Driver Tuition in an 'S'....?

[bridgdav]

With a birthday rapidly approaching, the missus (well ME actually) suggested a drive Course / Day.

There have been so many threads about this but mostly on the General TVR forum.

Are there any which suit the 'S' better, or what ones have you been on guys...?

I'm in the South so nearer to me would be good...

Cheers in advance...

Dave

[DustyC]

Dave,
Im considering a ride drive and a 1st Lotus* day unless someone comes up with a better idea.

Perhaps we could drive out to one together since we live relatively close.

(* Sorry, might have name wrong)

[DustyC]

Dave, started this to get an idea of whats out there.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=13&t=89973

[RichardR]

Hi Dave,

As a combined birthday (last September) and Christmas present, I've been planning to do a half day ride/drive course as I've heard good things about them. Once I get the car back, I'll have to pull my finger out and get one booked!

Cheers,

Richard

[bridgdav]

That makes 3 of us then....

Reading some of the threads previously, if 4 cars go along for a 1st lotus day, the cost goes down quite a bit...

Dave

[pstruck]

This sounds good....

Thought I may well do one at some point, but have yet to seriously look into it. The prospect of saving a bit of cash and doing the day (or half day) with other S owners could bring this forward on my agenda!

[RichardR]

Is there any info anywhere on the 1st Lotus day? I seem to remember seeing an article somewhere, but I can't remember whether it was here or in Sprint, and I can't find anything on here.

[M@H]

The Half Days at Brands Hatch are pretty cheap at the moment on Ebay and they have instructors on hand:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2468386691&category=43120&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

£32 with 2 hours to go... If it wasn't 180 miles away from me I'd be bidding.

Cheers,
Matt

[mgaut]

Dave

not sure my S is up for it yet (needs a front brake overhaul) but I'd be interested in coming along for the experience & cameraman.

Mike

[v8smith]

bridgdav said:

That makes 3 of us then.... Reading some of the threads previously, if 4 cars go along for a 1st lotus day, the cost goes down quite a bit... Dave

Guys

I would be interested in this also, let me know when you get the info!

Cheers

Mike

[bridgdav]

I've sent 1st Lotus a mail....
Requesting info....

North Weald Airfield.
4/5 cars.
Before the summer kicks in.
details of the day...etc etc.

I will let you know.

Dave

[RichardR]

bridgdav said:

North Weald Airfield.

Where is that, roughly?

[M@H]

Actually if its late April/May/June I'd be interested too

[HarryW]

Certainly I'd be up for this, subject to dates, let me know which ones you're thinking of .

Harry

[bridgdav]

RichardR said:

Where is that, roughly?

North Weald Airfield is situated in Essex, just a mile or so from the A414/M11 Junction 7.


www.1stlotus.co.uk/intro.htm

Click - 'Airfield Training'

[RichardR]

I'm in two minds about this ATM. One of the main attractions of the RideDrive course is that they instruct you how to get the best out of your car on the public road, which is where I'm likely to spend 99% of my driving time.

[bridgdav]

I've had the reply....


1st Lotus said:

The instructor is the highly qualified 1st Lotus driving school instructor Andrew Walsh A.D.I. B.Eng. D.I.A. I.A.M. The structure of the course is adaptable to the specific needs of each individual, the aim being to coach the most out of your car and yourselves, to increase your confidence.

The course covers everything from the fundamentals to the high performance racing techniques.

Some of the topics are:
The use of the controls, smooth acceleration, modulated braking, rotational steering, cornering, balancing the car on the throttle, the use of trail braking, trail lifting, understeer, oversteer, lift off oversteer, gear changing, heal and toe, skid control, spin avoidance and control techniques to name but a few, along with some of the more entertaining than educational, manoeuvres.

No one will be asked to do anything they are not happy with, except leave at the end.

The course will be conducted in a safe controlled manner to ensure safety and enjoyment.

The course prices are per person based on people sharing the airfield and instructor:

North Weald - Essex

£150 each for the full day in your own car, assuming 4 people sharing the airfield and instructor
£300 each for a full day in your own car with only two people sharing the course and the instructor.


ITINERARY

09.00am
Your meeting point will be at the Airfield where you will be shown to your instructor. You will need to bring your licence with you on the day. You will then be given a safety briefing by your instructor.

09.30am
Your course will begin. Depending on the day chosen (2 Person or 4 Person Day) you will be taken out into the Airfield individually and be introduced to new techniques "one at a time" taking into account your level of ability and confidence. You will learn techniques such as the use of the controls, smooth acceleration, modulated braking, rotational steering, cornering, balancing the car on the throttle, the use of trail braking, trail lifting, understeer, oversteer, lift off oversteer, gear changing, heal and toe, skid control, spin avoidance and control techniques.

12.00pm
Lunch Break

1.00pm
Continuation of course where you will learn new techniques on "The Corner" and "The Circuit"

4.00pm
Course Finishes

(There is no need for the use of helmets and there are food facilities located within the airfield at North Weald.)

A few dates available....Mostly for 2 places on a 4 place day...

First one available for 4 people is : Thu 13/05/2004

Any takers...???

Dave

[v8smith]

Not sure about that date will have to check, but I would be up for a day with four of us driving!

Mike

[chin up]

I went to Hullavington the other day, with motorsports events (do a google search for them). Had a fantastic time, open pitlane, nice long course of over 2 miles, great surface. All day, as much as you or the car can handle was about £100, and professional racing drivers are there to hop in and instruct. I had two 15 minute sessions with a caterham chap who has been racing caterhams for 20 years for £25. Bargain. Picked up more in those 2 sessions than I would have done in 5 hours of practising on my own. You're on the right track (pun not intended) going for instruction. I was all over the shop at the beginning of the day (track day virgin you see!) but by the end people were commenting favourably on how much grunt the car appeared to have, and how planted it looked. No reflection on me, just the fact that some bloke who really knows what to do can pass that on if he is sitting next to you pattering you round the circuit. Didn't lose too much off the tyres either, less than a mm, I reckon.

Good luck, enjoy the blast wherever you go!

[DustyC]

Im definitly up for doing this Dave.
The sooner the better.

Add me as a definite to the list.
I should be free for most dates except 7-12 April.

Thats if you dont mind a non S driver.
I understand if you do