Exploring the limits

Exploring the limits

Author
Discussion

3Dee

Original Poster:

3,206 posts

220 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
One of the problems I suggest many of us have in the first year or so of ownership of our pocket rockets, is to know the limits of grip vs power, and that can constrain our enjoyment, especially on track days.

Yes I know that some circuits are wide with run-off areas etc, but if you are like me, I really don't want to get it wrong and end up flailing around throwing great gobs of gravel everywhere....and then there are the other cars on the track with the very real possibility of causing someone else considerable grief due to your own mistakes. I applaud those who are experienced race car drivers, but for Joe average, getting to know the nature of your beast is, I believe paramount for safety and ultimate pleasure.

And so (sorry - I hate people that start with those too words), I would dearly love to find somewhere (not a circuit) that is open, wide and good tarmac, maybe with cones, where I can go silly for a couple of hours to explore those limits and get to know what is a safe entry or exit speed with my particular setup without worrying about knobbling my car or anyone else's for that matter.

Surely there are place you can go for this? I am sure it would be popular?

Any ideas?

Corsair613

260 posts

121 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
Sounds as though some autocross time would be just the thing. A few hours playing with speed, shifting, braking, grip, acceleration, balance, etc. while putting nothing at risk but some tiny orange cones. It's the perfect way to get accustomed to a new car, and ought to be required when taking a big step up in power and handling. Highly recommended.

Ken

F.C.

3,896 posts

207 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
3Dee said:
One of the problems I suggest many of us have in the first year or so of ownership of our pocket rockets, is to know the limits of grip vs power, and that can constrain our enjoyment, especially on track days.

Yes I know that some circuits are wide with run-off areas etc, but if you are like me, I really don't want to get it wrong and end up flailing around throwing great gobs of gravel everywhere....and then there are the other cars on the track with the very real possibility of causing someone else considerable grief due to your own mistakes. I applaud those who are experienced race car drivers, but for Joe average, getting to know the nature of your beast is, I believe paramount for safety and ultimate pleasure.

And so (sorry - I hate people that start with those too words), I would dearly love to find somewhere (not a circuit) that is open, wide and good tarmac, maybe with cones, where I can go silly for a couple of hours to explore those limits and get to know what is a safe entry or exit speed with my particular setup without worrying about knobbling my car or anyone else's for that matter.

Surely there are place you can go for this? I am sure it would be popular?

Any ideas?
Silverstone have an autocross circuit and school, far worse places to start!

cito quod fortis

206 posts

188 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
Not exactly what you're after, but I think a good option for you - I believe Blyton Park will rent the circuit for "testing" at around £200 for half a day and I think you get exclusive use. It's a nice little circuit for an Ultima and gives you a good chance to experience the grip, cornering and acceleration, with minimal risk. Andy

F.C.

3,896 posts

207 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
cito quod fortis said:
Not exactly what you're after, but I think a good option for you - I believe Blyton Park will rent the circuit for "testing" at around £200 for half a day and I think you get exclusive use. It's a nice little circuit for an Ultima and gives you a good chance to experience the grip, cornering and acceleration, with minimal risk. Andy
Blyton do hire for £185 + vat per half day but only for testing race cars, road registered cars are not allowed frown

macgtech

997 posts

158 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Or track tuition from someone who is used to using an Ultima at the limit on track wink

3Dee

Original Poster:

3,206 posts

220 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Seems that Silverstone autocross is a hidden secret, well nothing of worth goggling it anyway.. and what I do find is rather over the top for what I was envisaging...

Blyton Park is indeed only for non-road cars....

The very reason for the thread is that there seems very scant offerings in this area, so either someone knows of a venue that doesn't advertise, or maybe there is an 'informal' opportunity somewhere...

All it needs is a large airfield apron or similar with a reasonably fast circuit set out in cones with wide run-offs for those brown-trouser moments!

...shame really, as I could see such a option being quite popular I would have thought?

Storer

5,024 posts

214 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Large car park late at night???

And so....

What about talking to some of the track day companies to see if they know of anywhere and would be willing to offer/organise this.
Would probably be a bit expensive as you would only want one car running at a time.


