TVR track experience
Discussion
Hi all,
Seriously want to do track days in my Chim, but thought i would look for some instruction first. I've just found this site www.driversdreamdays.co.uk/product.asp?id=177
sounds like not a bad price, and i get to thrash someone elses Trev until i get the hang of things.
Any comments, anyone done this?
Cheers,
cic
Seriously want to do track days in my Chim, but thought i would look for some instruction first. I've just found this site www.driversdreamdays.co.uk/product.asp?id=177
sounds like not a bad price, and i get to thrash someone elses Trev until i get the hang of things.
Any comments, anyone done this?
Cheers,
cic
6-8 laps for £169 is unlikely to teach you a whole lot. Never heard of them and know nothing about the course but it looks like it's aimed at someone who just wants to get behind the wheel of a Griff rather than for someone who wants to learn about track driving.
IMHO I would suggest you take your own car on a course such as the car limits one or go on an airfield day and sign up for some instruction. Basically, you want to go somewhere where you can have a spin and not damage your car and be with someone who can explain what was/is happening to the car so that you can learn how to recognise and control it on the edge of grip. Track days on proper tracks will then be much more fun and less likely to result in damage.
Enjoy the learning experience - it has been the most enjoyable part of having a TVR for me and after 20 years of driving I've really enjoyed learning all over again. HTH.
IMHO I would suggest you take your own car on a course such as the car limits one or go on an airfield day and sign up for some instruction. Basically, you want to go somewhere where you can have a spin and not damage your car and be with someone who can explain what was/is happening to the car so that you can learn how to recognise and control it on the edge of grip. Track days on proper tracks will then be much more fun and less likely to result in damage.
Enjoy the learning experience - it has been the most enjoyable part of having a TVR for me and after 20 years of driving I've really enjoyed learning all over again. HTH.
That sounds like very few laps for you money. The TVR Car Club trackdays are anywhere between £100 and 150 for the day, and there are instructors on hand to come out with you - and they're included free in the price.
I had similar concerns, so picked my first trackday carefully - I chose Castle Combe as it was fairly close and was wide with large-ish run off areas around *most* of the track. That way I had some hope of avoiding bending the car, and it wasn't too far to limp home if I felt it was all a bit much.
To be honest, I learned more from chatting to the other Tiv drivers there than I did from the instructors. Having spent the morning positively terrified of bending the car, or someone elses, towards the middle of the day it all started to click into place, I got faster, more confident, and thoroughly enjoyed the latter part of the day. When I got home, I booked another!
The other alternative would be something like a full days tuition from www.ridedrive.co.uk, something quite a lot of PHers have done, and includes track time, but also covers road craft.
HTH.
I had similar concerns, so picked my first trackday carefully - I chose Castle Combe as it was fairly close and was wide with large-ish run off areas around *most* of the track. That way I had some hope of avoiding bending the car, and it wasn't too far to limp home if I felt it was all a bit much.
To be honest, I learned more from chatting to the other Tiv drivers there than I did from the instructors. Having spent the morning positively terrified of bending the car, or someone elses, towards the middle of the day it all started to click into place, I got faster, more confident, and thoroughly enjoyed the latter part of the day. When I got home, I booked another!
The other alternative would be something like a full days tuition from www.ridedrive.co.uk, something quite a lot of PHers have done, and includes track time, but also covers road craft.
HTH.
Cic,
Definitely do it. I've done one in the Chim 4.5 and it was great. You definitely get more of a feel for the car. I'd recommend air-field days. There is generally nothing to hit when (not if) you get it wrong and they are cheaper than a track day. Downsides are they are harder on the tyres and you can get a few more stone-chips if you follow other cars as the surface is not "swept" by other cars as much as a circuit would be.
As for general advice, get some time with an instructor as soon as you can. All track days do them. For anything else, do a search on PH on how to get your car ready. There are loads of posts.
Good luck!
Rob
Definitely do it. I've done one in the Chim 4.5 and it was great. You definitely get more of a feel for the car. I'd recommend air-field days. There is generally nothing to hit when (not if) you get it wrong and they are cheaper than a track day. Downsides are they are harder on the tyres and you can get a few more stone-chips if you follow other cars as the surface is not "swept" by other cars as much as a circuit would be.
As for general advice, get some time with an instructor as soon as you can. All track days do them. For anything else, do a search on PH on how to get your car ready. There are loads of posts.
Good luck!
