Why are track days so expensive?

[Motorhead]

What happened when Donington used to hold the Monsters of Rock concert back in the 90s , it could be heard in four counties, how times have changed.

Stephen,

You may not have noticed but Donington Monsters of Rock has now been replaced by the equally loud 3-day Download Festival, with multiple stages running throughout every day until the 11:00pm curfew. When I was there a few years ago I don't recall hearing any aircraft.! []

Presumably the local authority is prepared to turn a blind eye to the continuous soundtrack in exchange for significant financial compensation?

Jeff

 

[ralphmusic]

So there is scope to reduce costs by classing vehicles by the way of noise level?

Taking Goodwood as an example, the circuit is required by the local authority to actively monitor noise levels on an average and peak basis over each 30 minute period during the day. Each day’s noise report is posted on the Goodwood web site as well as reported to the local authority. Given the approach to noise monitoring agreed by the local authority, the circuit will try not to have 6 GT3s in any one 20 session even on 105db days. The 3 noise meters are located where the circuit faces housing but along the Lavant Straight and Woodcote, which face Lord March’s land there are none.

As for classing vehicles by noise, it is somewhat self-selecting given days have a specified noise limit. Goodwood and Castle Combe are unusual in that they run with a limited number of cars on track at any one time. The former run 20 minute sessions and the latter it’s first 8 cars on then one car off one car. Most circuits that I use are open pit lane and monitor noise on an individual car basis rather than Goodwood’s more onerous regime.

Back to what I think your question was, more and less noisy cars should reduce per car cost to the track day operator.

 

[ralphmusic]

BTW I am at Goodwood (98db) with Lotus on Track on February 29 for £250.

 

[stephenowen]

That would not apply to Donington though because of their unrestricted noise levels? You are effectively paying a premium for being near the airport? I would love a day at Donington, I've been around that track over the years on so many computer games. To drive passed the iconic spitfire (if it's still there) would be spectacular.

 

[stephenowen]

Where do you chaps get your track day insurance from and what do you normally pay?

 

[geoff lane]

I was told by a Marshall about 18 months ago when doing a Donnington PCGB trackday that Donnington have a number of noisy and quiet days per year and that they are monitored by the council, Donnington are therefore quite strict in enforcing the limits during the days.

I attended the weekend Gary W organised a few years ago at Llandow and can totally agree with Clive, a great weekend and very enjoyable trackday with as much time as you wanted due to the very limited numbers. Don't understand why the club should get upset as it was a similar day to how Blyton started and did not compete against the club.

Regarding trackday insurance I have only taken insurance out on a single day policy once with Insuremytrackday.com and that was in 2016 for a day at Blyton, at the time I had a Boxster GTS valued at £65K the cost was £475 with a £5k excess. I now always ensure I have cover within my annual policy which is really the only sensible way if you intend to do trackdays and feel the need for insurance. I use Mannings, own a GT4 and get annual cover including trackdays for not much more than the cost of the day in 2016. You do get conditions but most recognised organisations will get cover, my only issue has been doing a day at Prescott hill climb course which was not covered I just tried to be careful.

Hope the above helps a little

 

[stephenowen]

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't aware that you could combine and declare track days, that's very useful information. I will make some changes once my renewal is due, many thanks

 

[Briggy]

I use Mannings for my insurance, which includes track day cover when organised by PCGB or ADTO. Excess is £1,500 or 10%, whichever is higher. Premium is just under £600 a year, which is about £150 more than I'd expect to pay elsewhere without track cover.

 

[Horsesoldiers]

There are plenty of track days available throughout the year at most UK circuits for less than £170 for a full day. Not driving round with other Marques makes the day more fun IMO.

 

[stephenowen]

Thanks for the info. I have found a web site with reasonable prices for track days . Donington at the end of Jan was only £99. I was considering it saying it's been quite mild. I will get to use my helmet sometime this year

 

[ralphmusic]

Who is running the day?

 

[stephenowen]

See link below
https://www.trackdays.co../book/cartrackday/13666/

 

[ralphmusic]

I think you’ll find they are an intermediary who sell other’s trackdays presumably for a fee. Nothing wrong with that business model but if using them you should to ask who is running the day.

You can go to the circuit web site and most will have an events calendar, which in the case of the Donnington day you are looking at is run by MSV Trackdays who are members of the ATDO.

Enjoy the day!