Silverstone - Yesterday (18.5.10)
Discussion
I enjoyed a most excellent day on the Goldtrack day on the new Arena GP layout yesterday. Even the weather was very agreeable.
I struggled a bit with the new layout in the first few sessions, but later in the day warmed to it. I am not really sure whether I prefer it to the bridge layout, but would certainly recommend anyone to give it a try. The height of some of those new 'stay the hell away from here' curbs was a bit of an eye-opener though...
Anyway - it seemed to me that there were an alarming number of Radicals and Cup cars (911s and Ferraris) in attendance. It felt like almost enough for them to justify their own exclusive day (though that is doubtless just perception). Is this the norm for Goldtrack these days (it has been a little while since I last did a day with them) or was it just all of the racers taking every opportunity to familiarise with the new layout? Not a huge issue, but early in the day before I really got the hang of things I seemed to spend more time dodging them than actually being on the line that I was trying to pick up...
Or is it just me?
Not that I am anti-racing cars on track days or anything, but I would be far happier with more things like the vintage Astons, Alfas and so on that were in attendance and perhaps fewer of the harder-core machines.
Oh - there are a few pictures that I took from the pits between sessions here, but sadly the pit wall is a bit close for effective panning at my meagre level of ability and the bulk of the remainder aren't especially innovative...
I struggled a bit with the new layout in the first few sessions, but later in the day warmed to it. I am not really sure whether I prefer it to the bridge layout, but would certainly recommend anyone to give it a try. The height of some of those new 'stay the hell away from here' curbs was a bit of an eye-opener though...
Anyway - it seemed to me that there were an alarming number of Radicals and Cup cars (911s and Ferraris) in attendance. It felt like almost enough for them to justify their own exclusive day (though that is doubtless just perception). Is this the norm for Goldtrack these days (it has been a little while since I last did a day with them) or was it just all of the racers taking every opportunity to familiarise with the new layout? Not a huge issue, but early in the day before I really got the hang of things I seemed to spend more time dodging them than actually being on the line that I was trying to pick up...
Or is it just me?
Not that I am anti-racing cars on track days or anything, but I would be far happier with more things like the vintage Astons, Alfas and so on that were in attendance and perhaps fewer of the harder-core machines.
Oh - there are a few pictures that I took from the pits between sessions here, but sadly the pit wall is a bit close for effective panning at my meagre level of ability and the bulk of the remainder aren't especially innovative...
Yes great day and interesting new arena section.
I can understand the frustration with faster cars on circuit at the same time, but it must be equaly frustrating being curtious to other drivers when your "car" is faster. From what I saw there where no incidents and the Radical, 430's etc waited, and slower cars pulled over on the straights.
I can understand the frustration with faster cars on circuit at the same time, but it must be equaly frustrating being curtious to other drivers when your "car" is faster. From what I saw there where no incidents and the Radical, 430's etc waited, and slower cars pulled over on the straights.
I was there too. Loved the new section.
I managed to get out of the way of them most of them time, but it's inevitible that you end up holding them up sometimes. Must be pretty frustrating for them.
It's people diving up my inside rather than waiting 100 yards for a straight that hacks me off...
I managed to get out of the way of them most of them time, but it's inevitible that you end up holding them up sometimes. Must be pretty frustrating for them.
It's people diving up my inside rather than waiting 100 yards for a straight that hacks me off...
I did a track day there a few weeks back and there was a stupendous number of race cars in attendance. It was my first time at Silverstone and having a Fezza F430 GT car trying to aggressively overtake on the wrong side while I'm on my first couple of laps was fairly distasteful. To have one of the race drivers loudly complaining about all of the slow traffic at lunch was poor form too - if you care that much, don't go on a punters track day! 
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Having said all that though, most of the racers were very courteous, it was just disappointing to have to constantly be checking your mirrors and ruining your lines because you're being overtaken. I'm now not sure that I want to try some of the other "major" tracks in the UK for this reason.
[/rant]
Having said all that though, most of the racers were very courteous, it was just disappointing to have to constantly be checking your mirrors and ruining your lines because you're being overtaken. I'm now not sure that I want to try some of the other "major" tracks in the UK for this reason.
