Booked my ARDS Test
Discussion
Eventually after years of saying "I'll do it this year" I have finally decided to take the plunge and have my ARDS test booked at Knockhill in 2 weeks.
Doing a bit of research on the test etc and apart from Flags (100% needed) the other questions seem a bit common sense? Is that sound reasoning?
Anyone done the test at Knockhill recently?
Hoping to rent a Fiesta Xr2 for at least 1 round over the summer to dip my toe into the world of racing before deciding what to do for next year.
Cheers
Doing a bit of research on the test etc and apart from Flags (100% needed) the other questions seem a bit common sense? Is that sound reasoning?
Anyone done the test at Knockhill recently?
Hoping to rent a Fiesta Xr2 for at least 1 round over the summer to dip my toe into the world of racing before deciding what to do for next year.
Cheers
I did my Ards at Knockhill last year.
The test is pretty much common sense and there's a fair bit of going over everything you need to know on the day. Study your flags - you should know them anyway - and watch the msa dvd/film. Your examiner will try to give you all the help you need before you sit the paper. The driving assessment isn't balls out, it's just to show you have a reasonable idea of lines and that you're not a liability! Again, the examiner wants to help you get through this.
Remember to take a passport pic with you for the form, they won't stamp it if you don't.
As for renting an xr2 - how about I sell you my st?
Seriously though, if it's an xr2 you're looking at then speak to Paul Curtis (I can put you in touch) or look up Enertec Racing on Facebook. Enertec is run by a guy called Kristian, he has several xr2's (looked after by Paul). Kristian and Paul are both straightforward and honest guys.
Edit to add link; https://facebook.com/enertecracing/
Good luck
The test is pretty much common sense and there's a fair bit of going over everything you need to know on the day. Study your flags - you should know them anyway - and watch the msa dvd/film. Your examiner will try to give you all the help you need before you sit the paper. The driving assessment isn't balls out, it's just to show you have a reasonable idea of lines and that you're not a liability! Again, the examiner wants to help you get through this.
Remember to take a passport pic with you for the form, they won't stamp it if you don't.
As for renting an xr2 - how about I sell you my st?
Seriously though, if it's an xr2 you're looking at then speak to Paul Curtis (I can put you in touch) or look up Enertec Racing on Facebook. Enertec is run by a guy called Kristian, he has several xr2's (looked after by Paul). Kristian and Paul are both straightforward and honest guys.
Edit to add link; https://facebook.com/enertecracing/
Good luck
Edited by Rockatansky on Sunday 7th January 20:04
Rockatansky said:
I did my Ards at Knockhill last year.
The test is pretty much common sense and there's a fair bit of going over everything you need to know on the day. Study your flags - you should know them anyway - and watch the msa dvd/film. Your examiner will try to give you all the help you need before you sit the paper. The driving assessment isn't balls out, it's just to show you have a reasonable idea of lines and that you're not a liability! Again, the examiner wants to help you get through this.
Remember to take a passport pic with you for the form, they won't stamp it if you don't.
As for renting an xr2 - how about I sell you my st?
Seriously though, if it's an xr2 you're looking at then speak to Paul Curtis (I can put you in touch) or look up Enertec Racing on Facebook. Enertec is run by a guy called Kristian, he has several xr2's (looked after by Paul). Kristian and Paul are both straightforward and honest guys.
Good luck
Awesome cheers for the help,The test is pretty much common sense and there's a fair bit of going over everything you need to know on the day. Study your flags - you should know them anyway - and watch the msa dvd/film. Your examiner will try to give you all the help you need before you sit the paper. The driving assessment isn't balls out, it's just to show you have a reasonable idea of lines and that you're not a liability! Again, the examiner wants to help you get through this.
Remember to take a passport pic with you for the form, they won't stamp it if you don't.
As for renting an xr2 - how about I sell you my st?
