First Trackday - where?

[Matto89]

The old man and I will be taking the recently-completed kitcar (7-style) to it's first trackday this year - which tracks do people recommend? The car isn't massively powerful or quick up top, so I'm thinking airfield days.

Another option is to make a weekend of it - take in the evo triangle and possible Anglesey circuit at the same time. Fifth gear certainly makes it seem a relatively compact and tight circuit, which is what I'm looking for.

[motco]

Depending on where you are I would go to an airfield venue organised by Motorsport Events. Their organisation is excellent, the cost reasonable, and the airfield style safer - lots of run-off - than circuits with Armco. Nothing to do with me disclaimer...

[HustleRussell]

Anglesey is not compact and tight! It's among the widest in the country, and the GP layout in particular is very point-and-squirt in places.
As a 7 driver myself, I'd say you'll have fun anywhere. Where abouts are you, and how far are you prepared to travel?

[Isonblade]

If your within striking distance of Blyton then for a 1st track day it's a no brainer.

[tomsnelling]

Bedford is a good first track day. Large run off areas!

[Jubal]

The Blyton suggestion is a good one. You'll cry if your new car gets covered in stone chips at a standard airfield day. Blyton have laid a proper track down.

[motco]

Jubal said:

The Blyton suggestion is a good one. You'll cry if your new car gets covered in stone chips at a standard airfield day. Blyton have laid a proper track down.

I have never encountered a single stone on any airfield day I have been to - why would they be there any more than anywhere else?

[shim]

motco said:

I have never encountered a single stone on any airfield day I have been to - why would they be there any more than anywhere else?

You've been lucky, I did one out of 70 trackdays on an arifield and my rear arch fronts are peppered.

[motco]

shim said:

motco said:

I have never encountered a single stone on any airfield day I have been to - why would they be there any more than anywhere else?

You've been lucky, I did one out of 70 trackdays on an arifield and my rear arch fronts are peppered.

I have been only to Hullavington, Abingdon, and Keevil. All of these were clear of stones but occasionally had little tufts of grass growing through the tarmac. My only reasons for wanting to go to a circuit are to experience a course with undulations (Brands Hatch would be fun), and also because the one problem with airfields is that the layout is defined by cones and it is possible to be a little uncertain about the approaching corners at some. Abingdon is very good in this respect as the main part of the layout is the perimeter road.

[shim]

tomsnelling said:

Bedford is a good first track day. Large run off areas!

Correct, Bedford is by far the best starter location of you are a bit concerned. I personally would avoid airfields as they are not circuits and don't really do a good job of pretending to be one. Bedford however has excellent tarmac, wide track, less to hit of it goes wrong, good garages and facilities (assuming you do the full GP and not the NES).

It has proper kerbs, fast, medium and slow corners, biggest circuit straight in the UK and is central to the uk (ish)

It's a bit bland as there is no elevation but a great venue if you are nervous.

[Quietlybonkers]

Where in the country are you? Hopeless advising unless we know where you can get to easily

[tertius]

My first track experience was the Nordschleife - dive right in.

[GC8]

tomsnelling said:

Bedford is a good first track day. Large run off areas!

This would have been my contribution. If you must drive an airfield then Blyton, as they have a course of new asphalt laid in the existing airfield tarmac.

[Murray993]

Bedford is nice an simple with run off for the first time. It gets better as you do but at first its a great place. Plus they have novice days I believe.

[WazzaL]

My first was Brands Hatch, with MSV on their novice track days.

Had a session of coaching as well which made a big difference.

Certainly wouldn't hesitate to go back there.

But whether you choose track or airfield, just get on track and have some fun.

[pit5top]

Blyton would be a good bet. Plenty of run off and nice smooth surface

[andyiley]

Having done lots of circuits & airfields as a novice I would agree with several others & say Blyton.

As has been said, very good tarmac surface, lots of run-off, and a good technical circuit to boot when you get a bit more practice.

[Quietlybonkers]

A group of us TVR drivers are doing Bedford on 16 March.

[Rae420]

I am trying Blyton first time on saturday.

[nickfrog]

Bedford of course. The best of both worlds for a first time : proper smooth tarmac AND (almost) no armcos.