Billy no mates
Discussion
Most of my friends do not have a passion for cars or driving and probably wonder why I spend more than them on cars.
Over the next couple of years I would like to start doing track days and think it would be much more fun attending track days with like minded friends.
Where would be a good place to meet like minded people for track days or for a group drive? I am likely to own different cars over the coming years so a designated car forum like Renaultsport would be good whilst a have Megane but if I change this to a BMW then a VW then a..... .....then what?
Thanks
Speedy
Over the next couple of years I would like to start doing track days and think it would be much more fun attending track days with like minded friends.
Where would be a good place to meet like minded people for track days or for a group drive? I am likely to own different cars over the coming years so a designated car forum like Renaultsport would be good whilst a have Megane but if I change this to a BMW then a VW then a..... .....then what?
Thanks
Speedy
I didn't mean an on-line one-make forum - join a local multi-make club. That way whatever make of car you own in the future, you'll always be welcome. You can always register for the forum for whatever make/model whenever you change but if it's 'car mates' you're looking for, a local club is the way I'd go. Start by Googling 'local motor clubs uk'.
At one time most of my social life revolved around car clubs. I made many friends and had lots good times. I used to attend the Triumph owners club and I had an MGB!! They didn't mind at all. They were all car fans who just happened to have a Triumph. Of course there was a little bit of joking about it.
There were other members of clubs were I was a member who had no car at all but just liked a particular marque or were friends of someone else in the club. They just road shotgun when we went out for excursion or something.
Clubs do vary a lot, so I would just pop along a few times to one that takes your fancy and see how it goes.
There were other members of clubs were I was a member who had no car at all but just liked a particular marque or were friends of someone else in the club. They just road shotgun when we went out for excursion or something.
Clubs do vary a lot, so I would just pop along a few times to one that takes your fancy and see how it goes.
It's more about the driving than the car, but if you can get to Shaftesbury how about the PistonHeads Driving Day on the 3rd of May?
I was doing the usual Saturday random chinwag with a mate in his workshop yesterday and came across a few pictures of an RS200 whilst flicking through old photos, turned out that it was a random stranger on a track day. My mate had watched him do a couple of laps and went over to look at the car and have a chat, turned out the bloke was on his own because none of his mates or family were into cars and did it quite often. By the end of the day there were a few people in there helping to work on the car, lending parts and tools, going for passenger rides and just generally having a giggle.
So the answer is to buy something awesome and you'll never be lonely on a track day
So the answer is to buy something awesome and you'll never be lonely on a track day
Cliosport.net is a massive forum, there's a lot of people talking rubbish, but also a lot of knowledgable people on there
Also, if you looking for a Clio, the sales section on there is really cheap for some reason, people prefer to sell to other enthusiasts rather than on eBay etc
I did my first track day at Blyton Park last yr in my old 172, you'll be surprised at how many people say 'oh I'd like to do that', even if they appear to be not interested in cars
Also, if you looking for a Clio, the sales section on there is really cheap for some reason, people prefer to sell to other enthusiasts rather than on eBay etc
I did my first track day at Blyton Park last yr in my old 172, you'll be surprised at how many people say 'oh I'd like to do that', even if they appear to be not interested in cars
Miner49er said:
In my experience, track days are attended by lots of people on their own.
As long as you're happy to go and chat to other participants, you'll have a great time and won't feel awkward at all.
Agreed. I've done some with friends and some without. As long as you're happy to go and chat to other participants, you'll have a great time and won't feel awkward at all.
It is about the easiest social situation in the world to spark up a conversation - wander over, smile and say "nice car mate, how's it getting on today?". If the person is not wanting to chat, they'll give a quick answer before getting back on with what they were doing - fair enough. If they do, they'll wax lyrical about the car, ask you what you have and look over the cars. If you have different cars, giving each other passenger laps is always fun.
Word of warning though, when you give a passenger lap drive well within your capabilities and make it one of your cooler sessions. I had one experience at Bedford where I guy giving me a passenger lap literally drove at 11/10ths and really was all over the place - it scared me and I think scared him. I should have raised my hand to say I was not happy, but didn't until a high speed off which thankfully didn't end in contact... After rumbling back onto the black stuff I had to say "Can we go back in now, I'm really sorry but I'm a terrible passenger and the marshalls will want you to inspect the car..."
Also, if you are the t
t holding everyone up because you are slow in every corner (fine) but fast enough on the straights not to let anyone pass (not fine) don't expect a huge crowd waiting to get to know you better.To be fair though, they are pretty easy things to avoid doing so you should be fine!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff