Castle Combe

[SpyderMatt]

Hi guys,
I'm going to do a PCGB track day in May at Castle Combe. 3 questions;
.
1 does anyone know a decent B&B where I can stay overnight nearish to the circuit?
2 anyone have any tips on this circuit for a newbie to track days ?
3 what is the best value budget but decent open face helmet to buy ? I'd rather purchase as I intend to do a few track days this year and can always bung on eBay if I have no further use from it.

Thanks

[F355GTS]

1. https://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/contact/accom...
2. Brake early for Quarry and Tower
3. Hedtec https://www.hedtec.co.uk

[Matt_N]

Give the Bell at Chipping Sodbury a go, rooms have recently been refurbished to a good standard, the pub serves good food and beer and you're around 15 mins from the circuit and just off J18 of the M4.

[Trev450]

Don't attempt Avon Rise flat.

[wellground]

Trev450 said:

Don't attempt Avon Rise flat.

But if you fancy trying it, let us know, I'll come and watch

[Trev450]

wellground said:

Trev450 said:

Don't attempt Avon Rise flat.

But if you fancy trying it, let us know, I'll come and watch

Rob you are a sadist!

[rallycross]

try the Crown at Tolldown /Dyrhum last time I raced at Castle Combe we stayed there it a nice pub/hotel just up the road (ten mins by back roads), great and newly decorated rooms.

http://www.thecrowntolldown.co.uk/home

[wellground]

Trev450 said:

Rob you are a sadist!

Sense of humour keeps me sane.

[Mr E]

F355GTS said:

2. Brake early for Quarry and Tower

Start braking before the crest (avon rise) for Quarry. They usually stick a cone out as that's the favourite place to result in a walk home.

Little run off at camp or tower.

[77racing]

For what it's worth , I would scrub some speed off before you crest Avon rise and then back on the anchors after the crest in a road car on your first time at Castle Combe, depends on the car your using to some degree.

Regards car 77, Castle Combe GT lap record holder 2014 @ 1:09.23

[wellground]

Jeepers that's a quick time. Congratulations.

[corporalsparrow]

If it's damp and greasy, and your blood is up, don't take Avon flat, then jam it down a gear before braking for Quarry….because you'd be basically doing quite a lot of things in the wrong order at the wrong time...and it can have some alarming consequences.

[SpyderMatt]

77racing said:

For what it's worth , I would scrub some speed off before you crest Avon rise and then back on the anchors after the crest in a road car on your first time at Castle Combe, depends on the car your using to some degree.

Regards car 77, Castle Combe GT lap record holder 2014 @ 1:09.23

Boxster Spyder - paddles or Sport Chrono Plus PDK

[Dan Friel]

As others have said, Combe requires some respect. I've seen people go off on just about every part, and there's not much run-off. Fantastic circuit though!

My tips would be:

1. Sort out Avon Rise. Get some speed off before, DO NOT brake on Avon Rise, make sure you speed is appropriate for turning into Quarry. So build up to it...

2. Pay attention to the proper line from the first chicane through Old Paddock (getting back across the track helps to open Old Paddock up), many people don't get this right.

3. Tower is a late turn in, make sure this happens. It's also easy to mess up your braking on the approach.

4. Camp corner. Late turn in again, but use all of the road on exit. You can carry a lot of speed through.

[Oilchange]

Agree with this ^

Avon rise is a left hander and a crest then a hairpin! Not only are you turning but then going light as well. Brake at this point and you'll lock up a wheel and spin. Don't brake at all and you'll save it all for after the crest and probably the tyre wall. Saw a Renault Megane Sport leave a No11 from the top of the crest all the way through two long ruts in the gravel until it buried itself nose in to the crash barrier, looked comical but I bet he wasn't laughing.
Much like this chap...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHGZzBuviVs

I brake sharply to scrub off speed then turn in (align car with the lights) and when the car bottoms out brake and downshift for the turn in. Not sure if everyone does this but it works for me.

When you accelerate out of the Esses let the car naturally drift wide for Old Paddock, s'what Dave Da Costa said to do iirc.

Edited by Oilchange on Saturday 31st January 18:01

[ukkid35]

I really don't think CC is an ideal track for newbies, the problem is it looks innocuous but is actually quite vicious. My advice would be to do as many PAX laps as possible before driving, and then be very respectful indeed when behind the wheel, preferably with an instructor.

[Oilchange]

Is Dave da Costa still there as chief instructor? He took me round and I'd echo getting instruction with him first, pretty much mandatory for Combe.

[77racing]

Some times you don't even get to Avon Rise , I can tell you


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUnJc4lE3oQ

[77racing]

SpyderMatt said:

77racing said:

For what it's worth , I would scrub some speed off before you crest Avon rise and then back on the anchors after the crest in a road car on your first time at Castle Combe, depends on the car your using to some degree.

Regards car 77, Castle Combe GT lap record holder 2014 @ 1:09.23

Boxster Spyder - paddles or Sport Chrono Plus PDK

1989 TVR Tuscan Challenge - stick sequential - Chevy 6.2lt 650Lbs/Ft

Edited by 77racing on Saturday 31st January 18:33

[wellground]

Just a lap taken off my iPhone, from start line to finish line, as Harry's Lap timer records it. Not brilliant quality video from the iPhone, and certainly not at quick as Car 77

But I hope it helps to show a useful line over Avon Rise into Quarry. Have fun, and stay safe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BO6Cz8mWL8