What standards are enforced on events?
 
* ALL of our track days are non-competitive
* Overtaking is only by consent
* Overtaking is only allowed on the left
* Overtaking is only allowed on the straights
* We set a maximum number of cars for all days and do not exceed that number under any circumstances
* We have at least 2 ARDS instructors on all UK track days
* Driver training is offered on all track days
* We carry £10 million of public liability insurance for all track days
* All drivers must attend a briefing session
* All drivers will need to bring a full driving license
* No drivers or passengers under the age of 17 allowed
* Noise limits and experience levels clearly specified for all events
* We strongly recommend that you wear a crash helmet that is certified to at least BSI 6658 Type A/FR or Snell SA2005 standard as some UK circuits now insist on these. (see below)
 
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 2011 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.