Starter Guide
Outlined below are the primary steps to take to get started tracking your car. Embedded within you will see other topics referenced, such as safety gear, tires, suspension etc. that we invite you to explore via dedicated content. For now though, read on to see how you can get started!
01
Do I have the right car?
Good news, any car can theoretically be driven on a track. We've personally seen a Toyota Prius and even a Suzuki Juke at the track! So, if you want to experience track driving, you can do so regardless of the car you own.
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However, you likely own a performance car if you are here, therefore our focus will be on the minimum necessary to get out there safely. Track days can be overwhelming at first, so let's start by breaking down the parts and how they all come together.
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Wondering what you might see at the track, head to our Cars profile page, where we look at cars purely from a track worthiness perspective.
02
Your Car: Come as you are
Regardless of what you read, you will not need to make ANY modifications to your car for your first day on track. Why? As a beginner you will not be driving at any sort of speed or intensity that would warrant modifications. To start, focus on three things: Mechanical Fitness, Tire Condition, and Brake System Condition.
03
Mechanical Fitness
Driving your car at high speed over an extended period of time taxes your car in ways it would not experience while driving in normal conditions. Any weak points in your car will be exposed quickly, endangering you and those around you. A specific track day safety inspection is a worthwhile (and sometimes mandatory) investment, as the inspector will check over all the common failure points that tend to reveal themselves on track. This check will also provide you with piece of mind that your car is in good working order.
04
Tire Condition
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Other than brakes, there is nothing more important while on track than tire condition. To state the obvious, your tires keep your car on the track where you want and where you expect it to be. As you advance you will see that tires become a consistent focus of your time between sessions, as well as a regular subject of discussion with other track rats. Most important, ensure you have adequate tread, ideally 5mm+, and that the condition of your tires is sound, meaning no chunks missing, balanced, and no cabling revealed.
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05
Brake System Condition
Even more important than tires are brakes. You need to be able to stop in ways you are not familiar with; ways that put extreme pressure on your braking system. In other areas of the site we will go into greater depth on braking systems, modifications etc. that enhance your ability to stop, but for your first day out, lets stick to three primary checks.
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Click here to see the three checks...
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If all of the above conditions have been met, you now have a car that is ready for the track!
06
Finding a Track
Depending on where you are geographically, you may have many, or few, choices on where you want to drive. The good news is that many tracks, if not all, host track day experiences, and every one of them will provide a fun experience. Given this, the major consideration with any track are the amenities that can be found nearby.
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07
HPD Event Organizers
Of the areas covered thus far, this may be the most important decision you make as a first timer. Each HPDE Organizer offers a slightly different experience depending on what you want by way of organization and guidance.
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There are a few different types of organizations that host track days, each with a different goal/mission in mind. Click on the link below to learn more, where we cover each type in a bit of depth, highlighting their unique features and help you make the right choice.
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08
Head to the Track!
Now that you have your car ready, brakes, tires, fluids and mechanical competency checked, a track located, an HPDE Organizer's event picked out, it is time to head to the track!
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In the next section, First Track Day, we will go over what to bring and what to expect on your first day at the track.
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