PH Trackdayers, would you rather have...
Discussion
A-ish for me.
This is mine. Bike engine revs to 13,800rpm. It has been, up-to now at least, very high maintenance but that’s mostly (I hope) because its new, basically bespoke and therefore “in development.” However, I’m planning to road register It over the winter - a bit of road testing is helpful, the lad will like being picked-up from school in it and South Wales has some great roads...
With two kids, daily is a newest-style Renault Trafic Combi which I can hose out to rid it of Pombears and Yo-Yos. It also tows the little car brilliantly.
This is mine. Bike engine revs to 13,800rpm. It has been, up-to now at least, very high maintenance but that’s mostly (I hope) because its new, basically bespoke and therefore “in development.” However, I’m planning to road register It over the winter - a bit of road testing is helpful, the lad will like being picked-up from school in it and South Wales has some great roads...
With two kids, daily is a newest-style Renault Trafic Combi which I can hose out to rid it of Pombears and Yo-Yos. It also tows the little car brilliantly.
It depends, and I suspect the cars are owned by different types of people.
Car A is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who wants to go racing, but either doesn't have the talent or the budget. They probably also like sharing photos of their 'hardcore' track car on Instagram and internet trackday/owners groups. They likely bought Recaro seats, a Bandit helmet and Alpinestars gloves because it made them feel a bit more like a racer. They've basically ruined their car for anything other than track driving by doing things like ripping out aircon and fitting plexi windows. Trackdays are their only hobby, where 90% of their spare cash/time goes on upgrades to make them 'go faster'. They are the guys who are constantly telling everyone how they go through a set of tyres and pads a day, because they are pushing so hard.
Car B is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who doesn't feel the need to time themselves on track, and treats it more like a fun, occasional day out. They use their car for lots of things (NC500, roadtrips etc.), and have no ambitions of being a racing driver. This person probably has a wide range of hobbies, and trackdays are a bit more of a social event or a way to unwind after a stressful time at work/home.
If you hadn't guessed, I'm firmly in the Car B camp. My track car has aircon, a nice stereo and is generally a comfortable place to be for a few hours at a time.
Car A is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who wants to go racing, but either doesn't have the talent or the budget. They probably also like sharing photos of their 'hardcore' track car on Instagram and internet trackday/owners groups. They likely bought Recaro seats, a Bandit helmet and Alpinestars gloves because it made them feel a bit more like a racer. They've basically ruined their car for anything other than track driving by doing things like ripping out aircon and fitting plexi windows. Trackdays are their only hobby, where 90% of their spare cash/time goes on upgrades to make them 'go faster'. They are the guys who are constantly telling everyone how they go through a set of tyres and pads a day, because they are pushing so hard.
Car B is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who doesn't feel the need to time themselves on track, and treats it more like a fun, occasional day out. They use their car for lots of things (NC500, roadtrips etc.), and have no ambitions of being a racing driver. This person probably has a wide range of hobbies, and trackdays are a bit more of a social event or a way to unwind after a stressful time at work/home.
If you hadn't guessed, I'm firmly in the Car B camp. My track car has aircon, a nice stereo and is generally a comfortable place to be for a few hours at a time.
Edited by C70R on Monday 19th October 10:18
C70R said:
It depends, and I suspect the cars are owned by different types of people.
Car A is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who wants to go racing, but either doesn't have the talent or the budget. They probably also like sharing photos of their 'hardcore' track car on Instagram and internet trackday/owners groups. They likely bought Recaro seats, a Bandit helmet and Alpinestars gloves because it made them feel a bit more like a racer. They've basically ruined their car for anything other than track driving by doing things like ripping out aircon and fitting plexi windows. Trackdays are their only hobby, where 90% of their spare cash/time goes on upgrades to make them 'go faster'. They are the guys who are constantly telling everyone how they go through a set of tyres and pads a day, because they are pushing so hard.
Car B is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who doesn't feel the need to time themselves on track, and treats it more like a fun, occasional day out. They use their car for lots of things (NC500, roadtrips etc.), and have no ambitions of being a racing driver. This person probably has a wide range of hobbies, and trackdays are a bit more of a social event or a way to unwind after a stressful time at work/home.
