Second gear? Donnington park and others
Discussion
Will I need second gear for the Donnington park national circuit. Car is a Mondeo ST220. As long as I can keep it above 50mph on the bends I won't need second as the gear tops out at 60mph anyway. I know it's only going to be a rough guide but what do people think? Am I going to be taking any corners much under 50? I've tried looking on YouTube at a few cars doing laps but can't make my mind up. Also any other circuits where 2nd isn't going to be required?
GreigM said:
I'm assuming your gearbox is damaged. Would it not be sensible to avoid taking a car with a broken gearbox on track, given the large possibility of a breakdown and red-flag incident?
The synchro has gone but the total failure you describe is unlikely especially if second is avoided. Thanks to all for the input. Will probably get Donnington booked. 3rd will almost definitely be too high for the hairpin at Donington - was 2nd in my Clio 172.
I must admit it seems a weird thing to do to book a trackday when you know there's a problem with your car - fair enough having already booked a (non-refundable) trackday before your car breaks, but that's not the case here. Would it not be best to put your trackday budget (which will be several hundred quid once fuel is taken into account) towards getting the 'box sorted?
Each to their own though.
I must admit it seems a weird thing to do to book a trackday when you know there's a problem with your car - fair enough having already booked a (non-refundable) trackday before your car breaks, but that's not the case here. Would it not be best to put your trackday budget (which will be several hundred quid once fuel is taken into account) towards getting the 'box sorted?
Each to their own though.
_Neal_ said:
3rd will almost definitely be too high for the hairpin at Donington - was 2nd in my Clio 172.
I must admit it seems a weird thing to do to book a trackday when you know there's a problem with your car - fair enough having already booked a (non-refundable) trackday before your car breaks, but that's not the case here. Would it not be best to put your trackday budget (which will be several hundred quid once fuel is taken into account) towards getting the 'box sorted?
Each to their own though.
I'm unsure what to do with the car to be honest. I want to take it on a proper track to see what it's like before fixing it or choosing to break it for parts and get myself something else. Only been round curborough so far which isn't really full circuit. Donnington is my local track so if 2nd isn't required on the national circuit I was going to do an evening session or two to get a proper feel for the car before spending money which I will never get back again. It isn't my daily driver. I must admit it seems a weird thing to do to book a trackday when you know there's a problem with your car - fair enough having already booked a (non-refundable) trackday before your car breaks, but that's not the case here. Would it not be best to put your trackday budget (which will be several hundred quid once fuel is taken into account) towards getting the 'box sorted?
Each to their own though.
c_w said:
There is no hairpin at Donington, the slowest point is the chicane before the start/finish straight but still an easy 3rd gear.
See above - there certainly can be 
@OP - I see what you mean, and from the above (only driven the GP circuit myself) it sounds like you won't need 2nd. Give it a crack!
Edited by _Neal_ on Tuesday 4th June 11:40
_Neal_ said:
See above - there certainly can be
@OP - I see what you mean, and from the above (only driven the GP circuit myself) it sounds like you won't need 2nd. Give it a crack!
I really don't see why anyone, should take a car on track when they know it has a problem...if it breaks down, drivers loose track time, if it blows it's the same, if you went to a race meeting and the scrutinieers found it you would not be allowed on, so do yourself a favour and other drivers on the day..and don't run it buddy . @OP - I see what you mean, and from the above (only driven the GP circuit myself) it sounds like you won't need 2nd. Give it a crack!
Edited by _Neal_ on Tuesday 4th June 11:40
_Neal_ said:
See above - there certainly can be
@OP - I see what you mean, and from the above (only driven the GP circuit myself) it sounds like you won't need 2nd. Give it a crack!
Sorry yes you're right, I assume by talking about trackdays that it'd be the national circuit which I think most of Donington car days are?@OP - I see what you mean, and from the above (only driven the GP circuit myself) it sounds like you won't need 2nd. Give it a crack!
Edited by _Neal_ on Tuesday 4th June 11:40
Jon999 said:
I want to take it on a proper track to see what it's like before fixing it
As others are suggesting, I think your logic is a bit flawed.It's also a touch unfair on ther other people on the day if you are knowingly turning up with a car that has mechanical fault that might make you the cause of a red flag.
Wh00sher said:
A worn synchro from 3rd to 2nd on a circuit where you won`t use 2nd isn`t exactly a major issue IMO...
Hi Woosher, with all due respect, you can't tell from here, that's the problem, or this guys level of mechanical competence...trackdays are not test areas for vehicles with known faults, they are there for us to enjoy with our hard earned £'s....garages are there for this type of issue and that's what he should be booking into, not Donington Park !Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff