first track day advice pls - Midlands
Discussion
hi all and thanks for looking ...
I have had a 996tt for almost 4yrs which i have used every day, and had a fair amount of fun in too.
Problem is the 'sizeable' finance balloon is due in feb, so thought I might get a few track days in before it goes. One 185mph run at bruntingthorpe, karting and a lambo experience day are the closest I've been so far.
Live nr Coventry and don't want to go all over the country
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated
- will I need a new set of tyres afterwards?
- is there any special prep work I should do?
- best events/days to attend as a track day novice
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Thanks guys, Paul
I have had a 996tt for almost 4yrs which i have used every day, and had a fair amount of fun in too.
Problem is the 'sizeable' finance balloon is due in feb, so thought I might get a few track days in before it goes. One 185mph run at bruntingthorpe, karting and a lambo experience day are the closest I've been so far.
Live nr Coventry and don't want to go all over the country
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated
- will I need a new set of tyres afterwards?
- is there any special prep work I should do?
- best events/days to attend as a track day novice
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Thanks guys, Paul
As you're in Coventry, you're not that far from Silverstone, Donington and Castle Combe. But do you really want to break your track day virginity in the winter?
The tyres will depend on how you drive - drive like you stole it on a dry day and you'll shag a set in an hour.
An instructor is well worth it if you're new to the track and if it's your own car he won't give a toot about you hitting the rev limiter (although that just shows you're not properly in control).
Youll have to have a search of the track day organisers to see who's got some days on over the next couple of weeks at those venues, and then see which are offering a novice session (most do on sessioned days).
Insurance is not required, but it's up to you, and it only covers your own car. If you hit someone/something then your care is covered - any other cars are not (unless they have their own insurance too). Egger Lawson & Competition Car Insurance will cover you for trackdays, but if you want £50k of cover it is going to cost you a bit (i.e. mine was £80 for £5k of cover).
The tyres will depend on how you drive - drive like you stole it on a dry day and you'll shag a set in an hour.
An instructor is well worth it if you're new to the track and if it's your own car he won't give a toot about you hitting the rev limiter (although that just shows you're not properly in control).
Youll have to have a search of the track day organisers to see who's got some days on over the next couple of weeks at those venues, and then see which are offering a novice session (most do on sessioned days).
Insurance is not required, but it's up to you, and it only covers your own car. If you hit someone/something then your care is covered - any other cars are not (unless they have their own insurance too). Egger Lawson & Competition Car Insurance will cover you for trackdays, but if you want £50k of cover it is going to cost you a bit (i.e. mine was £80 for £5k of cover).
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
What he said ^^^^^^
Having instruction in your own car is not the same as being instructed on an "experience" day.
Pick one of the many that are recommended on PH or use the TDO's own instructors. They will build you up slowly so that you can really get the most out of the day.
people who dont get instruction get overtaken... lots!
and from my own selfish point of view there is nothing I like more than meeting a 996TT on track in my 924 when he hasn't got a clue!
cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
I'm im the same neck of teh woods as you and i do days at Silverstone/Donnington/bedford all around an hours drive which is fine.
Having instruction in your own car is not the same as being instructed on an "experience" day.
Pick one of the many that are recommended on PH or use the TDO's own instructors. They will build you up slowly so that you can really get the most out of the day.
people who dont get instruction get overtaken... lots!
and from my own selfish point of view there is nothing I like more than meeting a 996TT on track in my 924 when he hasn't got a clue!
cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
I'm im the same neck of teh woods as you and i do days at Silverstone/Donnington/bedford all around an hours drive which is fine.
Nurburgsingh said:
What he said ^^^^^^
cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
Here you go:cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oc3_DmKEpQA
p.s. you didn't seem too pleased with the GT3 at he end..
ginettajoe said:
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
Hmm. I've never had any official instruction, and haven't had any probs on the track. What i would say is though, the first time i ever went on a track i had a racing driver friend of mine in the passenger seat (Castle Combe) and without any shadow of a doubt, he fast-tracked learning the circuit for me. Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
I think i have a different attitude to many. My view is that no matter how fast and heroically i might drive my car (in my minds eye
), Ron Dennis isn't going to call me next day. So i just go out to suit myself and have some enjoyment. I don't go buying specialist tyes, or brakes or owt, in fact i reckon the last thing you want to do is change your car before a track day - go with what you know.I had the same attitude when i went road rallying. My mates told me all these stories about dry walls and stuff, and how one mate went 'practicing' and went through 4 5-bar gates in a fortnight. I said i have no intention of crashing. The reply was 'does anyone intend to crash?' I said if you've done 4 5-bar gates in a fortnight, your intention to not crash couldn't have been very strong. And we didn't crash, in 2 years.
