Brands Hatch guide

[e21Mark]

I've been doing a few speed events over the past 3 years and am finally in a more competitive car. I'm a bit of a BMW fan and have worked my way up to an E30 M3, via E21 (16v 1800 conversion) and E30 325i. Both cars were dedicated track cars, although remained road legal. The M3 has modified suspension, big brakes etc and as with my previous cars, runs on Toyo r888 tyres.

Whilst I don't believe myself to be a great driver, I would like to think I am pretty competent. My average lap time for Brands (Indy) is a 59.8, with a personal best of 59.2 seconds. I know this isn't a blistering pace, but I am quite a lump and the 325i only had about 174bhp. I did try and follow a front runner in the BMW Production Championship, when I did a test day last winter, but he was much quicker than I. What it did highlight though, was how much time I was losing through Paddock Hill bend.

I did also do a few laps with an instructor, which is something I intend doing again. Meanwhile though, can anyone offer some advice on putting together a quick lap? I am also wondering about set-up and how soft/stiff a suspension set-up I should opt for?

I have also been struggling with my braking technique and instead of immediately braking as hard as possible, I find myself braking and increasing pressure, to the point where I come off the pedal, as opposed to getting maximum braking force from the moment I hit the pedal. (I hope that makes sense?)

Can anyone suggest an instructor?

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Started with the E21. It had a 16v 1800 with about 150bhp.



This is my current car.

[e21Mark]

Thanks guys. The pointers on Druids and Clearways are a big help. I found I struggled with terminal understeer through Clearways, so probably need to address my technique and not push so hard. All being well I can get a day booked next month.