Originally published July 12, 2019. Last updated March 25, 2024.
Everything is ready to go for your event — you, your car and your team. But a look at the radar shows rain? Don’t let this forecast dampen your enthusiasm.
Nearly all HPDE events will continue despite rain, so be prepared. Follow these tips to stay safe on the track and actually enjoy your HPDE events in the rain:
1. Choose Smart Clothing
In addition to your gear, pack a variety of clothing for before and after rainy HPDE events. Consider factors beyond the rain itself. Will it be muggy or cool? Will the rain be heavy or just a light drizzle? Layers and a water-resistant jacket are always good options when unloading the trailer or walking the track.
2. Check Your Attitude
Your attitude can impact your performance more than anything. If you dislike driving on wet tracks, consider changing your perspective. Look at the rain as a new challenge or a chance to further improve your skillset, instead of seeing it as a source of dread or disappointment.
3. Improve Your Visibility
A big challenge of driving in the rain is lack of visibility. This is a safety as well as comfort issue, so it’s important to take steps to improve your vision:
- Use glass treatment on your windshield or helmet visor.
- Apply a high-quality defogging treatment on the inside of your windshield or visor.
- Ensure air is getting to the windshield and ventilation in your helmet.
4. Initiate Slowly
Your initial inputs on the steering wheel and pedals should be as smooth and slow as possible. If you need to catch a slide, react quickly. Having your car in a slide through a turn is fun, but it’s not a fast way to drive and it can lead to a spin. As soon as you feel the car step out of line, catch it.
5. Be Proactive on Corners
If you enter a corner just below the limit of adhesion, you spend the rest of the turn waiting for the car to slide. Instead, enter the corner just above the limit. You know the car is going to slide, and you’re now ready to react rather than be caught off guard.
6. Find Grip on the Track
The line on a wet track is less important than where the track has grip. Typically, grip is found where the track has a different surface material or where the pavement is rough. Painted curbs typically have less grip in the rain, but some curbs can become like a berm, and hold the car from going off the track. Test different areas of the track to find where your car has the best grip and drive there.
Protecting Your Car at Events in the Rain
The more you participate in motorsports, the more comfortable you’ll get participating in events in the rain. But even with safe driving, there’s still a chance you could have an accident.
One of the best ways to protect your car rain or shine is with HPDE Insurance from Lockton Motorsports. Our HPDE policy provides on-track insurance that covers what standard auto insurance won’t—damage to your car when you’re participating in an HPDE, track day or time trial event.
Our coverage is quick and easy to buy, either in advance of your event or the same day as your event. Visit Lockton Motorsports to learn more.