Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lotus on Track the club for me?
If you are looking for safe, fun track days in a friendly environment then please read our general rules and the standards we look to enforce below.
Is my car suitable? (don’t have a Lotus – read on!)
If you don’t have a Lotus don’t worry we also welcome Caterhams, Porsches, VX220s and some other 2 seater sports cars – a full list can be found here. We do not accept new members with 2 door coupe’s such as the BMW M3 or saloon cars that have been modified to have 2 seats. We also don’t accept Radical style track cars under any circumstances.
What does membership cost?
12 Months Membership – £30/30€
Annual renewal – £20/20€ for further 12 months, or Lifetime renewal – £40/40€. Membership is family based so includes spouse. Lifetime renewal is a one-off fee after the initial year’s membership and is a final payment. For more information or to join please click here.
Is there an age limit at events?
Main drivers on all Lotus on Track events must be between 21 and 75 years old *. 2nd drivers must be aged between 21 and 70. Passengers must be aged between 18 and 75. Those under the age of 18 can visit most circuits but there is a minimum age of 16 or 18 in the pit lane at all circuits. No children under the age of 16 will be allowed into Hethel as there are no spectator facilities at this venue.
* The upper age limit for Main drivers who are lifetime members and have driven with LoT previously may be extended on an event-by-event basis with prior written approval at least 48hrs before event sign-on opens.
No exemptions will be given to passengers or 2nd drivers under any circumstances.
What safety criteria should my car meet?
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. Some non-Lotus cars will need to have an approved Roll Over Protection system(ROPs) or full cage, please read our cage rules in section 20 of our T&C’S.
If a member has done a number of events with us in a suitable car and then changes to another road going car that wouldn’t normally be accepted they are more than welcome to remain as a club member and may be able to use that car on some days – strictly by written approval from us on an event by event basis.
Track day preparation FAQ / Lotus Cars pre-track check list
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, you need to arrive prepared to follow those rules.
Other than that, a suitable & safe car, a full valid driving licence suitable for the car you will be driving, your cars towing eye and the correct clothing. It’s also worth bringing some consumables such as oil, a small tool kit and other basics like cable ties. Finally, a tyre pressure gauge and a foot pump will always come in handy too.
Do I need to wear a crash helmet?
All drivers and passengers must wear a crash helmet that is suitable for driving a car on circuit.
Any vehicle without a hard top or fixed roof will require occupants to wear full face helmets.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring helmets are in good condition & are fitted correctly. Convertible/flip down helmets or cheap scooter helmets are not suitable for driving a car on circuit and will not be permitted.
Helmet cameras are not permitted under any circumstances.
What safety clothing is required?
It is also compulsory to have both your arms and legs fully covered by your clothing. We would recommend wearing a race suit and gloves.
What are noise limits and how are cars tested for noise?
All circuits have noise limits imposed on them by their local councils or national motorsport body. The noise limit for each event is clearly displayed on all booking pages 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 noise reading is taken.
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 metres 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. It should also be pointed out that the physical characteristics of cars can change between one day and the next especially as cars get older, exhausts loosen up, 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 we recommend you 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, there are also phone apps available which are reasonably accurate on static tests. Alternatively, please email us and we will give the best advice we can based on our experience.
What is Open Pit Lane or Sessions?
A sessioned event means that the day will be structured into usually 3 separate groups which take it in turns to go out on track for a set time, normally 20 minutes. Each car will be restricted to their group for the duration of the day. Drivers are generally allocated a group depending on their experience level or type of car.
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).
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes! Passengers are more than welcome. Passengers are required 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 cameras or mobile phones. Passengers on all LoT track days must be between 18 and 75 years old, proof of age will be required at sign-on.
Lotus on Track club members may have up to 3 passengers free of charge. These passengers must register in advance of the day using the on-line registration form. Those not registering in advance, additional passengers, or those with non-members will be charged £10/10€ each.
Are 2nd drivers allowed?
Yes, we allow a 2nd driver on most events. However, we only accept 2nd drivers who are experienced track day drivers and meet our Intermediate and Advanced criteria. We do not accept 2nd drivers who have not driven on a full track day before or who have not driven a full track day on a major race circuit.
