Open passing. Pass anywhere you like, including corners, but ensure the pass can be done safely. Point-by's are optional, but always welcome when possible.
INSTRUCTORS
Some of our events feature instructors for beginners, and if offered, will be assigned to you during the beginners drivers meeting in the morning. Typically we will assign one instructor per 3 or 4 drivers, and they will help you with any questions you have, pointers, and general coaching. This is provided free-of-charge to our attendees where possible. If you require dedicated one-on-one coaching (for a fee), please contact us and we'll see if we can make that happen! Regardless of instruction though, feel free to ask our staff any questions, and we'll be happy to help. We're all track enthusiasts ourselves with years of experience, and always more than willing to pass on that knowledge to help improve your skills!
PASSENGERS
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Passenger is at least 18 years old and has also signed our waiver.
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The car is setup to have a passenger in the seat next to the driver, with all the required safety equipment (seatbelts, etc).
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The passenger CANNOT sit in the back seats!
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You are at least Intermediate level (no passengers are allowed for beginners).
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The passenger cannot use any handheld device (e.g. cellphone or camera) while you're out on track.
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The passenger must obtain a passenger wrist band from us.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRACK
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To start with, don't miss your session! It's easy to lose track of time when preparing, so make sure to look at the schedule and keep track of time. We will announce your session around 5 minutes before it starts, so make sure to keep an ear out.
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Make sure you have fuel in your car! Track fuel is available, but is expensive, so some drivers head out of the facility to get it at a local gas station. Driving on track uses a LOT of fuel, so typically you need 2-3 tanks for a full day, depending on your car and how experienced you are (faster you are, typically the more fuel you use).
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Don't forget to put your helmet on, secure it, seatbelts done up, and all of your windows should be rolled down (front and back).
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Approach the pit entrance before your session starts and line up behind the cars waiting to go out, or the track marshal in the pit lane if you're first.
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The marshal will check your wrist band to ensure you should be in this session. They will also check your passengers wrist band to make sure they are approved to go out too.
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When indicated, drive on to the track. Maintain pit-lane speeds (5MPH) until you pass the marshal, at which point you can accelerate up to track joining speeds (varies, but typically around 40MPH).
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The first session of the day will start with a "Full Track Yellow". This means no passing, driving slower and controlled, and is designed to let you "see" the track. Each flag station will have a waiving yellow flag, so be sure to look out for them. This lets you know where they are so when driving normally you can look out for any warning flags.
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After the "Full Track Yellow" (usually just 1 lap), you'll get the Green flag at the Start/Finish line. At that point the track is hot and you should drive accordingly! Subsequent sessions will not have a full track yellow lap.
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Some things to remember:
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In your first session of the day, the track is cold and your tires are cold. Don't push too hard else you might end up off the track in the gravel!
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Watch the flag stations - yellow, red and black flags are especially important.
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At the end of your session, you'll see the checkered flag. Sometimes this will be at two stations (start/finish and about half way around the track). When you see it, exit the track as soon as you get to the pit entrance (don't do another lap). This is important to make sure the next group doesn't lose time in their session.
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While on track, NEVER get out of your car unless for some reason your car is on fire, or in other imminent fire-related danger. It's the ONLY reason to exit the car. If you exit the car without good reason, you will not be allowed back on track for the day.
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While on track, NEVER remove your helmet. If you do, you will not be allowed back on track for the day.
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The above two rules apply to any passengers as well!
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Don't ignore a black flag. If a black flag is pointed at you, you must come off the track and see the marshal in the pit lane (don't go hide in the paddock either!)
FLAGS
Flags are very important for communicating with drivers, so here are the ones we use. Try to memorize these, and their meanings:
Track is hot. Full track speed OK.
LAP TIMING
TIME TRIALS
At some of our events we also offer entry in to our Turn8 Time Attack Battle time trial series. Depending on your car, you will be classified against others with similar cars, and can win trophies, medals and/or prizes - as well as bragging rights! You simply need to have the fastest time in your group in the designated session to win. This is not a wheel-to-wheel competition. You compete only on lap time, so please remember that there is no racing between participants allowed whatsoever.
PASSING RULES
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Beginner: Passing only allowed in designated zones, and can only be performed if the driver being passed gives a "point-by" by indicating clearly to the driver behind which side to pass. -
Intermediate: Passing allowed anywhere except corners, with point-by's being optional, but recommended. Be aware that cars may pass you without warning. -
Advanced: Open passing. Pass anywhere you like, including corners, but ensure the pass can be done safely. Point-by's are optional, but always welcome when possible.