Driver Development Program
Discussion
Just to spread the word about this training day. I found it to be the dogs danglies. It takes place at Prodrive test track near to Keniworth, a bit pricey (£320 ish) for the full day. The instructor is split between 2 students, each in your own car, so lots of face time is gained. The facility is split into 3 areas;
High speed circuit. A couple of technical corners, chicane and high speed straights. Very good to appreciate high speed handling, and a place to learn not to turn in whilst attempting to scrub off enough speed (from 110 mph) to make a 90 degree turn, especially after a quick heavy down pour on a dry track. cue 360 degree rotation.
Skid Pan. 2 constantly wet areas, 1st circular, second straight. Idea on the circle is to drift around on opposite lock, with traction lost under a stab of your right foot. Very entertaining, and surprisingly dificult clockwise, but not so counter clockwise. The straight section was all about creating as many power over steers, left then right, down the thin strip. Obviously catching each one, and then provoking the next. Entertining to say the least.
Adverse Handling. This is a short twisty circuit, designed for Subaru WRC some years back to test tarmac stages. This was by far the best. A good 2nd/3rd gear circuit that just suits the Elise down to the ground, with hairpins and humps to unsettle the car, what a time was had.
All in all it was a great day out, and it was full on from 0900 til 1600, with breakfast and lunch provided. Well recommended.
It was also nice to see and hear other Marques on track too. DBS (too loud for circuit), Massers, 911,even AMG S class, that was something else to be heard, not ideally suited to the enviroment, but impresive non the less.
Best memory Holding a steady drift for 540 degree
Worst memory Cramp from grinning so much.
High speed circuit. A couple of technical corners, chicane and high speed straights. Very good to appreciate high speed handling, and a place to learn not to turn in whilst attempting to scrub off enough speed (from 110 mph) to make a 90 degree turn, especially after a quick heavy down pour on a dry track. cue 360 degree rotation.
Skid Pan. 2 constantly wet areas, 1st circular, second straight. Idea on the circle is to drift around on opposite lock, with traction lost under a stab of your right foot. Very entertaining, and surprisingly dificult clockwise, but not so counter clockwise. The straight section was all about creating as many power over steers, left then right, down the thin strip. Obviously catching each one, and then provoking the next. Entertining to say the least.
Adverse Handling. This is a short twisty circuit, designed for Subaru WRC some years back to test tarmac stages. This was by far the best. A good 2nd/3rd gear circuit that just suits the Elise down to the ground, with hairpins and humps to unsettle the car, what a time was had.
All in all it was a great day out, and it was full on from 0900 til 1600, with breakfast and lunch provided. Well recommended.
It was also nice to see and hear other Marques on track too. DBS (too loud for circuit), Massers, 911,even AMG S class, that was something else to be heard, not ideally suited to the enviroment, but impresive non the less.
Best memory Holding a steady drift for 540 degree
Worst memory Cramp from grinning so much.
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