I'm particularly keen to hear from people who clearly remember their first track day. What was helpful? Was there anything that wasn't helpful? What information was too much?

Also, where you eager to study everything in sight, or did you want to just read the most important stuff?

For example, here's a document that Boston Chapter has given to the mentor (to be discussed with the new student):

Preparation for the Event

The Car

·         Leave whatever you may not need at home.

·         Remove everything from the car that is loose and may become a hazard.

·         Discuss the importance of clean oil and brake fluid.

·         Discuss the importance good brake pads?

·         Getting a professional inspection before the day of the event for those who are not self maintenance people.

·         Remind the student to bring the completed tech form.

The Student

·         The importance of a good night's rest.

·         Dress in layers.

·         Bring water (some people freeze water in plastic bottles to bring for fresh cool water all day).

·         Talk about the canteen and if they want to bring food.

·         Remind them that we require Snell 95 or newer helmet.

·         Wear comfortable driving shoes; preferably no big boots, they can get in the way.

Extras to bring if desired

·         Windex and paper towels.

·         Sun Glasses and Suntan Lotion

·         Motor oil.

·         Tape for numbers (and razor to remove stickies from window and tech sticker).

·         Air Gauge.

Other Important Topics

·         Getting to the track - Reminder about driving safely in the morning.

·         Parking near the fence and getting there early to meet you.

·         How to read/understand the schedule - how important it is to get to your flagging assignment.

·         How to get value out of flagging - what a difference good flagging can make for everyone.

·         General Concerns That Some Students Often Have

§         It is often the case that new students have a variety of concerns. The purpose of the following items is for reassurance. If these issues come up, assure them that almost everyone who came before them also had these concerns. It may be valuable for you to explain some of the concerns you had at your first track day.

§         How safe is it? - You may want to talk about the many years of experience BMW CCA and The Boston Chapter have had running SAFE Schools.

§         What will happen to my car? - Almost everyone has this concern - perhaps share your experiences and once again remind them that mostly they will use up some brake linings and some tire.

§         Concern about embarrassing themselves.  Emphasis that we were all first-timers at some point and that this not a competition, but a learning experience.

·         Instructor Issues:

There are a number of questions that may come up about instructors. You may want to share your experiences if the questions come up on the following points:

§         How long will students have with the instructor.

§         Having the instructor drive the car.

§         Clicking with the instructor and what to do if the student desires a change.

·         Cooling Down

§         Making the best use of the cool down lap to review what has happened and what to work on in the future.

§         Cooling the car down

§         Cooling yourself down

Explain the `Red Mist' at the end of the day if you think it is appropriate.  Explain that people sometimes do get tired and it is best to ease up and always use