Rockingham

[CEG]

Hi Chaps,

What's this circuit like for a relative novice (only done one track day at Bedford GT)....

I'm guessing shorter, tighter, and a little more technical?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[INWB]

I've done the oval and circuit. Both are interesting and better than Bedford imo for getting a really good understanding of car dynamics (the M3 vs a Z4? No contest - the Z4 wins every time). The offroad course is a bit vanilla if you're looking to do that as well. The skid pan is good.

[hufggfg]

As the above poster says, both are good (I've only done the National circuit at Rockingham, so none of the Oval, and a few different configurations at Bedford). Yes Rockingham is a bit more tight and technical, but it certainly doesn't feel small or like you're not able to stretch the car's legs (depending on what you're driving of course).

Given a choice I think I find Rockingham a more fun circuit to drive. It's just a bit more interesting, more technical, with more undulation to it.

[MG CHRIS]

I would avoid rockingham if your a novice specially if its wet its the least grip ive ever driven on in the wet even damp conditions we had cars spinning and sliding just on the sighting laps back in march. Also not much run of in many areas of the track meaning any mistake will end in either hitting the outside wall or into the gravel traps.

If you do go treat it with respect it will bite big time if you don't.

[Steve H]

It's a great track, do not avoid.

[lewisco]

I'm thinking of taking the Westfield on Friday for the evening session if forecast stays dry.

[WestiPete]

It a great track for Westfields but bear in mind what ChrisMG said. It is one of the slipperiest tracks in the damp/wet I've driven and treat the first bend near the wall, ( it is very unforgiving ), with caution.

[lewisco]

Lucky I posted this as the evening session is actually tomorrow.

I've done the 20 min taster in my old E46 330ci and took it careful, especially on the first corner on the oval, that wall scares me!

[Steve H]

It's surprising how few cars do stick it in the wall on the banking, I've heard that the surface is different but I think that everyone is just very careful through that section .

[MG CHRIS]

Steve H said:

It's surprising how few cars do stick it in the wall on the banking, I've heard that the surface is different but I think that everyone is just very careful through that section .

I had a big moment in my mates mx5 flat through the corner and just touched the white line in damp condition to say I nearly shat myself at 110mphs going sideways was an understatement lucky managed to save it. If it is damp don't touch the white line.
The banking does have more grip than the infield but still a slippery track.

[Steve H]

Yep, I've been sideways in the passenger seat of a 924 there as well, just where the double white line goes to single it turns out that cutting the apex a bit doesn't work so well

[lewisco]

Was a good session there last night. No one had any major offs and no real idiots launching one on the inside on the corners. Was a good night.

[MG CHRIS]

Steve H said:

Yep, I've been sideways in the passenger seat of a 924 there as well, just where the double white line goes to single it turns out that cutting the apex a bit doesn't work so well

I done the exact same thing I didn't touch the line again.

[Neil - YVM]

lewisco said:

Was a good session there last night. No one had any major offs and no real idiots launching one on the inside on the corners. Was a good night.

We were there yesterday during the day, mostly race teams using it as a practice day, so it was a bit wild at times, but huge fun.

Edited by Neil - YVM on Monday 16th May 17:13

[PTF]

If you do the layout where you sweep off the banking and flick through a fast chicane then it's a great circuit. The fast left on the infield is good too. Other than that it's a bit uninspiring to drive, but a great venue to invite people to as it has a bit of wow-factor.

Oh, and as said by others, it's as slippy as a greased weasel when it's wet. The least grip of any wet circuit i've driven on.

[Andy S15]

Great track. Days there seem to be ran and organised fully by the track themselves, so it's very professional and consistent in its organisation.

Track is great fun, plenty of width and different types of corners, fantastic surface and in my opinion is actually fairly forgiving in the dry - the track is wide enough that most spins will see you stopping or having scrubbed off most of your momentum before you leave the track itself.

In the wet, as mentioned, is another story. It's one of the most slippery tracks in the world when wet and depending on your experience & skill can be a combination of terrifying/fun/frustrating. If you're lucky enough to get a wet morning and a drying afternoon it's one of the best all round track experiences you can have in this country.

[QBee]

One other thing.......it's a great venue for spectators. If you do take family with you to watch, they can see the entire circuit from the top of the grandstand. No other circuit that I can think of on the UK where that is true. Brands Indy circuit comes closest.

[PGNSagaris]

at Rockingham with Gokdtrack right now.

The banking is a nice touch but does force you to concentrate. A lot. Do not lift off!!

The track is quite something with all that banking and grandstands and probably the same fun as Bedford. Certainly more technical.

Nice seeing a 675lt thrashing it round too. Looks so stable.

[mgv8dave]

Steve H said:

It's a great track, do not avoid.

What he said :-) great track and a fantastic set up

[Oilchange]

I'm going there in September, can't wait!

Edited by Oilchange on Monday 16th May 18:22