Having said all that, a 996tt is a fast car, and so some instruction at the start of the day might not be a bad idea, if only to learn the circuit. It might save you arriving far too quickly at a corner that you mistook for another one.
ginettajoe said:
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
In my opinion instruction is an absolute must. By far the biggest performance upgrade possible - and about the cheapest. Instruction is probably worth 100bhp by itself!Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
BUT
I prefer to get a couple of sessions of instruction ONCE I've learned the lefts and rights of a circuit. That way the instructor can be looking at my technique and choice of line critically and improving it - rather than simply pointing which way to go.
I am quite willing to spend the first couple of sessions of the day "tootling" (i.e. driving well within the limits of both myself and the car) until I know where I am going...and I'll read the circuit guide before going and so on.
So YES agree: INSTRUCTION. Vital!
But perhaps not right away - if you can keep a tight grip on yourself and not start flinging the car at corners with no real idea if this means you'll be straight off at the next one...
boxsey said:
Nurburgsingh said:
What he said ^^^^^^
cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
Here you go:cant get to youtube at work to post the video link but there is one from my 924 chasing a 996TT around silverstone on there.. search for nurburgsingh.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oc3_DmKEpQA
p.s. you didn't seem too pleased with the GT3 at he end..
Don said:
ginettajoe said:
- not interested in hiring a car or instructor - the lambo day was frustrating as they didn't like it when you got anywhere the red line!
Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
In my opinion instruction is an absolute must. By far the biggest performance upgrade possible - and about the cheapest. Instruction is probably worth 100bhp by itself!Advice ....... with that attitude, don't even bother!!! An instructor will help you get the best from yourself, the car & the circuit!! Driving a Lambo on a "three lap birthday present day" is totally different to driving your own car for a full day!! The number of times I hear people say "I'll do a few laps, & see how I find it before I book any instruction" and throw it into the barrier after 2 or 3 laps, I have lost count of!!!!!
To give you a recent example, I instructed a chap for two sessions at Anglesey circuit about three weeks ago, and he told me he would be at Oulton Park last Wednesday, and probably have some instruction there. I explained that Oulton is not only very technical, but also very dangerous, especially if it is wet or damp!!! Instruction is a "must" because it is so easy to end up in the wall ............. he decided it would be better to go out unaided, and put his car into the Armco at Druids corner on his first lap!!!
So the moral of the story is " if you want to hand your car back rolled into a ball, then do the track day without instruction"!!!! If you want to return the car, with tyres that are still good, in one piece, and undamaged, then don't let arrogance get in your way, look for some instruction!!!!
BUT
I prefer to get a couple of sessions of instruction ONCE I've learned the lefts and rights of a circuit. That way the instructor can be looking at my technique and choice of line critically and improving it - rather than simply pointing which way to go.
I am quite willing to spend the first couple of sessions of the day "tootling" (i.e. driving well within the limits of both myself and the car) until I know where I am going...and I'll read the circuit guide before going and so on.
So YES agree: INSTRUCTION. Vital!
But perhaps not right away - if you can keep a tight grip on yourself and not start flinging the car at corners with no real idea if this means you'll be straight off at the next one...
I'm not saying that everyone is the same, but the odds are stacked well against you, especially if it is wet!!
I stick with my original thread!!
ginettajoe said:
I'm not saying that everyone is the same, but the odds are stacked well against you, especially if it is wet!!
I stick with my original thread!!
I can drive around a circuit without crashing quite straightforwardly. Sure - it's slow. But I can build speed little by little and identify a reasonable line perfectly well by myself. I have never crashed and have done many, many trackdays including ones at circuits new to me.I stick with my original thread!!
What I will never be, lacking the talent, is instantly fast at any of them. Instruction can improve that amazingly.
If the OP is concerned about being on track at all getting some instruction immediately is a good idea - I did that. But if one is happy to be careful learning the corner sequence before taking instruction? This allows the instructor to concentrate on where you are and what you are doing rather then simply pointing left and right.
Everyone is different, I accept. This approach has worked for me. Others mileage may vary, as they say.
Don said:
ginettajoe said:
I'm not saying that everyone is the same, but the odds are stacked well against you, especially if it is wet!!
