Your first track day, demystified.
Everything you need to know, in plain English, from someone who's been there.
The questions you're embarrassed to ask.
Four colors. Four levels.
Little or no track experience. Instructor included.
Straights only, point-by required
Some prior track experience under your belt.
Straights only, point-by required
Experienced drivers, comfortable at speed.
Point-by anywhere on track
Licensed racers and instructor-checked equivalents.
Point-by anywhere on track
Approved lids only.
- YESSnell SA2015 (with 2026 extended exception)
- YESSnell SA2020
- YESSnell SA2025
- NOMotorcycle helmets (M-rated)
- NOKarting helmets (K-rated)
- NOHelmets older than 5 years (replace them)
Look for the Snell sticker inside the liner. If you can't find it, it's not approved.
Cotton, top to bottom.
- Long-sleeve cotton shirt
- Long cotton pants (no gym shorts)
- Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles
- Leave the synthetics, jorts, and sandals at home
Cotton doesn't melt to skin in a fire. Synthetics do. That's the whole reason for the rule.
Sort your car. Sleep better.
- — Good tread, no exposed cords
- — Remove wheel covers / beauty rings / center caps
- — Check pressures cold day-of
- — Pads at 50%+ thickness
- — Fresh fluid recommended (consider a flush)
- — Brake lights working
- — Leak-free lines
- — No leaks anywhere
- — Battery secured, posts covered
- — Top off all fluids
- — Belts and hoses in good shape
- — Remove floor mats and loose items
- — Clean windows (interior and exterior)
- — Check tire pressures cold
- — Top off fuel
Know the flags.
Caution. No passing through the flag zone.
Full-course caution. Slow significantly. No passing.
Stop. Pull off-line safely. Wait for instructions.
Pointed at you: come into pit lane. Open: all drivers report.
Faster traffic behind you. Be aware, allow them by.
Slow vehicle on track ahead (often emergency vehicle).
End of session. Complete your lap, exit at pit in.