TRACKDAY : Buddies

[casey]

At many trackdays we have a group of experienced drivers who have driven on track many times and are very familiar with the format of trackdays. In such cases we are very willing to offer an experienced "Buddy" to any newcomers to trackdays. You only need to ask, via the relevant trackday thread if there is someone available who can "Buddy-up" with you. It may be your very first trackday, or maybe you are unfamiliar with a particular circuit and would like some help from the passenger seat at the start of the day. In summary, we can offer any/all of the following, which you can tailor to your specific needs with your Buddy; (acknowledgements to Harrizone for the original draft of the following).


Sign on is typically from 7.30am and you can accompany your buddy to complete the sign on process. Be prepared with your driving licence and preferably any completed indemnity form(s).

Don’t worry if you don’t complete the form(s) in advance, they will be available on the day.

After sign on there will be time before the safety briefing to carry out a check of the fluids and tyre pressures on your car and to ensure that all loose items are removed from the interior and boot of the car. Also we can accompany you to complete a noise test, which for the RX-8 is a mere formality as all (unless decat) will be well within limits. Attending the safety briefing at 8.30 is mandatory for all drivers and passengers.

Immediately after the safety briefing all drivers have to take to the track to complete a number of sighting laps following the course car which can give you a feel for the braking points, lines through corners etc. However, being a number of cars behind the course car can result in the actual path to follow becoming diluted so can give a false indication of the actual way to drive the circuit.

We suggest one of two alternatives to alleviate the possibility of this happening and for you to get a better indication of the lines to follow, etc:-

(a) For you to drive your own car with the buddy in the passenger seat giving guidance as to braking points, apexes, correct lines etc. and upon returning to the pits immediately go to (b)

(b) For you to passenger with your buddy to again get an impression of the way to drive the circuit, and upon returning to the pits immediately go to (a)

The advantage of the above is that you get two opportunities to get track time and learn the circuit.

After the sighting lap, you can ask your Buddy to take you out as a passenger to offer advice on your first session and/or go out with your Buddy at "race speed" to get a better idea of how to drive the circuit.

During the course of the day by all means ask for any help you may require and/or ask questions of your designated buddy including additional passenger rides. Remember most any of the Club members will be ready to offer passenger rides should you wish to take a break from driving.

Whilst as buddies we may have knowledge of the circuit we have no doubt picked up some bad habits and we would always recommend a period of tuition with one of the course tutors. It’s a good investment at just ~£25 for a session.