Track day etiquette: A beginner's guide

Those looking to test the limits of their cars should do so in a safe environment, which is the race track. However, it isn’t as clear-cut as just showing up on the track, paying the entrance fee, then going all-out at the track. That in itself is a recipe for disaster and is a mistake that a lot of first-timers do that can cause some severe incidents on track. 

Participating in a track day or a track event can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to remember that safety and respect for others are top priorities. Track day etiquette ensures everyone can enjoy the event while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Additionally, reading and understanding the rules and regulations of the track and/or track event is essential. Familiarize yourself with the schedule, the course layout, and any specific requirements or restrictions that apply. Here are some key points to help you prepare for a track day, avoid misunderstandings or conflicts with other participants, and ultimately enjoy the day. 

Yes, we get it, especially when it is your first time on the track; it can get very tempting just to go all out. However, despite the track being a safe and controlled environment to test out your skills and your car, the inexperienced should exercise proper caution to keep their vehicle under control at all times and avoid sudden movements that could surprise or endanger other drivers. 

This also applies if the vehicle that you will be driving is a platform that you are still unfamiliar with, be it front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), front-engined, mid-engined, or rear-engined. Each vehicle has its own characteristics and behavior that commands a different driving style for the driver. This can make the difference between your vehicle ending up in the wall or bringing the car home safely. So don’t send it if you can’t drive it. 

Pay attention to the flags that are displayed around the track. These signals indicate essential information, such as when to slow down, when to stop, or when there is a hazard on the course. 

The green flag indicates the start of the track session or if the track is clear from any debris and is safe to drive. A yellow flag means there is an incident up ahead and that you should back off the throttle and exercise caution. A red flag indicates that the session is suspended and that you should head to the pitlane immediately. A checkered flag means that the session is finished and that you should also be heading back to the pitlane, though sometimes marshalls can also use a yellow or red flag depending on the equipment they have available at the time. The black flag on the other hand, means that a particular driver is ordered back in the pitlane, likely because of dangerous driving or internal vehicle hazard. 

Using hand signals or turn signals to communicate with other drivers on the track can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe. For example, if you are going slow or on a cooldown lap, use a hand signal to indicate your intention and direction as to which side the incoming vehicle should pass to give the other driver time to react.

We cannot stress this enough. Always be aware of what's happening around you, including other vehicles on the track, as well as your reaction to a track incident.  Don't become so focused on your own driving that you lose track of what's happening around you. DO NOT be that guy on the track day holding everyone up because you are going slower than the other drivers or because of a lack of positional awareness. As stated above, if you are going slow or you think you are holding another driver up, use hand signals to indicate and inform the driver behind you. 

If you are on the track, chances are there are also track day junkies and veterans present as well. Don’t be afraid to approach them, because, more often than not, they will be more than happy to give advice on how to tackle a specific corner, or the track itself. They might even give you a ride in order to properly explain driving techniques as well, which can help you grow as a driver. 

This actually should have been the number one priority, but we’d rather place it at the bottom to avoid any misconceptions. Have fun, but don’t treat it like a race. Safety will and always will be the number one priority. Feel your car out, test your skills, but always drive with a significant margin of error, especially during your first times out on track. 

In summary, track day etiquette is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Before the track day, prepare your vehicle and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the track. Stay in control, respect the flags, use hand signals, stay aware of your surroundings, be respectful, follow passing rules, and take breaks as needed. After the event, clean up after yourself and reflect on your performance. By following these tips, you can help minimize the risk of accidents and injuries and make the most out of your track day experience, and, most importantly, bring your car home.