I stick with my original thread!!
I can drive around a circuit without crashing quite straightforwardly. Sure - it's slow. But I can build speed little by little and identify a reasonable line perfectly well by myself. I have never crashed and have done many, many trackdays including ones at circuits new to me.I stick with my original thread!!
What I will never be, lacking the talent, is instantly fast at any of them. Instruction can improve that amazingly.
If the OP is concerned about being on track at all getting some instruction immediately is a good idea - I did that. But if one is happy to be careful learning the corner sequence before taking instruction? This allows the instructor to concentrate on where you are and what you are doing rather then simply pointing left and right.
Everyone is different, I accept. This approach has worked for me. Others mileage may vary, as they say.
I would have to agree with you in your case, but I'm reasonably sure you are in the minority, and if everyone could discipline themselves as you do, it would be the obvious way to start the day. The reality is that the majority of first timers have the attitude that "they are the best driver in the world" and as soon as they get on track amongst the seasoned drivers, many with plenty of experience, then the "Red mist" develops, and the fact that race circuits tend to be far more slippery than public roads, creates an unreversable problem, ........ there is no going back for another run at that corner!!
If you take any other sport, be it Golf, Tennis, ski-ing, the person taking instruction accepts he is a beginner, whereas someone going to do a trackday for the first time has a totally different attitude, he's been driving for years, regularly does 100mph+ down the M6, he doesn't need instruction because he sees himself as a top, experienced driver, but doesn't understand that every habit he has practised on the road is a potential accident on track!! By that I mean lifting off the power mid corner, turning more tightly at the apex at the same time booting the power, turning too early, running wide and trying to turn off the exit kerbs ........... all very common habits built into every day driving!!!
It is impossible to adapt road driving to driving on a track, but you can easily adapt track driving to driving on the road!!!
I'm sure you can understand where I'm coming from, and that is the reason I would emphasise the importance of having instruction first thing, especially in the case of the OP. I'm sure his balloon payment would be far in excess of what he can afford to gamble, otherwise he would probably keep the car. Quite frankly I can't think of a worse scenario!
You must make yourself known if I'm around on any of your future trackdays,
Regards, Howard
Firstly chaps, thanks for the replies and the interest.
To clear a few things up for you all ....
A) I do not think I am Lewis Hamilton (although I wouldn't mind having his pussy cat doll for a few days to play with)
B) I have absolutely no intention of thrashing the car beyond MY limits (I am 100% confident that the cars limits are far greater than mine, albeit in the right hands)
C) I am not intending to try to RACE the more experienced track-day goers, regardless of what car they are in .... although I do understand the point made about the 'red mist' coming down if I got overtaken by a Vauxhall Nova driven by a 17yr old, wearing a burberry cap!
D) I just wanted to consider the option of giving the car a good work-out in a place where it can be done relatively safely, before it goes.
I know that I have never taken the car anywhere it's limits and wanted to explore what the car could do, whilst I have it.
I have used the car every day for the last 4 years, and covered circa 50,000 miles in it, in all kinds of weather from rain, to snow, to sunny days.
I have never pushed the car beyond it's or my limits, but have obviously pushed it at times - no point in having a car like this if you don't give it some (when appropriate).
Having had a Cerb and Tuscan S before (which I also used daily, in snow, rain, sunshine) they were cars that would quite happily kill you, if you didn't respect them.
I appreciate that this does not make me a great driver, but it does give me experience and confidence in that I know the car and what I am currently able to do in it. It's a very different situation to where I have just bought it or only used it on a sunday run.
I can honestly say that whilst I do not profess to have the talent of a racing driver, I am equally not completely f'ing stupid, naive enough or (as someone incorrectly suggested) arrogant enough to simply think I can turn up and try to blast round the first lap at a speed not befitting my ability.
I do understand and agree with the FACT that having instruction would be irrefutably beneficial; IF I were intending to turn up to race and push it as hard as possible to get round in the quickest time possible on the first few laps. I am not. But I do agree, if I wanted the best out of myself and ANY car then instruction would be the only way.
I maybe should have referred to my Lambo day as "frustrating". You pay good money (well the Mrs did), you turn up expecting to be able to TRY these cars properly around a track to gain some kind of understanding of their ability, but then find that as soon as you hit 4,000 revs they say "Change Up" .... crap!
