Driver training/trackday

[jackp88]

Alright chaps

I've got around £500 to spend on a trackday/driver training. I don't want to use my own car really. However, after some research there are blokes that will meet you at your desired circuit (or one that they use) and spend the whole day with you in your own car. This would interest me but I'm really wanting something rear wheel drive and track orientated (I driver a Renaultsport Megane RS).

I've seen what looks like a cracking day in a Caterham. X6 15min sessions with an instructor for the full day. By the end of a day like this you will have surely got some great driving experiences and improved on your skills ten-fold. Other than this, there seems to be a massive gap between £500-£1000.

Has anyone done something like this or know of any others?

Cheers

Jack

[CABC]

I found the Caterham Circuit Driver experience great value. it's a somewhat intense despite only driving 25% of the time (as you say 6x15mins, i.e. 4 drivers per car), mostly because caterhams are raw and noisy. we had intercoms that simply didn't work. I did learn a lot, but maybe not as much as you're hoping for? Instruction is difficult in the noise and once you've finished the next driver hops in. And of course, you don't want to come in early for a chat, do you?!
Best instruction I've had was in a tin top, that I was already familiar with. from that familiarity and relatively peaceful cabin the instructor could work with me. I achieved more.

you could hire Javelin's MX5, along with a day instructor (maybe shared). what he couldn't tell you while driving (if noisy) he could explain out of the car. communication gets better each session and soon it becomes just a few words and hand signals that you understand.

[mko9]

Possibly unhelpful, but about 10 years ago I did an event with Palmer at Snetterton. I thought it was pretty good quality instruction, so my wife did it about a year later. You spent the morning in a Vauxhall VX220, then the afternoon in your own car. I have no idea if Palmer still runs a course like that. I would say that there is value to spending at least some time in your own car on the circuit, even more so because your daily driver is very different from a RWD car. I was driving a FWD car, too. The difference in technique for adjusting your line mid-corner is considerable, for example. I certainly understand wanting to experience something well suited to being on track, that you also don't really have any liability for, but I would argue for at least some time in your own car.

[jackp88]

After speaking to various different people on this and some feedback on here, the general consensus seems to be book a trackday in your own car and have tuition on the day.

I am more than happy to do this as I just want some real quality training from someone and get the best bang for buck. And I guess learning your own car to the best of your ability is also a huge bonus.

As I am now considering this route, does anyone have any recommendations on names of instructors or companies that are renowned for top draw tuition?

Cheers

[ScoobyChris]

I’ve visited Don Palmer a few times and done his Car Control course. Learnt a lot, applicable to both track and road driving and have recommended to a few people over the years who have all enjoyed it.

http://www.donpalmer.co.uk/car-control.html

Chris

[vonhosen]

ScoobyChris said:

I’ve visited Don Palmer a few times and done his Car Control course. Learnt a lot, applicable to both track and road driving and have recommended to a few people over the years who have all enjoyed it.

http://www.donpalmer.co.uk/car-control.html

Chris

Budget for new tyres as well!

[ScoobyChris]

vonhosen said:

Budget for new tyres as well!

I did it in the winter months when it was nice and slippery

Chris

[cwin]

jackp88 said:

Alright chaps

I've got around £500 to spend on a trackday/driver training. I don't want to use my own car really. However, after some research there are blokes that will meet you at your desired circuit (or one that they use) and spend the whole day with you in your own car. This would interest me but I'm really wanting something rear wheel drive and track orientated (I driver a Renaultsport Megane RS).

I've seen what looks like a cracking day in a Caterham. X6 15min sessions with an instructor for the full day. By the end of a day like this you will have surely got some great driving experiences and improved on your skills ten-fold. Other than this, there seems to be a massive gap between £500-£1000.

Has anyone done something like this or know of any others?

Cheers

Jack

Hi Jack

Did you get sorted with this as I have a great suggestion

[jackp88]

Nope still looking...

[cwin]

I'll pm you tomorrow

[jackp88]

Cheers

[cwin]

jackp88 said:

Cheers

I've tried to message you but it's bounced back, do you have a email address please or pm me your email details please,,,