Paul

UltimaCH

3,155 posts

188 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Good idea. You need to fine a place and organize something. Heathrow perhaps...?Just kidding!

3Dee

Original Poster:

3,206 posts

220 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Storer said:
Large car park late at night???
Unfortunately Paul, this is an offence that you can be done for now... 30 years ago, probably not!

Storer said:
And so....Paul
See, even you you are doing it now... catching, isn't it!
Don't you just love those being interviewed on telly or the radio, saying that before each answer? Usually is some devious company or official PR person trying to wriggle out of giving a direct answer to a question! ...not that you are, of course biggrin

Storer said:
What about talking to some of the track day companies to see if they know of anywhere and would be willing to offer/organise this.
Would probably be a bit expensive as you would only want one car running at a time.
Paul
I must admit, I am now wondering about the possibility of finding an appropriate venue and co-organiser who would look at setting up a day like this... open to a limited number of cars (say up to 8), where each does say 3 circuits on their own (or with tuition - debrief from an experienced instructor), followed by the next etc in the morning, then the afternoon could be all about unofficial timed trials (if the driver wants to). Could be a really fun day out, especially if they were all Ultimas! wink

Something like this could be fleshed out?

3Dee

Original Poster:

3,206 posts

220 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
UltimaCH said:
Good idea....Heathrow perhaps...?Just kidding!
That sounds intriguing! However I do wonder how your roof would come out when that Airbus undercarriage plants itself on your bonce!

Swiss_Toni

412 posts

182 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
I recommend Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground.

I've test my Ultima there a number of time and you can rent it by the hour (I sort remember £50 hour but do check).

You'd really have to try really hard to hit anything.

The've got a simple road type circuit and a monster runway.

They surface is a bit bumpy and there are noise restrictions, but you can see where they are ;-)

Noise: 98 db static AND 87.5 db driving

http://www.bruntingthorpe.com

  • General Enquiries - 0116 247 8000
  • Vehicle Storage - 0116 279 9301
  • Automotive Engineering - 0116 279 9304
  • Vehicle Testing - 0116 279 9300
  • Film & Photo Location Hire - 0116 279 9300
  • Events - 0116 279 9300
  • Big Thunder Events - 0116 279 9318

mt308

438 posts

142 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
I would be very interested too.

Have done one track day with the car at Silverstone but would really like to explore limits with nobody else to worry about...I have a great instructor lined up but need a venue. My thoughts are identical to those listed here.

Anywhere in the south suits me.

Have been told that to be sure a 105db noise limit is needed. 100db would be very close to call.

If I find anything I will post it here.

Mark

jeffw

845 posts

227 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Have a look at these guys

http://www.carlimits.com/

Probable something in there that will suit the OP

3Dee

Original Poster:

3,206 posts

220 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Bit far for me TBH.

Tuition is always a good thing, and I have had a fair bit (always room for more however) over the years. What I really would like to find is that place where I can find the limits of my car where, as I have mentioned before, there is little or no traffic, and it is safe to get it really, really wrong!

mt308

438 posts

142 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
jeffw said:
Have a look at these guys

http://www.carlimits.com/

Probable something in there that will suit the OP
Looks great! Anyone used these guys before?

Mark

T4NG0

1,670 posts

180 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
F.C. said:
Blyton do hire for £185 + vat per half day but only for testing race cars, road registered cars are not allowed frown
Remove number plates and tax disc wink

Racing Roj

488 posts

162 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
I have seen the comments on a Blyton being race car only.
The 'Supercar Drivers Club' which I gave joined up North have a day booked at Blyton in September for road legal cars.
Just wondering how they gave done that if it's race cars only?

rdodger

1,088 posts

202 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Blyton do track days for road cars. Testing will normally be for race cars only. I'm sure Richard would listen to someone wanting to rent the circuit for half or a full day though.

Ult-Jim

624 posts

189 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
Perhaps some hooning around on a disused runway like this lucky chap has done in his Ultima wink is what you need to experience the limit, at top speed, high speed bends and handling in a chicane section.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tSe6tLMOWs

I'm sure he will be along soon to comment

Ult-jim