Hitting the rev limiter is a school boy error and I agree shows a degree of incompetence, but 4,000 REV's .... I did enjoy the day and the experience of driving a Gallardo & a Murci in the same day, but would have enjoyed the driving experience much more in my own car.
However, I equally understand that in most circumstances a guy who normally drives a Fiat/Ford etc can turn up without a clue (or respect for the cars) .... which makes the guys what can only be described as nervous, especially when some of the cars seemed to be owned by the instructor sittinig inside.
Whilst my gut feel says do it in a similar way as Don and try it myself for a day, then getting some professional instruction, I smile when I write "I don't intend crashing" !!!! ...... I do value the opinions of folk on here, otheriwse I wouldn't have asked in the first place, so will seriously consider the advice given with respect to having a proper instructor sat besides me, especially the chap with the Porsche experience. (Personally think it would be no advantage to have anyone who does not have a significant amount of experience of a 4 wheel drive vehcile, preferably a Porsche).
If I liked it and were to consider doing track days frequently, I personally, would buy a less expensive vehicle to use that was more track biased (maybe a second hand Westfield or a Radical) to start with anyway. Having lost circa £40k already on this one and now having the pitter patter of little feet that prefers taking my money/time, I couldn't afford to bin this one so will deffinitely be getting some insurance cover .... reading this back, I guess I have answered my own question on this point, and think I am likely to get some instruction as advised.
THEN I WILL THRASH THE ARSE OFF IT !!! (joke)
"Classic Sports" I may be in touch, if I can do the 25th.
Any more details would be great, time, costs, locations etc.
Returning to some of the points on the original post ....
Should I get the car checked over first?
Are there any tracks that should be avoided?
I went to Bruntingthorpe and the amount of stones on the surface was a joke.
Ended up having the front end resprayed after letting my mates 360 past at 180 on teh straight .. just to hear his exhaust !!!
(Sounded great, but wasn't worth the bill and it kind-of ruined the day as I only did 2 laps, then after seeing the front end, called it a day).
Thansk all, Paul
To clear a few things up for you all ....
A) I do not think I am Lewis Hamilton (although I wouldn't mind having his pussy cat doll for a few days to play with)
B) I have absolutely no intention of thrashing the car beyond MY limits (I am 100% confident that the cars limits are far greater than mine, albeit in the right hands)
C) I am not intending to try to RACE the more experienced track-day goers, regardless of what car they are in .... although I do understand the point made about the 'red mist' coming down if I got overtaken by a Vauxhall Nova driven by a 17yr old, wearing a burberry cap!
D) I just wanted to consider the option of giving the car a good work-out in a place where it can be done relatively safely, before it goes.
I know that I have never taken the car anywhere it's limits and wanted to explore what the car could do, whilst I have it.
I have used the car every day for the last 4 years, and covered circa 50,000 miles in it, in all kinds of weather from rain, to snow, to sunny days.
I have never pushed the car beyond it's or my limits, but have obviously pushed it at times - no point in having a car like this if you don't give it some (when appropriate).
Having had a Cerb and Tuscan S before (which I also used daily, in snow, rain, sunshine) they were cars that would quite happily kill you, if you didn't respect them.
I appreciate that this does not make me a great driver, but it does give me experience and confidence in that I know the car and what I am currently able to do in it. It's a very different situation to where I have just bought it or only used it on a sunday run.
I can honestly say that whilst I do not profess to have the talent of a racing driver, I am equally not completely f'ing stupid, naive enough or (as someone incorrectly suggested) arrogant enough to simply think I can turn up and try to blast round the first lap at a speed not befitting my ability.
I do understand and agree with the FACT that having instruction would be irrefutably beneficial; IF I were intending to turn up to race and push it as hard as possible to get round in the quickest time possible on the first few laps. I am not. But I do agree, if I wanted the best out of myself and ANY car then instruction would be the only way.
I maybe should have referred to my Lambo day as "frustrating". You pay good money (well the Mrs did), you turn up expecting to be able to TRY these cars properly around a track to gain some kind of understanding of their ability, but then find that as soon as you hit 4,000 revs they say "Change Up" .... crap!
Hitting the rev limiter is a school boy error and I agree shows a degree of incompetence, but 4,000 REV's .... I did enjoy the day and the experience of driving a Gallardo & a Murci in the same day, but would have enjoyed the driving experience much more in my own car.
However, I equally understand that in most circumstances a guy who normally drives a Fiat/Ford etc can turn up without a clue (or respect for the cars) .... which makes the guys what can only be described as nervous, especially when some of the cars seemed to be owned by the instructor sittinig inside.
