Track Day Car Hire
Tuesday 7th May 2002
Several companies now offer cars for use on track days. What's the deal and what should you look out for?
As the track day industry matures we're starting to see a number of businesses emerge in support of the activities on track. Aside from track day photography and instruction services, the latest idea is to provide cars for use on track either as an alternative to using your own or to provide something a bit different from the car you know so well. It's also proving a popular activity for corporate jollies.
Initially many of these cars were race cars looking to earn their keep during the week but now a couple of companies are providing dedicated vehicles for use by enthusiasts.
| We also drove a Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Type UK belonging to UDriveCars. Whilst Scoobies may be more fun off road
than on track, don't underestimate the grin factor to be had on a circuit.
With a 260bhp engine and quiet, familiar saloon car surroundings you'll find yourself driving close to the limit very quickly and controllable four wheel drift is available on tap. Sadly our session was curtailed after just two laps due mechanical maladies. |
One such company is Polaris Drive is run by Adrian Dixon and Mark Littlejohn - both experienced Porsche racers. It comes as no surprise then to find them offering two 944's for use on track. Smartly prepared in blue and green the two cars have been prepared to a similar spec to full race cars but are in use solely for track days. Stripped out interiors, a full cage and racing seats/harnesses greet the prospective driver.
Various packages are available from quick taster sessions through multi-session hire to day-hire and corporate jolly packages.
With a moderate 160bhp pumped out of the 2.5 litre 944, the car isn't powerful enough to scare the unwary and with a well balanced rear wheel drive chassis it's an easy car to get in and drive without any drama. Mark or Adrian give you instruction via your headset as you circulate and after only a few laps you could find yourself flowing freely around the track thanks to the 944's viceless handling. Being almost race-prepped it's a noisy and harsh environment which is very different from driving a road car around the circuit, but then that's half the attraction!
 |
 |
If you consider the basic cost of a track day is normally £150+ and then you add on wear/tear, petrol, instructor time etc, then the £375 for a full day that Polaris charge seems reasonable. A half day weighs in at £190 and there are various options for sharing possible too.
Buyers Guide
If you're interested in making use of services such as these, then here's our quick guide to hiring:
Give the company a call (mentioning PH of course!) and have a chat with the organisers. Make sure that you get on with them as it won't be much fun spending time with them otherwise! It's important to check the focus of the day. Is it just a chance to drive something exotic briefly, or is it aimed at letting you get to grips with one particular car over the course of a day?
Check the following items:
- Is the track time included, or do I have to book the track day too?
- How many sessions will I get in the car and how long is each session?
- Are the cars standard, or have they been modified for track work?
- Am I insured whilst on the track and what does the insurance cover? (check the excess)
- In instruction included?
- What happens if the car breaks? Do you have mechanical support on site or a spare car?
For a list of companies hiring out cars, click here.
