Preparation for your driving training

What precautions should I take before hitting the track?

In order to ensure that not only you, but also all other participants have a good day at the event, you should make some preparations before the start of the race. This includes, for example, collecting your start numbers from the registration desk in good time. But you should also prepare your car accordingly to ensure that everything runs smoothly during the entire training session and that you don't get held up at the pit exit because of a forgotten tow hook, for example.

As your vehicle is subjected to a different load during a driving training course than in road traffic, you should follow a few tips for preparing your car. For your own safety, we also ask you to carry out a general technical check of your car before each training session.

In this article, we have summarised the most important tips for preparing for trackdays and drift training.

Booking and registration

Book event online

If you would like to register online for the desired event, please make sure that you fill in all the details correctly. Register second and co-drivers directly, this makes it easier for us to plan our events.

If there are any changes to your booking (e.g. because you spontaneously want to change vehicles), please contact us by phone or e-mail.

After your registration, you will receive an e-mail with all important information and documents, which you still have to sign and submit to us. If you fill out all the documents and submit them in advance, you will save a lot of time at the registration desk.

Our events

Check-in on site

As soon as you arrive at the event site, you will visit our registration desk where you will receive the necessary stickers and your wristband.

The location of our registration desk is indicated on your registration confirmation and of course also signposted.

Our registration desk is staffed well in advance of the event. It's best to be there early enough so that you can take your time to prepare your car afterwards and, of course, take part in the briefing on time.

You have spontaneously made your way to the track and would like to participate without pre-registration? As long as we still have free places, this is of course no problem. To ensure a smooth check-in process, registered participants have priority. Therefore, please be there as early as possible or wait until the first rush at the check-in is over.

Prepare your vehicle

Start numbers and stickers

At the check-in you will receive two start numbers for your vehicle. Attach these to the sides (doors, rear side windows) so that they are clearly visible.

If you are driving in two groups (normally we separate registered and non-registered vehicles), you will also receive a sticker for your respective group. Stick the group sticker on the top of the driver's side of your windscreen.

To ensure that you do not lose any of the stickers, clean and dry the relevant areas of your vehicle before applying the stickers.

If your vehicle has permanent start numbers, cover them with duct tape or directly with our start numbers. Alternatively, you can ask at the time of booking whether you can simply use your existing start number.

Towing device

Your vehicle must have a towing device (towing hook or loop) at the front so that you can be recovered quickly and safely in the event of a technical defect, for example. A towing device at the rear is recommended but not mandatory.

If you do not have a front towing device fitted, you will not be allowed to enter the track. Prepare your vehicle accordingly so as not to lose any driving time.

Transponder

On some tracks (e.g. Nürburgring Nordschleife and Bilster Berg) you have to attach a transponder to your vehicle so that your vehicle can be identified in case of a ringing offence.

The transponder will be issued against a deposit (e.g. your driving licence). Don't forget to return the transponder at the end of the day.

Depending on the type of transponder, it can be attached to the outside or inside of the vehicle. Detailed information and fixing materials are available at the transponder counter.

Tyres and brakes

When driving fast on race tracks, your tyres and brakes wear out much faster than in road traffic. It's best to check the condition of your tyres and brake pads before you arrive. If they are worn out before the end of the day, your trackday may be over before the afternoon. Of course, you should also consider that you need to get home safely (if you are travelling on the road).

If you drive fast, your tyres may heat up and the air pressure may increase. This reduces the contact area of the tyre and your car has less grip. To counteract this, you can lower the air pressure when the tyres are warm. Be sure to reset the air pressure to the manufacturer's specifications after the event.

Superfluous luggage

Many modern sports cars use materials such as carbon or aluminium to reduce the weight of the vehicle and thus provide better handling. Unnecessary luggage in the car not only affects the weight, but also poses a significant safety risk.

Objects in the footwell can get wedged under the pedals.
Loose objects on the parcel shelf or back seat can become dangerous projectiles during hard braking.
Toolboxes or spare canisters in the boot are strictly prohibited due to their enormous weight and possible flammability.

At most of our events you can rent a box space to store tools or extra sets of tyres.

Equipment for driver and co-driver

Helmet compulsory

At all trackdays of the Pistenclub, without exception, mandatory wearing of helmets for drivers and co-drivers as soon as and as long as the vehicle is in the pit lane and on the track. We recommend a motorsport helmet according to current FIA regulations - however, an intact motorbike helmet is also permitted. In open vehicles a closed full-face helmet is compulsory, in closed vehicles you may also wear an open jet helmet.

In open vehicles a closed full-face helmet is compulsory, in closed vehicles you may also wear an open jet helmet.

Proper clothing

At the Pistenclub, driving fun comes first. Therefore, dress in the way you feel most comfortable and can drive most safely. We recommend sporty and above all comfortable clothing - jeans and a T-shirt offer you the greatest possible freedom of movement when driving. The best way to operate the pedals of your vehicle is to wear trainers with thin and narrow soles.

As a frequent driver, you can of course also equip yourself with professional and fireproof driver's gear (overalls, underwear, driver's shoes and gloves).

On all French and Italian race tracks, fireproof driver's equipment is obligatory for all participants with racing vehicles without road registration!