Lotus Sports Car Exclusive Track Days
Imagine having exclusive access to one of Australia’s best race tracks for the day. A Lotus exclusive track day gives you just that. You can enjoy a day of spirited driving with like minded Lotus enthusiasts.
Track days for beginner or experienced drivers
Lotus exclusive track days are known for their welcoming, all inclusive, environments where passionate driving enthusiasts get to enjoy the use of a race track for the day. It is a mix of socialising, learning to drive fast and a bit of competitive driving thrown into the mix.
Our Lotus exclusive track day events are designed so that you can use your road registered sports car for high speed driving in a safe environment. Better yet they are suitable for couples, family members or best mates to come along and enjoy a day at the track.
Summary
I can't believe we got 2 hours of track time on Mount Panorama Bathurst.
Absolutely fantastic event, i cant wait for the next one.
Well done to the team at Lotus for continuously putting on such amazing events which allow spirited drivers such as myself to enjoy my lotus the way it was intended to be driven
Thanks to Lee and and all the LOTUS crew. It was an amazing day. It felt very privileged to have SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK all to ourselves. some cracking times were had.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT MAKES THESE DAYS UNIQUE?
- It is an exclusive track day run by Lotus Cars Australia, just for Lotus owners, with full use of the circuit for the day including trackside support. Compared to the other track day events that we support which are either public days or by invite only, there is a mix of vehicles and experience on track at any given time.
- Up to 2 hours of driving time on an international race track like Mount Panorama.
- Driving coaching at selected events.
- Driving groups split by experience and speed.
- Open and inclusive for beginner or experienced drivers.
LOCATIONS
Each year our Lotus exclusive track day events are held at Australian race tracks such as Mount Panorama Bathurst, Wakefield Park Raceway, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Winton Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park Eastern Creek depending on the schedule available for the year.
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
The majority of track day participants use their road registered Lotus Exige, Elise or Evora that are driven to each event. Some owners will opt to have their vehicle transported on a trailer but essentially you need a Lotus vehicle and appropriate track license to be involved.
HOW DOES THE DAY RUN?
- Typically there is an optional group dinner the night prior to the event.
- On the day each vehicle is checked, each driver registers & attends a driver briefing session.
- After that each group takes their turn on track with a mix of timed, non-timed and race groups.
- Friends or family are welcome to spectate and this is what makes these events even more enjoyable with the social aspect of the community.
EVENT COST
From $385 inc gst to $1,650 inc gst
The cost of our exclusive Lotus track day events will vary based on the location of the circuit being used. Our aim is to make it as affordable as possible for everyone to participate.
EVENT QUESTIONS
VIDEOS FROM OUR TRACK DAY EVENTS
Driver interviews from Mount Panorama
Channel 10 Lotus Track Day TV Segment
A Lotus Track Day Explained
Mount Panorama Highlights
I had a great experience at the recent Lotus track day at Eastern Creek. As always, the event was brilliantly run - with great technical support from Simply Sports Cars. I also enjoyed the venue - being 20 minutes from home is a real bonus. Thanks Richard, Lee, Richie, Mark and the rest of the SSC crew!
Bought my Lotus from them in 2013, have used them ever since for servicing & work, and attended a number of track events with them. Absolutely faultless, huge part of what makes Lotus ownership experience in Australia better than any other car I've owned by far. Simply the best.
MOUNT PANORAMA BATHURST TRACK DAY
Mount Panorama Bathurst is one of the top racing circuits in the world that is only open a few days each year for motorsport or track day use. Lotus Cars Australia is fortunate to have one of these days set aside exclusively for owners who get to enjoy a full track day on Mount Panorama with up to 2 hours of track time.
PHILLIP ISLAND TRACK DAY
The world famous Phillip Island is one of the fastest racing circuits in Australia. A combination of high speed corners and stunning scenery that is sure to test any enthusiastic driver.
