track days

[istoo]

right i dont know where to start with this, i have never done a track day. I always fancied taking my old audi coupe round knockhill, but with a helmet on all i could see was the floor, unless i tiled my head to be parallel with the deck. However, i feel i need some experience as there seems to be a set etiquette for it. Also seem and heard some horror stories of the usual tts spoiling the parade, is this true or has this uncommon as such? I am thinking about selling the coupe and getting a 330ci, also considering keeping the coupe and getting a coupe as well, enter the three car dilema!

Whats the best way to go about this? ie track, just turn up? I don't want to go in with chavaliers for demolition derby but get the best out of it. Esp for a RWD car i want to learn how to drive it as it should be, coming from classic 4wd cars to this.

As i suspect just about all of you head for track days... might as well give it a go.

[ol]

Hi mate,
I went to the last 'speed sunday' at Knockhill, and was really worried about the horror stories of chavs in old bangers crashing into everyone.
I have to say that i was suprised at how well run it was when we got there. Anyone pulling any stupid moves was black flagged and banned from the track, and they cone off the corners so no ones tries anything stupid.
There's another thread in the Scotland section about the one we did on October 7th, i put a few photos up in that..
I would highly recommend taking a trip up for it, there's another one on Sunday 11th November (i think) but i dont think i'll be there this time unfortunately.

There were some really nice cars running in the 'road cars' group, including

New BMW M3
E46 M3
Lamborghini Murcielago
2 Ultimas
Audi RS4
Lots of Evos etc etc

i say go for it!

[Catz]

There's a novice trackday at Knockhill in November. Could be a good starter.

http://www.knockhill.com/trackdays/index.php

Edited by Catz on Friday 2nd November 13:57

[stiglet]

Catz said:

There's a novice trackday at Knockhill in November. Could be a good starter.

http://www.knockhill.com/trackdays/index.php

Edited by Catz on Friday 2nd November 13:57

Additionally there are also the SIDC track days which are well organised and quite disciplined and not limited to Evo-Scoobs. There are usually a couple of instructors on hand to give those with less experience of trackdays / Knockhill some confidence –boosting (and free?) tuition.

I think there’s one later this month but I’m sure JohnS will be along in a minute to confirm

Have fun

S'let

[fiestajohn]

stiglet said:

Additionally there are also the SIDC track days which are well organised and quite disciplined and not limited to Evo-Scoobs. There are usually a couple of instructors on hand to give those with less experience of trackdays / Knockhill some confidence –boosting (and free?) tuition.

I think there’s one later this month

The Sidc track day is on the same day (24th of November) but it is in the afternoon. 12 to 4pm

[Corpulent Tosser]

stiglet said:

Additionally there are also the SIDC track days which are well organised and quite disciplined and not limited to Evo-Scoobs. There are usually a couple of instructors on hand to give those with less experience of trackdays / Knockhill some confidence –boosting (and free?) tuition.

I think there’s one later this month but I’m sure JohnS will be along in a minute to confirm

Have fun

S'let

I have always found the SIDC events to be well run loads of fun and rarely anything worse than a few people spinning off.

[JohnS]

Thanks for the comments chaps

Our event on the 24th is from 12 - 4, an open pit lane session. We'll also have free instruction available throughout from a resident Knockhill instructor. We'll also have a wheel and tyre van there so you can check/adjust your tyre pressures, swap wheels/tyres for track versions, buy/rent slicks as well as road tyres at superb prices (in case you want to finish off your current set on track).

Whilst it's true we do have some very experienced and quick track day veterans, and this can seem intimidating to some first timers, I'd personally prefer to be on track with people who knew what they were doing instead of 20 people who didn't know what they were doing or the limits of their car.

Cost is £88 for non SIDC/MLR members for the 4 hour session, and if you want to book up, simply drop me an email to [e-mail] with the following info:

Your name:
Make of Car:
Model of Car:
Registration Number:
Colour of car:

We've got a technical issue with out club shop at the moment, so can't take card payments, but if you are happy to pay by cheque or cash (on the day), then that's fine

I've also got a detailed info pack on how our events run, things you need to bring, checks for your car etc. If you want a copy, just drop me an email and I'll send it through to you.

John

[GetCarter]

I've never done KH - but was a track day nut from 1997 to 2004 spending FAR too much on cars, tyres and brakes!

I put this page together a few years back... http://www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm
not having done KH - I'm not sure if it's all entirely relevant... but hey, it may help a bit on what happens, when and why.

Steve

Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 4th November 17:27

[istoo]

... magic response, just what i was looking for and nice to hear the horror stories arent there. last think i want to do is get over eager and bin my latest toy (not purchased yet still hunting for the right one).

The novice day sounds bang on for me, i used to think i could drive pretty well then did the rally day at knockhill last year. The instructor at the end drove and did things with the car i thought impossible, was a real home truth as to how good some of these boys are, but if i can capture some of that knocwledge might save me at some point. loved it!

Cheers chaps!

Oh and what is the SIDC? Subaru Impreza Drivers Club?

[JohnS]

istoo said:

Oh and what is the SIDC? Subaru Impreza Drivers Club?

Correct, though at most of our track events these days we are lucky to have 10 Imprezas taking part. The majority of cars at recent events tend to be Elises/Exiges/Caterhams/Westfields/TVRs/variety of Hondas plus the occasional Ferrari, Porsche etc. and even some minis

[mcgus]

JohnS said:

istoo said:

Oh and what is the SIDC? Subaru Impreza Drivers Club?

The majority of cars at recent events tend to be Elises/Exiges/Caterhams/Westfields/TVRs/variety of Hondas plus the occasional Ferrari, Porsche etc. and even some minis

is there any space left John? Have emailed you.

[rossybee]

JohnS said:

istoo said:

Oh and what is the SIDC? Subaru Impreza Drivers Club?

Correct, though at most of our track events these days we are lucky to have 10 Imprezas taking part. The majority of cars at recent events tend to be Elises/Exiges/Caterhams/Westfields/TVRs/variety of Hondas plus the occasional Ferrari, Porsche etc. and even some minis

Hi John

I'm still due you money

[JohnS]

mcgus said:

is there any space left John? Have emailed you.

I currently have 11 slots left. I don't seem to have received an email from you, could you possibly re-send please ?

John

Edited by JohnS on Tuesday 6th November 13:19

[JohnS]

rossybee said:

Hi John

I'm still due you money

No worries , I'll get it when we next meet up. I don't think you'll be able to leave the country and live the life of Riley on it

[rossybee]

JohnS said:

rossybee said:

Hi John

I'm still due you money

No worries , I'll get it when we next meet up. I don't think you'll be able to leave the country and live the life of Riley on it

Oh, so you've met the wife then...

[kenwood]

Email sent

[grand-one]

For JohnS :Very keen to attend this track event with SIDC but I am a novice and have not yet driven on track. If you still have places available I would be keen to attend with a friend so we can both get some tracktime in and benefit from the instructors knowledge. Please email me if you have 2 places available.

Edited by grand-one on Friday 9th November 12:27

Edited by grand-one on Friday 9th November 12:27

[JohnS]

grand-one said:

For JohnS :Very keen to attend this track event with SIDC but I am a novice and have not yet driven on track. If you still have places available I would be keen to attend with a friend so we can both get some tracktime in and benefit from the instructors knowledge. Please email me if you have 2 places available.

Replied - space for both of you

Think there are only 5 slots remaining now!

John

[JohnS]

Our event on the 24th is now fully subscribed and a reserve list in place.

[Adam Kindness]

if you have a good time at the SIDC event Track Scotland are also running one the the 22nd Feb 2008 http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...