If you hadn't guessed, I'm firmly in the Car B camp. My track car has aircon, a nice stereo and is generally a comfortable place to be for a few hours at a time.
Condescending waffle. Look down your nose much.Car A is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who wants to go racing, but either doesn't have the talent or the budget. They probably also like sharing photos of their 'hardcore' track car on Instagram and internet trackday/owners groups. They likely bought Recaro seats, a Bandit helmet and Alpinestars gloves because it made them feel a bit more like a racer. They've basically ruined their car for anything other than track driving by doing things like ripping out aircon and fitting plexi windows. Trackdays are their only hobby, where 90% of their spare cash/time goes on upgrades to make them 'go faster'. They are the guys who are constantly telling everyone how they go through a set of tyres and pads a day, because they are pushing so hard.
Car B is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who doesn't feel the need to time themselves on track, and treats it more like a fun, occasional day out. They use their car for lots of things (NC500, roadtrips etc.), and have no ambitions of being a racing driver. This person probably has a wide range of hobbies, and trackdays are a bit more of a social event or a way to unwind after a stressful time at work/home.
If you hadn't guessed, I'm firmly in the Car B camp. My track car has aircon, a nice stereo and is generally a comfortable place to be for a few hours at a time.
Edited by C70R on Monday 19th October 10:18
C70R said:
Car A is owned by the kind of bloke/girl who wants to go racing, but either doesn't have the talent or the budget. They probably also like sharing photos of their 'hardcore' track car on Instagram and internet trackday/owners groups. They likely bought Recaro seats, a Bandit helmet and Alpinestars gloves because it made them feel a bit more like a racer. They've basically ruined their car for anything other than track driving by doing things like ripping out aircon and fitting plexi windows. Trackdays are their only hobby, where 90% of their spare cash/time goes on upgrades to make them 'go faster'. They are the guys who are constantly telling everyone how they go through a set of tyres and pads a day, because they are pushing so hard.
Nice try, I nearly fell for it. You can't be that bitter and pissed off as to make childish assumptive and sweeping generalisations about an entire demographic. No way.I am B but I generally don't recognise A as you describe it.
I think people are more inclined towards A if they like to tinker - when the whole modifying of/working on the car is part of that person's hobby.
I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
braddo said:
I think people are more inclined towards A if they like to tinker - when the whole modifying of/working on the car is part of that person's hobby.
I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
Indeed. I'm not a tinkerer at all. I give my car to a competent mechanic, then show up at the track, switch the wheels and drive the pants off it.I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
B, for me,
I also know too many people, who have started with a B car and regretted developing it into an A car, because they no longer enjoyed it a s a weekend toy (noise, vibrations, harsh ride etc).
Most of those people obviously wanted an A car, but ended up needing something else for the weekend smiles.
I also know too many people, who have started with a B car and regretted developing it into an A car, because they no longer enjoyed it a s a weekend toy (noise, vibrations, harsh ride etc).
Most of those people obviously wanted an A car, but ended up needing something else for the weekend smiles.
CABC said:
car B will be too heavy and miss the thrill of A. You can't go back once you've felt both. Even a GT86 feels compromised on track, and that's just weight as the chassis really shines once unleashed.
Car A - Caterham
Car B - Elise
Car C - IS-F, XFR
I'd say there's a category between B and C which is the most popular choice on trackdays, the hot hatch.Car A - Caterham
Car B - Elise
Car C - IS-F, XFR
Surely it's the ideal compromise between having something that weighs 1200-1300kg and below while retaining some creature comforts?
Obviously not the purists' choice, but life is all about compromise.
braddo said:
I think people are more inclined towards A if they like to tinker - when the whole modifying of/working on the car is part of that person's hobby.
I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
I am currently in Camp B, because i don't have the space for A. But I have been toying with the Idea of A - but i cannot even get off my interior trim without struggling, so will have to work with a shop to maintain A. I have liked that side of things in theory, but in reality I don't have the skill, or time, or space to do it. And then I found that I didn't actually enjoy doing that kind of stuff because even small jobs can soak up hours that I would much rather be spending doing actual driving!
