Blyton Track Day Experience
Discussion
Had a lovely 4 car supercar experience bought for me by my wife for Christmas, however, i jumped at the chance to swap it for a day at Blyton, and have looked at various Youtube videos on the track.
Any advice for this specific track, please? or any advice in general?
I am taking my 1996 Volvo 850R estate, AP racing brakes all around, SRF brake fluid, PS4s.
Mega excited for it next month!
Thanks
Any advice for this specific track, please? or any advice in general?
I am taking my 1996 Volvo 850R estate, AP racing brakes all around, SRF brake fluid, PS4s.
Mega excited for it next month!
Thanks
Just be mindful of brakes and tyres. I suggest that you aim for around 36psi hot in the PS4's. This will help stop the tyre from rolling over.
Blyton is car demanding track if you're pushing on (lots of heavy braking, little to no time to cool down, and lots of long left-handers absolutely mullering your front right tyre)
Blyton is car demanding track if you're pushing on (lots of heavy braking, little to no time to cool down, and lots of long left-handers absolutely mullering your front right tyre)
Great advice again - thanks, will keep an eye on pressures and levels throughout and I have the utmost of mechanical sympathy. The brakes are incredible especially paired with the J-Hook discs and Carbotech pads. I will be well within my skill set as well! I do not think I’m bloody Rickard Rydell!!
Blyton is one of my favourite tracks for testing cars (especially as it's not too far away from me). I hired it out for an exclusive day for our club and it was good value mid-week. However, as others have said if you push hard it is very heavy on brakes and tyres especially in a heavier vehicle. Try to avoid the temptation to stay out for too long if you get into a bit of a run with someone.
Typically, most TDOs run the outer circuit but it would be worth checking what config they are using (some change over after lunch).
Like any track day but especially with the temperatures your brakes/tyres will be at after a few hot laps, come in and check your lug nuts are torqued up and adjust your tyre pressures.
What day in July are you going? If you're there and I have my car back from some suspension tweaks I'll say hello if there's space. What an awesome car you have, love them :-)
Oh, and edited to add although yes there is plenty of run off you don't want to end up going farming, hit the barriers near the "wiggler" by messing up an oversteer correction, or understeer into the very high and hard kerb at the left hander just after the pit exit/entrance (used for most configs and by the control box).
Steve
Typically, most TDOs run the outer circuit but it would be worth checking what config they are using (some change over after lunch).
Like any track day but especially with the temperatures your brakes/tyres will be at after a few hot laps, come in and check your lug nuts are torqued up and adjust your tyre pressures.
What day in July are you going? If you're there and I have my car back from some suspension tweaks I'll say hello if there's space. What an awesome car you have, love them :-)
Oh, and edited to add although yes there is plenty of run off you don't want to end up going farming, hit the barriers near the "wiggler" by messing up an oversteer correction, or understeer into the very high and hard kerb at the left hander just after the pit exit/entrance (used for most configs and by the control box).
Steve
Edited by DocSteve on Sunday 29th June 00:03
Really appreciate everyone's replies, thank you so much, heading up on Saturday 12th July, little jaunt up from Northampton, spare wheels and tools in tow, and the wife as well!
I have the utmost respect for the 850 after having had it for over 18 years now, and it's essentially a fast road car, having been built with an occasional track day in mind, until now, something of a pipe dream for me. Also, more importantly, have the utmost respect for all other drivers and cars on the day and the vehicles they bring with them.
If you see this red brick flying round, say hi, or just say get the hell out of my way!!!
I have the utmost respect for the 850 after having had it for over 18 years now, and it's essentially a fast road car, having been built with an occasional track day in mind, until now, something of a pipe dream for me. Also, more importantly, have the utmost respect for all other drivers and cars on the day and the vehicles they bring with them.
If you see this red brick flying round, say hi, or just say get the hell out of my way!!!
850R said:
Really appreciate everyone's replies, thank you so much, heading up on Saturday 12th July, little jaunt up from Northampton, spare wheels and tools in tow, and the wife as well!
I have the utmost respect for the 850 after having had it for over 18 years now, and it's essentially a fast road car, having been built with an occasional track day in mind, until now, something of a pipe dream for me. Also, more importantly, have the utmost respect for all other drivers and cars on the day and the vehicles they bring with them.
