Why use a track map?

If you take your track time seriously, you need a track map.

If you want to improve every session, you need a track map.

If you don’t want to waste time rediscovering braking markers and turn-in points the next time you visit a track, you need a track map.

If you want to really learn a track, you need a track map.

Marking up a track map is one of the most effective ways to learn a circuit and improve your lap times. It’s not just that you can refresh your memory before you go out on track — the physical act of putting pen to paper and really nailing down what and where your reference points are cements them in your mind.

So what notes should you make on your track map? Braking, turn-in and apex points are a good start. Other things to consider:

• gear changes
• surface conditions
• corner lines
• visual reference points like marshal posts

Basically, whatever you need to build up a clear picture of the lap and give you a head start on your next track day or race event — whether that's in 3 weeks or 3 months.