Track Days

Written by Wes McDougall

Track days: the holy grail of car enthusiasts, where drivers take their machines beyond the everyday speed limits, roundabouts and traffic lights. It’s where rookies and amateurs mix with seasoned racers, all chasing that perfect lap. But there’s a stark difference between simply showing up, and successfully making the most of your track time. If you want to approach a track day like a true race driver, you need more than just a fast car—you need preparation, technique, and the right mindset. Below I outline four key steps to turn your track day into a success.

1. "Preparation: Your Track Day Starts Before You Arrive"

A Complete Race Driver never arrives unprepared. They don’t just roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and think, “Yeah, I’ll figure it out when I get there.” No, they put in the work well before the car hits the track. If you want to maximize your track experience, your preparation should start days—if not weeks—in advance.

Know the Circuit

Study track maps to familiarize yourself with the layout, corner numbers, and key sections.
- The Complete Race Driver has all Australian Track Maps with official corner numbers here : https://www.thecompleteracedriver.com/courses/australian-track-maps
Watch onboard videos from experienced drivers to learn braking points, turn-in markers, and where the racing line flows.
- Chapter 9.1 and 9.2 of The Complete Race Driver eCourse explains in detail how to maximise the video learning https://www.thecompleteracedriver.com/courses/The-Complete-Race-Driver
Use a simulator if available—virtual practice can help build muscle memory for real-world application.
- The Complete Race Driver offers Simulator Training – with coaching https://www.thecompleteracedriver.com/pages/simulator-training

Prepare Your Gear

A proper helmet is non-negotiable. Full-face is preferred, especially if you’re in a high-speed environment.
Gloves and proper footwear help with grip and pedal feel.
Race suit or at least fire-resistant clothing—it’s not just for looks; it could save your life in the rare event of an accident.
Check with the organising body of the event / track day / sprint to help you better understand the requirements and legalities.

Check Your Car

Your car should be track-ready, not just road-legal. You’re pushing it beyond normal driving conditions, so everything needs to be in tip-top shape.

Brakes – Pads should have plenty of life left, and fluid should be high-temp racing spec. Standard roadcar fluid won’t last long under hard braking.
Tyres – Check for proper pressure and sufficient tread. If using track tyres, know their optimal operating temperature and pressure.
Fluids – Oil, coolant, and power steering fluid should be fresh and at proper levels.
Suspension & Alignment – A performance alignment can transform your car’s handling. Consider adjusting camber, toe, and caster for better turn-in and stability.
Torque your wheel nuts – Loose wheels don’t end well.

2. "Mental Approach: Be Fast, But Be Smart"

Speed is the goal, but recklessness is the enemy. A Complete Race Driver knows that setting a fast lap is about precision, control, and strategy, not just bravery.

Ease Into It

First session? Treat it as reconnaissance. No heroics. No glory laps. Just get comfortable with the car and track conditions.
Gradually increase pace as you build confidence. Pushing too hard too soon leads to mistakes—or worse, damage.

Be Mindful of Others

Track days are not races. There’s no podium, no champagne, no sponsorship deal waiting at the end of the day.
Use your mirrors. If someone’s faster, let them by. If you’re faster, wait for a safe place to pass.
Follow track etiquette. Some events allow overtaking only on straights. Know the rules.
Know your flags or Light Panels. If flag marshalling is used, make sure your understand the corresponding colours of the flags, or light panels.

3. "Driving Like a Pro: Mastering the Fundamentals"

The difference between an average track day driver and a great one? Technique. Let’s break it down.

Braking: More Than Just Slowing Down

Brake in a straight line initially – Get your braking done before turn-in. Trail braking is an advanced skill; don’t overdo it unless you know what you’re doing.
- Chapter 4.6 of The Complete Race Driver online course discusses this in fine detail "Brake Release, Steer Increase."
Be smooth but firm – Stamping on the pedal upsets the balance of the car. Squeeze the brakes progressively as the weight transfers to the front, then release smoothly.
Find your braking points – Don’t rely on instinct alone. Use trackside markers or visual references to be consistent.

Cornering: The Art of Precision

Use all the track – Every millimetre of tarmac is there for a reason. Maximize your entry, apex, and exit width.
Don’t ‘crowd’ your entries and exits by turning in too early, or leaving too much room on exit. This is one of the major causes of spinning out.
Hit the apex. Clipping the apex properly sets up a smooth exit. Jumping curbs aggressively can unsettle the car, unless they are relatively smooth.
Exit Kerbs. If exit kerbs are available, make sure you use them - but beware - make sure they offer enough grip, and watch out for brake knock-off.
Be patient on throttle – Wait until the car is stable before applying power. If you floor it too early, you risk understeer or oversteer.

Throttle Control: Smooth Inputs Win Races

Modulate throttle application – Progressive acceleration is key. Don’t stab at the pedal like you’re playing a racing game.
Weight transfer matters – Proper throttle control shifts weight to the rear, giving better traction out of corners.

Car Feedback: Learn to Feel What It’s Telling You

Understeer? You’re either entering too fast, applying too much steering, or both.
Oversteer? You may be too aggressive with throttle or have too much steering angle.
Braking instability? Check your trail braking technique or consider suspension setup tweaks.

4. "Respect the Machine, Respect the Track"

You love your car, right? Then don’t abuse it. Treat it like a high-performance tool, not an indestructible toy.

Monitor temperatures – Engine temp, oil temp, and tyre temps matter. Overheating leads to premature wear or failure.
Cool-down laps are a must – Never pit immediately after a hot lap. One easy lap lets brakes, tyres, and fluids stabilize.
Know when to call it a day – If your brakes are fading, tyres are shot, or you’re getting fatigued, take a break. A tired driver makes mistakes.

5. "Prepare->Drive->Analyse->Understand->Adapt"

Great race drivers don’t just drive; they analyse. After each session, don’t just chat about how fast you felt—look at the data.

Lap times don’t lie – Use a lap timer or data logging device or app to see real improvements. (The Complete Race Driver has a Garmin Catalyst available for use with your track day car, should you engage us for Track Day Coaching.)
Review footage – If you have an onboard camera, watch it back to see where you can improve.
Or better yet, use a Driver Coach. The Complete Race Driver has you covered! https://www.thecompleteracedriver.com/pages/driver-coaching

Final Thought: "Enjoy the Ride"

Track days are supposed to be fun. Yes, you’re there to go fast, but if you leave with a better understanding of your car, improved driving skills, and a huge grin, you’ve done it right.

And who knows? Maybe today’s track day is just the beginning of your journey toward something bigger. Racing isn’t just about raw speed—it’s about finesse, control, and a relentless drive to improve.

So go forth, drive fast (but smart), and remember—every lap is a lesson, and every mistake is an opportunity to get better. Now get out there and chase that perfect lap.

For more insights into the art of race driving, stay tuned to The Complete Race Driver. See you at the track!