Can I have Instruction ?
Although Javelin Trackdays is not a training organisation, and trackdays are certainly not about learning to be a racing driver, Instructors are available to give you informal guidance into track driving technique, and how it varies from road driving. That said your road driving can benefit a great deal from the skills discovered in your trackday experience.
The aim is ultimately to improve how safely and smoothly you drive your car around a track and that will inevitably help with awareness and control on the road.
Ultimately it’s only going to be you with feet on the pedals, and any accidents at trackdays (thankfully rare) are always the fault of the driver and the driver alone. Instructors cannot stop you from having an accident but they can make you think twice about driving beyond your limits. We HIGHLY recommend all beginners make use of them. Advice can be booked when you sign into any event.
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What are the noise restrictions at Javelin events?
Javelins approach is that everyone has a right to enjoy life. This includes the local population surrounding a venue. We therefore have set a noise limit for each event. This is measured at 3/4 throttle at 0.5 metres from the tailpipe. These limits are usually the same limit as imposed on most road based race / rally competition cars and should therefore not be hard to achieve. We may not test every car as we feel experienced enough to selectively test the noisier cars. We will carry out a free noise test for you at any of our events if you are at all unsure.
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Are passengers allowed?
Yes, passengers over the age of 16 are welcome. They or if under 18 their guardian will be required to sign a Declaration and Indemnity. A general rule is that only the front seats are allowed to be occupied. However each passenger must have the exclusive use of a seat belt. An additional charge £5 per passenger is levied at “signing on” (according to venue).
Signed on passengers and drivers may passenger in other cars at no extra charge.
We ask that all passengers wait until drivers are signed on before signing on themselves.
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Can I bring Spectators?
Yes, All we ask is that they behave sensibly, stay in the designated area and obey any marshals instructions given. Children must be kept under the close supervision of an adult at all times.
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What sort of licence or club membership is required?
We feel it only sensible to ask for some sort of evidence to prove your driving competence. Therefore we ask to see your DVLA driving licence for the class of vehicle you will be using before access to the track is allowed. No competition licence or club membership is required. Please note that MSA competition licences will not be compromised by participation in trackdays as they are non- competitive events.
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How much track time can we expect?
Quite simply, as much as we can give you. Our policy is to give you a good, sensibly priced “ fix” for your money.
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I've never been to a track day before, what is the normal schedule of events?
In principle 'turn up and drive!'. A more detailed explanation however would be as follows: -
First we like to greet all our guests personally. Once people have arrived and “signed on” and received their identification armbands we give a quick but comprehensive briefing. It's here that everything will be explained, from sessions to safety and overtaking to tuition. It's at this point we ask for anyone who isn't quite sure as to how things work to speak up. We than ask that everyone gets ready and joins the rest of their session in the parking area. After the Javelin staff have carried out the final safety checks on the circuit... away you go! Your first 3 laps will be in convoy behind a Safety Car to acquaint you with the circuit in use on that event. We usually have a 1-hour break for lunch around 12.45pm. A more detailed sample time schedule is shown elsewhere on the site.
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What sort of tyre wear can I expect?
Obviously this will depend on both the weather and your driving style. In the rain it will be difficult to wear out a set of tyres regardless of how much sliding you do. In the dry however the wear rate can be higher. Driving within the limit of yourself and the car there is no reason why a day would wear your tyres any more than a standard track day. As in all things there is a price to pay for over exuberance.
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Is my car suitable?
Most likely yes. Almost all vehicles are welcome on trackdays just so long as they meet safety and noise emission requirements. As a general rule, you car needs be to of MOT standard. Seatbelts, brakes, tyres, indicators and lights all need to work.
Some circuits do have special rules, and one of the most common is that special track prepared cars that do not have wings over their wheels won’t be allowed. Check out the event detail box for any restrictions.
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Car preparation
Although most cars are built to withstand stresses above those they will ever experience on normal road, they are not built with track work in mind.
There are a few simple things that you can do to help ensure your car will cope with the extra stresses of a day on track and go home in as good condition as when it arrived:
1) Brakes
Check that your brake disks and pads are in good condition.
Make sure if you need to change the pads that you have time to bed them in well before taking to the track (min 100 miles use).
Many regular trackday enthusiasts upgrade the discs, pads and brake fluid they use which on top of improving track performance, will also make your car safer for the road.
2) Tyres.
The actual part of the car making contact with the track needs to be in very good condition and set at the right pressures.
These will be determined by the make of car and the make of tyre, also the track conditions and your own personal preference. Many people choose to increase the pressure by around 10% and find that tyre wear is less of a problem. Some vehicles find increased grip from lowering the pressure, maybe only on one axle.
The trick is to check the pressures are even and check them when they are at track temperatures.
One thing is for sure though, you should make any adjustments at the track and return the tyres to normal road pressures before you leave so make sure you have a method of blowing up your tyres. Small battery tyre inflators are available from all good motoring shops.
