Are you tired of driving around every day, with all that irritating traffic and noise? Do you want more from your four-wheeled sports car? Then you're ready to take the next step and enjoy a healthy day out at one of the circuits which open their doors to amateurs: but it's better if you avoid winging it if you want to step into your professional driver's shoes - even for just a few hours. Compared to the world of go-karts, the world of competition cars is certainly more complex and more expensive, but it is definitely within the reach of most enthusiasts. These days, in fact, you can get the chance to drive on the track by taking advantage of dedicated days on which you can experience all the fun and adrenaline of driving a sports car: the important thing, of course, is to feel responsible for your actions and always drive safely, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Pirelli also thinks about would-be race drivers and racing fans, drawing up a calendar of events each year, the Pirelli P Zero Experiences.
Which vehicle
The basic rules for fans to drive on the circuit during track days are first and foremost being 18 or over and having a valid driving licence, as well as wearing suitable clothing (helmet, overalls, gloves, and special footwear, which can also be rented at the circuit; each track day organiser has their own rules about necessary clothing) and signing a liability disclaimer for the circuit. When it comes to which car you should use on the track, you can use a rental model (the organiser will in this case be responsible for vehicle compliance with regulations) or you can drive your own. They must all have a dedicated tow hook in the event of an accident or a breakdown; furthermore, if a road vehicle is used, it must be licensed with a number plate, have passed its latest MOT and be covered by insurance – as well as being in full working order.
Registration
At this point, you can proceed and register for the track day: usually, the procedure involves contacting the event organiser or the intended track directly, in order to confirm your name is among the drivers scheduled to be on the track on the given day. As for pricing, it all depends on how the track day is organised: on some circuits, in fact, you can benefit from “open pit-lane” schemes, whereby you can race around freely for a given number of hours. Subject to the maximum capacity of the racetrack. On other tracks, however, all activity is organised into specific shifts that make a distinction between road cars and competition cars, or vehicles of a certain make and those of another.
The right tyres and efficient brakes
Needless to say, brakes and tyres are among the mechanical components of a vehicle which are most stressed when racing around a circuit. So checking these components before you get to the racetrack is essential to enjoy your track day to the fullest. Finding your car's brake pads are worn after just a couple of hours will certainly not mean you can claim a refund for your entry fee and, more importantly, it could compromising safety. When it comes to your tyres, the preferable solution would be to fit a specific set (such as the P Zero Trofeo R, which are type-approved for road use but designed for driving on the track) and with a residual tread depth which guarantees simultaneous fun and safety. Some track days, specifically like the Pirelli P Zero Experience, also offer the possibility of a tyre change in the paddock, should it be necessary to fit 4 new tyres half-way through your day.
Before entering the circuit
Driving at high speed on the circuit requires technical expertise that is essential to having fun safely, especially since you are never alone on the track. Emergency procedures and warnings, general rules, trajectories to follow, and techniques to seek performance while reducing risk are important chapters that should be explored in depth by attending dedicated driving courses. There are many schools that offer days where you can learn the basics of sports driving, all the way through to genuine master's courses taught by professional race drivers. It is worth repeating this, no improvising is permitted: race drivers are not born into their job, they learn on the job.
