Novice trackdays at Brands
Discussion
Hi folks,
thinking of going on a novice trackday to Brands (http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=5108). I have never been on a track with a car so fit the description I would say. The event itself looks good to me and I'll get 3 x 20 minutes on the track which should be enough to wear me out.
So just fill up fluids (incl. driver) and make sure everything works on the car (Exige S2) and ready to go? comments welcome
thinking of going on a novice trackday to Brands (http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=5108). I have never been on a track with a car so fit the description I would say. The event itself looks good to me and I'll get 3 x 20 minutes on the track which should be enough to wear me out.
So just fill up fluids (incl. driver) and make sure everything works on the car (Exige S2) and ready to go? comments welcome
I did an open pit lane for my first ever trackday and wouldn't have it any other way.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
I would agree, open pitlane is far more relaxed. Also if not so confident, try a day with an instructor and a track with run off. Check out carlimits as Andrew Walsh is offering a day next Bank Holiday at Abbeville in France, or if you fancy just doing the day it is a lotus on the track day.
I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
noodleman said:
I did an open pit lane for my first ever trackday and wouldn't have it any other way.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
Edited by Stu_00 on Thursday 16th April 13:50
I agree that open pitlane is the best format for any trackday, but having done my first trackday at Brands Indy on an MSV day, I can say that it was a good option as an initial taster.
They spent a little more time as we were newbies doing a more thourough briefing, took us out in minibuses to show us the lines, then did an initial 2 sessions where we were in groups of 6 (5 customers to 1 instructor car) with carefully selected cars (hot hatches in one group, Lotus and VX's and similar in another etc.) following an instructors car to show us the lines, braking points, turn in points, clipping points etc. They did a couple of laps at 50mph to start with and gradually built up the speed.
After each lap the car behind the instructor car pulled to the right and let the train go past as we came onto the main straight after exiting Clearways. It was good to get this relatively low speed overtaking done with some order, and was good practise of checking your mirrors as you needed to be sure when the last car was past that you could get back on the racing line in time for Paddock.
If you're near Brands and the day suits, I say go for it. Then do a full day open pit at somewhere like Bedford or Snetterton, or even better, get out to one of the Lotus On Track days at Abbeville in France which is a great learners circuit and only a short drive from Calais.
The most important things to remember are to go at your own pace, build up speed gradually, really get into the habit of being aware of what's going on behind, to the side and in front of you (observation is the biggest issue when a beginner) and don't try and be a hero on day 1. Concentrate on checking mirrors regularly, getting your lines, braking and gears right until you're happy you know where the track is and that you're in the right place on it before adding speed. It's all too easy to go gung-ho after a few laps, get over-confident and end up in the gravel or worse.
They spent a little more time as we were newbies doing a more thourough briefing, took us out in minibuses to show us the lines, then did an initial 2 sessions where we were in groups of 6 (5 customers to 1 instructor car) with carefully selected cars (hot hatches in one group, Lotus and VX's and similar in another etc.) following an instructors car to show us the lines, braking points, turn in points, clipping points etc. They did a couple of laps at 50mph to start with and gradually built up the speed.
After each lap the car behind the instructor car pulled to the right and let the train go past as we came onto the main straight after exiting Clearways. It was good to get this relatively low speed overtaking done with some order, and was good practise of checking your mirrors as you needed to be sure when the last car was past that you could get back on the racing line in time for Paddock.
If you're near Brands and the day suits, I say go for it. Then do a full day open pit at somewhere like Bedford or Snetterton, or even better, get out to one of the Lotus On Track days at Abbeville in France which is a great learners circuit and only a short drive from Calais.
The most important things to remember are to go at your own pace, build up speed gradually, really get into the habit of being aware of what's going on behind, to the side and in front of you (observation is the biggest issue when a beginner) and don't try and be a hero on day 1. Concentrate on checking mirrors regularly, getting your lines, braking and gears right until you're happy you know where the track is and that you're in the right place on it before adding speed. It's all too easy to go gung-ho after a few laps, get over-confident and end up in the gravel or worse.
Edited by S Works on Thursday 16th April 14:51
Edited by S Works on Thursday 16th April 14:52
My wife did a novice day at Bedford. The first car in front of us as we rolled out onto the circuit was track based, stripped out Pug 205! It was no more a novice day than a normal one. I complained but the organisers said there's no proof that you have to show you are a novice. I understood their predicament but still wasn't happy.