3) Engine
Your engine will spend more time at high revs than ever before, check that all the filters and belts are in good order and pay particular attention to the oil level.
Bring some oil with you, as it is normal for an engine to “burn” some during a trackday.
Keep an eye on the level during the day keeping it close to or at the max.
Be careful not to overfill though. Upgrading the oil to one that can handle higher temperatures is a good idea.
4) Steering and Suspension
Suspension and steering parts will help define how well your car handles, and hence how comfortable you will feel out on the track. Make sure these parts are in good working order and don’t be tempted to take to the track (or road for that matter) with faulty or worn parts.
5) Bodywork
The bodywork should be in good order, as we don’t want wheel covers (remove them for the event), bumpers and wings leaving your car while you are driving!
6) Contents of you car
Make sure that you remove everything from the car that is not firmly fixed down. Pens and soft drinks cans can become lethal projectiles. Make sure you remove everything from the boot of the car too, in some cases this means the spare wheel also, there is always somewhere to keep things at an event, while you are on the track
Remember that Javelin can take no responsibility for belongings during the day.
7) Fuel
This sounds obvious, but it’s very important. You will not be averaging 35mpg while on the track, indeed less than 10mpg can be more realistic once you are a little more experienced. Be sure to have at least half a tank of fuel in you car before each session as if you run out on the track you will waste everyones track time while your car is recovered.
8) Insurance
It is becoming increasingly unlikely that your road going policy is going to cover you for a trackday so make sure you check with your insurance company first. Make sure you mention that these events are non-competitive and no racing or timing is allowed. Javelin can arrange cover for a small additional premium.
If your insurers do not cover you we recommend you take out a separate per event policy to be sure. Javelin also sell personal accident insurance, which we also recommend you take out.
Although trackday accidents are rare, if you decide to take your car on to a track, you must be aware that you are accepting the risk. By taking part you have already agreed to this. You will also be required to sign a further declaration at each event. This is usual on any trackday. The Landowner, Javelin or any other person or company cannot be held responsible, even if an accident is not your fault, so make sure you are insured.
9) Things to bring
The most important thing is the right attitude. You need to be aware that all motoring events of this nature can be dangerous.
Follow the rules, they designed to keep you and others safe.
Helmets are compulsory for all people intending to drive or passenger.
Warm clothing, venues can vary from warm and sunny to wild and windy.
Bring some electrical or gaffer tape along and tape up the lights before going on circuit.
A tool kit may well be handy to have.
Fire extinguishers are not compulsory, and indeed if there is an incident the Fire Marshals will take care of any fire. However, it’s recommended that you purchase an in-car fire extinguisher to keep in the cabin of the car. Make sure it is secure in it’s mounting though and will stay firmly fixed in the event of an accident.
10) Hand Held Cameras, Video Cameras or Mobile Phones
Making an in-car video of a event is allowed but the camera must be mounted solidly to the car and the mounting must be checked that it is secure. Participants must not hold any type of camera, phone or similar whilst on circuit. It should be noted that at some events Video Cameras are not allowed
11) Timing your runs
The use of timing equipment is not allowed. Anyone found timing or using any form of timing system will be banned from track
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How are cars tested for noise and will my car pass the noise tests?
The vast majority of tracks in the UK have noise limits imposed on them by their local councils. These limits vary from track to track and some tracks have several different limits. The limit for each event is displayed in the event detail boxes. They are generally measured in the same way. A noise meter is placed at a 45 degree angle to the exhaust outlet and 50cm away. The car is then held at 3/4 of its maximum rev limit and the highest reading recorded is the cars recorded noise output for the day. If a car is over the official limit, the car will not be allowed onto the circuit. Javelin will have no part in this process or a say in its outcome. If you do not know what the noise output of your car is, as a general guide most standard road cars will record lower than 98db (the strictest enforced at any of the venues used by us), indeed many sports exhaust systems will also, but may reach 102-3db. However, if in doubt get the car tested prior to booking an event, you are welcome to visit any event of ours for a test.
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What's the difference of OPEN PITLANE or SESSIONED EVENT.?
Where SESSIONED event is displayed, this means the day will be structured into usually 3 or even 2 separate groups of cars which take it in turns to go out on track for 20 minutes at a time.
Each car and all it's drivers will be restricted to their group for the duration of the day unless a) You are asked to change groups or b) You have booked a DOUBLE session.
We may allow an extra session when under instruction.
There is normally no extra charge for additional drivers on these days, over the normal passenger fee.
Where OPEN PITLANE event is displayed, this means the cars and drivers are free to go out onto the track when they choose. This is usually subject to a track limit ie the number of cars on track at any one time is controlled..
Some events may change from SESSIONED to OPEN PITLANE or vica versa if driving standards or situations dictate the need.
I've never driven on a track before and I would like some pointers, will you have instructors there?
