Bedford Autodrome Track Day Writeup + Video
Discussion
Bedford Autodrome GT Circuit Track Day
After booking the Snetterton 300 track day last year and having had a number of upgrades fitted to the Griff over winter (brakes, plenum & baffled sump) I find my itching to get back on the track. As luck would have it some fellow TVR owners on Pistonheads forums had organised a day at Bedford Autodrome and even better they had negotiated a 10% group discount. The track was configured as the full 3.8 mile GT circuit.
Bedford Autodrome is built on the northern section of the former site of the Royal Aerospace Establishment, Bedford airbase and has been specifically designed to be driven by high performance road cars. The circuit has larger than usual run off areas and does not have sections of Armco safety barriers which would potentially damage a car seriously if it left the track, ideal for novices like me!
Upon arriving at the track I was directed to the noise testing area. The noise limit was 101dB, I had passed the test at Snetterton last year at 105dB without the need for the ACT bolt on silencers to be fitted. I thought I would be cheeky and try here without but with a result of 112.4 dB was massively over. I fitted the ACT cans and went for a re-test which was measured at 101.8dB, after a lot of pleading they very kindly passed the car but advised me if I triggered any of the drive-by meters I would receive a warning and then any further triggers would result in the car not being able to go back on track. Having then spoken to the other TVR owners the general consensus was that the static noise meter must have been reading over that day as many cars which had not been required to run with additional silencers normally at Bedford had been forced to do so. The drive by limit was set at 87dB which fortunately none of us exceeded.
I then had a bit of breakfast, the canteen was fantastic and I had a very tasty bacon and egg roll. I attended the breifing and picked up my hired track helmet. Next were the familiarisation laps which were useful but where the circuit was so long I had forgotten most of it by the time I have got back to the pits. Once the track had opened Trevor and I went out on track for a few slow laps to familiarise ourselves, the track was still wet from the earlier rain as was very slippery in places. Shortly afterwards I had a 30 minute tuition session booked, I always book these at track days as I always find them very useful.
The tuition session was given by Peugeot racing driver Bradley Philpot. I have had various tuition sessions in the past at various events and this was by far the best, Bradley managed to in the space of 30 minutes managed to teach me the circuit, the correct lines in the corners and massively improved by driving style. Most instructors I have been haven’t ever really got me to push the car and my abilities particularly hard, but Bradley really pushed me hard, so much so that I actually spun off in one corner, he probably didn’t realise how much of a ham fisted oaf I am but fortunately he didn’t seem to mind. I really learnt a lot from Bradley and it gave me much more confidence in the car and my own ability.
Bedford is a very fast circuit and I was able to get up an indicated 145MPH down the back straight before braking hard for the chicane. The new Alcon brake setup is absolutely superb did not fade even slightly lap after lap. The ACT twin throttle carbon fibre plenum was unbelievable on track, the instant throttle response enabled me to get straight back on the power quickly out of the corners. The new baffled sump was also doing a fantastic job, I noticed after 20minutes of hard cornering at Snetterton the lifters where clattering a bit. I am not sure whether this was a genuine issue or whether I was being paranoid. I was advised that a baffled sump may solve this by keeping the old near the pickup during cornering. I didn't notice any clattering lifters this time and I was on track for longer and driving the car harder.
As usual I had my GoPro Hero HD2 running throughout the day to capture some of the action. Track day organisers are clamping down on cameras succoured with suction cups so I have just invested in a new mount which securely connects to the headrest so I was able to test it out on track for the first time.
Footage of the final session where I benefited from a pretty much empty track.
Video Link
http://youtu.be/eejJFWq9n00
Anyone who is considering getting their Tiv out on track but has not made it yet, I thoroughly recommend it. Bedford it a fantastic track as there is nothing to crash into.
Matthew
After booking the Snetterton 300 track day last year and having had a number of upgrades fitted to the Griff over winter (brakes, plenum & baffled sump) I find my itching to get back on the track. As luck would have it some fellow TVR owners on Pistonheads forums had organised a day at Bedford Autodrome and even better they had negotiated a 10% group discount. The track was configured as the full 3.8 mile GT circuit.
Bedford Autodrome is built on the northern section of the former site of the Royal Aerospace Establishment, Bedford airbase and has been specifically designed to be driven by high performance road cars. The circuit has larger than usual run off areas and does not have sections of Armco safety barriers which would potentially damage a car seriously if it left the track, ideal for novices like me!