I had a great day there too but had some problems with noise issues on the Caterham R500.... which I thought was a little strange hearing some of the Cup cars running around... but hey.
Didn't think that it was too much of an issue with the racers and radicals on track until a session just after lunch when I was at the hairpin on the new section of the track (sorry don't know the names on that area as yet) I moved right to get on line to cut in to the apex, started to turn in to find a white radical right on my line... interesting moment... not sure why he would have thought me moving to the right 100 yards before the corner on the braking zone is an invite to come down the inside!
Otherwise I'd say it was a great day.
Didn't think that it was too much of an issue with the racers and radicals on track until a session just after lunch when I was at the hairpin on the new section of the track (sorry don't know the names on that area as yet) I moved right to get on line to cut in to the apex, started to turn in to find a white radical right on my line... interesting moment... not sure why he would have thought me moving to the right 100 yards before the corner on the braking zone is an invite to come down the inside!
Otherwise I'd say it was a great day.
I wasn't as concerned over that as I could see them coming and from past experience with Radicals I practically expect them to do it (and personally I had no such trouble with the Ferraris). There were a couple that overtook in different places on the right too, but in those cases (while very much against the rules) they were using parts of the track that I couldn't have gotten to on my line due to simple physics and I am only inclined to make a complaint if I think something was actually dangerous. Which they weren't. But it was naughty...
I chatted to a few people in the pits though and these were far from isolated incidents. Mike Wilds (who was instructing someone that I've met on a couple of TDs now) was particularly unimpressed with one of the Porsche cup cars... (He went and had a quiet word with the driver in question).
All told, while it was a pain for the first couple of sessions while I was getting my act together - it didn't get in the way of my enjoying the day. However, what I was really wondering is if it is viable to restrict the number of top line racing cars on track days (to about half what we had on Monday) just so that we can spend a bit more time managing traffic ahead rather than behind? I noticed that a number of them were booked on both sessions - maybe not allowing racing cars to do that might have the desired effect?
Understand if that is not an option to make the bottom line balance, but just wanted to put the thought out there and see what everyone else thinks as I know that Melindi reads this.
I chatted to a few people in the pits though and these were far from isolated incidents. Mike Wilds (who was instructing someone that I've met on a couple of TDs now) was particularly unimpressed with one of the Porsche cup cars... (He went and had a quiet word with the driver in question).
All told, while it was a pain for the first couple of sessions while I was getting my act together - it didn't get in the way of my enjoying the day. However, what I was really wondering is if it is viable to restrict the number of top line racing cars on track days (to about half what we had on Monday) just so that we can spend a bit more time managing traffic ahead rather than behind? I noticed that a number of them were booked on both sessions - maybe not allowing racing cars to do that might have the desired effect?
Understand if that is not an option to make the bottom line balance, but just wanted to put the thought out there and see what everyone else thinks as I know that Melindi reads this.
Edited by DiscoColin on Thursday 20th May 11:37
seefarr said:
To have one of the race drivers loudly complaining about all of the slow traffic at lunch was poor form too - if you care that much, don't go on a punters track day!
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God. Wish you'd come and told me. You have NO IDEA how much I would have enjoyed joining his table.[/rant]
Melindi
DiscoColin said:
there were an alarming number of Radicals and Cup cars (911s and Ferraris) in attendance.
Alarming? More like terrifying! Thing is, when they book on line they just put "Porsche" or "Radical" rather than the "SuperTurboNutterCarlosFandangoMyPantsAreHot" that would be more useful.No there are not normally anywhere near the amount of that stuff on our days. I think it was because everyone wants a crack on the new circuit - which was awesome.
I commend you on your username BTW.
Melindi
DiscoColin said:
Mike Wilds (who was instructing someone that I've met on a couple of TDs now) was particularly unimpressed with one of the Porsche cup cars... (He went and had a quiet word with the driver in question).
