|
Is Lotus-on-Track the club for me? |
|
If you are looking for safe, fun track days in a
friendly environment at a reasonable price and are
prepared to follow the standards laid out above then
please read on. |
|
|
|
What does membership cost and include? |
|
Membership of L-o-T is £30 for 12 calendar months from
date of joining. After the first year there is an option of life time
membership for an additional one
off £30. Membership covers your partner or spouse and we
actively encourage them to join you on track -
especially on activity days or at circuits such as
Bedford and Abbeville. We should make it quite clear
that we reserve the right to refuse or refund membership
at any point. All those involved in running LoT do so in
their own time and their own cost, we run events because
we enjoy doing so. If a member ignores the clubs rules
or reduces the enjoyment we get from organising events
we will not tolerate this and will offer to refund
membership immediately. |
|
|
|
Do you admit beginners/novices? |
|
Yes! The vast majority of our members have attended
their first track day with LoT. We want to
encourage more enthusiasts to take part in days and
first time beginners are always treated as the most
important people on our days. Everyone attending their
first track day receives a free training session and we
only charge training out at cost to encourage members
to take training sessions. We will not
allow complete beginners on open pit lane days in the UK
(excluding Bedford) and recommend that everyone has
attended at least one beginner or airfield track day or
recognised driver training day before booking a day on a
major circuit.
In addition to our own days we recommend that anybody
looking to do their first track day consider novice days
organised by Motorsport Vision. MSV have a tried
and tested system for bringing new drivers through their
first track day. More details about MSV novice days can
be found
here. |
|
|
|
Is
my car suitable? (don't have a Lotus - read on!) |
|
If you don't have a Lotus don't worry we are happy to
accept other 2 seater road going sports car owners if
they have a similar attitude to driving their cars on
track. A variety of cars on track makes for
a much more interesting and fun day. We particularly
welcome VX220's, Caterham's, Westfields, Atoms, Ferrari & Porsche as we have a
number of members with these marques. We do not accept
saloon cars that have been modified to have 2 seats or
Radical style track cars. We do expect all cars to be able to
meet safety and noise emission requirements. All cars
need to be to MOT standards, seatbelts, brakes,
indicators and lights all need to work and tyres must be
in good condition. Single seaters are not allowed. If you
are unsure if Lotus-on-Track is suitable for you please
get in touch - see
contacts
page.
If you have a saloon car or don't think LoT is for you
we recommend the following track day organisers:-
bookatrack.com
motorsportvision.co.uk
goldtrack.co.uk
rma-limited.com |
|
|
|
What should I bring to an event? |
|
The most important thing is the right attitude. Track
days can be dangerous. There will be a set of simple
rules designed to keep you and others safe, if you come
prepared to follow those rules, you will be fine, break
them and you'll be going home early. Other than that, a
suitable & safe car and the correct clothing. |
|
|
|
What safety clothing is required? |
|
Helmets are compulsory for all people intending to drive
or passenger.
Ideally they should be certified to at least BSI 6658
Type A/FR or
Snell SA2005 standard. Some circuits
have started to insist on
MSA approved helmets only, in
particular Silverstone. Helmets can be hired on all
Lotus on Track days for £20. It is also compulsory
to have both your arms and legs fully covered by your
clothing. Some drivers like to wear gloves but this is
down to individual preference.
Open face helmets may not be allowed in some open top
cars, if this is the case you will be asked to put your
roof on or wear a full face helmet.
MSA approved helmet standards (these may be required at
some circuits)-
FIA 8860-2004
SNELL SA2005
SNELL SA2000
SFI Foundation 31.1A, 31.2A
BS 6658 Type A/FR
BS 6658 – 85 Type A **
** Withdrawn with effect from
01/01/10
Current 2010 status, for our events at
Silverstone & Rockingham helmets certified to the above
list are only
permitted. MSV required MSA only helmets in 2009 but
have changed this to be 'a suitable' helmet in 2010, we
would advice that this means an MSA approved helmet as
that is the only UK body to approve crash helmets for
car use. |
|
|
|
How do I prepare for a track day? |
|
Click here for preparation. |
|
Click here for
Lotus Cars pre-track check list |
|
Click here for
Lotus Cars important information for track users |
|
|
|
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. The limit for each event is
clearly displayed with the event information as either
static or drive by, in some cases both.
