Trackdays for Tyros

Fire Extinguisher. The one mandatory item is a fire extinguisher. You can make a token gesture, and buy a cheapo from Halfords. This can be secured to the passenger's footrest in the Elise. You should be aware though that if it is secured loosely enough to be of use in a fire, then it will probably be a potential missile in an accident. However, if you are not certain how far you want to take this hobby, this is probably a good way to start (I used this solution for my first few track days). Later on you can buy a proper fire extinguisher, possibly plumbed in. 2.25l is the minimum effective size. By the way, in a glass fibre car this is probably an accessory which should be high on your wish list anyway, higher than fancy CD players! Personally, I have never seen a fire on a track day, but an Elise had a fire after rolling over in an accident at the Nürburgring.

Tyre Pressures. This was a matter of some concern to me in the early days. Tony Shute (Elise Development Project Manager) advised me that the Elise handling and ride is very sensitive to variations in tyre pressures. Elise tyres should be run at the pressures recommended in the handbook. The tyre pressures should be set cold. This advice may not be true for other models and makes. An accurate tyre pressure gauge is a worthwhile investment.

Lights. All glass light lenses should be taped so that in the event of damage, the glass is retained and not spread around the track.

General. You should make a thorough visual check of the car from front to rear, checking fluid levels and tightness etc. I have developed a check list for the Elise in Word 6 format. Please contact me if you want a copy.

The only mandatory item for the driver is a helmet. The main clubs have a limited number available to lend to drivers: if you need to borrow one, get there early! Otherwise, you will want to make this your first purchase.

You do not need race overalls, but you do need to dress sensibly. Fire resistant (i.e. not cotton, and definitely not nylon) would be preferred, and all skin should be covered. Again, on track days this is down to you, but short sleeved tee-shirts and shorts would not be sensible. Boots and gloves are useful accessories, and complete your personal safety equipment.

Comprehensive insurance is available for track days. Your regular insurer may do this for a sum ranging from £10 to £50 or more. Gold Track Club also offers insurance by the day. I use Norwich Union Club, which although on the expensive side for normal insurance, last season offered track day insurance at £6 with £250 excess. This season they are charging £15 with £1000 excess; the increase is blamed on the high level of claims from Elise drivers!

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