Rob
Get yourself booked onto this.....
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=151657&f=13&h=0
Donington this Sunday with RMA for only £95
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=151657&f=13&h=0
Donington this Sunday with RMA for only £95
I'm gonna give this place a try before I take my car out on track. www.carlimits.com
For £150, can only be a good thing.
Someone on these forums went last week, can't remember who, got a black Cerbera i think.
Budaholic
For £150, can only be a good thing.
Someone on these forums went last week, can't remember who, got a black Cerbera i think.
Budaholic
Budaholic said:I think it was Carl_w.
I'm gonna give this place a try before I take my car out on track. www.carlimits.com
For £150, can only be a good thing.
Someone on these forums went last week, can't remember who, got a black Cerbera i think.
Budaholic
www.pistonheads.com/members/showProfile.asp?memberId=19804
redleicester said:Blimey! Brave man for your first track day - I would say that Castle Combe was a scary choice given the speed & bumps, especially in a TVR! Recommend Bedford or Rockingham for a more exploratory experience with less risk of hitting anything.
I had similar concerns, so picked my first trackday carefully - I chose Castle Combe as it was fairly close and was wide with large-ish run off areas around *most* of the track. That way I had some hope of avoiding bending the car, and it wasn't too far to limp home if I felt it was all a bit much.
Well I was warned about the Avon Rise... 
To be honest it actually suited quite well - none of the corners are too extreme, and with the TVRCC plan of groups going out based on ability, it allowed me to take my time and get a feel for it.
With a bit of instruction, I was drifting through the more open corners, handling the chicanes, and not throwing the baby out with the bath water going round Quarry - or having to replace my trousers every lap...
Getting a Chim400 to hit 135-140 before the Avon rise was a satisfying challenge. :biggrin:
Oh, then I successfully scared myself witless at Oulton Park a month later! Need to go back and work out how to do Druids flat out...
>> Edited by redleicester on Monday 31st January 18:47
To be honest it actually suited quite well - none of the corners are too extreme, and with the TVRCC plan of groups going out based on ability, it allowed me to take my time and get a feel for it.
With a bit of instruction, I was drifting through the more open corners, handling the chicanes, and not throwing the baby out with the bath water going round Quarry - or having to replace my trousers every lap...
Getting a Chim400 to hit 135-140 before the Avon rise was a satisfying challenge. :biggrin: Oh, then I successfully scared myself witless at Oulton Park a month later! Need to go back and work out how to do Druids flat out...
>> Edited by redleicester on Monday 31st January 18:47
Thanks for all the advice guy's, think i will wait for an airfield day, or better still a car club track day, insurance is just about due so will try and get track day cover. Would love to go to Donnington on the 6th Feb but will still be overseas working (yawn). Based in Nottingham so there's plenty of tracks not too far away.
Cheers all,
cic
Cheers all,
cic
Track Action have got a day at Donnington on the 19th Feb, free instruction!! and if you want to learn how to drift ask for (instructor) Pete Barns he's the man. Ill be taking my Tuscan along loads of run of there the only place to get caught out and thats the last chicane before the pit straight.
cic450 said:
Thanks for all the advice guy's, think i will wait for an airfield day, or better still a car club track day, insurance is just about due so will try and get track day cover. Would love to go to Donnington on the 6th Feb but will still be overseas working (yawn). Based in Nottingham so there's plenty of tracks not too far away.
Cheers all,
cic
Guy, TVRCC trackday at Cadwell Park, May 8th, berrilllliaaantttt fun.
Also the East Midlands TVRCC www.tvrcc-eastmidlands.co.uk/ meet at The Old Ship Inn, Lowdham, Nottinghamshire on 13th Feb at 12.30pm.
YB
redleicester said:
I had similar concerns, so picked my first trackday carefully - I chose Castle Combe as it was fairly close and was wide with large-ish run off areas around *most* of the track. That way I had some hope of avoiding bending the car, and it wasn't too far to limp home if I felt it was all a bit much.
I'm intrigued to hear you say Castle Combe has large-ish run off areas. There is a massive infield I'll give you but except at Bobbies & the Esses whch are low speed chicanes anyway, going off at Castle Combe can hurt. Too many people come into Camp too quickly & then either lift or brake as they're turning in thus inducing a spin which will suck them into the tyre wall, go over Avon Rise & get it wrong & you'll hit the hard stuff at Quarry not go infield. Hammerdown has little run off. A committed run down to Tower will see the bank (that's the hard brown stuff rather than the money lenders, although that could also be appropriate) opening up its arms to welcome you in.