Static test - 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. A static limit of
105db is very high and very few cars have an issue with
this at 101db cars with std factory manifolds and
exhausts should be ok. Anyone with a very loud
exhaust/manifold should be carefull.
Drive by - This test is recorded at track side as the
car is moving at track speed. Depending on the circuit
the reading will be taken between right next to the
track and up to 20 meters away. Cars with Forced
Induction tend to have more issues with drive by, even
though they tend to pass static tests as the s/c or
turbo's only kick in when run at speed. There are many things
that affect drive by readings from wind direction, air
temperature, how low the cloud cover is or even what
line you are driving.
If a car is over the
official limit, the car will not be allowed onto the
circuit. Lotus-on-Track 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 unmodified road cars will record under 98db
static and lower than 87db drive by (the
strictest enforced at any of the venues used by us). It
should also be pointed out that
the physical characteristics of cars can change between
one day and the next - especially as a lot of Elises are
getting old - exhausts loosen up, also drivers get
quicker and thus push the cars harder the more track
days they attend or when they re-visit a circuit
multiple times.
If in doubt get the car tested prior to booking an
event, it is possible to have your car tested at most UK
circuits if you contact them direct. |
|
|
|
What is Open Pit Lane or Sessions? |
|
A Sessioned event means that the day will be structured
into usually 3 separate groups of cars which take it in
turns to go out on track for 20 minutes at a time. Each
car and all its drivers will be restricted to their
group for the duration of the day (except when under
instruction where the car may be allowed on track in
additional sessions). Drivers are allocated the group
depending on their experience level and type of car. The
aim is to keep fast and slower cars separate. An Open
Pit Lane event means that cars are free to go out onto
the track when they choose (providing the circuit limit
or our normally reduced limit has not been reached). On these days the first hour will
normally be in Session format to help stagger the
attendees. |
|
|
|
Can I bring a passenger? |
|
Yes! Passengers are more than welcome, please see the
age limit section below. We don't charge for passengers but do
require them to complete an indemnity form and abide by
the same rules as drivers on the day including following
any instructions that are given. They must wear a
suitable helmet, that is done up properly as well as
always wear a seat belt or harness. Once in the car they
must not hold any objects such as camera's or mobile
phones. Passengers on all LoT UK track days must be 18
years old or over. |
|
|
|
Are 2nd drivers allowed? |
|
Yes we allow 2nd drivers on all events free of charge.