If you see this red brick flying round, say hi, or just say get the hell out of my way!!!
Jesus that thing is wicked. What a cool looking brick. I have the utmost respect for the 850 after having had it for over 18 years now, and it's essentially a fast road car, having been built with an occasional track day in mind, until now, something of a pipe dream for me. Also, more importantly, have the utmost respect for all other drivers and cars on the day and the vehicles they bring with them.
If you see this red brick flying round, say hi, or just say get the hell out of my way!!!
My tyres gain about 8-10 psi tyre pressure on a good track day, and it is a lighter weight car.
If you are checking tyre presures and letting out air, remember to take some form of pump with you to re-inflate the tyres for the journey back.
I found the first part of the lap tricky to master, but I loved the sweeping curves on the return part. As said, there's not too much to master.
Remember you are there to have fun, it's not a race and you should not be timing. And remember the overtaking rules - they are there to make it safe(r).
Do take some instruction if it is available - it will be worth it.
If you have a suitable helmet, take it with you. If the Mrs wants to passenger, she will need a helmet too. Be aware that she may get car sick pretty quickly and if she says she needs to go back to the pits take her seriously. Some people feel sick in less than 5 laps in the passenger seat, others are fine. Most circuits have helmets to hire, but I am not sure about Blyton. And don't forget your driving licence.
Yours is a heavier car, so will be heavier on tyres and brakes - keep an eye on both, you can actually go through a set of tyres faster than you think, and you need to get home at the end.
If you get the bug after your trip to Blyton, consider trying a few of the less expensive race circuits. After doing both airfield circuits and race circuits over the years, I prefer race circuits, especially those that aren't flat. Always remember to factor in the cost of getting there and back and overnight stays when doing your man maths. A good airfield style circuit is Bedford Autodrome, just north of Bedford (off the A6 IIRC), close to you. about 4 miles long and with a variety of straight and corners, relatively safe too.
The 300 circuit at Snetterton, in Norfolk, would, to my mind, suit your Volvo well, is under two hours from you, with two good long straights for cooling the brakes while getting some speed up. Mallory Park is near Leicester, as is Donington Park. Silverstone is near you, but pretty expensive.
If you are checking tyre presures and letting out air, remember to take some form of pump with you to re-inflate the tyres for the journey back.
I found the first part of the lap tricky to master, but I loved the sweeping curves on the return part. As said, there's not too much to master.
Remember you are there to have fun, it's not a race and you should not be timing. And remember the overtaking rules - they are there to make it safe(r).
Do take some instruction if it is available - it will be worth it.
If you have a suitable helmet, take it with you. If the Mrs wants to passenger, she will need a helmet too. Be aware that she may get car sick pretty quickly and if she says she needs to go back to the pits take her seriously. Some people feel sick in less than 5 laps in the passenger seat, others are fine. Most circuits have helmets to hire, but I am not sure about Blyton. And don't forget your driving licence.
Yours is a heavier car, so will be heavier on tyres and brakes - keep an eye on both, you can actually go through a set of tyres faster than you think, and you need to get home at the end.
If you get the bug after your trip to Blyton, consider trying a few of the less expensive race circuits. After doing both airfield circuits and race circuits over the years, I prefer race circuits, especially those that aren't flat. Always remember to factor in the cost of getting there and back and overnight stays when doing your man maths. A good airfield style circuit is Bedford Autodrome, just north of Bedford (off the A6 IIRC), close to you. about 4 miles long and with a variety of straight and corners, relatively safe too.
The 300 circuit at Snetterton, in Norfolk, would, to my mind, suit your Volvo well, is under two hours from you, with two good long straights for cooling the brakes while getting some speed up. Mallory Park is near Leicester, as is Donington Park. Silverstone is near you, but pretty expensive.
Thanks again for the information, really appreciate everyone's comments and tips etc.
Taking another set of wheels with me, have my trolley jack, axle stands in tow and tools. After all, it is an estate!! Just minus the Labrador in the boot!
Have my GoPro mount set up inside the car, excited doesn't come close!
Taking additional coolant, oil, pads, although ive not long put the Carbotech XP10s in the front, also swapped the rears for EBC RP-X, if i went through a set of those im a hooligan with zero mechanical sympathy!
