Discussion
Hi All,
Just booked my 1st ever track day. The only track based thing I've done before is one of those single seater driving experience things at Brands Hatch.
I'm doing Castle Combe mainly because its local and they offer free tuition to track newbies. From what I've read on PH this is not a good choice for track virgins as there's little room for error which is helping my nerves no end!
I'm using my own car and will be taking out track day insurance with Moris. I know my limits and will quite possibly be starting off as one of the slowest on the day but want to enjoy myself without regrets or destroying my car. I'm not going to be intentionally holding anyone up but at the same time i'm going to be a bit preoccupied with not messing up.
What sort of attitude can drivers like myself expect from other track users? Are you lot a forgiving bunch or will I get abuse and aggressive overtakes?
Just booked my 1st ever track day. The only track based thing I've done before is one of those single seater driving experience things at Brands Hatch.
I'm doing Castle Combe mainly because its local and they offer free tuition to track newbies. From what I've read on PH this is not a good choice for track virgins as there's little room for error which is helping my nerves no end!
I'm using my own car and will be taking out track day insurance with Moris. I know my limits and will quite possibly be starting off as one of the slowest on the day but want to enjoy myself without regrets or destroying my car. I'm not going to be intentionally holding anyone up but at the same time i'm going to be a bit preoccupied with not messing up.
What sort of attitude can drivers like myself expect from other track users? Are you lot a forgiving bunch or will I get abuse and aggressive overtakes?
ThousandYardStare said:
Assume you're talking about the TT? - Don't think you'll better Moris.
But the Capri could be a better car to start off with at Castle Combe.
In the TT, you'll be coming up to Avon Rise at over 130mph. In the Capri, maybe 90-100mph. Believe me, that 30-40mph feels like a lot more!
Yes using the TT. The Capri is sorned. I've been watching the you tube vids of people overdoing it into Quarry. Definitely going to be careful there.But the Capri could be a better car to start off with at Castle Combe.
In the TT, you'll be coming up to Avon Rise at over 130mph. In the Capri, maybe 90-100mph. Believe me, that 30-40mph feels like a lot more!
QBee said:
Don't forget your driving licence and crash helmet, or you won't be going anywhere on track.
If the brakes start to go soft, go straight to the pits, as that is the start of boiling brake fluid and loss of all braking.
Castle Combe is particularly unforgiving if you lose your brakes - it's the close proximity of the barriers to the main corners that gives it its reputation.
The only other comments are to listen to the briefing (try not to nod off), remember which side of the track is for overtaking, and watch your mirrors.
As said above, indicating in the direction you are moving when letting people pass on the straights helps the overtaker to know your intentions.
Watch out for that second car following him through.
I have a decent open face bike lid i'm going to use. A trade off for better visibility over a full face. My car is a Coupe so I think this is allowed.If the brakes start to go soft, go straight to the pits, as that is the start of boiling brake fluid and loss of all braking.
Castle Combe is particularly unforgiving if you lose your brakes - it's the close proximity of the barriers to the main corners that gives it its reputation.
The only other comments are to listen to the briefing (try not to nod off), remember which side of the track is for overtaking, and watch your mirrors.
As said above, indicating in the direction you are moving when letting people pass on the straights helps the overtaker to know your intentions.
Watch out for that second car following him through.
wellground said:
Zooks, I am at Combe on the 6th April too. If you have any questions or need any help. Come and say hi. Always willing to help a track newbie. We were all one once.
I will be there in my white and black Evo 10, with a big wing on the back.
Hope that helps.
Rob
Cheers Rob, I'll look out for youI will be there in my white and black Evo 10, with a big wing on the back.
Hope that helps.
Rob
Well what a great 1st track day at Castle Combe today.
I was a bit nervous after the briefing and track familiarity lap but soon got into the swing of it.
I was in the grey Audi TT Coupe, It was great to give it some beans and I was well impressed with the handling and grip from a standard road car. I got a bit carried away a couple of times but the nanny aids scooped it up and sorted it out
Also overcooked the brakes once or twice so had to sit a session or two out to let them cool down.
I'm not exactly going to worry the lap record but think I did ok for a first go and drove the car home in one piece so all good.
Also thanks to Rob (wellground) for the advice. The Evo sounded awesome on full chat, shame about your tyres going off.
I also got a good lesson in what happens if you push too hard into Quarry, not my BM and the owner seemed cool with it
I was a bit nervous after the briefing and track familiarity lap but soon got into the swing of it.
I was in the grey Audi TT Coupe, It was great to give it some beans and I was well impressed with the handling and grip from a standard road car. I got a bit carried away a couple of times but the nanny aids scooped it up and sorted it out
Also overcooked the brakes once or twice so had to sit a session or two out to let them cool down.
I'm not exactly going to worry the lap record but think I did ok for a first go and drove the car home in one piece so all good.
Also thanks to Rob (wellground) for the advice. The Evo sounded awesome on full chat, shame about your tyres going off.
I also got a good lesson in what happens if you push too hard into Quarry, not my BM and the owner seemed cool with it
Trevor450 said:
I’m still annoyed for Alex, he really didn’t deserve that on his first ever track day! 
I'd have been gutted if that was mine or if I'd done that to anothers car, Hope he had insurance.I was surprised how well the TT's Quattro system gripped and fired you out of the corners, I was also supprised how quickly it all overwhelmed the brakes. Mine started to fade after only 2 hot laps. To continue pushing on with fading brakes is crazy.
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