Team BRIT driver coach Jamie Falvey on how to prepare for a track day

Words by Grant Elliot

May 12, 2022

Team BRIT Driver Coach and Team Manager Jamie Falvey provides his top tips for anyone about to experience the thrill of racing at a track day.

Jamie Falvey’s journey to becoming a Team BRIT driver

Falvey served in the Commandos from 2010 to 2016 to the rank of Lance Corporal. In 2016 he was medically discharged after sustaining permanent hearing damage and joined Team BRIT as a driver in 2017.

After a successful season of racing with the team, he stepped up to the top-tier Caterham 420R championship in 2019, competing in two select rounds – one at Spa and one at Silverstone – and securing podiums in both events.

In 2020, he competed in a professional class season in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship with a new team, where he drove to a pro-class podium at Oulton Park and two pro-class wins at Thruxton. He also qualified as an Association of Racing Driver Schools instructor.

He is now the head coach for the team and team manager on race weekends. He also coaches for the Ginetta Race Academy.

Here the experienced coach discusses his top tips on what you should and shouldn’t do at a track day, whether you’re a beginner or a season veteran.

How to prepare for a track day with Jamie Falvey

Whether you’re a total novice or an experienced racer, track days are the perfect chance to learn, to practice and, of course, to have fun in a safe and controlled environment. Whatever your level of experience, it can be quite a daunting prospect, so here are my top tips for preparing for a day at the track:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Every track day provider will ask if there are any newbies present. Don’t be afraid to put your hand up when asked this question. They will spend more time with you ensuring you are comfortable with on-track etiquette, the do’s and don’ts, and will give you the chance to ask questions.

2. Make sure your car is track worthy if you’re taking your own

If you’re taking your own car, spend time making sure your car is track-worthy, not just road-worthy. Make sure your tyre pressures are even (possibly drop some pressure out) and that your tyres are not on their last legs. Keep checking this throughout the day. All track days will require the towing eye to be fitted before you go on track. Simple checks like oil and brake fluid could save you an unexpected repair bill.

3. Get coaching if you’re offered the chance

If you get offered coaching, take it. Your understanding of car dynamics, high-speed track driving and car control will increase massively after just an hour’s worth of coaching with an instructor. Most of the time it’s well priced (circa £50) and instructors have built up years of knowledge through racing (sometimes winning). If you gain even 1% of this knowledge in the space of an hour it’s money well spent. You won’t regret it.

4. Chat with other track day enthusiasts

Go and chat with other track day enthusiasts. There are lots of clubs and track day company loyalty schemes that have strong followings and organise trips to different circuits (sometimes overseas) that will include a discounted track rate. Don’t ever pass up an opportunity to go through Eau Rouge at Spa Francorchamps!

5. Remember to take regular breaks

It sounds obvious, but take regular breaks throughout the day. I’ve lost count of the number of times cars have been crashed in the last hour of a track day. The driver has been pushing hard, all day, non-stop, for around eight hours, with full concentration. Sooner or later the balance of probability will catch up with you!

6. Explore as many circuits as you can

The UK is the world leader in motorsport. We have the highest number of first-class circuits within the smallest distance. Explore as many circuits as possible on your track days. Some you will love, others not so much, but they are all different and have their own style and appeal.

7. Enjoy the experience

Have fun! Again, an obvious one but sometimes people lose sight of this. Do it to enjoy it.

Amateur motorsport

There’s a host of track days this year. Whether you wish to go round the UK’s biggest tracks by car or bike, you can find a full list of track days you can participate in.