WAKEFIELD PARK RACEWAY TRACK DAY
Just a couple of hours drive from Sydney or Canberra is the great little Wakefield Park Raceway circuit. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you, it has plenty of tricky corners and undulations to keep you on your toes with a great mix of corners and high speed straights.
WINTON RACEWAY TRACK DAY
Winton Raceway is one of the most tight and twisty racing circuits in Australia and perfect for a Lotus sports car. It will test your ability to balance your car from one apex to another & has great viewing positions where you can see the whole circuit.
OUR TRACK DAY REVIEWS
“Absolutely fantastic event, i cant wait for the next one. Well done to the team at Simply Sports cars for continuously putting on such amazing events which allow spirited drivers such as myself to enjoy my lotus the way it was intended to be driven.”
Angelo Tzikas
“Thanks to Lee and and all the scc crew. It was an amazing day. It felt very privileged to have smsp all to ourselves. some cracking times were had.”
David
“I had a great experience at the recent Lotus track day at Eastern Creek. As always, the event was brilliantly run – with great technical support from Simply Sports Cars. I also enjoyed the venue – being 20 minutes from home is a real bonus. Thanks Richard, Lee, Richie, Mark and the rest of the SSC crew!”
Peter Wolsey
“Awesome day, plenty of track time, considerate drivers, lots of spirited fun.”
Peter Ireland
“Bought my Lotus from them in 2013, have used them ever since for servicing & work, and attended a number of track events with them. Absolutely faultless, huge part of what makes Lotus ownership experience in Australia better than any other car I’ve owned by far. Simply the best. “
Peter Roberts
“Really enjoyed the track day and the social evening before. Coming from the bush, I don’t often get the opportunity to meet with like-minded spirits. Looking forward to Winton. See you there”
Trevor James
“Just a quick note to thank the Simply Sports Team for yesterday’s great event. The day ran so smoothly and just got better and better. As Josh noted, these are great Lotus community gatherings and you at Simply Sports need to be congratulated for not only the concept but the effort that must go on behind the scenes to run these fantastic events. Special thanks to Adrian who went out of his way to look at our intermittent (the worst) misfire and of course your Barista, Stuart (-:”
Ian & Josh Ponton
“I want to thank you and everyone involved for a fantastic day yesterday. It was my first sprint outing but will not be my last. Although starting from a very low base, 1.26, by session 4 I had improved by 10s , lunch and age then slowed me a tad! Was particularly thankful with how courteous everyone was on track. Special thanks to Paul who featured me very briefly in the video posted (following SSC Evora) Can’t make Winton but will book next year. Thanks again”
Peter Shorten
“Thanks for a great day, and for making me feel welcome. It was quite hard bringing Elijah’s car down for a run. I am glad that I did. I look forward to making it to a few more LOTD’s in the future.”
Tom Cunneen
“This was my first track day in the 250 Cup since taking delivery a few months ago. Driving the car on the street, you’d be forgiven for thinking it its just a tarted up Elise. However, when you get to the circuit, the car really comes alive, and shows you that its a serious weapon. All those little changes – a bit less weight, a bit more power, ligher wheels, the aero, the suspension, the R Spec tyres, they all come together to push the 250 round the circuit faster and faster. My lap times fell in every session. I couldn’t be more pleased with the car and the crew of SSC, who are always there to help out on the day. Looking forward to Winton and shaving some more seconds off my times!”
Chris
“The SSC team pulled off another stunning LOTD at Wakefield! A crisp clear start to the day promised great things & the entire team is to be congratulated on an extremely well organised, managed and supported track day. Driver assistance/instruction from highly experienced drivers was an absolute bonus and greatly appreciated! Well done to Lee and the entire team from SSC for a fantastic, safe day.”
Brett
“Congratulations on yesterday. It was a bucket list event which you guys did well to pull off. Not only did you bring it about, but you organised it in probably the most professional and seemless way I’ve seen- and I’ve seen a few LOTDs.
I confess to going into the day with trepidation- and rightly so it’s a scary track, but I became more comfortable as the day progressed and I absolutely loved it. (By the way Mark, I dropped 6 seconds in my last session- your advice not to push really worked!)