Upon arriving at the track I was directed to the noise testing area. The noise limit was 101dB, I had passed the test at Snetterton last year at 105dB without the need for the ACT bolt on silencers to be fitted. I thought I would be cheeky and try here without but with a result of 112.4 dB was massively over. I fitted the ACT cans and went for a re-test which was measured at 101.8dB, after a lot of pleading they very kindly passed the car but advised me if I triggered any of the drive-by meters I would receive a warning and then any further triggers would result in the car not being able to go back on track. Having then spoken to the other TVR owners the general consensus was that the static noise meter must have been reading over that day as many cars which had not been required to run with additional silencers normally at Bedford had been forced to do so. The drive by limit was set at 87dB which fortunately none of us exceeded.
I then had a bit of breakfast, the canteen was fantastic and I had a very tasty bacon and egg roll. I attended the breifing and picked up my hired track helmet. Next were the familiarisation laps which were useful but where the circuit was so long I had forgotten most of it by the time I have got back to the pits. Once the track had opened Trevor and I went out on track for a few slow laps to familiarise ourselves, the track was still wet from the earlier rain as was very slippery in places. Shortly afterwards I had a 30 minute tuition session booked, I always book these at track days as I always find them very useful.
The tuition session was given by Peugeot racing driver Bradley Philpot. I have had various tuition sessions in the past at various events and this was by far the best, Bradley managed to in the space of 30 minutes managed to teach me the circuit, the correct lines in the corners and massively improved by driving style. Most instructors I have been haven’t ever really got me to push the car and my abilities particularly hard, but Bradley really pushed me hard, so much so that I actually spun off in one corner, he probably didn’t realise how much of a ham fisted oaf I am but fortunately he didn’t seem to mind. I really learnt a lot from Bradley and it gave me much more confidence in the car and my own ability.
Bedford is a very fast circuit and I was able to get up an indicated 145MPH down the back straight before braking hard for the chicane. The new Alcon brake setup is absolutely superb did not fade even slightly lap after lap. The ACT twin throttle carbon fibre plenum was unbelievable on track, the instant throttle response enabled me to get straight back on the power quickly out of the corners. The new baffled sump was also doing a fantastic job, I noticed after 20minutes of hard cornering at Snetterton the lifters where clattering a bit. I am not sure whether this was a genuine issue or whether I was being paranoid. I was advised that a baffled sump may solve this by keeping the old near the pickup during cornering. I didn't notice any clattering lifters this time and I was on track for longer and driving the car harder.
As usual I had my GoPro Hero HD2 running throughout the day to capture some of the action. Track day organisers are clamping down on cameras succoured with suction cups so I have just invested in a new mount which securely connects to the headrest so I was able to test it out on track for the first time.
Footage of the final session where I benefited from a pretty much empty track.
Video Link
http://youtu.be/eejJFWq9n00
Anyone who is considering getting their Tiv out on track but has not made it yet, I thoroughly recommend it. Bedford it a fantastic track as there is nothing to crash into.
Matthew
Great video looks fun. I always wanted to put mine on the track but talk myself out of it because for various reasons (namely my driving ability when the back end starts to come round, the lack of side/roll over protection, the cars current 'soft' road set up and the threat of breaking her!)
When I got my Chim in 2009 I remember reading an owner's post at the time warning that aggressive gear change down's from high revs can lock the back wheels. Never seen this before, but your clip really highlights this on several occasions but looks like you had her perfectly under control. Does look fun.
When I got my Chim in 2009 I remember reading an owner's post at the time warning that aggressive gear change down's from high revs can lock the back wheels. Never seen this before, but your clip really highlights this on several occasions but looks like you had her perfectly under control. Does look fun.
EGB said:
Nice one. Very obvious to all the improvement since Snet in November.
Cheers Pen, I am getting there slowly and it really helps on a track like Bedford as there is no fear of smashing up the car on an armco.quattrophenia said:
Great video looks fun. I always wanted to put mine on the track but talk myself out of it because for various reasons (namely my driving ability when the back end starts to come round, the lack of side/roll over protection, the cars current 'soft' road set up and the threat of breaking her!)
When I got my Chim in 2009 I remember reading an owner's post at the time warning that aggressive gear change down's from high revs can lock the back wheels. Never seen this before, but your clip really highlights this on several occasions but looks like you had her perfectly under control. Does look fun.
