Bedford Autodrome questions

[Towzer]

I'm off all this week and have spotted that MotorSport Vision have a open lane day on the 17th, but I have some questions:

1. What is open lane? Is it a good thing or bad thing?
2. Will my Larini (on 111R) pass the noise test?
3. Do I need specific insurance to drive on the track?
4. Can I just turn up or do I have to complete a test prior to being allowed on the track?

I know you lot will have the answers.

Phil

[bogie]

. What is open lane? Is it a good thing or bad thing?

it means that its not run in sessions of say 20 mins with different groups/abilities - you can go out as much as you like whenever you like basically

2. Will my Larini (on 111R) pass the noise test? - should be OK

3. Do I need specific insurance to drive on the track?

not compulsory but you can get specific track day insurance to cover you if you want...its not like road insurance though....if you have prang, whether it was your 'fault' or not you claim on your own insurance..

4. Can I just turn up or do I have to complete a test prior to being allowed on the track?

no test required - you will have to sign a disclaimer and show your driving licence.

If you are a novice trackday go-er I would tend to recommend doing your first day with someone like www.lotus-on-track.com though - you get a free compulsory training session, and are safe in the knowledge that others are used to having novices around, are courteous and 99% of the cars there will be Elises

The problem with turning up on a 'public' day with a company youve never been with before is that you dont know how its run, there could be a wide range of cars out there and you dont know any of the other drivers...fine if you are used to doing this every weekend and are confident on track with lots of cars flying around very close to each other...not so good for the novice and if you have a bad experience it could put you off going again......

[RobM77]

Towzer said:

1. What is open lane? Is it a good thing or bad thing?

This is a good thing - it means that the track is open at all times (say, between 11am and 2pm) for you to come and go as you please, rather than sticking to strict timed sessions. They will only allow a certain number of cars on track at once, but it is unusual not to be allowed out at the time of your choice. When I've been on these days, I choose to do 15-20 minute sessions so as to be not too hard on the car. However, if the track is particularly clear then often I'll stay out for longer.

Towzer said:

3. Do I need specific insurance to drive on the track?

You don't need it for most track days, but many people do get it. My Caterham insurers used to allow me 3 track days a year covered, and then it was £30 per event on top of that. A more normal insurance company won't offer trackday insurance as a 'bolt on' extra, but you can buy it externally. Many people don't bother at all - but bear in mind that the cost of an off in an Elise can be quite high. However, Bedford Autodrome is not licensed for competitive motorsport, therefore there are no crash barriers to protect spectators. On most of the corners, if you spin off then there's about a mile of grass to slow down on! A very safe venue for you and the car.

Towzer said:

4. Can I just turn up or do I have to complete a test prior to being allowed on the track?

No, only a road license needed. Show your road license at signing on and then that's it. Some Bedford days will run a "ducks and drakes" session at the beginning for low speed familiarisation.

Hope that helps.

Bedford is my favourite track day venue - I'm sure you'll have great fun!

[Towzer]

Thanks bogie all makes sense now. Good point about being a novice, will book up a LOT day.

Phil

[hbaumhardt]

What everyone said before :up

Bedford is the best venue in the UK to start out at, but I'd suggest getting together with someone who knows the ropes on track so you can focus on having fun rather than worrying about what to do e.g. starting off by doing pax laps in a similar car can help a lot.

Gooby came to Silverstone on his first track yesterday, but as a passenger and I'm sure he will describe the value (or not) at some point.

Edit to say that I have become a bit of a track day stalker and seem to spend more time in other folks cars than my own.

>> Edited by hbaumhardt on Saturday 11th February 14:20

[lawrence5]

Bedford is great place. Not always that keen on open pit lanes though...... sometimes it is better when grouped by performance and ability otherwise you are always looking behind you. That said if people are responsible then they can work just as well....

[richb]

I found some of these useful when I did my first track day which was also at Bedford and I agree it is an excenllent venue.

www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm
www.area51.org.uk/projectcar/tdfaq.html

My day www.greenbear.org.uk/Bedford.htm



>> Edited by richb on Saturday 11th February 14:26

[S Works]

Towzer said:

Thanks bogie all makes sense now. Good point about being a novice, will book up a LOT day. Phil

Phil, have you considered the EVOactive beginners day at Brands on Feb 24th?

I'm going with Raify (in his Cooper S Works). See the Brands website or this month's EVO for info.

Be good to meet up again

[Towzer]

Hi SWorks. Oddly enough I have already booked that day off as hols. Just had a look at Evo Active, seems like a great introduction to track days.

Will book it up later today.


Phil

[S Works]

Marvellous. Look forward to seeing you there

[Towzer]

Sworks - After consulting the war department, I'm going to have to postpone. I was gently reminded (and that was the reason why the Friday had already been booked off as hols) that we are going to a fashion show the night before and staying over in London.

Phil

[S Works]

Perfect - you can drive down from London and the other half can get her first intro to track days. It starts at 10.30am, plenty of time to get your brekky and get onto the M20.

[jake_d]

The next L-O-T day at bedford is good friday - 14th april, it's a really nice track especially for your first time. Lotustuart & myself are driving up on the thursday evening, book it up, you know you want to

[jake_d]

just booked the travelodge - £10