What is a trackday?
On a trackday an organiser rents the circuit and sells places to drivers with their own car (or a rented one). You drive laps at your own pace. There is no racing and no official timing; overtaking is allowed under clear rules that the organiser explains in the briefing.
Days are organised in different ways. With open pit lane you can go out whenever the track is open. With sessions you drive in groups by experience or speed, for example 20 minutes on, then a break.
Who can take part?
Usually anyone with a valid driving licence and a road-legal car that meets the organiser’s rules. Many organisers have separate groups for beginners and offer an instructor for a few laps. Driving experiences, where you drive a car provided by the organiser, are an easy first step if you don’t want to use your own car.
Prepare your car
- Tyres with enough tread and the right pressure; check them again during the day, as pressures rise when hot.
- Brakes: enough pad left and fresh brake fluid. Track driving is much harder on brakes than the road.
- Fluids: oil and coolant at the right level, no leaks. Cars that leak are sent off the track.
- Empty the car: no loose items inside or in the boot.
- A tow eye that fits, and a car that is not too loud (see noise limits below).
Noise limits
Every circuit has a noise limit, and it often differs per day. A car that is too loud can be stopped. Check the limit of your date before you book, especially with a sports exhaust.
- Circuit Zandvoort: Strict limits because of the surrounding dunes. The limit differs per day, so check with the organiser.
- Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: Weekday rentals: category C max 103 dB, B 103–110 dB, A 110 dB and up. Weekend events: C max 107 dB, B 107–118 dB, A 118 dB and up.
- Nürburgring Nordschleife: Limits differ per event type.
- Nürburgring GP-Strecke: Limits differ per event type.
- Hockenheimring: Noise classes: C max 98 dB, B max 111 dB, A unrestricted (Formula 1 level), D quiet/electric.
- Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours: Limits differ per event.
- TT Circuit Assen: The circuit publishes no general limit: organisers set it per day (often 101 dB drive-by). Check with the organiser.
- Circuit Zolder: Max 98 dB(A) drive-by, measured about 7 m from the track, according to the circuit’s terms. A new environmental permit (August 2026) may change the rules, so check with the organiser.
- Circuit Jules Tacheny Mettet: 94 dB static and 101 dB drive-by. No driving between 13:00 and 14:00.
- Bilster Berg: Max sound power 138 dB(A) per vehicle (DMSB drive-by method). No driving between 22:00 and 06:00.
- Motorsport Arena Oschersleben: 98 dB at the circuit’s own Touristenfahrten; organisers can set their own limits.
- Circuit Paul Ricard: No general limit is published: it is set per event, so check with the organiser.
- Circuit Dijon-Prenois: The limit depends on the event; check with the organiser.
- Circuit de l’Anneau du Rhin: Vehicles are limited to 100 dB; an original road silencer is strongly advised.
- Circuit de Lédenon: The limit depends on the day; check with the organiser.
- Brands Hatch: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit (often 105 dB static / 92 dB drive-by on trackdays); the limit is shown per date.
- Donington Park: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit (often 105 dB static / 92 dB drive-by on trackdays); the limit is shown per date.
- Oulton Park: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit (often 105 dB static / 92 dB drive-by on trackdays); the limit is shown per date.
- Snetterton: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit (often 105 dB static / 92 dB drive-by on trackdays); the limit is shown per date.
- Bedford Autodrome: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit (often 105 dB static / 92 dB drive-by on trackdays); the limit is shown per date.
- Silverstone: The limit depends on the event; check with the organiser.
- Slovakia Ring: No general noise limit is published; it is set per event, so check with the organiser of the date.
- Autodrom Most: No general noise limit is published; on public test rides the vehicle must meet the circuit’s operating rules, including its noise limits.
- Automotodrom Brno: The circuit regulations set a maximum noise level of 107 dB.
- Cadwell Park: Each day has its own static and drive-by limit; the limit is shown per date.
- Anglesey Circuit (Trac Môn): Trackdays usually have a 105 dB(A) limit; the limit is shown per date.
What to bring
- Driving licence and the booking confirmation.
- A helmet: most organisers require one, and some rent them out.
- Long sleeves and trousers, and thin-soled shoes.
- Tyre pressure gauge, some oil, water and food, and a bit of patience between sessions.
On the day
You sign in, your car may be checked (noise, helmet, general condition) and you attend the drivers’ briefing about flags, overtaking and pit lane rules. Then you drive. Build up your speed slowly, learn the lines and let faster cars pass. Most incidents happen in the last session, when drivers are tired, so it’s fine to stop early.
Insurance
Normal car insurance usually does not cover driving on a circuit. Some organisers and specialist insurers offer trackday insurance for a single day. Check your own policy before you go.
Choose your first date
Pick a circuit close to home, a day with a beginners group or instructors, and check the noise limit. Trackstr lists every date with the organiser, price and noise limit, and links you straight to the organiser to book.