For Drivers
Tyres
Road tyres overheat during sustained lapping — bring a spare set if you plan to do multiple sessions. Dedicated track compounds like the Nankang AR-1, Federal 595RS-RR, or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 will transform your day. Hot pressures of 28–32 psi are typical, but compound-specific — check the manufacturer's recommendation and use Outlap's tyre library to dial in cold starting pressures for your setup.
Fuel
Budget for 40–80 litres depending on your car. Bring a metal jerry can as backup — circuits often run out during busy days. Forced induction cars should check whether the circuit's pump fuel is sufficient or whether you need to source higher-octane fuel in advance.
Brakes
Flush your brake fluid before the event. DOT 4 racing fluids like Motul RBF 660 or Castrol SRF handle sustained high-temperature use without fade. For pads, Mintex or EBC Yellowstuff are solid track day choices — bed them in properly before your first session or risk glazing.
Helmet & safety kit
A Snell SA2015/SA2020 or FIA 8859-rated helmet is required at most events. Bring gloves, closed-toe shoes, and remove loose items from the cabin — floor mats catching on pedals causes more incidents than most drivers realise. Declutter the interior completely.
Tools & spares
Basic toolkit, tyre pressure gauge, torque wrench, gaffer tape, cable ties, spare oil, tow rope, brake cleaner, trolley jack, and a wheel nut socket. You probably won't need most of it. You will need it when you do.
Car prep
Check oil, coolant, and wheel torque the night before. Remove floor mats. Consider disabling traction control for the first session to understand your car's natural balance — but only once you're comfortable with the circuit.
Do's and don'ts
DO
- Attend the mandatory driver's briefing — it is not optional
- Use your mirrors constantly; be aware of faster traffic approaching
- Build speed progressively over the first two sessions
- Do a cool-down lap before returning to the pits — brakes need airflow
- Respect red flags immediately and return to the pits
- Hydrate between sessions; cockpit temperatures spike fast
DON'T
- Overtake in corners — track day rules prohibit it for good reason
- Brake late into unfamiliar corners; you don't know the runoff yet
- Ignore yellow flags; a marshal is warning you of a hazard
- Lap on cold tyres or brakes — the first lap of each session is a warm-up
- Treat it as a race; you're not competing against anyone
- Block the pit lane exit or paddock access roads
For organisers
Running your own track day means managing entries, groups, sessions, waivers, and on-the-day logistics. Outlap handles all of it — create your event, set run groups by experience level, collect digital waivers at registration, and run sign-on from your phone on the day.
- Automated entry forms with digital waivers
- Driver grouping by licence or self-declared experience
- Session scheduling and run order
- QR check-in at the gate
- Stripe Connect for paid tickets — first event free, €25 per event after that
Book your circuit directly — most Irish and UK circuits have a track hire team. Use Outlap's circuit guide to share AI-generated track briefings with your drivers before the day.
Track day insurance
Important: standard motor insurance almost universally excludes track use. You need specialist cover for each event.
Ireland
Standard motor policies exclude track use. A Motorsport Ireland licence and event-specific insurance is required for competitive events; track days vary by organiser. Specialist providers include Reis Motorsport and Adrian Flux. Expect to pay €150–€400 per day depending on car value and circuit.
United Kingdom
UK motor policies almost universally exclude track use. Specialist providers include Reis, Bikesure, and Competition Car Insurance. Prices range from £150–£500+ per day. Cover is typically accidental damage only — mechanical failure is excluded, as is anything that happens on pit lane unless specifically stated.
United States
Standard US policies exclude track events. HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) events often operate under a waiver model, but insurance remains strongly recommended for any car of value. Providers include Lockton Motorsport, Hagerty Track Day cover, and On Track Insurance. Verify exactly what's covered before you arrive.