...and then the dear little child made the tragic mistake of giving Mike a serious amount of verbal. You know, Mike Wilds, rookie driver, inexperienced instructor, undiplomatic bloke... NOT! The dear little child was very lucky that Mike IS the ultimate diplomat, I would not have been half so kind. I rang the team boss, who was elsewhere, and he backed up Andy's rollocking with one of his own.I don't mind racers on trackdays at all but I really do mind if they a) break the rules and b) think because they race they are somehow above the rules. Last year at Spa I had a vile German brat singsonging "nah, nah, nah" (or whatever that is in German) when we tried to explain carefully and slowly that he was driving like a complete cockwad. "But, but, but" he spluttered, "I've just done the Nurburgring 24 Hours". His observation skills were obviously as cockwad as his driving because the other half was in the next garage to him for the whole race. Vile German brat was demonstrating a Gumpert at Spa so we binned the lot of them. Big budget so often doesn't come with manners or brains.
SpeedYellow said:
I had a great day there too but had some problems with noise issues on the Caterham R500.... which I thought was a little strange hearing some of the Cup cars running around... but hey.
Didn't think that it was to.
What's up with the noise meters?Didn't think that it was to.
I got black flagged today in my 911 for noise levels. They claimed I was doing 112db. I also find it strange i was the only one stopped, especially since the same car has passed tests at Snetterton, Oulton and I have been out several times at Silverstone....
The group 1 session seemed to start late afew times due to broken cars from group 2 being recovered I guess, but the session still finished on time and so was shorter than it should've been. Is this the way things normally work? It wasn't just a one off either as seemed to happen quite afew times.
I was in the MK2 Golf which was the slowest and oldest car there, I apolygise if I got in anyones way but did my best, have to say I got held up afew times by the more exotic machinery in the bends though.
New track was great
I was in the MK2 Golf which was the slowest and oldest car there, I apolygise if I got in anyones way but did my best, have to say I got held up afew times by the more exotic machinery in the bends though.
New track was great
AWK-53 said:
The group 1 session seemed to start late afew times due to broken cars from group 2 being recovered I guess, but the session still finished on time and so was shorter than it should've been. Is this the way things normally work? It wasn't just a one off either as seemed to happen quite afew times.
I was in the MK2 Golf which was the slowest and oldest car there, I apolygise if I got in anyones way but did my best, have to say I got held up afew times by the more exotic machinery in the bends though.
New track was great
We all paid the money so we all have the same right to be there under the track day rules.I was in the MK2 Golf which was the slowest and oldest car there, I apolygise if I got in anyones way but did my best, have to say I got held up afew times by the more exotic machinery in the bends though.
New track was great
gtdc said:
DiscoColin said:
there were an alarming number of Radicals and Cup cars (911s and Ferraris) in attendance.
Alarming? More like terrifying! Thing is, when they book on line they just put "Porsche" or "Radical" rather than the "SuperTurboNutterCarlosFandangoMyPantsAreHot" that would be more useful.No there are not normally anywhere near the amount of that stuff on our days. I think it was because everyone wants a crack on the new circuit - which was awesome.
gtdc said:
I commend you on your username BTW.
You are just fortunate not to have seen how I got it (it is a nickname - the only one that ever stuck, hence I answer to it).Ive been going to gtdc days on and off for a very long time, along with other organisatuions as well. Ive always felt that all told, no one does it better than Callum, Melindi and team. However, as a simple punter,of average track day means, with a competent but inevitably compromised road based car, I feel increasingly out of my depth on gtdc days, as I thread my way onto the track, between the pantechnicons of the higher eschelons of motorsort, and then spend my time on track planning my lines and actions so as not to entangle myself, in a corner or so, with the ubermachine that is currently just a dot in my rear view mirror. I love my driving; am passionate about it, and have , over the years probably given more of my hard earned cash to track day providers, than some of the current crop of pantechniconistas. But it is just a hobby, an outlet for the stress engendered from the day job. So where do I go these days???? Sensible suggestions only please.
The noise meters are new and only just up and running so sure they are going to have a few challenges getting them right. I was at Silverstone the week before they all went live with the Caterham and had no problems and there was another R500 with exactly the same spec as mine lapping as well and even after repacking I was told I much louder, when I questioned it I got the response that I was going significantly faster everywhere, so at least I got to smile whilst being told off!
As for where to go, stick with Gold Track as it's unusual to have that number of racers and full team support on a track day, the new layout is just attracting people to get track time to dial into everything there. It is very different and from my personal perspective really enhances the circuit but having driven Silverstone for year it amazed me how just about every landmark I've used over the years has now changed. The start finish straight is slightly strange now the grandstands are moved back, somehow it now manages to feel both longer and shorter all at the same time!
