Brands track day instructor wanted

[paulyv]

Hi there,

I have run a search for this subject but found little which suited hence my question.

I am planning to do a track day at Brands on 17th December. Just a little cheap Ford Puma and 2 of us driving.

I am seeking an instructor for a half day who could take us around and impart all their secrets regards getting the little car around the track. Not sure who I might seek or where I might find them?

Thanks in advance

PV

[HustleRussell]

Listen closely to the briefing and hang around afterwards. They will tell you how you can organise a session with one of the circuit's instructors. These are usually free / inclusive.

ETA: If you're more serious and want the undivided attention of a professional instructor all day, you can normally find racing drivers turned instructors who will attend for the day but will generally expect a not insignificant fee and expenses for doing so.

[Furyblade_Lee]

If it is your first ever time at Brands Hatch an instructor would be good ,but in our experience unless you pre book one at a specific time you are unlikely to get one and if at all, he will turn up in the afternoon after everyone else has fiushed with him. I saw this first hand last year with a guy who had booked one but at lunchtime he had still not had his slot or seen the fella. . He was driving around aimlessly all morning, so a few if us sat with him ( for free of course ).

If you cannot get an instructor: Brands is very technical despite looking relatively simple so you won't unlock it's secrets on your first day! I would advise lots of on-board YouTube, preferably slower type race cars not trackday folk. Get the basic line in your head as best you can. Then on the day just concentrate on THAT line, not your speed initially as that will come automatically when the line is smooth. Don't be tempted to change down into Paddock, BRAKE but leave it in 4th or whatever going down the hill. Grab 3rd on the climb up if you bog down. Keep it simple and smooth. And make sure you always hit the Apex at Graham Hill Bend, otherwise you will be all over the exit kerb / grass on the way out!!
And don't be afraid to ask for a passenger ride with people who look experienced, most are happy to take you out. Have a great day :-)

[AdamGRocco]

I'm booked onto this day also,

If you booked via opentrack.co.uk, it says tuition is included, I expect this will be limited but should be able to get pointers.

http://opentrack.co.uk/epages/8f6001fa-6391-406b-b...

The other way is to watch people and ask for passenger rides, most people are happy to help. My Brother and I are both going, you'd be welcome to jump in with us if you fancy, I've been on 5 or 6 Brands Trackdays now, not an expert but it's a nice short, technical track, so quite easy to remember where you are.

[paulyv]

Thanks all for the notes. I have dropped Opentrack a line so we shall see what's what. It would be great for us to have the odd passenger ride if that is okay? A really kind offer thank you.

It is only my second track day after taking my Z4 coupe onto Silverstone at last years PH Sunday Service. I had instruction that day and found it invaluable. I don't want to track the Z again so I got a £100 Puma which is going to be great fun and worry-free. Fitted brand new brakes and it has had a service so is raring to go.

We are both new to this so any pointers on the day will be much appreciated.

It will be great to meet you all.

Thanks again.

Pauly

Edited by paulyv on Tuesday 29th November 18:58

[jj.]

Colin Tester is your man for this. He happens to also race Puma's, builds them too. Also based nr Brands, ARDS instructor.
https://www.facebook.com/colin.tester.33
jj

[loggyboy]

paulyv said:

It would be great for us to have the odd passenger ride if that is okay? A really kind offer thank you.

As Adam mentioned dont hesitate to come say hi, weve done plenty of Brands miles, its fairly easy to learn, but very difficult to master, despite on having 4-5 real bends!

Keep an eye out for us:

[snowen250]

jj. said:

Colin Tester is your man for this. He happens to also race Puma's, builds them too. Also based nr Brands, ARDS instructor.
https://www.facebook.com/colin.tester.33
jj

This ^ Very experienced with both the track and your car

[paulyv]

Thanks again for all your advice on this thread.

Colin was unavailable on the day, but will pop over to say hello as he is doing rally training at Brands on the same day.

We shall doubtless grab some tuition from Opentrack but will also come over to say hello and get some hints and tips from you.

Keep an eye out for the 100 quid Ebay Puma with the scratched rear bumpers and scraped rear wing. Don't fear us too much though - it was like that when I got it.

Pauly