Taking your car to a nearby race track and thrashing it about a bit without risking the lives of other road users is becoming very popular. According to recent stats released by the biggest experience day business in the country, 20% of us have now been on a track day or bought one for someone else. Another area that has embraced these track days are corporate events. Because they are a relatively new trend however, there is still a lack of understanding about how they work. Here are 5 of the top things you need to know.

Insurance. Most tracks have their own insurance that automatically covers you whilst you are using their facility. With this in mind you shouldnt have to arrange any for yourself, although it is worth checking before hand to make sure.

Driver. It could be that you’re in the driving seat for your whole track day, but often a professional takes you for a spin for part of the day. As the experts know the tracks like the back of their hands, they will know the perfect racing lines and breaking points, so its worth listening up.

Licence. You are very rarely required by law to have a full driving licence for track days as they take place on private land. However, most race tracks do require you to have a licence as it implies you have a certain ability level.

Tires. Unless you are on a team building day and are not paying for any wear and tear, you might want to take care of your tyres. They can cost you a small fortune if you buy new, and whilst they might last years driving normally, just half an hour fast driving on a track can wear them right out.

Caution. Although race tracks are statistically safer places to be than public roads, this does not mean you can drive like Evil Knievel. Track days are a great deal more dangerous than Henley Regatta for example, so make sure youve woken up before you get in the car.