Seriously though, if it's an xr2 you're looking at then speak to Paul Curtis (I can put you in touch) or look up Enertec Racing on Facebook. Enertec is run by a guy called Kristian, he has several xr2's (looked after by Paul). Kristian and Paul are both straightforward and honest guys.
Good luck
I don't think i'd get away with buying a car this year (getting married in September) and xr2's seemed the easiest/cheapest way in to renting just now.
I've been in touch with Enertech already, just waiting on a reply with pricing etc so hopefully soon.
Duncan90 said:
Eventually after years of saying "I'll do it this year" I have finally decided to take the plunge and have my ARDS test booked at Knockhill in 2 weeks.
Doing a bit of research on the test etc and apart from Flags (100% needed) the other questions seem a bit common sense? Is that sound reasoning?
Anyone done the test at Knockhill recently?
Hoping to rent a Fiesta Xr2 for at least 1 round over the summer to dip my toe into the world of racing before deciding what to do for next year.
Cheers
Hope this helps and good luck! Doing a bit of research on the test etc and apart from Flags (100% needed) the other questions seem a bit common sense? Is that sound reasoning?
Anyone done the test at Knockhill recently?
Hoping to rent a Fiesta Xr2 for at least 1 round over the summer to dip my toe into the world of racing before deciding what to do for next year.
Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLrH8NnL2a8
It's been a while since I did it, but I found this. 
If you click to zoom in, you'll just about be able to read it..
I did only one track day in a semi quick car before I booked the test, I had been riding bikes for years. I had no instruction and passed first time.
It is not hard, you don't have to prove you are the fastest driver on the track, just know what you are doing.
I came 3rd in my class, first race in the wet. In a car I built that had niggles.I'd never tested that car on the track I'd raced.
Only a quick shake down for ten laps after building it before entering my first race event.
I made the mistake of thinking I was a natural and wanted to enter a faster class, sold the car and bought another.
Big difference.. racing with ex karting champions etc.
I beat several guys in this faster class with the slower car years earlier.
When I got the quicker car, most the enthusiasts had stopped racing, the grid was made up 95% of seasoned racers, instructors etc..
I don't think I ever came last, I did beat a championship winner from a similar formula in the same car, just never got beyond mid field in the one make series. Even though my fastest lap was 10ths of 4th, same driver won the championship the following year. Pick wisely.
If you've not looked into properly yet? Make sure when you rent a car / arrive and drive what your liabilities are. The pace I raced at, crash damage, tyres and engine failures are not covered by the team. Insurance had some exclusions too, and big excess. I owned my cars for this very reason. If I had a bad shunt I could park it up for a while. I was also wary I might be driving a tired engine and pick up the tab.
Great fun, big learning curve and stopped before I got to where I wanted as the money was getting silly the faster I started to get.
I wish I'd race 2 stroke karts first, have since tested with a team who gave me some pointers. Not much point in my view using up expensive slicks and engine rebuilds when the race craft can be improved cheaper first. Even race simulators (proper ones) can help with race lines etc and some of the basics.
Good luck, you'll love it. Don't get so hooked you forget what your budget is
If you click to zoom in, you'll just about be able to read it..
I did only one track day in a semi quick car before I booked the test, I had been riding bikes for years. I had no instruction and passed first time.
It is not hard, you don't have to prove you are the fastest driver on the track, just know what you are doing.
I came 3rd in my class, first race in the wet. In a car I built that had niggles.I'd never tested that car on the track I'd raced.
Only a quick shake down for ten laps after building it before entering my first race event.
I made the mistake of thinking I was a natural and wanted to enter a faster class, sold the car and bought another.
Big difference.. racing with ex karting champions etc.
I beat several guys in this faster class with the slower car years earlier.
When I got the quicker car, most the enthusiasts had stopped racing, the grid was made up 95% of seasoned racers, instructors etc..
I don't think I ever came last, I did beat a championship winner from a similar formula in the same car, just never got beyond mid field in the one make series. Even though my fastest lap was 10ths of 4th, same driver won the championship the following year. Pick wisely.