LOT days at Abbeville are great fun and excellent value.
Its a small, tight track, which which is fantastic for elises / caterfields and you tyically aren't travelling at huge speeds, but this means you get the opportunity to get a better understanding of how the car behaves around the limits, and if you do get it wrong, you are unlikely to be heading towards the barriers at 100mph.
There's very little to hit, although the infield is a bit like a ploughed field and regularly collects its fair share of splitters, but that;s the worst of it.
Its much more relaxed than a UK trackday.... and most people are happy looning around, its very rare to see anyone trying to get a perfect lap.. so everyone is just out for a good time.
And the best thing about Abbeville... AFAIK... its the only circuit I drive to hoping its going to rain during the day... its twice the fun when its wet
Its a small, tight track, which which is fantastic for elises / caterfields and you tyically aren't travelling at huge speeds, but this means you get the opportunity to get a better understanding of how the car behaves around the limits, and if you do get it wrong, you are unlikely to be heading towards the barriers at 100mph.
There's very little to hit, although the infield is a bit like a ploughed field and regularly collects its fair share of splitters, but that;s the worst of it.
Its much more relaxed than a UK trackday.... and most people are happy looning around, its very rare to see anyone trying to get a perfect lap.. so everyone is just out for a good time.
And the best thing about Abbeville... AFAIK... its the only circuit I drive to hoping its going to rain during the day... its twice the fun when its wet
Edited by subaqua on Friday 17th April 22:21
I did my first td at Abbeville last year.
Was absolutely s
tting it as i arrived,but once you see how relaxed everything/everyone is,you soon calm down and after a few laps start to enjoy it.A lot!!
As already said,its tight and twisty giving you the opportunity to push the grip up to and exceeding the limit at pretty low speeds,resulting in lots of arse oot fun if you want it and lots of giggling,but also the opportunity to concentrate on a good 'banzai' lap if you wanted to
The driver training i'd already had stood me in good stead regarding braking,lines,inputs etc but there was a LoT instructor available all day for about £15 a go
There were all abilities present from total novice to veteran,all of whom had a great day without tripping over one another due to the open pitlane set up.
By the end of the day i was actually passing a few people and did'nt want to stop.
Now its turned into an expensive habit *twitch*
Was absolutely s
tting it as i arrived,but once you see how relaxed everything/everyone is,you soon calm down and after a few laps start to enjoy it.A lot!!As already said,its tight and twisty giving you the opportunity to push the grip up to and exceeding the limit at pretty low speeds,resulting in lots of arse oot fun if you want it and lots of giggling,but also the opportunity to concentrate on a good 'banzai' lap if you wanted to
The driver training i'd already had stood me in good stead regarding braking,lines,inputs etc but there was a LoT instructor available all day for about £15 a go
There were all abilities present from total novice to veteran,all of whom had a great day without tripping over one another due to the open pitlane set up.
By the end of the day i was actually passing a few people and did'nt want to stop.
Now its turned into an expensive habit *twitch*
Stu_00 said:
I would agree, open pitlane is far more relaxed. Also if not so confident, try a day with an instructor and a track with run off. Check out carlimits as Andrew Walsh is offering a day next Bank Holiday at Abbeville in France, or if you fancy just doing the day it is a lotus on the track day.
I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
France thing sounds interesting. Can't see any info relating to it on their web site...can you provide a link pls?I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
noodleman said:
I did an open pit lane for my first ever trackday and wouldn't have it any other way.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
Edited by Stu_00 on Thursday 16th April 13:50
Thanks.
Nick
nick_j007 said:
Stu_00 said:
I would agree, open pitlane is far more relaxed. Also if not so confident, try a day with an instructor and a track with run off. Check out carlimits as Andrew Walsh is offering a day next Bank Holiday at Abbeville in France, or if you fancy just doing the day it is a lotus on the track day.
I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
France thing sounds interesting. Can't see any info relating to it on their web site...can you provide a link pls?I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
noodleman said:
I did an open pit lane for my first ever trackday and wouldn't have it any other way.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
Edited by Stu_00 on Thursday 16th April 13:50
Thanks.
