FAQ's - Cars

What is a Playday

The event is a track day where you can drive your own car in a controlled, non racing environment at race tracks throughout New Zealand.

 

You can use these track days to:

 

  • Test your cars handling and performance.
  • Advance your driving skills.
  • Have an adrenaline fun filled day.
  • Get professional race driver training.

What type of car can I bring?

You can bring any type of car. All cars must be either road-legal (with current WOF ) or a race car capable of passing motorsport scrutineering. Most days have 4 groups: Novice, Medium & Fast plus a Prestige Group for more expensive cars.

 

 

The Prestige Group qualifies for Track Day cover if you are insured with Prestigio Insurance & have been approved by them. The Prestige Group is usually filled with cars such as Audi, Ferrari, BMW, Lotus, Jaguar, Porsche etc.

 

What about Convertibles?

 

Convertibles are welcome but they must have adequate roll protection, many have Factory roll bars behind the seat so are fine but some notable exceptions are: MX5 & Toyota MRS. To run either of these or any other non roll protected open top car you need to fit a roll bar.

What equipment do I need to bring if I am going out on the track ?

 

  • 100% Cotton or fire proof overalls (please ensure they are oil/grease & paint free)
  • A crash helmet in good condition
  • Shoes (not sandals or jandals)
  • Drivers license or race license
  • A fire extinguisher securely mounted in your car is recommended
  • A neck brace is highly recommended

We also recommend cotton shirt, underclothes and socks (for fire safety).

How is the day run ?

The day starts with registration where we will check your documentation and license, this is followed by a briefing which all participants MUST attend. If you miss this, contact one of the organizers for a private briefing as soon as it can be arranged.

 

Next, the race track is opened for some familiarization laps. These are low speed laps where passengers are allowed in all cars and the purpose is for you to get to know the track.

 

Then the fun begins !! Cars enter the track in groups at timed intervals. You choose the speed group you want to be in and can change groups during the day if you wish.

We are normally on the track from approx 10.00am to 4.30pm  and you can stop and have lunch etc when you wish.

 

What if I have paid and can't go?


Because Playday has fixed costs such as the track and ambulance hire etc we cannot give refunds but if you let us know as soon as possible we will try to fill your place and then refund you (Or transfer your booking to another event). Alternatively you are welcome to find another person to take your place. Refunds requested from online bookings will have the online booking agents fee deducted.

Do I need to book?

Bookings are taken on a first paid, first in basis. Playdays are generally oversubscribed so you will need to book in advance. We will take entries on the day if we have places available but often we don’t.

What if you think you are too slow and that faster drivers will get annoyed with you?

Most of the faster participants are used to being on the track with a variety of cars and drivers. They are generally very tolerant and all started in the same place as you. There are usually plenty of straights for faster drivers to get past and we have strict rules about where and how to overtake. And remember you can select a speed group to suit you.

 

Is a Motorsport race license required?

 New Zealand drivers license or a Motorsport license is acceptable

 

What if it rains?

 

The event will continue rain, hail or shine.  We w still have to pay for track hire regardless of weather.

We find many people who go out reluctantly on a wet day are surprised at how much fun they have as you car will slip & slide around at lower speeds than in the dry. It is amazing how rewarding driving on a Track on a wet day is.

 

Passenger Rules

Passengers are only allowed in cars with a Motorsport approved roll cage & a 4, 5 or 6 point Harness. This is a Motorsport NZ rule.

 

The only exception is on the familiarization laps or if the passenger is a Registered Track Driving Instructor

What other information do I need to know?

 

No Alcohol is to be consumed by anyone attending the event before or during the event.

No animals are allowed in the motorsport park
No young children are allowed at the Pit Lane (Motorsport rule we must obey)

 

Overtaking, what's the rules?

This will be emphasized at briefing but basically overtaking may only be done under acceleration, never under braking, never after the 200m board & not whilst cornering. So that leaves the straights.

 

As the cars start around 5 seconds apart if someone catches you they must be faster so let them pass & follow them & you will probably learn something.

 

These rules exist as we do not want any cars colliding. No one should go home from a Playday with panel damage.

 

Drivers will be asked to leave the track for the remainder of the day and will be removed from the database if they are driving in a manner that may endanger other drivers or their cars.

 

We want this day to be enjoyable for everyone and as most of the cars are driven to the track we want them to be driven home as well.