If you've not looked into properly yet? Make sure when you rent a car / arrive and drive what your liabilities are. The pace I raced at, crash damage, tyres and engine failures are not covered by the team. Insurance had some exclusions too, and big excess. I owned my cars for this very reason. If I had a bad shunt I could park it up for a while. I was also wary I might be driving a tired engine and pick up the tab.
Great fun, big learning curve and stopped before I got to where I wanted as the money was getting silly the faster I started to get.
I wish I'd race 2 stroke karts first, have since tested with a team who gave me some pointers. Not much point in my view using up expensive slicks and engine rebuilds when the race craft can be improved cheaper first. Even race simulators (proper ones) can help with race lines etc and some of the basics.
Good luck, you'll love it. Don't get so hooked you forget what your budget is
Edited by BusLane on Monday 8th January 07:04
Have a look at this guy's youtube channel, will give you some insight as to what happens....
Tempted to do it myself !
https://youtu.be/kz3lt1-2gD8
Tempted to do it myself !
https://youtu.be/kz3lt1-2gD8
So after the whole snowed off thing in January and the re-book of February I've got my test next week
Just had my medical re validated and had a few refreshes of the book/DVD.
Am I expected to be able to heel and toe properly on the test? I know how to do it/the theory behind it but the only manual car in the household is a Smart car and it doesn't seem to have the best pedal placement for it so struggled to get the technique right.
Thanks
Just had my medical re validated and had a few refreshes of the book/DVD.
Am I expected to be able to heel and toe properly on the test? I know how to do it/the theory behind it but the only manual car in the household is a Smart car and it doesn't seem to have the best pedal placement for it so struggled to get the technique right.
Thanks
Kraken said:
There's no need to heel and toe. All they are interested in is are you safe on track and can you maintain a respectable speed.
This. Just be consistent and safe, unpredictability will not go down well.
Your examiner will guide you, it's not a tough assessment and they want you to pass.
Duncan90 said:
All passed ??
Was a really good day with some great coaching on track and even in a few laps learnt so much.
Now to find my way in the motorsport world
Glad you got there, it's not as daunting as it seems, is it? Was a really good day with some great coaching on track and even in a few laps learnt so much.
Now to find my way in the motorsport world
I guess Graham took the course that day. He's a really easy going guy and - like the other examiners - is keen on you passing. That said, I do know he's failed a few this year....
What are you seeing yourself racing?
Rockatansky said:
Glad you got there, it's not as daunting as it seems, is it?
I guess Graham took the course that day. He's a really easy going guy and - like the other examiners - is keen on you passing. That said, I do know he's failed a few this year....
What are you seeing yourself racing?
I’ll be honest in saying I can’t remember all the instructors namesI guess Graham took the course that day. He's a really easy going guy and - like the other examiners - is keen on you passing. That said, I do know he's failed a few this year....
What are you seeing yourself racing?
There was 3 of us and only 2 driving instructors so I was with 2 group so it took a bit longer etc but all in all a great day that seemed more about learning than an out and out exam.
I was planning on getting a car for the hot hatch championship but it doesn’t look like it’s subscribed at all so at a bit of loss on that one. Getting married in September so I’ll re-evaluate after that I think. Maybe see if anyone has a car to hire for the last round just to get my foot in the door
The hot hatch series has definitely not taken off. As far as I know there is one registered competitor but, to date, there hasn't been a single car out in the class.
On the plus side, fiesta st numbers have been a bit healthier this year. I can put you in touch with Paul Curtis if you fancy a shot at that, he runs a lot of the cars. Either that or contact the drivers rep Hamish Smart, he's got all the info and contacts. His details should be on the smrc website.
On the plus side, fiesta st numbers have been a bit healthier this year. I can put you in touch with Paul Curtis if you fancy a shot at that, he runs a lot of the cars. Either that or contact the drivers rep Hamish Smart, he's got all the info and contacts. His details should be on the smrc website.
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