It’s also a tribute to the Lotus community that track behavior is respectful and predictable. In any other group I would be worried about going up Mt Straight in a Congo line at 180- don’t tell anyone. Great dinner and lunch. The boys at SSC are a class act as usual. Always happy helpful and supportive. Also I benefited from advice from Bart who is a terrific communicator. He genuinely cares which is a rare factor when dealing with a numpty like me. “
Hartley
“So I got an Exige V6 , went to Bathurst , had a ball and all within 5 days . Now the question is what other dealership could do this………..”
Tony
“Fabulous day. Sign me up for next one. Superbly organised. Thanks to all who made it a success”
David
” Thank you Mark and Lee and team SSC. What terrific events. Was great to catch up with you all. I gave a Porsche and VW Golf R owner a tour of the assembled Lotus cars and he was impressed enough with the cars and the incredibly professional SSC organization he is now looking for an Exige.”
Neil
“Thank you to SSC and Lotus Family for the opportunity to be part of the Bathurst LOTD. An incredible experience. “
Melanie
”Phew…..Just walked in the door twenty minutes ago…..after spending 9 hours on the hume reflecting on what a epic adventure that was! I can only echo the thoughts already shared re the whole day. Hugs and Kisses to Mark,Lee, the SSC Crew and our sensational Lotus community. God damn we are lucky to have these guys and each other to share our automotive passion. Thanks for helping me ticking off one of my bucket list tracks!!! “
Joshua
“After a great day BIG thanks to everyone at SSC – Had a ball. BUT, Just as Richie and the boys were leaving, I found my front pads were down to the metal. Caught them as they were leaving and they unpacked their van, found some Pagids, jacked my car up beside the road out of the track and had me fitted up within 20 minutes. Thank you SO much. True service as usual from the boys at SSC. I can now drive all the way to Qld.”
Giles
“What a day. It was great to see so many faces from all around the country and for once at an LOTD, there was actually time to catch up with most of them. The circuit blew my mind a bit but was still smiling at the end the day. I think it was relief! Got home last night just before midnight and slept the sleep of just.
Mark and Lee really put their c$%k’s on the block to make yesterday happen, so a huge thanks to them and the entire SSC team for their commitment and dedication to making sure we all had a good time. Thanks also to all the other participants for your cameraderie and general joviality.”
Michael
” Wow – what a fabulous event ! Dinner , driving , comraderie , all first class . Can’t beat it . Thanks Mark , Lee and team SSC. Dave , Tim , for me , of special note was a wonderful chat with Greg , he was having the best time – he’s very proud of you two and LOVED the HPE . Family time is great time .
Just about converted a mate who was coincidentally there in his 911 with Evolve … he was amazed by the number of Lotus , the smiling faces and commented on the quality of Lotus driving”
Rob
“Home and unloaded – a million thanks to the SSC team please Paul and HUGE thanks to Lee, Mark, and all the SSC team for an amazing day. As has already been said by Dave, this sort of event doesn’t just happen, so massive thanks again chaps! Thank you too to everyone who was there – as always it was a delight to catch up with all the familiar faces, and it was also a great pleasure to meet so many new ones too! Quite a lot probably not on here, but for those who are, thank you! Can’t wait for PI in November – now that’s called bookends”
Ashton
“I can’t thank Lee, Mark and the Team enough for having the nuts to get this Bathurst LOTD up and running. I do hope we can come back next year!!! Thanks you to ALL of the SCC crew. Incredibly well organised day. As always – great to catch up with so many mates.”
Tim
“Have put my bro-in-law back on the plane to Perth. He was totally delighted after an amazing Bathurst experience with Lotus and SSC – especially as he got more laps in the Drive category in my car than we got in sprint. While he’s not ready to sell his 500+ HP HSV race Ute yet, he was very impressed with the Lotus handling and the comradeship between the extended Lotus “family”. Thanks again to Lee, Mark. Paul & Emma for an amazing couple of days at the mountain. Bring on the next 2 LOTD’s – especially at the Island!”