Extra fuel
Pump
I have invested in my own lid, but my wife will hire one on the day if we can, thanks for the heads up with car sickness, not considered that!!
Taking another set of wheels with me, have my trolley jack, axle stands in tow and tools. After all, it is an estate!! Just minus the Labrador in the boot!
Have my GoPro mount set up inside the car, excited doesn't come close!
Taking additional coolant, oil, pads, although ive not long put the Carbotech XP10s in the front, also swapped the rears for EBC RP-X, if i went through a set of those im a hooligan with zero mechanical sympathy!
Extra fuel
Pump
I have invested in my own lid, but my wife will hire one on the day if we can, thanks for the heads up with car sickness, not considered that!!
My wife doesn't get car sick ever, but then she's 100% deaf and the balance part of her ear doesn't work properly. She hates step ladders...
I can manage about 4 laps in a friend's car on track before I need to return to the pits.
I can even make myself feel sick when going out on track after eating too much lunch.
Your wife may be fine.....or not.
Ask the track day organisers before you go re helmets for your wife.
It would be a shame if she couldn't join you, but if they aren't hiring I bet someone at the track will lend you one.
We are a friendly lot.
I'd come and watch, but I have a gardening yoof coming for the day and he will need watching/instructing, or the whole day will be one long fag break/texting his mates break.
I can manage about 4 laps in a friend's car on track before I need to return to the pits.
I can even make myself feel sick when going out on track after eating too much lunch.
Your wife may be fine.....or not.
Ask the track day organisers before you go re helmets for your wife.
It would be a shame if she couldn't join you, but if they aren't hiring I bet someone at the track will lend you one.
We are a friendly lot.
I'd come and watch, but I have a gardening yoof coming for the day and he will need watching/instructing, or the whole day will be one long fag break/texting his mates break.
Well yesterday didn’t disappoint one bit!
An incredible experience from start to finish, surrounded by good people, some amazing machinery bending sent round and me in an old red brick!
Went out for four sessions, around 15-20 mins. Came in for 30 mins or so to check and let the car cool down, check levels and tyres pressures and take on some refreshments (me that is!)
Stayed out the way of the quicker stuff, and lived off my mirrors.
Car performed perfectly mechanically, was only let down by the numpty driving it!
Although need some suspension tweaks, better Diff, comedy one wheel peel and having to be so so patient getting on the throttle.
Plenty of grunt on the short straights though and lots of comments about the flames from the exhaust, car seemed to get a lot of attention which was nice.
Technical track I have to agree, brakes and tyres took a hammering but all good!
Thank you to everyone for the advice and comments, very much appreciated.
Took some amateur GoPro footage which I’m sure you’d like a laugh at!
https://youtu.be/vLjdGyPqG3g?si=eUNxljPZS13mFkkD
https://youtu.be/7jwCfkkRKu0?si=t8wTSYd-TBzYs22Y
https://youtu.be/ENjB7HHkYXA?si=CGkQoeyoASkCfGWP
An incredible experience from start to finish, surrounded by good people, some amazing machinery bending sent round and me in an old red brick!
Went out for four sessions, around 15-20 mins. Came in for 30 mins or so to check and let the car cool down, check levels and tyres pressures and take on some refreshments (me that is!)
Stayed out the way of the quicker stuff, and lived off my mirrors.
Car performed perfectly mechanically, was only let down by the numpty driving it!
Although need some suspension tweaks, better Diff, comedy one wheel peel and having to be so so patient getting on the throttle.
Plenty of grunt on the short straights though and lots of comments about the flames from the exhaust, car seemed to get a lot of attention which was nice.
Technical track I have to agree, brakes and tyres took a hammering but all good!
Thank you to everyone for the advice and comments, very much appreciated.
Took some amateur GoPro footage which I’m sure you’d like a laugh at!
https://youtu.be/vLjdGyPqG3g?si=eUNxljPZS13mFkkD
https://youtu.be/7jwCfkkRKu0?si=t8wTSYd-TBzYs22Y
https://youtu.be/ENjB7HHkYXA?si=CGkQoeyoASkCfGWP
Forums | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff