Silverstone track day - in a Clio Cup

[Maxf]

I'm keen to do a track day at Silverstone this summer but am a little concerned my Clio Cup would just be a bit too slow on the long straights. I was looking at the 'drivers attending' page on bookatrack and it looks like I'd be short about 60mph on the top end compared to many others which are attending.

Is the Clio suitable for a day at Silverstone - decent use of mirrors accepted? I'm not so concerned about me getting bored on the straight sections, but more about p*ssing other people off.

I don't want to spend £500 and end up having a crap day or coming away early.

[CapnSlow]

You'll be fine in that. Just indicate and keep out of the way on the straights. The annoying people are the ones who trickle their pride and joy through the corners holding you up then floor it on a straight so I can't get past. Go enjoy and be safe

[supertouring]

I think you will be surprised just how quick you will be compared to others.

Just stay out of the way on straights and you will be fine.

Most trackdays expect drivers of faster cars to accommodate the slower traffic, so if anyone does give you a hard time then talk to the organiser.

Or better still, get some instruction on how you can go faster.

[Maxf]

Great news - thanks.

I'll get booked up.

[loggyboy]

I really fancy Silverstone myself in my 172, and felt the same as you at first, however, after going round Bedford GT circuit earlier this year which has some pretty long straights, I found most of the really fast cars were evenly matched on an overal lap as they tended to slower under braking and cornering. This is obviously down to the driver, either less confident or less willing to risk their more expensive cars. But the whole idea of these days is to let everyone have a go in any road car, so if youve paid your money then you have as much right to be there as them. The only thing I have found trustrating is when you meet a fast car that is slower in the bends and you cant over take as they hammer it along the straights, but its easy enough to pull in and leave them to it when you on an open pit and come out again later.

[spyderman8]

You'll be fine - possibly even quicker than a lot of cars in the corners. Personally, though, I avoid the big circuits high season as they're so expensive. Considered an evening instead?

[Maxf]

Yeah I have considered evenings - the problem is they still mean an afternoon off work. I could get away with Brands though I guess - although I always assumed the evenings would be hugely busy with everybody wanting maximum track time in their 3 hours.

[loggyboy]

Wait till later in the year, they drop to 280/250 and if it happens to be wet it will only even the playing field in the nimble friendly fwd clio.

[ScorpKing]

As per all the good advice previously supplied. I will be there on the 21st August in my Radical. I will be "rookie" to the GP circuit as I'm sure othere will be, so don't sweat it too much and enjoy !

[nickboazracing]

I've done 2 days at Silverstone on the old 'bridge' gp track, both in Clios, 172 cup and 182 trophy. No problems at all. Personally I love the high speed corners. Yes, more power would alway be good... but it didn't spoil my days.

I only had one muppet in a Leon with a lot of power who was slow in corners (And i'm no hero..) then disappeared on the straights. He thought we were having great fun "racing"... He just got in my way as over a lap I was generally quicker, so I just had a slow lap to give him space and carried on.
I'm sure you're a sensible chap so just enjoy yourself and let the BHP brigade drive around you/you them. All's good!