The number of Track Days organised by the Porsche Club in one year, prove beyond doubt the strength of demand amongst Club members for these sort of activities. Each year, we provide almost 1000 driver places, resulting in Club members covering over 100,000 track miles, burning something like 6,000 gallons of fuel on Twelve different tracks. Whilst many of those attending are regulars, it is particularly encouraging to see so many Club members attending Club Track Days for the first time. This is a wordy way of saying that a lot of Club members enjoy themselves immensely on Track Days.

Ever increasing environmental pressure on drivers of high-performance cars, means that Track Days are one of the few ways in which Porsche owners can sensibly stretch themselves and their car, enjoying its full performance. By using controlled surroundings, with the provision of instruction and tuition where required, the Club can help members to appreciate the capabilities of their Porsche. Drivers can hone their own skills, safe in the knowledge that there is no traffic coming the other way, no pedestrians, no speed cameras and, just as important, ... it's great fun.

How the Club's Track Days work, is very simple. We (the Porsche Club GB) hire a variety of circuits around the UK, at which we organise days for you (the Club member!) to drive your own Porsche. The way in which individual days run, may vary, but at most events we divide drivers into one of three categories to reflect their level of Track Day experience - Novice, Intermediate and Experienced. Therefore, experienced drivers will be on track with other experienced track day drivers, etc. All drivers must attend a mandatory driver's briefing before venturing on track, to ensure they are familiar with all the day's procedures and safety requirements.

Instruction will be available at all of the Club's Track Days, at a small extra charge. Time on track will vary, but on average you would expect something in the region of 1.5-2hrs track time, with the exception of Brands Hatch evening events where track time adds up to 40 minutes, in the 2-hours we have use of the track.

The 'Jewel in the Crown' of the Club's Track Day programme is undoubtedly the event we organise on the Grand Prix Circuit at Silverstone. Historically this has been the Friday following the British GP.

The Club's Track Day programme this year, can be found by downloading the booking form and it gives the dates, venues and prices. This list of dates and a Track Day booking form is printed in each issue of Porsche Post during the year and is readily accessible to all Club members. As a Club, not motivated by profit, we try to minimise price increases where possible. Inevitably, the circuit hire fees usually increase (never decrease, in my experience !), resulting in us having to put our costs up, but rest assured this is largely the result of rising circuit costs. To help defray our administration and insurance costs (Insurance being another area of increased cost, since September 11th 2001), a small charge (£5.00) per head is made for all passengers. This will be collected on the day, rather than when pre-booking. Club members are always welcome to just come along and spectate, for which we make no charge. Those members who have attended the Club's Track Days, all agree that they represent good value for money.

For those who have not attended Track Days before, below is a brief summary of what you can expect and what you need for these days. This will prove useful in planning your attendance.