First track day (aged 17) in Caterham R300
Discussion
Syncromesh said:
I'm going on my first track day (as a driver) at Silverstone on the 11th in a Caterham R300 rented through BAT.
Does anyone have any tips/advice pertaining to the car/track/in general for me as I only passed my driving test in January!?
Thanks in advance
James
Be smooth and nice and progressive with the controls, esp. the steering. No need to rush anything.Does anyone have any tips/advice pertaining to the car/track/in general for me as I only passed my driving test in January!?
Thanks in advance
James
Take whatever instruction you can get!
Remember you have the whole circuit, so take advantage of the entire width of the track
Try and resist the temptation to turn in early
Squeeze the throttle rather than stamp on it.
good luck. Let us know how you get on.
Not being funny, but if you've never done a track day before, and you drive a 100bhp supermini on the roads.... an R300 is going to be *way* beyond what your mind can cope with.
I've done a fair bit of track driving but grabbed a passenger ride in a Westfield on my last track day - nothing can prepare you for how brutal those things are.
And at the money BAT want for R300 hire, you could buy a half decent track car.
I've done a fair bit of track driving but grabbed a passenger ride in a Westfield on my last track day - nothing can prepare you for how brutal those things are.
And at the money BAT want for R300 hire, you could buy a half decent track car.
CinqAbarth said:
Not being funny, but if you've never done a track day before, and you drive a 100bhp supermini on the roads.... an R300 is going to be *way* beyond what your mind can cope with.
I've done a fair bit of track driving but grabbed a passenger ride in a Westfield on my last track day - nothing can prepare you for how brutal those things are.
And at the money BAT want for R300 hire, you could buy a half decent track car.
Too right mate. I've been a passenger in one and they're mental, but I'll defo take it very easy to start off with.I've done a fair bit of track driving but grabbed a passenger ride in a Westfield on my last track day - nothing can prepare you for how brutal those things are.
And at the money BAT want for R300 hire, you could buy a half decent track car.
I know it's pricey but my uncle asked if I wanted to do it (he's paying) and I couldn't really turn down the offer. He used to race Caterhams so he'll be able to give me a bit of tuition (which is lucky).
Seriously - I'd reconsider and try something a little more tame first.
Driving a 'normal' car on the track can seriously zap your energy.
You just won't be prepared for a whole day on the track in something like that.
It's up to you, but as a first time experience, it seems like a bit of a waste and a bloody big risk.
Driving a 'normal' car on the track can seriously zap your energy.
You just won't be prepared for a whole day on the track in something like that.
It's up to you, but as a first time experience, it seems like a bit of a waste and a bloody big risk.
CinqAbarth said:
Seriously - I'd reconsider and try something a little more tame first.
Driving a 'normal' car on the track can seriously zap your energy.
You just won't be prepared for a whole day on the track in something like that.
It's up to you, but as a first time experience, it seems like a bit of a waste and a bloody big risk.
Thanks for the advice mate but I don't really have that option this time - it's the R300 or nothing and IMO it's an experience that can't be turned down. I may be able to go out first in my uncles 147 diesel and we're only going for the afternoon/eve so it won't be too draining. Also we're sharing the time so I'll get plenty of breaks. Driving a 'normal' car on the track can seriously zap your energy.
You just won't be prepared for a whole day on the track in something like that.
It's up to you, but as a first time experience, it seems like a bit of a waste and a bloody big risk.
There's no pressure on me to set fast lap times or anything (I'm no aspiring Jenson) so I'll just take it safe and steady and treat the car with respect, even if some will say it's a waste of a quick car to drive it at the pace a pro could take my polo round!
massively jealous! Definitely dont turn down the experience! Though it will make anything this side of a ferrari seem slow.
Take all the advice you can get - i wouldnt go out in the car on your own for a good few laps at the start of the day. i would say watch out for other cars, but a caterham driven at 8 tenths will still be quicker than almost anything else on the track.
I'm also guessing that if you've been a good boy immediately after passing, you'll have never gone anywhere near as quick as you could go in the caterham. Maybe just sit in the passenger seat for the first few laps, to get used to how quick it is, look at line choices, gear changes, braking and turn in points. Have you ever driven a rear wheel drive car before? maybe ask your uncle to explain/show you what to do if the back steps out?
Take all the advice you can get - i wouldnt go out in the car on your own for a good few laps at the start of the day. i would say watch out for other cars, but a caterham driven at 8 tenths will still be quicker than almost anything else on the track.
I'm also guessing that if you've been a good boy immediately after passing, you'll have never gone anywhere near as quick as you could go in the caterham. Maybe just sit in the passenger seat for the first few laps, to get used to how quick it is, look at line choices, gear changes, braking and turn in points. Have you ever driven a rear wheel drive car before? maybe ask your uncle to explain/show you what to do if the back steps out?
Edited by brillomaster on Monday 9th August 00:05
Syncromesh said:
I'm going on my first track day (as a driver) at Silverstone on the 11th in a Caterham R300 rented through BAT.
Does anyone have any tips/advice pertaining to the car/track/in general for me as I only passed my driving test in January!?
Thanks in advance
James
............ Yes, crash it!!!Does anyone have any tips/advice pertaining to the car/track/in general for me as I only passed my driving test in January!?
Thanks in advance
James
First.
Congrats on not being a p***y. Carpe R300, hell Yeah!
You sound like you are mature enough to use the cat although it will blow your mind.
Pay attention to the briefings.
I would only be concerned about the other track users.
They may mistake you for a jaded veteran even if you're simply putting along because of the nature of your chariot.
m
Congrats on not being a p***y. Carpe R300, hell Yeah!
