Castle Combe - 20th March
Discussion
Anyone else on here going?
It'll be my first time at Castle Combe, but fifth track day. I'll be there in a blue e46 M3. Bit nervous about Avon Rise, Quarry and Camp, but at least I've got proper brakes now to stop me!
At my last outing last summer at Bedford, my brakes overheated, cracked and catastrophically failed at the end of the main straight, despite dedicated cooling ducts!! This time I'll be running a big brake kit on the front (K-Sport) with cooling ducts, and non-drilled Stoptech rear discs, so hopefully that won't be an issue. Also trying out a faster steering rack, so really looking forward to seeing how the new mods work out.
It'll be my first time at Castle Combe, but fifth track day. I'll be there in a blue e46 M3. Bit nervous about Avon Rise, Quarry and Camp, but at least I've got proper brakes now to stop me!
At my last outing last summer at Bedford, my brakes overheated, cracked and catastrophically failed at the end of the main straight, despite dedicated cooling ducts!! This time I'll be running a big brake kit on the front (K-Sport) with cooling ducts, and non-drilled Stoptech rear discs, so hopefully that won't be an issue. Also trying out a faster steering rack, so really looking forward to seeing how the new mods work out.
To early to comment on the weather, Canoe. What's a 'Tiv'?
Yes, I'm aware of the lack of run off. At least brake fade will not be an issue now. I've spent some time studying instructional videos and a track guide. I'll take it easy at first and I'm getting insurance too!
Yes, I'm aware of the lack of run off. At least brake fade will not be an issue now. I've spent some time studying instructional videos and a track guide. I'll take it easy at first and I'm getting insurance too!
Edited by PMed on Wednesday 8th March 10:38
Terminator X said:
It's the most expensive track to get insurance for in the UK apparently and that first tight right hand corner out of the pits has the highest accident rate!
TX.
I was quoted £103 for a track day there, or £403 for 5 track days. £800 excess for a car up to £10,000. That doesn't seem too bad to me. TX.
Terminator X said:
Be careful, very little run off then you get stopped by concrete!
TX.
As pointed out above, that's a completely factually incorrect thing to say, you must be making it up. TX.
The only concrete at Combe is on the pit straight (like pretty much every other circuit).
I've done probably 20 or so days at Combe, spun a few times along the way my fault, and once aquaplaning through hammerdown at a good 100mph or so caused at least a 720 degree spin. No damage.
Conversely I managed to total a car at Bedford once, a track regarded as 'safe'. The crash was my fault, and I dare say the outcome would have been the same at any other circuit.
To the op: Quarry since it has been resurfaced is no longer really the danger it was before, avon rise has significantly less of an impact on the braking, there's nothing too much to fear. Apart from the barriers that are close to the track! Treat them with respect, particuarly in the wet as the little wet grass run off is not going to slow you much. Also if it is wet watch for lack of grip at Camp on the old 1/8th of tarmac that wasn't resurfaced.
Hope the brakes work out well for you, it can be fairly hard on them there. Enjoy!
Edited by MOTK on Friday 10th March 22:48
PMed said:
Anyone else on here going?
It'll be my first time at Castle Combe, but fifth track day. I'll be there in a blue e46 M3. Bit nervous about Avon Rise, Quarry and Camp, but at least I've got proper brakes now to stop me!
At my last outing last summer at Bedford, my brakes overheated, cracked and catastrophically failed at the end of the main straight, despite dedicated cooling ducts!! This time I'll be running a big brake kit on the front (K-Sport) with cooling ducts, and non-drilled Stoptech rear discs, so hopefully that won't be an issue. Also trying out a faster steering rack, so really looking forward to seeing how the new mods work out.
Its fine, since the resurface they have taken the hump out a bit, just just scrub a bit of speed off up the hill and you will be fine..It'll be my first time at Castle Combe, but fifth track day. I'll be there in a blue e46 M3. Bit nervous about Avon Rise, Quarry and Camp, but at least I've got proper brakes now to stop me!
At my last outing last summer at Bedford, my brakes overheated, cracked and catastrophically failed at the end of the main straight, despite dedicated cooling ducts!! This time I'll be running a big brake kit on the front (K-Sport) with cooling ducts, and non-drilled Stoptech rear discs, so hopefully that won't be an issue. Also trying out a faster steering rack, so really looking forward to seeing how the new mods work out.
Heres a video from the end of the day, so not going full tilt, but you can see you have plenty of room to no over brake and the bump is no more really. For amusement watch the M2 at the end.. its just disappears..
Video linky
And here is me in the wet on semi slicks (done a few at CC in the wet).. its fine.. you will be fine..
Edited by joe_90 on Monday 13th March 17:39
PMed said:
What still needs doing, Canoe?
Just the brakes now but there's been a long wait for parts and that's before doing a trial fit to see if they'll clear my 16" front road wheels (ones in the pic are 17), bit frustrating as the outriggers, wishbones and coilovers have been done and ready to go for over a week!Just in case these aren't the videos you've been watching...
How to Drive Castle Combe Circuit with Mark Hales
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/pages/merlinmot...
There are 5 videos in total for Castle Combe
Treat Quarry with respect and you should be OK. Try and make up time on the other corners instead.
How to Drive Castle Combe Circuit with Mark Hales
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/pages/merlinmot...
There are 5 videos in total for Castle Combe
Treat Quarry with respect and you should be OK. Try and make up time on the other corners instead.
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