Main thing with the day is the credit to everyone there and the organisers and marshalls that there was such a small amount of red flag time with such a diverse range of toys and high speed differentials!
As for where to go, stick with Gold Track as it's unusual to have that number of racers and full team support on a track day, the new layout is just attracting people to get track time to dial into everything there. It is very different and from my personal perspective really enhances the circuit but having driven Silverstone for year it amazed me how just about every landmark I've used over the years has now changed. The start finish straight is slightly strange now the grandstands are moved back, somehow it now manages to feel both longer and shorter all at the same time!
Main thing with the day is the credit to everyone there and the organisers and marshalls that there was such a small amount of red flag time with such a diverse range of toys and high speed differentials!
First of all a confession.
I drive a Radical. 3 of us share one. We don't race, have no MSA licences between us. Just 3 mid life crisis chaps having a great time. We only use it on track days, naturally.
I would be horrified if anyone who shared a track with us felt we had intimidated, bullied or upset their own enjoyment because we were quicker. In fact, a fellow attendee at Snetterton not so long ago went out of his way to compliment us, in the face of some others who weren't so polite.
Having said that, the presense of full race teams on track days seems a little incongrous to me and I can imagine what it was like at Silverstone the other day. (we weren't there by the way). It represents a cheap day testing for some and whilst in some ways it's nice to see some of this machinery at close hand you don't want the hard earned day out spoiled in any way.
There is absolutley no excuse for breaking the rules or bullying on track. Our SR3 isn't the fastest Radical in the world, and we probably only get to 75% of it's abilities. It is still very quick however but we drive to respect that. Where you particularly notice the difference is in braking zones. The temptation to zip past under braking can be considerable. From our pint of view, it also the most perilous point so we don't. Actually, that's not fair. I mostly don't. At the aforementioned Snetterton day on several occassions it was made very obvious that I was being invited through at the braking point for a couple of cars I can recall. They knew I was there, and I knew that they knew, so braking 100yds further on was safe. I digress however.
The possibility of road car only track days is fine, but would that not be a bit sterile? A mix of vehicles that include track only cars but exclude race teams would seem a better balance. How to police that however is a problem for TDO's, not me.
We have not been to Silverstone for a couple of years, but when we do, we'll be the polite ones. Everyne should get home safe and sound and in one piece from a track day. Sticking to the rules and not driving like knobs is the starting point for that, and it applies to all.
I drive a Radical. 3 of us share one. We don't race, have no MSA licences between us. Just 3 mid life crisis chaps having a great time. We only use it on track days, naturally.
I would be horrified if anyone who shared a track with us felt we had intimidated, bullied or upset their own enjoyment because we were quicker. In fact, a fellow attendee at Snetterton not so long ago went out of his way to compliment us, in the face of some others who weren't so polite.
Having said that, the presense of full race teams on track days seems a little incongrous to me and I can imagine what it was like at Silverstone the other day. (we weren't there by the way). It represents a cheap day testing for some and whilst in some ways it's nice to see some of this machinery at close hand you don't want the hard earned day out spoiled in any way.
There is absolutley no excuse for breaking the rules or bullying on track. Our SR3 isn't the fastest Radical in the world, and we probably only get to 75% of it's abilities. It is still very quick however but we drive to respect that. Where you particularly notice the difference is in braking zones. The temptation to zip past under braking can be considerable. From our pint of view, it also the most perilous point so we don't. Actually, that's not fair. I mostly don't. At the aforementioned Snetterton day on several occassions it was made very obvious that I was being invited through at the braking point for a couple of cars I can recall. They knew I was there, and I knew that they knew, so braking 100yds further on was safe. I digress however.
The possibility of road car only track days is fine, but would that not be a bit sterile? A mix of vehicles that include track only cars but exclude race teams would seem a better balance. How to police that however is a problem for TDO's, not me.
We have not been to Silverstone for a couple of years, but when we do, we'll be the polite ones. Everyne should get home safe and sound and in one piece from a track day. Sticking to the rules and not driving like knobs is the starting point for that, and it applies to all.
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