tvrmonster.com
The specialist travelling very rapidly web site
Am I up to an International Trackday?
Of course! We will have experts there to help you enjoy your trip. Highly experienced mechanics, a truck full of selected spares AND Championship winning tvr driving coaches to show you round and give you any help you need! We always have a good mix of abilities from experienced pro-racers, to first-time Rookies so don’t let inexperience put you off! All you need is a sorted tvr and a good attitude. We are a friendly bunch.
How will I know what to do?
We will be there to guide you through the experience. Don’t forget, you’ll be with us for several days so we’ll all be mates by the trackdays. On arrival you will be given a “Welcome pack” containing everything you need to know. Contact details, Hints & tips, Maps with the route and hotel locations and circuit layouts. On the trackdays themselves, there will be an official briefing by the track officials, where the “rules” will be spelt out so everyone knows what’s going on. This is an informal affair, with a few anecdotes and laughs as well as other general information about the available facilities etc. Should you be unsure of anything throughout the day, just ask one of the Monster Team.
Is my car up to an International Trackday?
Most tvr’s are. They are generally very well cared for cars, so why not? So long as the car is well serviced and in good general condition it should be fine. It doesn’t need to be a fire breathing track monster, as there will be allsorts of cars on the day from £300,000 Porsche GTS to Ford Capri’s! Remember, it is well worth having your own servicing specialist to give the car a pre-check, letting them know what you’ll be doing. They’ll pay particular attention to tyres and brakes etc, ensuring there’s enough “meat” to last the trip.
What do I need to bring?
YOUR PASSPORT! Both parts of your UK Driving Licence, a suitable helmet (BS Type A or B or Snell approved) and a long sleeved top to drive in! Unlike the UK, Racing suits and Boots are much more the “norm” on International dates, but most will still be in jeans and sweatshirts etc. An EHIC card (European health Insurance Card) is a good idea as this entitles you to health treatment in the EU, and European Breakdown Cover too (mainly for recovery to the UK as this is VERY expensive!). Though we have mechanics with us, we can’t guarantee to solve every problem or be responsible for returning your car to the UK.
CREDIT CARDS for all that cheap beer and Optimax!
Can I join the Trip out there, or maybe head on afterwards?
Why not? What a great idea! Many of you make the “Monster” trips part of a greater holiday. Why not head on down to the Med? Or the Alps for Skiing, or just bimble off for a quiet touring holiday in the sun. Fantastic in any tvr! Just let us know where you will be meeting us and we’ll keep in touch via mobiles. A contacts sheet will be issued in your Welcome Pack and this can be e-mailed to you before you leave. If heading on after the days, our mechanics can check over your car for your peace of mind.
Will there be any noise testing or scrutineering?
Almost certainly not. Neither tvrmonster nor any of our Trackday partners will do this. It is your responsibility to check your car for noise levels and condition. For information standard cars are around 90-95db, “Piped” & “Sportszorts” can run from 95-110db and finally racers and pre-cat wedges etc are 105-120db! Most European trackdays are 110db+ but please check! (Spa is generally 130db!)
What does “Sessioned” and “Open-pit lane” mean?
Sessions are groups of cars, put into similar categories, usually 3, based on track driving experience. Around 25 or so cars in each, Rookies (1-3 TDs), Intermediates (3-10 TDs) and Experienced (10+TDs). You will be asked to rank yourself on signing in.
Open Pit Lane means that you can come and go on the track as you wish, up to the maximum allowed cars on the track. The Pit lane Marshall will wave you on when there is a suitable gap in the traffic and you can then stay out as long as you and the car can do. THIS WILL BE AROUNG 15-20 mins. Any longer and the car, brakes, tyres and possibly the driver, will overheat!
I am concerned that I may be to slow…I am going to drive the dream not race!
As are we all! These are non-competitive trackdays just like the UK ones. Though its true that you can’t “pootle round with the stereo on” Drive at a brisk pace whilst keeping an eye on your mirrors and you’ll be fine. Any aggressive drivers will soon be spotted by the Marshals who will “have a word!” The rules are there to make the days safe for everyone.
