TVR Performance Technique Days

TVR Performance Technique Days

Author
Discussion

powelly

Original Poster:

490 posts

282 months

Wednesday 13th March 2002
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Has anyone attended one of these days... are they worth the £350 or will a newbie like me get just the same tuition etc... on an airfield day for beginners i.e. easytrack at Elvington?

jamer

1,329 posts

291 months

Wednesday 13th March 2002
quotequote all
The track at Bedford Autodrome is the business. Loads Of run offs and miles of decent tarmac.
The whole day is supervised throughout by Jonathan Palmer, Peter Wheelers team from TVR, loads of tutition available and lots of nice young blonde ladies with red caps.

Superb day out - even though Jonathan Palmer flew over everybody in his helicopter - Yes I was jealous
unch

Anyway besides that well worth the trouble

Leadfoot

1,901 posts

281 months

Thursday 14th March 2002
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I went to last July's one. Excellent track, fast & varied (probably one of the safest as well with massive run off in most places) & you do a few off track things as well - slalom, skid pan, karts etc.
However;
I usualy run in the intermediate group on track days & hold my own, I don't consider myself the next Senna. There were only 2 other cars in my group that were on anything like the same pace (Tuscan & Chimera - mine's a Griff). The groups were not split into ability, but by the dealership you booked thru' I think. This was frustrating for me & I guess probably a bit intimidating for some of the newcomers, as the speed differentials were rather large at times.
The standards of driving & track etiquete were much lower than any other track day I've been to. Lots of being held up thru' corners by drivers who either didn't look out for faster cars (or maybe thought that an old Griff shouldn't come past their shiny new Cerbera/Tuscan?) & then made sure to accelerate flat out on the straights so's there was no chance of passing there either.
There were also some VERY strange lines/braking points being used - led to a few worrying moments as the car in front slammed on the brakes & spun mid corner, I lost count of the number of times this type of thing happened.
I suspect a lot of the people there with brand new cars had been gifted the day as part of the purchase deal, as lots looked to be unfamiliar with their cars handling characteristics.
Don't take all of this too negatively, I think it's a top day out - if rather expensive.
If you're not used to track days you would probably get more out of the day if you manage to do another (cheaper) track day beforehand, in the beginners group with lots of instruction. Then make use of the instruction available on the day - it'll also help you to learn the track which can be difficult due to it's size ,lack of features & flatness.
I don't think you should class track & airfield days as the same. A track day will teach you to use your cars handling & performance to the maximaum, but still has the potential to bite if you fall off the tarck in a big way. An airfield day will allow you to hoon around & push past your cars limits to your hearts content as there's generaly nothing to hit except the next county! Why not do one of each, then the TVR day?
Have fun


>> Edited by Leadfoot on Thursday 14th March 01:26

powelly

Original Poster:

490 posts

282 months

Sunday 17th March 2002
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Thanks for the advice, I shall be out soon... not sure where yet though.

Rgds

Pete Cros

285 posts

279 months

Tuesday 19th March 2002
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There is a 'driving enhancement day' at Bedford GT circuit this Friday 22nd March. The track day is being organised by the BMW car club, you dont have to own or have the use of a BMW. But, they would like you as a member. I neither own or use a BMW, I've joined the BMW CC GB for 35:00 GBP. The track day is an astronomical 100:00 for a full day (yes that is 100:00 GBP). Be there by 08:00, total of 135:00 GBP for 1 years BMW CC GB membership and a day on the 3.6 mile GT circuit.

BTW, its this Friday 22nd March, not Monday 25th as advertised on PistonHeads trackday calendar.

Pete Cros

285 posts

279 months

Tuesday 19th March 2002
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Forgot to add,
BMW CC GB 01225 709009 they can book you on the day over the phone.
www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/
www.bedford-autodrome.com/

Pete 944 turbo

powelly

Original Poster:

490 posts

282 months

Tuesday 19th March 2002
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If only I had seen this sooner.. no can do now on Friday... I'll contact them though to see if they have any more coming up. A bargain I would say!

Cheers

Craig