What not to do on a race track when it’s raining!

Depending on where you are in the UK at the moment, you may well be accompanied by rain (especially if you're in the south-east, as we are). When out on a race track in the rain, yes, okay, it can be extremely fun, but it can also be dangerous and things can go wrong a lot quicker than when out on a track in dry conditions. So, we thought, today of all days (as the rain has decided to accompany us) would be a good day to highlight to you what NOT to do when you're on a track in wet conditions...

Wet track, set, go!

Here are some important things to consider when driving on a track in the wet:

1. Don't forget to look around you - look for the dry patches of the track. That way you'll get more grip if you go over them as opposed to the wet patches.
2. Don't ignore the racing lines of other drivers - The 'ideal dry line' which is made of up of tyre marks from other track users, is (as it says) ideal for dry conditions, however when in wet conditions, they are not so ideal. When it rains these lines become more slippery and therefore it is best to avoid them but do not ignore them and simply plough through!
3. Don't take the corners too circular - you want to square off the corners and focus on the straights when it's wet. Take the corners slower, in a more defined 'square' shape with a wider motion, as opposed to a closed 'circular' motion. This way you'll stay in control and still pick up the pace in a safe place to do so - the straights.
4. Don't create a bumpy ride; it's all about being smooth - it's practically impossible to accelerate or brake as hard in the wet as it is in the dry. Your grip level is lowered considerably in the wet and therefore you'll need to squeeze the pedals on and off as opposed to slamming down on them.
5. Aquaplaning - try to avoid it where possible - Aquaplaning is when the tyre’s tread simply can't slice through standing water quick enough to grip and therefore the car will quite literally skim over the top of the water (this will all be with practically no control by you, the driver).
6. Don't forget to use peripheral vision - obviously in the wet your vision is distorted and the visibility depth of range will be reduced. This will require you to use key focus points when out on track, such as the colour change between red and white stripes or a number sign on the grass verge, particularly if you are having trouble seeing the apex. Note your key areas for braking and use them!

For any further information regarding track days or Track Day Insurance be sure to visit the Safely Insured website.