Fuel at track days

[James_UK]

I have a track day booked at Cadwell on Sunday and my car is not road registered and as far as I know there is no fuel available at the circuit. I'm not sure how much fuel the car will use during the day but need to make sure I don't run out!

My car is a Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 and the engine is pretty much standard. I'm guessing a full tank will only last 2 or 3 hours. My question is what is an inexpensive solution so I don't have to go home early?

Thanks

[Jubal]

Buy a jerry can or two?

[Phil. S.]

Yep, 20ltr Jerry can from Screwfix: £15. Bought one last week for a track day today. Wish I did this ages ago.

[James_UK]

Thanks I'll do that. It's my first proper track day with my own car and I have quite a few things to think about. Another thing is tyre pressures. I have a £20 halfords tyre inflator but I'm guessing this won't be at all accurate. So I might have to buy a proper gauge but I'm on a tight budget. Any ideas?

[Jubal]

It's a slippery slope this one you are on . There are tons of things you may need. Just take the essentials and then add whatever you can afford. You shouldn't struggle to borrow tools etc at a trackday.

[Hobzy]

James there is a petrol station back down the road in the next village, but its not shell or bp as far as i recall. You'll see a flurry of cars go out at the lunch break to fill up. However, the posters above are right, get a jerry or 2 - also makes it easier to add your octane boost if you so wish...

I love Cadwell, first track i ever did, great for showing skill not BHP.

[alicrozier]

James_UK said:

I have a £20 halfords tyre inflator but I'm guessing this won't be at all accurate. So I might have to buy a proper gauge but I'm on a tight budget. Any ideas?

The cheap halfords digi gauges are as accuate as you will need, plus small, light and robust. Should be less than a fiver...

You'll love Cadwell but build up slowly as there's little runoff.

[James_UK]

Thanks for all the advise. It's not actually my first track day but my first was in a Fiat Cinquecento so I don't really count it

I can't wait till Sunday. Cadwell looks insanely fun from what I've seen.

Edited by James_UK on Monday 27th November 16:48

[BadgerBenji]

Cadwell is a great venue, if you require Shell Optimax/ VPower, leave Cadwell park, turning left, follow the road into Horncastle, when you reach the town, keep going, when you get to the traffic lights, turn left, continue down that road almost a mile, there will be a shell garage on your left.

[StuB]

Cadwell is fantastic, but take plenty of care where the trees are (Barn) as it gets mucho slippy when even remotely damp.

I'd be surprised if you got through a whole tank of gas if it's being trailered up full, but definitely worth getting a couple of 20l jerry cans. Make sure you have a suitable flexi funnel or similar too, as they dont' push the little flaps open very well and can be a pain in the ar$e.

Might pop down Sunday and take a few snaps.

[Crippo]

I'm going to Cadwell on Sunday as well - see you there

[Otto]

What do you guys do for fuel if you drive to the track day? Thinking of doing Donington on the 17th Dec, and don't want to start hunting around for fuel at lunchtime - that is strictly bacon buttie time!!!

I know I can get a Jerry can, but where would I keep it whilst driving on track? Don't really want it floating round the boot, only secure place is wedged behind the seats (MR2), but I'm not sure I want it in the passenger cabin, and perhaps the Marshals may take the same view....

Guess the same goes for tools etc - I'd like to take some fundamental tools with me, but don't really want them flying around in the front with the danger of doing damage.

Basically, what I'm asking is if there is somewhere secure I can store things like this, or what have other people done in the past?

[NathanK]

Most people pile up all their stuff at the side of the parking area, and rely on trust.

I have a cheap beach tent I use to keep my stuff dry this time of year.

[richb]

Otto said:

I can get a Jerry can, but where would I keep it whilst driving on track? Don't really want it floating round the boot, only secure place is wedged behind the seats (MR2), but I'm not sure I want it in the passenger cabin...

no I'm sure you don't...

[Hobzy]

Yep, just leave it where you park your car. Theres always plenty of people around who would notice someone trying to bugger off with a 20ltr jerry!

[Crippo]

I'm just going to drive out to the local petrol station. I would just worry about leaving personal stuff in the Paddock and would end up spilling petrol all over myself...

[Hobzy]

Thats ok unless you are on slicks

[Otto]

I do suppose the morals and type of people at these type of events are better than in the local Lidl car park.

[James_UK]

I've just got back from Cadders. The clutch was slipping really bad on the Peugeot. It was such a disappointment only reaching 60mph on the straights! The car isn't road legal and this was my first chance to drive the car.

I decided not to waste time and went back out on track using my road car. I was in the blue Mk1 Mazda MX5 1.6i for most of the day and it went pretty well. It's basically standard Japan spec, except for the (I think you will agree) beautiful sounding Larini exhaust. It handles surprisingly well for a standard car and there was no understeer at all. I got more and more confident as the day went on. Then my confidence was knocked slightly when I had a spin coming out of Charlies and was lucky to come to a stop just as I reached the tyre wall. I took it a bit easy after that, remembering that I need to drive this car home.

Cadwell is indeed one of best circuits in the UK and was worth the 4 hour drive from Surrey!

[StuB]

Glad you enjoyed it James, unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it, even though the weather looked very nice for a days track action.