Nick
Have a look here for other Abbeville,Folembray etc dates
http://www.lotus-on-track.com/
Edited by The Bandit on Saturday 18th April 22:11
Fatrat said:
Slightly O/T, has anyone been to a LOT day at Abbeville and if so, what did you think of it?
I can only echo everything subaqua has said and encourage you to go do it. Fantastic fun, and LoT trackdays are brilliantly organised, superb fun, and about the best value you can possibly find. The LoT organisers cannot do enough for everyone, and if you're a newbie let people know and you will be given plenty of advice, help and encouragement. Do it, you won't regret it The Bandit said:
nick_j007 said:
Stu_00 said:
I would agree, open pitlane is far more relaxed. Also if not so confident, try a day with an instructor and a track with run off. Check out carlimits as Andrew Walsh is offering a day next Bank Holiday at Abbeville in France, or if you fancy just doing the day it is a lotus on the track day.
I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
France thing sounds interesting. Can't see any info relating to it on their web site...can you provide a link pls?I would of thought about the same money as Brands hatch and more bang for your buck.
I went out with an intructor a couple of weeks ago, and makes a huge difference !
Have fun!
noodleman said:
I did an open pit lane for my first ever trackday and wouldn't have it any other way.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
On a sessioned day, you kind of feel like you have to go out immediately and stay out for the 20 mins. On my first day, I didn't have to go out immediately, went out for a few, came back in, had a fag, etc etc.
By the end of the day, I was staying out for 30mins+ and wouldn't consider a sessioned day now unless it was cheeeep.
I didn't regret not going for a novice day. If you can drive at all, I guarantee there will be someone worse than you! Just take it easy at the beginning. As long as you're courteous and move over for faster cars, you'll be fine.
Edited by Stu_00 on Thursday 16th April 13:50
Thanks.
Nick
Have a look here for other Abbeville,Folembray etc dates
http://www.lotus-on-track.com/
Edited by The Bandit on Saturday 18th April 22:11
May well register and get myself on my first track day (ever) at Abbeville
I assume that it clearly says when a day is fully booked as it is marked in red next to it as fully booked? Just that so many are still not fully booked.
Nick
Nick, you'll find most LOT days fill up rapidly in the fortnight before the event: its unusual for a day not to be fully booked (as you can imagine peeps have to check last minute work commitments etc). The day in question looks to have 18 places available at the moment. Do keep a close eye on the calander though as I've been caught napping!
Regarding the O/Ps question, and to others thinking of venturing onto track for the first time, then you could do much, much worse than go with LoT. Firstly the vast majority of the cars are Elises/Exiges, manners and behaviour on track are generally of the highest order (nonsense is just not tolerated) and you'll meet a very friendly, helpful and enthusiastic bunch of people.
I did my first track day on an open pit day with LoT at Bedford which is great as there's very little to hit, but not good as they have a very strictly enforced (and easy to fail) noise policy. I've not been to Abbeville but again, its supposed to have very little to hit and finally I'd recommend Snetterton which again has little to hit (unless you count fields!). Check the small print in the event you book though as some of the Snetterton events insist you have done at least one O/P day elsewhere first.
Some of the circuits that LoT use now have minimum standards with regards your helmet (look on the LoT forum for details but basically Bike helmets are no longer acceptable). LoT hire helmets (£20)if you want to do a day without committing to buying a helmet first. Take instruction (your first day with LoT will include one free 20 minute session with an instructor) early and its worth taking a second session after lunch too (just £15).
Before going either check the car over yourself or get it serviced if a service is due soon. At a minimum you want to run a torque wrench over all the suspension mounting points and make sure everything moves as it should. Check your brake discs and pads have plenty of life too. If your car has been losing a little bit of coolant or oil get it sorted before you go: tracking your car will put far, far greater stresses on it than you can ever put on it on the road (regardless of how fast you may have thought you've driven!) and you don't want to be the one causing the red flag to go out as you pissed either oil or coolant all over the track (probably very expensive for you too!). Check the condition of your tyres, check your oil, fill up and go. Take a basic tool roll (there's something in the Seloc techwiki on this) a footpump and a decent tyre pressure guage, a litre of oil, some coolant and some fluid for yourself.