Steven
“Excellent way to spend a day. Bathurst, great mates, great food and Lotuses. What could be better. Thank you for all the hard work to make it such a success . I know that it doesn’t just happen. My Exige worked hard all day with Dad and I sharing it. It never complained and just keep revving all day and while I should have been quicker I’m happy with the times and left something on the table to chase next year. Dad even managed a 2:55 which is not bad for a 77 year old codger in a NA S1 Exige.”
Dave
“Mark and the SSC team, Sensational, your really do set the standard for a sprint event. It was great to catchup with everybody and I couldn’t asked for a better day, even managed to drop my PB by 5 seconds.”
Lee
“All I can say it was one of my all time car experiences loved every minute”
David
“To all of my extended Lotus family, it has all been said but an epic day on the famed Mountain. To the cast & crew at SSC – champion effort as always team, your support and professionalism is second to none. To the old and new friend met over the past couple of days – I can only you all had an absolute rush driving the famed Mount Panorama. Larry and I thank you all for a thrill of a lifetime.”
Brett
“Brilliant day and huge thanks to the SSC team for giving us this opportunity. Bathurst exceeded all expectations by a big margin!”
Dru
“Home safe. Excellent day. Thank you all”
Dave
“Likewise. Awesome day and company as always. I came ….. I saw ….. I didn’t conquer Firstly congrats to the Guys and Girls at SSC for organising and running a sensational event ….. you just keep raising the bar. The track is a unique challenge ….. so many blind corners and camber changes ….. I was just starting to get my head around it in the last session ….. I will be back. Lastly as always it was sharing a unique experience with such an awesome group of people. So thank you all”
Leigh
“Thank you all as well. Great day so well organised and it’s locked in the memory bank- bucket list – tick… SSC is like no other dealership. It’s filled with race engineers and driving enthusiasts. I love that so many have their own Lotus as well. This is an amazing community!
Zed
“Morning trip back to the south coast via the locust fields of Goulburn but dreaming of fast corners & the ‘Sess'”
Roger
“Thanks to the SSC crew, another fantastic LOTD! Looking forward to Phillip Island”
Martin
“Awesome 24 hours. Thx to all who put together a brilliant event.”
David
“Yeah thanks to all. What an amazing experience. I loved every minute of it.”
Paul
“What a great day got to meet some of the faces from Aussieelises and even got to have dinner with Giles ! .. and doubled my knowledge on the Lotus community in 1 day thank you all.”
Tony
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
– Arrival at track
– Registration
– Driver’s Briefing
– All Drivers are split into their groups for the sessions to begin
– Alternating sessions during the day for each group Drive, Sprint, Race
– Normal duration is from 8:00am and should be finished by 4:00pm.
DRIVE or SPRINT – A CAMS L2S or AASA Club licence to take part in the (a AASA club licence can be purchased on the day)
RACE – A AASA National licence or CAMS circuit racing licence to compete
AASA Club Racing – An AASA Club Racing licence can be purchased on the day at the track. Alternatively, find the application form here & it is $50 per year
With an AASA Club Racing licence, you can enter the following AASA sanctioned events:
- ride days,
- drive days,
- test and tune days,
- regularity events,
- lap dash / sprint events,
- touring road events,
- drift events,
- motorkhanas / autokhanas,
- hill climbs,
- regularities
Motorsport Australia / CAMS Level 2 Speed (L2S) – The Motorsport Australia / CAMS licence cannot be bought at the track, so must be done in advance. The whole process can be done online via the Member Portal if you create an account (register here)
- With a L2S, you can enter the sanctioned events:
- Observed Section Trials
- Touring Road Events which contain no closed road sections and no speed sub-events
- Touring Assemblies and other non-timed road events
- Motorkhana and Khanacross events up to international level
- Introductory Rally Events
- Drifting
- Regularity Trials up to national championship level
- Single and multi-car non-race speed events up to international level
You will then receive a printed card & information kit in the mail shortly after.
