01/05/2004 14:39:54 Dave MGs on Track is well known for the courtesy that fellow drivers show each other on track. Most of us drive our cars to the event and we want all to be able to drive home again without accident. There are basically two possibilities for accident damage; contact between cars or simply driving beyond your ability and coming off the track. There's not much we can do about the second, that's up to you, but contact between cars is most likely through bends and when the car in front hasn't seen you. Eliminating surprise overtakes considerably reduces risk. Our policy is that overtaking must be by consent between both drivers, only along the straights (not in corners or braking zones) and always on the same side of the track, which will be defined on the day during the driver's briefing. [B]We expect slower cars to let faster ones past, equally we expect faster cars not to tailgate, weave or worry slower cars which may be in front of them.[/B] That way everyone can drive at their own safe speed without getting in each other's way. [B]So how is this done?[/B] First, its essential that you keep a good look out in your mirror for approaching cars. Unless you are being held up by a discourteous driver in front of you, the car behind you will be faster - that's how he got there! So having established that there's a faster car behind you, wait for a suitable section of straight track. As you come out of the preceding bend don't get fully back onto the power after the apex. Guide your car to the non overtaking side of the track and use your indicators or a clear hand signal to let the driver behind know that a) you have seen him and b) are willing to let him by. As soon as he is safely past you can get back on to full power, onto the racing line and enjoy. We expect passing drivers to offer a wave of thanks if it is safe to do so. [B]To summarise:- [/B] * NEVER overtake in a corner or in braking zones. * Pay attention to what is behind you - use your mirrors. * If you notice a faster car behind you, let them past; don't try to out drag them on the straight. If they've come up behind you, they [B] are[/B] faster * Take care to let them past only when it is safe for you to make room for them. * NEVER overtake unless the car in front has seen you and given you their consent to pass. Be aware of the marshals and of the flag system. You must attend a driver's briefing at the start of the track day, and these will be explained to you. The basics are (note that the details may vary): [B][COLOR=#ff0000] Red Flag: [/COLOR][/B] Danger ahead. The session has been stopped and you must return to the pits. Slow down such that you are in full control of your vehicle, able to manoeuvre and stop quickly. However, don't drive so slow that it takes the next 10 minutes to get back to the pits. Be aware of the possibility of personnel and safety/recovery vehicles on track. You should not overtake any vehicle unless directed to do so by a marshal. [B][COLOR=#ffff00] Yellow Flag: [/COLOR][/B] Caution - be aware that there is a problem or obstruction ahead. Slow down slightly and be ready to manoeuvre or stop. Do not overtake. [B][COLOR=#000099] Blue Flag: [/COLOR][/B] A faster car is behind you, and you are holding them up - let them through as soon as it is safe to do so. [B] Chequered Flag:[/B] Game over - it's the end of the session. Slow down for your cooling lap, and re-enter the pits at the end of the lap. [B] Black flag:[/B] You've done something wrong or something is dropping off your car! You need to go back to the pits and see the chief marshal.