What to do in 2015 (track days/tuition)

[lawtoma]

So, I bought my first Caterham (Roadsport 125 Sigma) earlier this year and have had a lot of fun with it on the roads. Next year, I want to try to get out on track and get a bit of tuition - to learn the car more, learn the limits, and have a bit more of a play than you can have on the road.

I've been looking at Cadence's road and track tuition and am planning on getting in touch with them to see what they can offer, but does anyone have any thoughts on them or any other suggestions?

I'm based in Cambridge, so Bedford Aerodrome, Snetterton, Woodbridge, North Weald and Millbrook should all be fairly accessible for a day trip. (Longer trips are probably out for next year, as our first baby is due in January!)

Should I just bite the bullet and book a track day, or would it be worth getting some tuition first (either independently or at a track day).

What do you reckon?

[downsman]

You can often buy some tuition at a track day.
I had 20 minutes learning to trail brake on a Motorsport Events airfield track day and it was very useful.

[assadahmed]

Just go ahead and get a few track days booked! I found it was good for me in being able to get to know the car. I picked Bedford as there is plenty of run off so the fear of hitting barriers is removed.

The two track days I took part in gave me a good insight into the car and I think I will now book some tuition as I have familiarity with the car and how it behaves. Going for tuition without really knowing the car seems like a bit of a waste to me but I'm sure there are others out there who would disagree.

[framerateuk]

Just get out there and do it

Obviously everyone is different, but I found just getting a load of time in the car on track did wonders. After several sessions, it can't harm to get some tuition to let you know where the right lines are, but I think some time on your own just to get a feel for the car on track first would be the best.

[DCL]

Tuition is never a bad thing, but you'll get more out of it if you are relaxed and comfortable on track. Go to a trackday without your car and adsorb as much as you can. Then try one or two keeping the sessions short until you get the hang of things. That's then the time to book the tuition before bad habits become engrained. But the most important thing is to enjoy it.

Edited by DCL on Tuesday 18th November 20:41

[Delbert]

Don't overlook Blyton Park , just North of Newark
Always cheap and plenty of curves

[culminator]

Folembray would be a very good option for you as its a relaxed atmosphere, easy track to learn and good instructors at the circuit.

[lawtoma]

Thanks for the tips so far!!

Sadly with new baby due in January I'm not sure I could sanction a 3 day trip - or that I'd want to be away that long that early. Next year perhaps, but I'll join the FB group to keep up to date!

Is anyone planning any track days in my area for the spring, and wouldn't mind a track day virgin tagging along?

[Delbert]

An extra thought - Cadence used to be great for Roadcraft - that was in the days before Hugh emigrated - I would assume that the ethos continues
As for Trackdays - a guy called OBNS goes across to Cadwell regularly so I cannot imagine that the drive from Cambridgeshire is any worse
Granted like me he may be trailer trash
If you fancy Cadwell there are always good instructors with Javelin Trackdays - they also do Blyton and occasional Snetertons

[Stuart7]

It's a long way off, but Mad Hatter's Llandow track weekend is brilliant fun, both on and off track:
http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre...

[IBDAET]

lawtoma said:

or that I'd want to be away that long that early.

Yes the weather was truly awful!

[Steve Campbell]

Abingdon with MSE + instruction as a starter. Once you've had a go, you'll be hooked.

[Some Gump]

Do Snetterton, enjoy it, then bite the bullet and travel up to Cadwell.

There is no finer day out in England than taking a 7 round Cadwell =)