You sound like you are mature enough to use the cat although it will blow your mind.
Pay attention to the briefings.
I would only be concerned about the other track users.
They may mistake you for a jaded veteran even if you're simply putting along because of the nature of your chariot.
m
BAT require anyone under 21 to have an instructor in the car at all times, If I were your uncle I'd be more worried about the cost if you stack it.
Could get expensive!
BAT online said:
- Gravel Trap Damage: A £50 charge is incurred if THE CAR is taken into a gravel trap - even if no mechanical damage is caused. This is to cover the extensive cleaning costs and long-term cosmetic repairs associated with stone-chipping.
- Engine Damage: All cars are fitted with a tell-tale instrument to measure peak engine revs. If the engine revs exceed 7600rpm a charge is incurred of £100 per 100rpm up to a maximum of the excess stated above.
- Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for driving our Caterhams. However, under 21's will be subject to a higher insurance excess (£2500 for Superlight, £5000 for R400) and will require an instructor in the car at all times.
Yep it will be my first drive of a rwd so I am a bit worried about the back end stepping out.
I wonder how many people are watching this thread in anticipation of some photos of a smashed a caterham!
I don't remember reading that I'd need an instuctor but I guess it's good news that I do - I'd be grateful of any tuition
I think I'll take the advice to drive at 8 tenths, actually make that 6 tenths to start off with.
Finally I do apprieciate how lucky I am to be able to do this at my age, and in case anyone thinks I'm spoilt this is the first time (and probably last for a fair few years) I have done something like this.
Thanks for all the advice so far...
I wonder how many people are watching this thread in anticipation of some photos of a smashed a caterham!
I don't remember reading that I'd need an instuctor but I guess it's good news that I do - I'd be grateful of any tuition
I think I'll take the advice to drive at 8 tenths, actually make that 6 tenths to start off with.
Finally I do apprieciate how lucky I am to be able to do this at my age, and in case anyone thinks I'm spoilt this is the first time (and probably last for a fair few years) I have done something like this.
Thanks for all the advice so far...
Speak with Melindi at Goldtrack, who are running the day/eve.
Ask her to book some familiarisation, this will only be a few laps with an instructor alongside (Probably me!!)but will at least give you an idea of what you should be doing.
Then if you are struggling or want more, then that can be booked.
See you there
Scotty
Ask her to book some familiarisation, this will only be a few laps with an instructor alongside (Probably me!!)but will at least give you an idea of what you should be doing.
Then if you are struggling or want more, then that can be booked.
See you there
Scotty
I took my nephew to Snetterton a while ago for his 21st in my R300. He is not an experienced driver but if anything an R300 is so capable that with appropriate tuiton and following the usual driving golden rules (brake in a straight line, one smooth throttle application on exit, etc etc, it would be suprising if you were to have a problem.
Each driver will approach it in their own way, but the instructor is there to get them to maintain the mental discipline and concentration required and get over the fact that it is not like the playstation when things go wrong!
I spent most of the time pushing him on not slowing him down. That is the safest and most satisfying result for the student as they realise how much they have speeded up during their time in the driving seat.
Short sessions are best with a review after each one done in the pits.
Each driver will approach it in their own way, but the instructor is there to get them to maintain the mental discipline and concentration required and get over the fact that it is not like the playstation when things go wrong!
I spent most of the time pushing him on not slowing him down. That is the safest and most satisfying result for the student as they realise how much they have speeded up during their time in the driving seat.
Short sessions are best with a review after each one done in the pits.
Igonore most of the nonsense.
Get on with it, and enjoy it. You sound like a matured chap- after all you have already asked PH, so act mature on the day.
I did my first track day in 220 bhp Honda Prelude (no where near as fast as the R300 mind), it was fun, and I kept it on track.
BM
Get on with it, and enjoy it. You sound like a matured chap- after all you have already asked PH, so act mature on the day.
I did my first track day in 220 bhp Honda Prelude (no where near as fast as the R300 mind), it was fun, and I kept it on track.
BM
why does everyone assume that the only way to drive is falt out? throttle pedals are not on or off.
give the guy a break, he can build up speed progrssively during the sessions, he may not just turn up, nail the throttle and hit the first tyre barrier? or can no one else see beyond this through jealousy?
give the guy a break, he can build up speed progrssively during the sessions, he may not just turn up, nail the throttle and hit the first tyre barrier? or can no one else see beyond this through jealousy?
R300's are just about right really, they're not that fast, and at Silverstone anything less powerful with two people on board is going to feel slow.
My advice would be:
My advice would be:
- Get some proper instruction - your uncle may have raced Caterhams but it doesn't necessarily make him a good instructor.
- As someone else said, be smooth and progressive with the controls, especially the throttle.
- Get an intercom! A bike one will do, but whoever is instructing you, it's almost impossible without an intercom!
Edited by timarnold on Monday 9th August 16:54
Ensure that you let the clutch out smoothly when changing down for a corner, and complete the downchange before you turn in. If you are still turning in when you let the clutch out, the rear wheels will be spun up to speed, which will make your turn in something of a handbrake turn.
Apart from that, treat the R300 like a car (no, really!). don't take liberties with it and you will be fine.
Approach the limits slowly, that way if you step over them you will be just over them and not half a yard past them.
Be relaxed, take it easy and have fun.
James
Apart from that, treat the R300 like a car (no, really!). don't take liberties with it and you will be fine.
Approach the limits slowly, that way if you step over them you will be just over them and not half a yard past them.
Be relaxed, take it easy and have fun.
James
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