Grip the wheel of a high-performance vehicle and feel the rush of adrenaline as you take the track by storm.
That’s what track day tuition is all about – a chance to test your skills and learn from experienced instructors in a safe, controlled environment.
In this blog, we’ll highlight what track day tuition is, what it involves and five lessons you’ll take away.
What is Track Day Tuition?
Unlike regular driving lessons, track day tuition takes place on the racing circuit, allowing you to get behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle and test out your driving skills.
Under the guidance of seasoned instructors, you’ll learn advanced driving techniques that go beyond standard driving lessons – on track positioning, deliberate weight transfer, and expert control around those tight turns – and watch your driving skills soar.
Whether you’re new to track racing, want to become a more confident and capable driver or want to learn the true fundamentals behind faster lap times, these track day tuitions are tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
What Does Track Day Tuition Involve?
Track day tuition combines classroom sessions with practical, on-track experience.
In classroom sessions, instructors will explain the physics and mechanics of high-performance vehicles, covering everything from weight transfer and balance to oversteer and understeer.
Armed with newfound knowledge, you’ll head to behind the wheel training where you’ll apply your theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. This is the heart of the track day tuition, where instructors will offer you personalised feedback on your strengths and areas that need a bit more fine-tuning on the track.
5 Things You Learn from Track Day Tuition
1. On Track Positioning and Racing Lines
The search for speed starts with the racing line.
To reel in faster lap times, you need to rethink where you place your car as you approach a corner, navigate through the apex, and exit the corner.
Instructors will teach you the essential techniques to optimise each part of this process.
2. Weight Transfer and Balance
Getting your car’s balance just right is a game-changer – it’s the key to mastering the track with confidence, stability, and some serious speed.
Instructors will teach you how weight shifts from one part of the vehicle to another during acceleration, braking, and cornering, and how to manage it to maintain better control and improve overall stability.
3. Oversteer and Understeer – How to Control and Make Use of Them
Oversteer and understeer are common challenges in high-speed driving.
Oversteer occurs when the rear tyres lose grip, causing the tyres to turn more than intended. Here the rear of the car tries to overtake the front of the car, causing a spin if not corrected. While understeer affects the front tyres. Here the front tyres lose grip, causing the car to under-rotate and push wide through a turn.
Instructors will help you to understand why these issues occur, how to recognise the early signs and will demonstrate and coach you on techniques on how to handle these situations, which you will later practise behind the wheel.
By learning to control oversteer and understeer, you can maintain better control of your car and as you become adept at managing these dynamics, you will see those lap times start to tumble.
4. Trail Braking – Understanding When and How to Use It
Rather than the usual method of braking in a straight line before you turn, trail braking is where you continue to brake while turning on a corner to help rotate the car. It is an advanced driving technique that requires practise and precision.
Instructors will explain the physics behind trail braking and how it can improve cornering speed and stability. Once you understand the theory and feel confident, you will practice trail braking in a controlled section of the track. Instructors will provide step-by-step guidance, starting with basic manoeuvres and gradually increasing complexity as you become more comfortable and proficient.
5. How to Heel and Toe
Heel-and-toe shifting is where your car’s engine revs match your cars wheel speed as you approach a corner to create a smooth downshift.
Instructors during the track day tuition will guide you through the steps, helping you to coordinate your movements for seamless downshifts and better control.
Track Day Tuition
Track day tuition offers a racing paradise for speed enthusiasts, where people elevate their driving skills and experience the full potential of a high-performance vehicle. It’s an experience hard to forget!
The combination of expert and personalised instruction, practical application, and continuous feedback makes track day tuition an invaluable experience for any driving enthusiast looking to excel on the track.
Become a member of SCC to gain access to exclusive track days and driver coaching.