Print your online confirmation/receipt with you with photo ID if it hasn’t arrived.
Lotus Club Australia membership – To get our L2S License you will also need to be a member of a car club, of course we recommend you join Lotus Club Australia which you can do online
The Club will send out your memership badge in the mail.
RACE – An AASA National Race Licence or a CAMS National Circuit Racing Licence is required to compete in race events (note that AASA will accept the standard Lotus roll hoop as sufficient roll over protection). Both of these licences require a fairly comprehensive medical assessment.
AASA National Race Licence – An AASA National Race Licence must be arranged well in advance. The application form & the cost of the AASA National Race Licence is $100
You’ll have to make an appointment with a Medical Practitioner to complete the medical assessment section of the form. It will take an extended consultation, so make sure the medical practitioner is aware.
CAMS National Circuit Licence – Obtaining a CAMS National Circuit Racing Licence is more involving than the AASA version.
The process will involve:
A medical assessment, similar to the AASA requirements.
An on-line lecture from CAMS.
An Observed Licence Test (OLT), unless you have held a CAMS licence in the last 4 years (see application form for more details. Also find further details about the OLT at this link). The OLT will incur extra cost. The OLT is generally held the Friday before state championship rounds – exact dates can be found at CAMS OLT page.
Lastly, bear in mind that you can enter AASA events with a CAMS licence, but not vice versa
An approved helmet can be either an approved motorcycle helmet or and approved car racing helmet. For those participating in the Sprint category, it is recommended that you have an approved car racing helmet rather than a motorcycle helmet. For those participating in the Race category, a car racing helmet is mandatory.
- Helmets generally are not available for hire or purchase at the track.
- Motorcycle helmets need to meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1698 (or equivalent) as a minimum.
- Car racing helmets need to meet Snell SA 2010 (or equivalent) as a minimum.
- One of the key differences between a motorcycle helmet and a car racing helmet is that a car racing helmet with Snell SA 2010 rating or higher will have a better fire resistance rating compared to the motorcycle helmet.
- Should you get an Open Faced or Closed helmet; this is personal choice and will depend on what type of helment you get and what you will use it for.
- If you are needing to purchase a helmet for the LOTD, you should consider your future needs when deciding on which type of helmet to purchase. If you are considering entering any super sprint or Targa style events that are run under CAMS regulations, you MUST have a car racing helmet that meets the Snell SA 2010 standard (or equivalent) as a minimum.
- Snell standard helmets can be sourced through Motor Cycle Accessories Superstore(operated by a fellow Lotus club owner).
- The Auburn superstore has the best range of car racing products. Ask for Tony, Jessie or Scott and make sure you mention that you are a Simply Sports Cars customer and they will look after you.
Need comms as well?
We sell a Stilo based solution that can be retro-fitted into non Stilo helmets. A good value option we have uncovered after a lot of research. There are two grades. Trophy is the entry level, WRC is the next level. We have a few people using the entry level Trophy and they say it is fine for casual use.
Both kits are powered by 9V battery and the WRC has an optional hard wiring kit, we’ve had people do 4 days of Targa Tasmania on 1 x 9V battery and still had charge. When building your kit you need to nominate whether you are running full or open face helmets.
Trophy Amplifier approx $150
Trophy speakers and mic (open face) approx $110
Trophy speakers and mic (full face) approx $100
WRC 9V Amplifier approx $320
WRC speakers and mic (open face) approx $1140
WRC speakers and mic (full face) approx $130
Contact us for the latest pricing and availability
Yes and entry is free.
No, unfortunately it isn’t. Some tracks may have on-site facilities – for example Sydney Motorsport Park has their own petrol bowsers or at Mount Panorama there is a mobile fuel service on site that can be paid for. Alternatively bringing a spare jerry can is advisable but you need to check the event regulations to ensure it is possible to be used at the track.