Whilst my gut feel says do it in a similar way as Don and try it myself for a day, then getting some professional instruction, I smile when I write "I don't intend crashing" !!!! ...... I do value the opinions of folk on here, otheriwse I wouldn't have asked in the first place, so will seriously consider the advice given with respect to having a proper instructor sat besides me, especially the chap with the Porsche experience. (Personally think it would be no advantage to have anyone who does not have a significant amount of experience of a 4 wheel drive vehcile, preferably a Porsche).
If I liked it and were to consider doing track days frequently, I personally, would buy a less expensive vehicle to use that was more track biased (maybe a second hand Westfield or a Radical) to start with anyway. Having lost circa £40k already on this one and now having the pitter patter of little feet that prefers taking my money/time, I couldn't afford to bin this one so will deffinitely be getting some insurance cover .... reading this back, I guess I have answered my own question on this point, and think I am likely to get some instruction as advised.
THEN I WILL THRASH THE ARSE OFF IT !!! (joke)
"Classic Sports" I may be in touch, if I can do the 25th.
Any more details would be great, time, costs, locations etc.
Returning to some of the points on the original post ....
Should I get the car checked over first?
Are there any tracks that should be avoided?
I went to Bruntingthorpe and the amount of stones on the surface was a joke.
Ended up having the front end resprayed after letting my mates 360 past at 180 on teh straight .. just to hear his exhaust !!!
(Sounded great, but wasn't worth the bill and it kind-of ruined the day as I only did 2 laps, then after seeing the front end, called it a day).
Thansk all, Paul
Don said:
Bedford Autodrome. Safest circuit out there.
I'm going to be a bit controversial here and disagree. I agree that, if driving alone, Bedford is the safest venue. However, i'm aware of more Car-to-Car contact incidents occurring at Bedford than any other circuit, and very nearly all other UK circuits combined.Jonny
BaT
edited - in hindsight I should watch what i'm saying here shouldn't i.
Edited by jleroux on Wednesday 19th November 21:52
Just to prove myself wrong, i've run the stats off the BaT database and the results are quite interesting! ('Safest' venue first - where 'safest' = least %age chance of damage)
Elvington
Bedford
Anglesey
Goodwood (very suprising!)
Snetterton
Rockingham
Castle Combe (also very suprising!)
Croft
Spa
Donington Park
I won't go any further down the list but it includes Oulton, Mallory, Cadwell, Silverstone and Brands! To be fair we probably don't organise enough days at the last two for the data to be relevent.
Rather amusingly, the circuit with by far the worse "%age chance of damage" is Folembray in France - presumably because we've only been a couple of times, with relatively few drivers, and yet sustained quite a bit of damage. (bad use of statistics I admit!)
Finally, it's worth noting that this data only shows 'red flag crashes' ie where some amount of damage is sustained and a red flag caused. Clearly there is no consideration for the amount/extent of the damage. For example, in the cases of Combe and Goodwood, you may be statistically LESS likely to cause damage than at Spa or Croft, however the damage is highly likely to be considerably worse - if that makes sense.
One thing that's prevalent with the vast majority of these incidents is that the drivers ran out of talent. If you stay within your own comfort zone, get some tuition and build your speed up gradually it's an almost immeasurable risk.
Jonny
BaT
Elvington
Bedford
Anglesey
Goodwood (very suprising!)
Snetterton
Rockingham
Castle Combe (also very suprising!)
Croft
Spa
Donington Park
I won't go any further down the list but it includes Oulton, Mallory, Cadwell, Silverstone and Brands! To be fair we probably don't organise enough days at the last two for the data to be relevent.
Rather amusingly, the circuit with by far the worse "%age chance of damage" is Folembray in France - presumably because we've only been a couple of times, with relatively few drivers, and yet sustained quite a bit of damage. (bad use of statistics I admit!)
Finally, it's worth noting that this data only shows 'red flag crashes' ie where some amount of damage is sustained and a red flag caused. Clearly there is no consideration for the amount/extent of the damage. For example, in the cases of Combe and Goodwood, you may be statistically LESS likely to cause damage than at Spa or Croft, however the damage is highly likely to be considerably worse - if that makes sense.
One thing that's prevalent with the vast majority of these incidents is that the drivers ran out of talent. If you stay within your own comfort zone, get some tuition and build your speed up gradually it's an almost immeasurable risk.
Jonny
BaT
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