Yeah it was great fun, Steve you should definitely get yours on track at some point. I was promising myself for years that I would get mine on track but always decided against it for exactly the same reasons you have listed. The reality is that you can drive as fast you feel comfortable and build up slowly. It is surprising how capable these cars are on track, mine is on standard suspension and tyres and performs very well considering. You are correct on the change downs from high revs locking the rear wheels, you are supposed to rev match using heal and toe but I have very little driving ability so I just keep hold of the wheel and make sure the car is pointing in a straight line when I do it.When I got my Chim in 2009 I remember reading an owner's post at the time warning that aggressive gear change down's from high revs can lock the back wheels. Never seen this before, but your clip really highlights this on several occasions but looks like you had her perfectly under control. Does look fun.
Book a novice day with instruction and a guarantee you will love it.
Good Job Matt
Car sounds awesome too
Been to Bedford a few times on the GT circuit and wish they would put a faster dogleg on the back straight instead of that chicane, as the long back straight is the only downside to an otherwise brilliant circuit ( apart from the pi55ing Db meters of course )
I know everyone is always an expert and its easy to criticise but having watched the video I would say that you've got at least a couple of seconds per lap to be gained by allowing the car to run out wider on the exit of the corners ( especially the long right hander after the back straight ) This means getting on the power earlier in the corner and powering over the inside kerbs under load and kicking the ass of anyone in front on the exit
I do love that corner, sorts the men from the boys
Crackin job though and I love to see people pushing past the point of no return it shows they are happy to find the limits, and you truly won't know where they are unless sometimes you go pas them
See you at the Growl ?
Car sounds awesome too
Been to Bedford a few times on the GT circuit and wish they would put a faster dogleg on the back straight instead of that chicane, as the long back straight is the only downside to an otherwise brilliant circuit ( apart from the pi55ing Db meters of course )
I know everyone is always an expert and its easy to criticise but having watched the video I would say that you've got at least a couple of seconds per lap to be gained by allowing the car to run out wider on the exit of the corners ( especially the long right hander after the back straight ) This means getting on the power earlier in the corner and powering over the inside kerbs under load and kicking the ass of anyone in front on the exit
I do love that corner, sorts the men from the boys
Crackin job though and I love to see people pushing past the point of no return it shows they are happy to find the limits, and you truly won't know where they are unless sometimes you go pas them
See you at the Growl ?
Great sound (and picture)quality and what a sound!
A friend of mine and I jointly own a Golf VR6 track-day car and I would heartily recommend it to anyone. It really is a completely different experience to driving on the road. As others have said, being able to push up to, and past, the limit teaches you so much about car behaviour and control.
I haven't driven round Bedford but it does look ideal for those wanting to try a track day for the first time.
Simon
A friend of mine and I jointly own a Golf VR6 track-day car and I would heartily recommend it to anyone. It really is a completely different experience to driving on the road. As others have said, being able to push up to, and past, the limit teaches you so much about car behaviour and control.
I haven't driven round Bedford but it does look ideal for those wanting to try a track day for the first time.
Simon
Thanks for sharing 
Next time though, would it be possible to have the camera mounted a fraction higher (closer to eye level) so we can see more of the track and where it's going?
Also (internet driving god mode activated) when you're changing down a gear can you hear that small screech from the tyres and see the car going loose? What's happening is you're letting the revs drop too much so the engine speed is a lot lower than the road speed, and this is momentarily making the rear wheels lock up. It's the exact inverse to launching the car with loads of revs and dumping the clutch. Worst case outcome is that you do this while turning and it initiates a spin (more likely in the wet), best case it puts premature wear on the clutch. I'd try braking first then doing a rev matched gear change. Once you've got the hang of that and they become seamless, do some research on 'heel and toe'.
Hope none of this sounds too patronising - I've done quite a few track days over last few years and when I started I'm sure I was a lot worse than you!
Looking forward to seeing the next one, spins and all.
Next time though, would it be possible to have the camera mounted a fraction higher (closer to eye level) so we can see more of the track and where it's going?
Also (internet driving god mode activated) when you're changing down a gear can you hear that small screech from the tyres and see the car going loose? What's happening is you're letting the revs drop too much so the engine speed is a lot lower than the road speed, and this is momentarily making the rear wheels lock up. It's the exact inverse to launching the car with loads of revs and dumping the clutch. Worst case outcome is that you do this while turning and it initiates a spin (more likely in the wet), best case it puts premature wear on the clutch. I'd try braking first then doing a rev matched gear change. Once you've got the hang of that and they become seamless, do some research on 'heel and toe'.