Where we can, driver training will be made available. Each event will be run slightly differently based on the location being used. In most cases driver training will be available in the Drive group using a professional driving instructor.
Our track days are a complete day at the circuit starting early at around 8 am and finishing around 4 pm. For locations like Wakefield or Mount Panorama people often choose to stay overnight before returning home.
A roll cage isn’t mandatory but it can improve the safety levels of your vehicle for race circuit driving.
Yes you need to own a Lotus or KTM sports car to participate in one of our track days.
We would suggest having some of these items that can be used for our track days and others.
1) Fire Extinguisher
2) Racing harness and belts
3) Tow hooks
as minimum safety items. Other things to consider are a Toe Link Kit, track suitable brake pads, track spec tyres.
It is possible for two people to share a vehicle as two paid entrants. It is important to consider the logistics on the day where your groups may follow each other. This may mean some time is lost between sessions and/or your vehicle doesn’t get a rest break between runs.
The event shall continue as planned unless the track is closed.
We will provide you a number when you register. If you have an existing number contact us to discuss your options.
We provide coffee, tea and snacks. We don’t provide other items so that we can keep the costs down and allow everyone to choose their own food.
Depending on the track there are on-site options available, although some say to keep weight down, eat nothing at all.
– Check your tyre tread depth
– Brake pads
– Oil levels
– Brake fluid age
if you are unsure about any of these items book your car in for a pre-track day inspection
FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO A LOTUS TRACK DAY
Considerations for your car
Check all fluid levels
(and keep checking during the day): Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid etc and maybe bring top ups in case
Set tyre pressure to recommended levels
and inspect for tread depth and potential punctures. Too soft: may damage sidewalls due to excessive flex when cornering hard, will cause tyre to heat up. Too hard: increased wear, smaller contact patch. Keep an eye on your tyres throughout the day, especially if you drive your car home afterwards.
Monitor brake behaviour:
If you feel the brake pedal go ‘long’ when on track don’t panic or come straight in, do a cool down lap and you should find that once they have cooled a little the firmness under foot will return.
Remove all loose objects
from car (including trunk). Also ensure that any video cameras are mounted securely. You’d be surprised at the potential damage inflicted by a camera flying about in the cabin, both to yourself and the interior of your car.
Cool down:
Always complete a cool down lap before coming into the pits to get some air to the brakes, engine and the transmission, and once in the pits at the end of a session do not apply the handbrake as the pads can weld themselves to the discs when hot.
Fuel:
Ensure you arrive with a full tank and bring a spare jerry can of fuel and/or check the nearest location to the race track
Preparing yourself
Be alert:
it’s going to be an adrenaline-filled day, so get a good night’s sleep, keep hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before.
Speed & danger awareness:
When you are on a track, doing 100km/h may not seem very fast as there is lots of space generally. A Lotus can very easily reach 150km/h or more and many of the tracks are lined with walls. It is important to approach the day slowly and gradually.
Your attire:
wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, so no shorts or t-shirts. As for shoes, thin-soled trainers or sneakers work well to ensure you have good pedal-feel. Motorbike helmets may be allowed but we suggest investing in one that complies to motorsport standards, either open face or full-face.
These will be more expensive, but they will be more comfortable and should the worse happen then they offer greater protection and are fireproof.
At the track
Arrive early
signing forms, registration and number stickers: so that you have plenty of time to find your pit garage, and get organized without rushing around worrying about everything.
Briefing:
Attending the briefing is compulsory for everyone, regardless of experience. This is where the organisation will run through the format and timing of the day, along with the rules and flag signals.
Get Instruction:
we all think we know what is meant by ‘the line’, but if it’s your first track day, you may be surprised by a few things regarding corners. Tracks are all about corners, straights are boring. There are many experienced track day veterans around on the day, who will be quite happy to give you pointers. Use their experience.
Look well ahead:
As you pass the ‘turn in’ you should already be looking past the ‘apex’ cone, and on to the exit cone. It’s easy not to look far enough ahead. Try to see the ‘big picture’ – the whole corner.