If you have a fair drive to get to the circuit then consider a B&B for the night before: a days track driving is tiring, more so if you've had a very early start and then have to do it all again at the end of the day.
On track drive at a pace you feel comfortable with and don't get tempted to 'overdrive' (everything will pass you inititally). Keep your eyes on your mirrors and remember if it wasn't there before then its going faster so on the next straight, indicate, pull over and ease off (it might be a less powerful car
) to let the car go. Good manners and behaviour on track cost nothing but you'll soon be noticed if you drive like an egotistical idiot.
Finally have fun and when you get back on the road remember to slow down and be safe on the way home (the roads always feel dangerous to me after a day on track - too many bloody fools who can't drive safely at 30!!!)
Regarding the O/Ps question, and to others thinking of venturing onto track for the first time, then you could do much, much worse than go with LoT. Firstly the vast majority of the cars are Elises/Exiges, manners and behaviour on track are generally of the highest order (nonsense is just not tolerated) and you'll meet a very friendly, helpful and enthusiastic bunch of people.
I did my first track day on an open pit day with LoT at Bedford which is great as there's very little to hit, but not good as they have a very strictly enforced (and easy to fail) noise policy. I've not been to Abbeville but again, its supposed to have very little to hit and finally I'd recommend Snetterton which again has little to hit (unless you count fields!). Check the small print in the event you book though as some of the Snetterton events insist you have done at least one O/P day elsewhere first.
Some of the circuits that LoT use now have minimum standards with regards your helmet (look on the LoT forum for details but basically Bike helmets are no longer acceptable). LoT hire helmets (£20)if you want to do a day without committing to buying a helmet first. Take instruction (your first day with LoT will include one free 20 minute session with an instructor) early and its worth taking a second session after lunch too (just £15).
Before going either check the car over yourself or get it serviced if a service is due soon. At a minimum you want to run a torque wrench over all the suspension mounting points and make sure everything moves as it should. Check your brake discs and pads have plenty of life too. If your car has been losing a little bit of coolant or oil get it sorted before you go: tracking your car will put far, far greater stresses on it than you can ever put on it on the road (regardless of how fast you may have thought you've driven!) and you don't want to be the one causing the red flag to go out as you pissed either oil or coolant all over the track (probably very expensive for you too!). Check the condition of your tyres, check your oil, fill up and go. Take a basic tool roll (there's something in the Seloc techwiki on this) a footpump and a decent tyre pressure guage, a litre of oil, some coolant and some fluid for yourself.
If you have a fair drive to get to the circuit then consider a B&B for the night before: a days track driving is tiring, more so if you've had a very early start and then have to do it all again at the end of the day.
On track drive at a pace you feel comfortable with and don't get tempted to 'overdrive' (everything will pass you inititally). Keep your eyes on your mirrors and remember if it wasn't there before then its going faster so on the next straight, indicate, pull over and ease off (it might be a less powerful car
) to let the car go. Good manners and behaviour on track cost nothing but you'll soon be noticed if you drive like an egotistical idiot.Finally have fun and when you get back on the road remember to slow down and be safe on the way home (the roads always feel dangerous to me after a day on track - too many bloody fools who can't drive safely at 30!!!)
Due to date and time restrictions I went to Brands yesterday afternoon. Originally we had 3 x 20min on the track but due to the low number of participants they made it an open pitlane after the first hour although I would say I didn't do much more time overall than 1 hour anyway. Cars and drivers were a mixed bunch as you'd expect on a novice day. My day was cut a bit short as the brake light came on in corner (I did check the brake fluid level and it was fine before) so need to see if the fluid is down, didn't flicker again on the way home. 2 other Elises were there as well!
Lichtgestalt said:
Due to date and time restrictions I went to Brands yesterday afternoon. Originally we had 3 x 20min on the track but due to the low number of participants they made it an open pitlane after the first hour although I would say I didn't do much more time overall than 1 hour anyway. Cars and drivers were a mixed bunch as you'd expect on a novice day. My day was cut a bit short as the brake light came on in corner (I did check the brake fluid level and it was fine before) so need to see if the fluid is down, didn't flicker again on the way home. 2 other Elises were there as well!
Hiya Marcus,Good to meet you yesterday buddy
Boggy
well, good meeting you too. it was really good funGassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff