Track Attack – Five Track Day Essentials

Owning a classic car does not preclude you from getting out on track. In fact, there are scores of classics out there that have been built for the sole purpose of going fast whilst hunting for the next apex. Old cars still like to stretch their legs, they still like to go fast and they still like to be pushed. If you own a performance car, it doesn’t matter if it’s thirty years old. It’s still a performance car, so why not book onto a track day and let it, well, perform? 

There are myriad tracks out there that run open pit lane track sessions. You can book in, go along, get tuition and then go and have some fun. You don’t need to be Ogier or Button though. You can press on at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. And so you should, it’s a huge, huge amount of fun. Trust us. Just promise us that, if you do, you have this kit with you. 

1) Fire Extinguisher

If it does all go Pete Tong as you’re barrelling out of Graham Hill bend, or if as you’re flying down the Craners, your car gets a bit too hot, there is going to be a risk of fire. Track days are incredibly safe, but there is still a chance you might come a cropper away from immediate help. As such, it’s worth having a fire extinguisher on board just in case. Obviously a little 2kg item won’t extinguish a car, but it will stifle small fires as they start. It could save you and your car. 

2) First Aid Kit

Track days can be a hazardous affair. Something could go wrong on track, or you could injure yourself while fettling with the car in the pits. And if either of those things happen, you’re going to need some medical aid. Again, track days are safe and well managed, but in the event of you having an off far on the back straight, or if you just get a minor injury you can sort yourself, you can only do so if you have a first aid kit. This one is pretty comprehensive, and it’s only £25. 

3) Racing Gloves

Getting out on track is exciting, but it’s also physically demanding and not to mention, it can get the old nerves going. That means there is a potential for sweaty palms, and sweaty palms are bad for grip. And you need grip on your steering wheel and gear knob, otherwise you’re going to end up in gravel. Avoid that by investing in these comfy, race-drive specification Sparco gloves. You’ll have grip, comfort, you won’t get blisters and you’ll look cool. And let’s face it, looking cool is important, too. 

4) Racing Boots

Driving well, on track, is about finesse and control. You need to be completely in tune with the car and what it’s doing. If you jump in your car while wearing normal boot or shoes, you’re going to get none of that feel. That’s why proper, bona fide racing boots exist, like these sexy suede items from OMP. They’re comfortable, but they’re also light and are designed to be flexible. You also get a great deal of feel through them, which means you’re going to be more in tune with throttle, brake and clutch positions. Proper racers wear them, so why shouldn’t you? 

5) GoPro

You are, of course, going to want to record your outings on track. Not only so you can show anyone who so much as mentions your car, but also so you can watch back and learn. You’ll also be able to enjoy the track day action without the distraction of, you know, driving. GoPro is the biggest name in the game when it comes to cameras, and the Hero 7 White is a bargain at £130. You’ll get high-definition, crystal clear footage of your on-track heroics. Just don’t forget to look at our camera kit for car mounts and other kit.