However, if the event specifies an experience level such
as 'advanced drivers only', 'novice drivers only', 'not
suitable as a first track day' the 2nd driver must
fall into this category. We never charge for
2nd drivers at LoT exclusive events but do ask that they
make the first briefing. If you would
like to add a 2nd driver to an event please update the
comments box on the
relevant events table with their name. |
|
|
|
Is there an age limit at events? |
|
Drivers and passengers on all LoT UK track days must be 18
years old or over. However, 17 year old passengers
will be permitted to go on circuit in a car driven by
their parent or legal guardian if the parent/legal
guardian is present at sign-on and grants explicit
permission for them to do so
by completing our 17 year-old passenger indemnity form. Those under the age of 18 can visit most
circuits but there is a minimum age of 16 in the pit
lane of all circuits. No children under the age of 16
will be allowed into Bedford Autodrome or North Weald as
there are no spectator facilities for our events at these
venue. |
|
|
|
Can I use slick tyres? |
|
Currently slicks are allowed on the majority of LoT
track days. However, Castle Combe place a number of
conditions on their use so we do not permit them at
Combe under ANY circumstances. To clarify, a slick tyre
is one without a tread pattern. Road legal AO48's, 888's
etc are not classed as being slick. |
|
|
|
I've never driven on a track before and I would like
some pointers. |
|
Experienced track users who are also ARDS registered
instructors attend all Lotus-on-Track 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
track day experience. Cost is from £15 for one session
of 20 minutes if booked
in advance. |
|
|
|
I'd like to hire a crash helmet. |
|
We have crash helmets available to hire on all track
days. The helmets meet current MSA guidelines and can be
booked when you sign on for £20 for the day. We will
take some form of deposit from you, normally a credit
card or driving license, this will be returned at the
end of the day when you bring the helmet back. |
|
|
|
I'd like to book an instruction session. |
|
If you would like to book a session with one of our ARDS
instructors we would strongly advise that you book your
session when booking the track day. Not only is it
cheaper this way but we will always try and allocate
your session in the morning. If you forget to book and
let us know in advance of the day we will try and
allocate you as early a session as possible but more
likely than not this will be in the afternoon. Any
remaining places will be sold on the day of the event on
a first come basis. As a rule we will not sell more than
two instruction sessions in advance of the day per car. |
|
|
|
Will I be 'too slow' or 'too fast'? |
|
Speed is not necessarily an issue. Of course an overly
slow driver can cause a nuisance, which is why we select
sessions partly on the grounds of peoples 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 experience drivers alike.
Any driver not being "considerate" to others will be
removed from the track immediately. 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. |
|
|
|
What happens if I have an accident? |
|
Although a track day 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. Should the unfortunate happen, rest
assured that the attending marshals and paramedics will
be fully able to cope and that full and proper
procedures would be followed. |
|
|
|
If I damage my car in an accident, who will pay? |
|
Although track day accidents are rare, if you decide to
take your car on to a track, you must be aware that you
are accepting the risk. You will be required to sign a
declaration at each event, this is usual on any track
day. The circuit, Lotus-on-Track or any other person or
company cannot be held responsible, even if an accident
is not your fault. It is very unlikely that your road
going insurance policy is going to cover you for a track
day 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. Some
companies will cover you, for a small additional
premium. |
|
|
|
How do I book an event? |
|
As we are a non-profit making club we try to limit the
workload as much as possible on those who run LoT.
Because we are a web based club we take all bookings
through our automated on-line shop software this keeps
the level of admin work to a minimum and allows us to
maximise the time we can spend on organising the events.
Places can only be booked by club members, all
membership applications have to be made via the website
and cannot be made at events. |
|
|
|
How can I find full details of events and how many
places are available? |
|
Once you have signed up as a member you will have access
to our on-line forums. These forums contain full details
of all events including an event table for each trackday.
This table lists members who have signed up for the day
from LoT, information on noise limits, 2nd drivers and
training. The table also details the number of cars on
the day and how many places are left. If a day is sold
out please add yourself to the reserve list and we will
offer places that become available to those at the top
of the reserve list to be fair to everyone. Places are
allocated on a first come basis based on cleared funds.
To guarantee a place on a popular event please pay
on-line by credit/debit card while places are still
available. Please do not pass a place on to a non-member
without checking with us first as we want to ensure our
paying members get first option on all places. Please
check our full terms and conditions which can be found
in the shop. |
|
|
|
I need more information |
|
Before each track day starts there will be a briefing -
you will be directed to this at sign-on. Briefings will
normally be held at 8.30am and are mandatory so please
arrive in plenty of time. The briefing will be given by
a representative of the company organising the day. They
will cover exactly what will happen during the day,
track specifics, flags and all other information that
may be required. They will also give details about
hiring a helmet or booking training and even where
facilities are. At the end of the briefing there will be
a Q&A's session if you have any questions please ask. In
addition we have a Q&A forum where other members will be
only too glad to answer any questions you may have. |