All 2nd drivers must register in advance of the day, sign on before the opening sign on session closes, normally 8.30 or 16.30 if an evening event. They must also take part in the sighting laps. Second drivers on all LoT track days must be between 21 years old and 70 years old, proof of age will be required at sign-on. We will not normally sign on a 2nd driver once the sighting laps have started.
At some events we may permit a 3rd driver, this will be detailed on the relevant booking page.
Can I use slick tyres?
Unfortunately, not in the UK. We have tried to allow some flexibility on the use of slicks by requesting that drivers asked permission in advance. However, we’ve been asked to remove any ambiguation so have no choice but to ban the use of slicks in the UK. For track days outside the UK we may accept slicks depending on the circuit, car and driver – written approval must be given 2 weeks in advance of the track day and will be strictly limited to long term lifetime members only who have driven a large number of events with LoT previously.
Road legal Avon ZZRs, Yokohama AO48’s and Toyo 888’s etc are not classed as being slick.
Can I use a camera/video on circuit?
In car photography is permitted. However, videos must be for private use only and securely mounted – suction mounts are NOT permitted. Cameras must not be mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. The use of handheld cameras and/or camera phones is strictly prohibited.
What if I want to improve my driving ability?
Some track days have professional instructors on hand and will be able to give guidance on the day for a small additional charge.
Where instructors are available, they can be booked when booking the event initially. We allocate instruction sessions in the order they are booked so by booking as early as possible you have more of a chance of a morning slot. 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 one instruction session in advance of the day per car. Track days also have a friendly atmosphere, and fellow members will also be happy to share advice and tips with likeminded enthusiasts!
I’d like to hire a crash helmet.
We have a limited supply of crash helmets available for club members to book in advance of each track day.
We will take some form of deposit from you, normally a credit card or driving licence, which will be returned at the end of the day when you return the helmet.
For further information and to book please see the relevant event booking page.
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. In addition, you are responsible for any damage caused to the circuit, as an example if you come into contact with a guard rail or tyre wall. 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. If you don’t have insurance that covers you it may be possible to arrange standalone cover – check out our Insurance directory.
What standards are enforced on events?
All of our track days are non-competitive – timing is NOT permitted.
Overtaking is only by consent, only allowed on the straights, normally the left and never in the corners or braking zones.
All drivers must attend a briefing session or complete an on-line briefing.
Main drivers on all Lotus on Track events must be at least 21 years old.
Second drivers must sign on before the sign-on closes and the sighting laps take place.
Second drivers must be aged between 21 and 70. Passengers must be aged 18-75.
Slick tyres are not permitted on UK events. In Europe by prior written approval depending on driver, circuit & car.
Noise limits and experience levels are clearly specified for all events.
A full event guide is emailed a few days before each event. This guide covers the timings of the event, how the day will be run and important safety information.
We set a maximum number of cars for all days and do not exceed that number under any circumstances.
We have a comprehensive set of operating procedures & risk assessment that are submitted to circuits.
LoT has a thorough Privacy Notice and is registered with the ICO – registration number ZA244265.
Association of Track Day Organisers (ATDO)
Although the Association of Track Day Organisers Ltd is no longer a registered company, Lotus on Track were proud members of the association until it was dissolved.
How do I book an event?
All events can be booked via our on-line shop.
I need more information
3-5 days before each track day we will send an email with final instructions about the event, this will cover timings, directions and safety information (a sample can be found here). In addition 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 cover what will happen during the day, track specifics, flags and all other information that may be required. At the end of the briefing there will be a Q&A’s session if you have any questions please ask.
Other track day organisers
If we can’t provide the track day you’re looking for. From our ‘personal’ experience we would recommend looking at Circuit Days, MSVT, RSR & Gold Track. Obviously this is a personal recommendation rather than LoT and you should always read T&C’s and rules in full before booking with any organisers, including LoT.
Europa Trackdays also provide a great resource for the majority of trackdays in the EU. They update their lists in their own time and have listed LoT’s events for many years.