Experienced track users who are also DSA or ARDS registered instructors attend our events. These are available to give you some guidance into track driving. They won't be teaching you to be a racing driver, but they will be sharing the benefits of their racing and trackday experience. It is highly recommended that you take this option, if you are at all unfamiliar with track driving or new to a particular track. The small additional fee is money well spent.
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I am concerned I will be `too slow`, and more experienced drivers will be inconsiderate.?
Any driver not being "considerate" to others will be removed from the track by the marshals using a black flag. They are the ones in the wrong. Speed is not necessarily an issue. Of course an overly slow driver can cause a nuisance, which is why we select GROUPS on the grounds of people`s prior experience, type of vehicle and where they will feel most comfortable. If sessions are clearly not working out: we change them. We strive to provide a comfortable situation for newcomers and experienced drivers alike.
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What happens if I have an accident?
Although a trackday is generally a very safe time and place to try the limits of driving, in reality accidents can and sadly do happen. It would be dishonest for us to say otherwise. We endeavour to do absolutely everything possible to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and spectators alike. Part of this is staffing our events to meet ATDO rules and only using trained and experienced people. Should the unfortunate happen, rest assured that the attending marshals and medical cover will be fully able to cope and that full and proper procedures would be followed.
DO NOT Try to help unless directed to do so, you are more likely to get in the way.
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If I damage my car in an accident, who will pay?
Although trackday accidents are rare, if you decide to take your car on to a track, you must be aware that you are accepting the risk. By booking to take part you have already agreed to this. You will also be required to sign a further declaration at each event. This is usual on any trackday. The owners of venue, Javelin Trackdays or any other person or company cannot be held responsible, even if an accident is not your fault. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that your road going policy is going to cover you for a trackday so make sure you check with your insurance company first. Make sure you mention that these events are non-competitive and no racing or timing is allowed. Javelin can arrange cover you, for an additional premium. We always recommend you take out a separate per event policy to be sure. It is recommended that you consider if you have adequate personal accident insurance in place before taking part.
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I am concerned I will be `too fast`, and less experienced drivers will spoil my fun?
We make every effort to make all drivers feel relaxed and make sure they are alert and enjoy the day. We run NON-competitive track days. Anyone caught getting aggressive / competitive / dangerous behind the wheel will be removed from the circuit.
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Can I run on slick tyres?
Yes, but they must be in good condition and the track conditions must be suitable. Before using slicks you should seriously consider whether your cars specification is suitable. It is strongly recommended that any car using slicks should have roll over protection fitted. Please note that some venues only allow road tyres.
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Can we use the day for race testing with timing equipment?
We've no objection to teams / individuals using trackdays for a test or shakedown of a new car for example, as long as they understand they have to operate under the same rules as everyone else. Competition or practicing though is strictly forbidden, including the use of timing equipment doing so can see you banned from that venue.
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What is the ATDO?
The ATDO refers to the Association of Track Day Organisers.
Set-up in 2000 to give the track day participant some benchmark when choosing an organiser. Javelin is a member of this organisation. We recommend you only participate in events organised by full ATDO members.
I'm uneasy about Internet security and shopping online. Is there another way to book and pay for an event?
We understand your concern, but rest assured we have selected Worldpay as the leader in this field. It's also the quickest and easiest way to get a place on an event so we STRONGLY recommend you give it a go. However, if you are still unsure then you can select to send us a cheque instead.
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Do you run Club and Corporate Events?
If you represent a motoring club, such as a single make owners club then you will proberly be aware of the increasing popularity of trackdays for your members. You may also be aware of the increasing cost and hassle of arranging one.
This is where Javelin can help. We can provide all the services you will need from booking the venue, an online booking/payment facility for your members, providing instructors and marshals and dealing with all the administration.
Exclusive airfield days can be a cost effective and fun way to hold an event, and we have negotiated special rates with many of the UK circuits to help make club days more affordable. You can also take up the option of an "event within and event" by booking an entire session for a special rate, where you will still get all the services required or simply email or phone to ask about our club group discounts for any of our events.
Corporate Events
There is no doubting the excitement that can surround a motoring event.
Whatever your wishes, Javelin can provide activities tailored to your needs and wants and you will have the assurance that we will have a full range of activities that will present your clients, guests and staff with a memorable day that they will hold you in high regard for. These events can help with team building and bringing your clients together with your team.
You can help develop the esteem held for your organisation by individuals by getting away from the work environment and result in a more productive attitude when they return.
Track and Airfield based activities are available to suit all needs and budgets. Drop us an email or phone call to discuss your requirements.
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What should I wear?
A general rule of thumb is that in the interest of safety your body, arms and legs are covered and you wear a helmet. Javelin insists that drivers and passengers wear suitable and well fitting helmets at all times on the track. Occupants of cars that do not have full windscreens should wear full face helmets or suitable eye protection.
Other than the points indicated above (helmet, etc.), no specific safety clothing is required - this is entirely down to the individual.
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Does Javelin Trackdays welcome Lady Drivers?
Yes, we keep stressing we want everyone to enjoy our trackdays and we mean it.
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