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Car Track Days FAQs

Noise Regulations

  • All circuits in the UK have noise regulations. These regulations and limits are agreed with local councils in order that circuits do not produce noise that becomes a disturbance to its neighbours, and it is extremely important that these limits are adhered to by all participants.
  • The noise limits at Three Sisters are: Static: 105dB(A). Drive-by: 95dB(A).
  • The Static test is carried out using a hand held meter before a car can go out on circuit. Each car is measured 0.5 metres away from the exhaust at a 45 degree angle with the engine held at three-quarters of its maximum RPM. Where a car has multiple exhaust pipes, the measurement will be taken from the median point between the exhausts.
  • At Three Sisters, we have an automated drive-by noise meter that records the noise produced at speed by each vehicle at it passes the meter. The recorded readings are forwarded to the local council.
  • You car will be given a static noise test before the track day starts, and its drive-by noise will be monitored throughout the event.
  • Any car exceeding either the static or drive-by noise limits will be excluded from the event, and no refund can be facilitated.
  • As petrol heads ourselves, we understand the joy of a loud exhaust. However, when a car is circulating around the same piece of tarmac (like a race track) for any duration, we must all accept and understand that this noise can become a disturbance for the local communities. So please help us by making your car as quiet as possible before taking part in a track day.
  • Anyone wishing to have their car noise tested before their track day is welcome to make an appointment and come to the track for a free noise test. It takes about 5 minutes.
  • Factors such as air temperature, humidity, inlet systems, and exhaust age and condition can affect the level of noise that your car produces. If your car is within 1dB(A) of the limit, we strongly suggest you make plans to reduce the car's noise before you book on a future track day.

What is a Three Sisters Car Track Day?

  • A Car Track Day is a non-competitive event that takes place on a race track (or occasionally an airfield or MOD land) allowing drivers to explore the capabilities of a car and improve their driving technique in a safe and controlled environment. There's no oncoming traffic, no speed cameras and no speed limits, however there are some rules:
  • Overtaking is on the left side only, on the straights only, and by consent from the driver being overtaken. So close or aggressive driving is not allowed.
  • Driving standards are monitored throughout the event and drivers exhibiting poor or dangerous driving are removed from the circuit and offered guidance. Repeat offenders may be asked to leave the venue.
  • Track Days are friendly events with plenty of down time to chat with new friends and discuss a love of all things automotive.
  • If you haven't driven on circuit before, you are strongly advised to hire some in-car tuition with an instructor.

Is my car suitable for a track day?

  • Almost all road cars are suitable for one of our track days, so long as they meet the safety and noise limit requirements. The Three Sisters circuit is not particularly taxing on consumables such as tyres and brakes, but you will incur more wear than you normally would on the road.
  • Please don't think that to take part in a track day, you have to be in a fast or powerful car. Almost all modern cars are hugely capable machines, and can provide great fun on a circuit. In fact, weight (or lack of it) is way more important than power.
  • The trick is simply to drive within the capabilities of the car and yourself. Effective track driving is all about smoothness and efficiency, and some of the best instructors in the world use standard 4-door saloons to teach the craft.

Do I need to do anything to the car?'

  • Your car must be in good working order and be able to pass an MOT.
  • The seatbelts must be fitted and working properly.
  • A towing eye must also be fitted to the front of the vehicle. Your car should have been supplied with one when new, so it should still have one.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure the car remains in good condition for the duration of the track day. If Three Sisters officials deem your car not suitable or safe, we reserve the right to exclude the car from the track day.
  • Before the track day, you should check your tyre pressures, oil and water levels and seat belts.
  • You should also remove any loose items from the interior and the boot.
  • Your car will need to be able to pass the Static Noise Test before it goes on circuit, and not exceed the Drive-by Noise Limit whilst on circuit.

How much track time will I get?

  • We run our track days in sessions, with each session lasting 15 minutes. Drivers are split into 3 groups of up to 10 drivers per group. Please be aware that in the case of an  incident on the track this could cause  a delay in the track activity, the time lost in any session cannot be regained.
  • If you have 2 drivers sharing 1 car, you can either take it in turns to drive in your allotted group sessions, or you can buy a place in another group for the 2nd driver. In the case of the latter, although we will try to arrange it so that the shared car gets a 15 minutes break between each of the 2 driver’s sessions, it cannot be guaranteed. You should also make sure that your car is capable of running on track for up to 30 minutes in any hour with limited time available to cool down.

Do I need a crash helmet and what do I wear?

  • All drivers and passengers must wear a suitable crash helmet (not off road style motorcycle helmets) and have their legs and arms covered at all times while on circuit. A T-shirt and shorts is not acceptable. Please wear something with long sleeves and full length trousers or jeans.
  • If you do not have a suitable crash helmet, we have full face helmets for hire (see additional items) and plenty of sizes to suit all requirements.

What do I need to bring?

  • A car!
  • Your driving licence.
  • Your vehicle's MOT certificate.
  • A crash helmet if you have one, and the correct clothing.
  • A towing eye for your car.

How old do I have to be?

  • Drivers and passengers need to be minimum 17 years of age.

Do I need a full (not provisional) DVLA driving licence?

  • Yes, you do need to hold a full unrestricted and valid DVLA licence. There is no restriction regarding how long you have held the licence. You will need to present your DVLA licence for inspection at Signing On, so please bring it with you.

What happens if I’ve lost my DVLA licence?