Hope none of this sounds too patronising - I've done quite a few track days over last few years and when I started I'm sure I was a lot worse than you!
Looking forward to seeing the next one, spins and all.
Hi Matthew, as a previous poster said, try mounting the GoPro at eye height, I use the passenger side roof strut (when it's up) & it gives you a slightly higher perspective. See here-
http://youtu.be/jJF7gaUvCsE
Also, as also previously mentioned, a but of heel & toeing helps out no end under breaking. just takes a bit of practice.
http://youtu.be/jJF7gaUvCsE
Also, as also previously mentioned, a but of heel & toeing helps out no end under breaking. just takes a bit of practice.
Cheers for the comments gents.
GlynMo - Yes I was quite surprised. Just as well as it was hot in the cabin after a few laps
mk1fan - Yes I really enjoyed Bedford, it is a fantastic circuit and I will be back!
The Moosehunter - Thank you for you kind comments and yes you are spot on about the corners, that is an area I need to improve on. The instructor said exactly the same thing about turning in to tightly and not letting the car run out further on the exit, he was explaining about straightening the corner by letting the car run to the opposite side of the curb. I think being a novice I like to turn in harder to see where the limit is safe in the knowledge I have plenty of room left if I get into difficulty. Not going to be able to make the Growl this year unfortunately
simonwedge - cheers, maybe see you out sometime
5.0ltr - All joking aside the facilities at Bedford are fantastic, I was surprised I left the canteen as the food was great. I think Bedford has had a lot of money invested in it as they run the corporate Palmer days there.
Synchromesh - not at all I always welcome advice as this is my second track day I am very much a novice and appreciate I have a lot to learn. I am aware of heal and toe and blipping the throttle on the down changes to rev match but I have not been able to master it. I have the Leven pedals so I will adjust them to better position for heal and toe. My friend with a Griff locally has also watched the video and cringed at the down changing so he has promised to teach me!
griffdude - Yeah I am not sure what happened to the camera, I agree it is far too low. there here is the last video which is a much better position: http://youtu.be/ZfenSiJ1R7o
GlynMo - Yes I was quite surprised. Just as well as it was hot in the cabin after a few laps
mk1fan - Yes I really enjoyed Bedford, it is a fantastic circuit and I will be back!
The Moosehunter - Thank you for you kind comments and yes you are spot on about the corners, that is an area I need to improve on. The instructor said exactly the same thing about turning in to tightly and not letting the car run out further on the exit, he was explaining about straightening the corner by letting the car run to the opposite side of the curb. I think being a novice I like to turn in harder to see where the limit is safe in the knowledge I have plenty of room left if I get into difficulty. Not going to be able to make the Growl this year unfortunately
simonwedge - cheers, maybe see you out sometime
5.0ltr - All joking aside the facilities at Bedford are fantastic, I was surprised I left the canteen as the food was great. I think Bedford has had a lot of money invested in it as they run the corporate Palmer days there.
Synchromesh - not at all I always welcome advice as this is my second track day I am very much a novice and appreciate I have a lot to learn. I am aware of heal and toe and blipping the throttle on the down changes to rev match but I have not been able to master it. I have the Leven pedals so I will adjust them to better position for heal and toe. My friend with a Griff locally has also watched the video and cringed at the down changing so he has promised to teach me!
griffdude - Yeah I am not sure what happened to the camera, I agree it is far too low. there here is the last video which is a much better position: http://youtu.be/ZfenSiJ1R7o
phazed said:
Nice write up Mathew, hope you enjoyed your passenger ride
If you're up for a bit of heel and toeing tuition at the next TD just give me a shout.
Hi Peter, yes very much enjoyed the passenger ride, thanks for that. The suspension setup and tyres on yours make a massive difference and was very impressed you were keeping up with the GT3RS 911 thing on the straights! I probably won't be spending any money on my suspension just yet as I think the money would be better invested in gaining more experience doing more track days. If you wouldn't mind giving a bit a tuition at the next one that would be great, it really is something I should master. I do warn you I have fists of ham and clown feet!If you're up for a bit of heel and toeing tuition at the next TD just give me a shout.
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