You do not need to be an athlete. Anyone in normal health can drive on a circuit. It is more tiring than people expect, though, and the tiredness is mostly mental.
In short: Track driving asks for concentration first, then core and neck strength, then tolerance for heat. A supercar brakes and corners hard enough to push your body around, and holding focus for a full session is the real work. Sleep well, drink water, eat lightly, and take the breaks. That is most of it.
Key facts
- No special fitness is required to drive at a Stratos event.
- Track driving is tiring mainly because of sustained concentration, not strength.
- A supercar on a circuit generates braking and cornering forces well beyond anything on the road.
- Heat, hydration and sleep affect lap times and safety more than strength does.
- Stratos events include a performance lab with reaction tests, grip strength and heart-rate data.
- If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take medication that affects driving, speak to your doctor first.
What it asks of you
| Demand | What it feels like | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | Every second matters for a whole session | Sleep, short sessions, breaks |
| G-force | Your body is pushed forward under braking and sideways in corners | A good seat position, core strength |
| Neck and shoulders | Holding your head steady with a helmet on | Relaxed grip, breaks |
| Heat | A helmet, a warm cabin, sun on the asphalt | Water, light clothes, shade |
| Heart rate | Rises with speed and focus, like steady exercise | Breathing, experience |
Why it is more tiring than it looks
On the road you drive at a small part of your attention. On a circuit you use all of it: reading the track, judging braking points, feeling grip, listening to your coach. Twenty minutes of that is like twenty minutes of an exam, in a moving car. That is also why it clears your head so completely.
Motion sickness
- As the driver: rare. Your brain knows what the car is about to do.
- As a passenger on a hot lap: more likely. Look far ahead, breathe, and say if you want to stop.
- What helps: a light meal, water, fresh air between sessions, and eyes up.
How to prepare
- Sleep. The night before matters more than anything you could train.
- Hydrate, starting the day before.
- Eat lightly on the day.
- Skip the late night at the welcome dinner. The best laps come when you are fresh.
- If you have a few weeks: some core work and neck mobility help, but they are not required.
On the day
- Take the breaks. Sessions are separated for a reason.
- Relax your hands. A tight grip tires your arms and hides what the car is telling you.
- Breathe on the straights.
- Say when you are tired. Fatigue shows up as small mistakes first.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and thin-soled shoes. Helmet and driving gear are provided.
Glasses, height and comfort
- Glasses fit under a helmet. Contact lenses are fine.
- Tall or short drivers: seats and steering wheels adjust, and the team fits you to the car before you drive.
- Tell us in advance about anything that affects how you sit or see.
How Stratos looks after you
The format is built around staying fresh: two drivers at most share a car, so time at the wheel alternates with debriefs, the simulator and rest. Meals and drinks are on hand all day. Your coach watches how you are doing, and the performance lab shows your reaction time and heart rate across the two days.
Is a track day safe? · Your first track day checklist · See upcoming events
FAQ
Do you need to be fit to do a track day?
No. Normal health is enough. Concentration tires you more than physical effort.
Is track driving physically demanding?
More than road driving. Braking and cornering forces work your core and neck, and heat adds to it.
Why am I so tired after a track day?
Sustained concentration. You use far more attention on a circuit than on the road.
Will I get motion sickness on track?
Rarely as the driver. It is more likely as a passenger on a fast lap.
How should I prepare for a track day?
Sleep well, drink water, eat lightly and avoid a late night before driving.
Can I drive on track with glasses?
Yes. They fit under a helmet.
Can I drive if I have a medical condition?
Speak to your doctor first, and tell us in advance.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.