If I had a car which I could never be sure if I'll get even 100 miles of track driving on a track day, and I might be spending most of that day fixing it or chasing down a hard-to-diagnose issue, I would go crazy and sell it.
In the end, i've decided that i will stick to B but maybe get better seats etc, but basically focus on becoming a better driver by taking instruction etc.
It all depends on what someone's goals are - your post certainly give me thought about whether i would really enjoy A, even though i love the idea of a dedicated track car.
The other aspect is versatility. The better a car is on track, the worse it is on the road. Fine if you only track it locally or want to go through the hassle of a trailer but for me a big part of the fun is the destination. I love the variety and I really need a car that is pleasant to drive to Spa or the Ring or even Cadwell in 2 weeks, which is only 200 miles away.
If getting there spoils the fun then it can quickly start to defeat the object.
If getting there spoils the fun then it can quickly start to defeat the object.
Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 20th October 17:58
since my A car went pop i'm mulling over what to do next.
i'm heading towards a hybrid situation:
- own B car for tracks further away, to enjoy new destinations and get a regular fix
- occasionally hire an A car. can't beat a race prepped lightweight! costs look high, but we all know the truth about building an A car ourselves.
i'm a driver not good with spanners and pay mechanics, so that's not cheap. nonetheless i really enjoyed building my A car, it was a great journey feeling the progressive difference of each mod. a great learning experience. priceless. eventually i'll embark on another journey.
i'm heading towards a hybrid situation:
- own B car for tracks further away, to enjoy new destinations and get a regular fix
- occasionally hire an A car. can't beat a race prepped lightweight! costs look high, but we all know the truth about building an A car ourselves.
i'm a driver not good with spanners and pay mechanics, so that's not cheap. nonetheless i really enjoyed building my A car, it was a great journey feeling the progressive difference of each mod. a great learning experience. priceless. eventually i'll embark on another journey.
nickfrog said:
The other aspect is versatility. The better a car is on track, the worse it is on the road. Fine if you only track it locally or want to go through the hassle of a trailer but for me a big part of the fun is the destination. I love the variety and I really need a car that is pleasant to drive to Spa or the Ring or even Cadwell in 2 weeks, which is only 200 miles away.
If getting there spoils the fun then it can quickly start to defeat the object.
I think that for some people, like Nigel with the crazy Golf, the thing that you or I consider faff in getting there (trailers, spares etc.) is a big part of the fun.If getting there spoils the fun then it can quickly start to defeat the object.
Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 20th October 17:58
C70R said:
I think that for some people, like Nigel with the crazy Golf, the thing that you or I consider faff in getting there (trailers, spares etc.) is a big part of the fun.
Very true. I love the pic where most of the engine's top end is in bits in the car park. I can't even be bothered changing wheels more than twice a year so the admiration (and probably envy!!!!) that I have for people like Nigel are huge.nickfrog said:
C70R said:
I think that for some people, like Nigel with the crazy Golf, the thing that you or I consider faff in getting there (trailers, spares etc.) is a big part of the fun.
Very true. I love the pic where most of the engine's top end is in bits in the car park. I can't even be bothered changing wheels more than twice a year so the admiration (and probably envy!!!!) that I have for people like Nigel are huge.I'm at Cadwell on the 2nd and I'm praying for rain so I can run my road PS4s rather than have to dig my R888R-shod track wheels out of storage...
C70R said:
Indeed!
I'm at Cadwell on the 2nd and I'm praying for rain so I can run my road PS4s rather than have to dig my R888R-shod track wheels out of storage...
A quick question, I understand that trackdays are open in the winter - what tires do folks run? I am on PS4s, which have been okay on the track as its my dual duty car.I'm at Cadwell on the 2nd and I'm praying for rain so I can run my road PS4s rather than have to dig my R888R-shod track wheels out of storage...
Will it work okay as the temperatures drop towards zero at the end of november. As i understand these summer tires are not to be run at close to freezing temperatures......but then again i am a total newbie.
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