What happens if I have an accident?
Trackdays are actually VERY safe. You are much more likely to have an accident on the road rather than on the track, but accidents can happen. We will do absolutely everything in our power to ensure that you have a safe day, using only UK certified Trackday companies who are members of the FAEO or ATDO. Rest assured that the attending Marshals, Medics and Paramedics will attend to the incident quickly and professionally and are the same teams used by the circuits for Race meetings.
If I damage my car who will pay?
By driving your car on the track you are accepting all risks, as you are every time you drive. You will be required to sign a tvrmonster waiver as well as the Trackday organiser’s waivers. This is standard practice on ALL track events. We (tvrmonster and our Partners) cannot be held responsible even if the accident is not your fault. It is becoming more and more likely that your normal road policy CAN cover trackdays, so it is worth checking with your provider. You may have to inform them BEFORE the event, and there may be a small increase in the excess, but this is normal. Insurance is your own responsibility, but feel free to email the team for help. Info@tvrmonster.com We recommend A Mannings UK ltd as our preferred Insurer. They offer the best all round Trackday cover for all our events. Currently all UK Insurers exclude the Nurburgring Nordschleife or Old North Loop Circuit. Follow this link for more information on Insurance. Here.
I am concerned that I may be too fast…and Rookies may spoil my day.
We will do our best to ensure that everyone gets the most from their trip and remember that most of the International dates are GP circuits so there will be plenty of room! It is the more experienced drivers responsibility to pass safely and in the correct place so make a bit of space and carry on with your day. Overly aggressive drivers may be removed so be careful!
What if I have a problem with my car?
When booking, we will ask you what car you drive so that our experienced tvr mechanics can select suitable spares for the trip and our partners tvrcarparts.com can FedEx parts direct to the venues if necessary. Parts & Carrier fees are chargeable, but labour is included so you can relax and enjoy your car. We cannot, however guarantee that we can repair your car, so we advise that you take continental breakdown cover and recovery from your normal provider. You should note that standard European cover generally only lasts for 3 days, additional cover is required for our longer trips. This costs around £80 per trip, or £110 for yearly cover. NOTE the AA does NOT cover trailered cars or the Nurburgring area but others do!
What if I have a problem?
Let us know IMMEDEATELY! We cannot help after the fact or when you get home! We have extensive knowledge of all aspects of the trip and have completed many trips over several years and encountered most problems ourselves already. All our professionals are at your disposal, so let us know and we’ll get straight on it!
Is the Nurburgring different from other circuits?
ABSOLUTELY! The ‘Ring is unique and a Motorsport Legend. The ultimate track and definitely one of those “I was there son” events! People come from all over Europe and indeed the world to drive this fabulous track. It is a 12.5 mile 147 cornered Public Toll Road, owned by the German Government. You pay for tokens at the kiosk or vending machine (around 12 euros £8) and then enter the track via car park style barriers…as if leaving your local NCP. No racing, speeding or cars over 95db are allowed, but just about every car that passes through flaunts this! Be sure that you watch your mirrors here as you will feel incredibly fast but in fact will be very slow, but don’t let this put you off. I have completed over 100+ laps of the Ring and enjoyed every one of them. I have seen many accidents too, but these are usually bikes or locals pushing for those times but if you are sensible all will be well. We have experience of the track, hotels, bars and the surrounding area and Autobahn, so why not come along for one of our double headers where the Ring is backed onto a Trackday such as Spa or Hockenheim. Don’t forget Sabine Schmidt (seen recently on BBCs Top Gear) and the Ring Taxi. This is an M5 BMW driven by Sabine or one of her pro-drivers and can be booked for around £100 a lap, not bad if split between four! We usually stay in Sabine’s Hotel and she often helps out in the Bar in the evening.
Drive sensibly and have fun! A good attitude is your most important accessory!