Braking for corners:
Burn off the right amount of speed and change down BEFORE you turn. If you are adept at ‘heel and toe’ to get the engine to the right revs for the next gear, so much the better – but don’t worry if you’re not – the last thing you need to try is your first ‘heel and toe’ at 120+ kph.
Overtaking:
Only overtake on the straights, and never in braking zones. Use your mirrors; if you feel that a faster car behind you “puts on the pressure”, allow it to overtake. To signal to the driver behind you, use your indicator, pull to one side of the track and go easy on the throttle. Remember; safe overtaking requires the cooperation from both parties. Anyone “diving down the inside” under braking will be pulled in and asked to explain themselves.
Flag signal meanings
Yellow – There is danger ahead. Slow to half speed and no overtaking is allowed until you have passed the incident, this may be followed by a green flag to indicate all is now clear.
Red – There is danger ahead. Slow to half speed and no overtaking is allowed, but this time it refers to the whole circuit. You must also return to the pitlane immediately.
Black – Return to the pitlane immediately and report to the organisers. There may be something wrong with your car that you are not aware of or they may need to chat to you about your driving.
Yellow and red stripes – Slippery surface. Be very careful; there maybe oil or other fluid on the track
Blue – The overtaking flag. There is a faster car behind you wishing to overtake, move over when next on a straight
Chequered – End of session. Drive slowly round to the pits giving the car a chance to cool.
Driving home after the track day
If you’re driving your Lotus home, give it a good check-over before hitting the road. We don’t want you to get stranded, so ask for advice if you have doubts about anything.
Don’t try to “clip that apex” on public roads. Police presence is likely, so be on your best behaviour.
Glossary of terms
Apex
The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend
Backmarker
A slower car, usually in the process of being lapped by the leaders
Blend line
The painted line defining the exit from pit lane where it rejoins the race track. It prevents emerging race cars from driving into race traffic travelling past the pits. Competitors are penalised for crossing the blend line, ensuring cars have attained full racing speed before rejoining the race.
Camber
The angle at which wheels are set up to tilt in or out, measured in degrees in or out from 90 degrees (i.e. “2.5 degrees negative camber” means each wheel is tilted 2.5 degrees inwards from vertical) “Positive camber” means the top of the tyre is angled outwards from the car; “negative camber” means that the top tilts inwards. Negative camber assists cornering performance as the outside tyres lean into the corner (like a motorcycle) which keeps the lateral forces on the tire lower and causes less flex in the sidewall, although it does also have the effect of increasing tyre wear.
Chicane
An artificial feature added to the natural course of a track to slow cars[14] or create a passing zone.
Closing the door
A driver takes an early defensive racing line into a corner to block the car behind from overtaking along the preferred line.
Deep braking
Applying the brakes later than normal when entering a turn.
Did Not Attend (often DNA)
Denotes a driver who was entered for a race but did not attend the circuit. Sometimes referred to as Did Not Arrive or simply a “no show.”
Did Not Finish (often DNF)
A driver who did not finish the race. Some sanctioning bodies do not classify a driver in the final results if he did not finish completed a certain number of laps.
Did Not Qualify / Did Not Pre-qualify (often DNQ / DNPQ)
A failure to qualify or pre-qualify for a race. Most often because the driver was too slow to make it into a limited number of grid positions.
Did Not Start (often DNS)
A driver did not attempt to compete in a race, even though he may have competed in practice sessions and / or qualifying. Not the same as the DNA already mentioned.
Disqualify (often DQ or DSQ)
Where a competitor is removed from the results, usually in penalty for a technical infringement.
Downforce
Increased force holding the car onto the track. This is created by the aerodynamics or aerodynamic aids (F1 wings, etc.) of a vehicle which causes a “reverse lift” effect. That is, creating an area of low pressure (suction) under the car and/or under the wing(s) or other aids fixed to the car, the higher pressure above forcing the tires harder to the ground, effectively increasing the static friction. This allows it to travel faster through a corner, at the cost of having a reduced overall top speed, since drag is proportionate to lift and downforce is caused by lift.
