Cadwell Park for First Trackday?
Discussion
egomeister said:
Thinking about it my main reservation wasn't the potential for damage (although I couldn't afford to damage the car) but the lack of time/money to prepare for it. If I was to take the clio around a track i'd want to uprate the pads and change the oil first, which I just do't have the time to do right now.
Cadwell is definitely on the top of my list though, having investigated it some more it looks like a really involving track and a lot of fun!!
The standard car will be fine. I've driven a friends clio cup 182 round the ring and the thing was a lot better than expected and the brakes held up all day. Just remember to use them hard for a short period of time, rather than drag them for ages going into a corner, which is a typical track day feat and ends up with pads (unsurprisingly) going off. If you do fit uprated pads, it may be worth considering a proper race set, which you can fit prior to a track day, then normal road pads when you've gone home. Loads of pads try to be all things to all men, but are either noisy and need heat to work, or are not much better than OEM pads on track (e.g. any EBC pad). Try Pagid Greys (RS15) if you want a decent pad (IMHO).
If you do end up going to cadwell, watch out for the 'gooseneck' as the camber change in the middle could upset the car if you've not prepared for it. As has also been said, drive the car like a B road initially, build up gently, and try and get any tuition going (esp if it's free!)
I've only done tracks on my motorcycle so perhaps my comments are ignorable (?!)
BUT
Cadwell is a lot busier- in terms of track direction - than somewhere like Oulton or Donington but it is a wonderful experience. There are so many changes in the topography that it feels just like going through a favourite 'B' road.
It's certainly a unique experience and is a 'must' as far as track experiences are concerned. If there is any chance for basic circuit layout instruction I would recommend that you take it. A short 30 mins magnifies your ability to enjoy the rest of the day 100-fold !
The fact is, you can be caught out by ANY track, if your enthusiasm passes your skill ability.
An experienced instructor once said "The fact that you have asked the question means that you have enough awareness to enjoy yourself whilst respecting others and staying secure"
Book it and have a grrrrrrreeaaat day !
>> Edited by Mr.Cerbera on Wednesday 15th February 19:39
BUT
Cadwell is a lot busier- in terms of track direction - than somewhere like Oulton or Donington but it is a wonderful experience. There are so many changes in the topography that it feels just like going through a favourite 'B' road.
It's certainly a unique experience and is a 'must' as far as track experiences are concerned. If there is any chance for basic circuit layout instruction I would recommend that you take it. A short 30 mins magnifies your ability to enjoy the rest of the day 100-fold !
The fact is, you can be caught out by ANY track, if your enthusiasm passes your skill ability.
An experienced instructor once said "The fact that you have asked the question means that you have enough awareness to enjoy yourself whilst respecting others and staying secure"
Book it and have a grrrrrrreeaaat day !
>> Edited by Mr.Cerbera on Wednesday 15th February 19:39
Mr.Cerbera said:
Cadwell is a lot busier- in terms of track direction - than somewhere like Oulton or Donington but it is a wonderful experience.
Which leads neatly into my one super-tip for Cadwell. More than any other circuit I've driven, Cadwell is much harder for trackday-legal overtaking. The two main straights are obvious, but there are several short bursts which are a little marginal and some sections where it can't be done safely (e.g. Hall Bends). As a result it creates chains of cars, and also vast stretches of empty track. If you spectate when not driving, you will see what I mean. So:
If you cause a traffic jam:
- Think carefully about where you are going to let cars through. There are some places (e.g. Mountain to Hall, Gooseneck to Mansfiled) where it is safe to let one car through, but with more cars it might be safer to hold the corner then make let a queue though later.
- If you want someone to come past, make very positive signals. The less doubt you both have, the cleaner the move, and the risk is lessened considerably (Plus, you can concentrate on the upcoming corner rather than your mirror, which is quite useful at Cadwell)
If you are at the back of a jam:
- There might be 30 seconds of clear track behind you. Rather than wasting track time muscling through, you might find it better to throttle back for ten seconds (ideally on one of the straights where you are visible). You may well find yourself all on your own, and with a couple of great laps before you catch up again.
Cadwell is, in my opinion, the best track in the country. I did my first trackday there in a car I had never driven before (Caterham) and had a great day. As long as you build up speed slowly as confidence increases it's fine. Instruction is a must for a novise if you want to get the most from the day.
Can be very scary if it's wet though!
Can be very scary if it's wet though!
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