Quick Question on Track Day

[SteveJA360]

Hello

Im an avid F1/car fan, and thought at the ripe old age of 19 (soon to be 20) i need to have a go in a fast car. Not a good looking or technical car, no, i want the fast car. Obviously with the maximum buget of £200 pounds its not going to be a all day thing, but i have spotteed this and am thinking about this

http://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/driving-d...

I thought i would ask you chaps, since this is my first time, and wondered if i am making a mistake or there is better offers elsewhere.

Thanks in advance
Steve.

[Herman Toothrot]

My friend did the Exige day at Silverstone and although he said time driving was minimal he was only encouraged to push it harder and harder with very good instruction. I'd say that is preferable to driving a ferrari or similar and only being allow to use 4th gear under certain revs etc like some places apparently do.

If you only wanted to passenger I'd ask any track day regular if they'll sign you in as a passenger (usually £20 or free depending on company) and then they can take you round or any other friendly sorts on the day (usually people are more than happy to give people passenger rides, I've been in bike engined Caterfields, 911 turbos, Exiges, 500bhp Supras etc simily by asking other attendees for a ride and equally I must have take a dozen or more strangers out over the years).

[Kiwi XTR2]

I have no experience of those particular cars but I do know of some similar single-seater experience cars that are heavily governed and difficult to get up to any real speed. They are probably a decent thrill for someone with limited track experience but may be disappointing for those with a lot of experience.

[mrmr96]

I'd recommend not going in a simgle seater if you want to go fast. Here's why:

I did the Palmersport day at beford autodrome and they have some two seater le mans looking cars, plus single seaters which use the same engine and suspension I think. Despite the two seater being heavier, and having me and instructor in it I still went faster than in teh single seater.

Why?

Because having someone scream in your ear (intercom in helment) "go, go, go, go, keep going, stay wide, don't brake, wait.... BRAKE HARD!!!! and Ease off, and IN, IN, IN, feed it out, wait, roll the throttle on.. and, FULL POWER GO GO GO.." etc made a massive difference to my 'bravery' through the corners and general speed etc.

He knows what the car can do, and you only have a limited time to learn. Having someone coaching is worth having them sat in the car.

HTH

[jamest]

I have done a couple of the circuit experience days, including a single seater one, and they were disappointing - limited time on track and often the cars are rev limited. The Palmersport day is the exception but they cost in the region of £7-800 so a fair way beyond your budget. I would recommend taking a look at the experience days that Caterham offer, you will get much more time on track, a well prep'd car that you can drive hard (so long as you can demonstrate you have some ability)and good instruction. I believe Caterham use these primarily to sell the cars rather than trying to make a profit on the day itself so better value compared to those run by the circuits.

[SteveJA360]

Thank you very much for the replies!

I must admit i love the look of that caterham half day thing, still a fair tad over my buget, but maybe it can move :P.

What is the caterham like to drive? very quick go cart i imagine.

[TheDeadPrussian]

You'll really enjoy the Caterham day/half day, but you should also realise that time in the car will be somewhat limited. Each participant takes turns at driving.
The days themselves are very well organised and the Caterham guys and girls really know their stuff - lots of current racers help out on the days.

To drive, the cars are fantastic, lightweight, responsive and RWD - everything you want really. There are few cars that can teach you as much about car control - understeer, oversteer, braking, turning etc....

I've done the Drift Day package (twice) and ended up buying a car (the day is a very effective sales pitch, but not in the normal sense, as the cars sell themselves) and I am now competing in the Caterham Academy this year.
They are addictive - be warned!