Drivers’ Briefing
A meeting where drivers and officials meet before a race to discuss the upcoming event. Also referred to as Drivers’ Meeting or Driver and Crew Chief meeting, as in some series, the driver and his crew chief must attend.
Fish-Tailing
Used to refer to a vehicle that loses traction at the rear, regains traction and loses it again, causing the rear to weave side to side independently of the front of the car. Also Tank Slapper: When the front wheel of a motorcycle oscillates rapidly, causing the handlebars to slap against the fuel tank.
Flat spot
When a wheel locks under braking, the car skids and leaves a flat spot on the section of the tyre that was touching the ground at the time
Graining
When small grains of rubber start coming off a tyre
Grid
The starting formation of a race, generally in rows of two for cars and four for bikes.
Ground effect
A method of creating downforce by the shape of the car’s body, notably by shaping the underside of the car in combination with the car’s lateral edges in order to trap and dramatically slow the airflow running underneath the car, effectively turning the entire car into a wing.
Kerb-hopping
To clip, or drive over completely, the concrete kerbs (curbs) on the inside of a corner. While often the fastest method of negotiating chicanes in particular, the practice is usually frowned upon by race officials for the damage it can do to the kerbs, tyres and vehicles. The practice also can drag debris or water from behind the kerb onto the racing line.
Marbles
Pieces of rubber from tires that accumulate on the racing surface outside of the racing line that are slippery
Marshal
A person responsible for signaling track conditions to drivers (through use of flags), extinguishing fires, removing damaged cars from the track and sometimes providing emergency first aid.
Oversteer
Cornering behaviour where the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels but instead move out toward the outside of the turn. Opposite of understeer.
Qualifying
The process of deciding the starting order of a race.
Racing line
The fastest path around a circuit.
Reverse grid racing
when the starting order of a race is reversed, so that the driver on pole position, starts last. Occasionally reverse grid is limited to only part of the grid, for example, just the top ten positions may be reversed. Often used to increase the entertainment value of a race, mainly used when a category races several times over the course of a meeting.
Ripple strip
Concrete kerb, usually placed on the inside of a corner, painted in chunks of colour, usually red and white alternately, hence the ‘ripple’.
Rumble strip
Variation of ripple strip with an upward-pointed, rounded saw-tooth edge. The saw-tooth effect is to discourage competitors from kerb-hopping. The saw-tooth creates a rumble sound and feel for the competitor when driven over.
Run-off area
Areas off the track put aside for vehicles to leave the track in case of emergency without accident.
Scrutineer
A qualified official who examines racing vehicles pre-race for compliance with the rules of competition, usually in a scrutineering bay adjacent to the pit lane.
Short shifting
A technique used, primarily in motorsport, to regain control of a car through a high speed corner. Involves the driver shifting up a gear earlier than usual.
Slick
A tyre with no tread pattern, maximising the amount of tyre rubber in contact with the racing surface. A specialist motor racing application as in wet weather conditions these tyres have little resistance to aquaplaning.
Splitter
Also referred to as the front Spoiler or Front Air Dam. Aerodynamic device placed on the nose of some touring cars and GTs to improve airflow around the nose of the car and sometimes create downforce for the front wheels to aid steering.
Spoiler
Aerodynamic device attached to the trailing edge of a race car to increase its rear downforce. The difference between a spoiler and a wing is that wings are generally multi-element with air passing both above and below the aerodynamic surface, whereas a spoiler is flush fitted to the car’s bodywork.
Ten-tenths
Refers to driving a car to its absolute potential.
Understeer
Cornering behaviour where the front wheels do not follow the steered course but instead push out toward the outside of the turn. Opposite of oversteer.
Wing
Aerodynamic device on many racing cars. The principle is the same as an aircraft wing except in motor racing applications the wing is inverted to create downforce instead of lift, pressing the car onto the road surface to increase traction.