No, IF you do go off at CC you should consider yourself lucky indeed if you end up on the infield rather than in the hard stuff. I love the place but never stop respecting it. It remains a firm favourite for many.
>> Edited by 55jnj on Tuesday 1st February 01:04
icb said:My girlfriend and another mate have booked Steve for Saturday at Bedford. We've had tuition from him before, and I can recommend him very highly.
I am having a day's tuition with Steve Lewis at Silverstone on Friday so will let you know how good it was, if you are interested.
icb said:I am having a day's tuition with Steve Lewis at Silverstone on Friday so will let you know how good it was, if you are interested.
ED H said "My girlfriend and another mate have booked Steve for Saturday at Bedford. We've had tuition from him before, and I can recommend him very highly."
Thx Ed, will be good to see you again...
Hmm OK guys I'm looking forward to the days too.
Put it this way...
A good Instruction day in my book is to:
1. Impart info to allow the driver to be smoother, faster and above all safer!
2. Allow the driver to respect the correct techniques of performance driving and understand the feedback and balance of the car. Maybe highlighting potential improvement in both man/woman and machine
3. Above all having fun...
and being able to drive home in the same car!
Although you can pick up quite a lot in one instruction session on circuit, I will be spending all day with these guys, so watch out folks, they'll be flyin'
Best regs
Steve L
ED H said "My girlfriend and another mate have booked Steve for Saturday at Bedford. We've had tuition from him before, and I can recommend him very highly."
Thx Ed, will be good to see you again...
Hmm OK guys I'm looking forward to the days too.
Put it this way...
A good Instruction day in my book is to:
1. Impart info to allow the driver to be smoother, faster and above all safer!
2. Allow the driver to respect the correct techniques of performance driving and understand the feedback and balance of the car. Maybe highlighting potential improvement in both man/woman and machine
3. Above all having fun...
and being able to drive home in the same car!
Although you can pick up quite a lot in one instruction session on circuit, I will be spending all day with these guys, so watch out folks, they'll be flyin'
Best regs
Steve L
Guys
Just read the previous mails again and another few points come to mind.
Track days are supposed to be fun driving events.
Allowing people to enjoy going at the pace they are comfortable, in their own time.
This does not mean going slowly, but it means building the speed progressively.
Those who take this approach will ultimately be the quickest.
What I'm getting at is that track days are not 10/10ths driving days, therefore you should not really worry unproportionately about trashing your car.
OK I understand accidents can happen too,
but they do on public roads too.
In a controlled environment in theory we are safer. Let's face it there's no-one coming the other way... (USUALLY!)
While you will undoubtably use fuel
(quite a lot of it!) and a certain ammount of rubber, given the cars we are talking about, driven properly, you will not put undue stress on them.
Use the cars for what they were designed for...
and enjoy!
Best regards
Steve L
Just read the previous mails again and another few points come to mind.
Track days are supposed to be fun driving events.
Allowing people to enjoy going at the pace they are comfortable, in their own time.
This does not mean going slowly, but it means building the speed progressively.
Those who take this approach will ultimately be the quickest.
What I'm getting at is that track days are not 10/10ths driving days, therefore you should not really worry unproportionately about trashing your car.
OK I understand accidents can happen too,
but they do on public roads too.
In a controlled environment in theory we are safer. Let's face it there's no-one coming the other way... (USUALLY!)
While you will undoubtably use fuel
(quite a lot of it!) and a certain ammount of rubber, given the cars we are talking about, driven properly, you will not put undue stress on them.
Use the cars for what they were designed for...
and enjoy!
Best regards
Steve L
I was at a track day some months ago and one of the instructors there was telling novice drivers *right you should be going X speed around this corner and y speed around that corner* it just seemed completely the wrong way of going about it.
Track days, especially for novices, shouldn't to my mind be about getting the maximum speed from your car .. the speed will eventually come from getting basic techniques right in the first place, as Steve has pointed out.
Speed will come from good positioning, looking through the corner to what lies ahead, a knowledge of how each application can unsettle the balance of the car, building up to the limits of both you and the machinery, etc etc.
In my limited capacity of track day driver I occasionally go out with people and I always say to them that I have no particular interest in how slowly they approach or go through a corner, as long as they're in an appropriate gear, are correctly placed on the approach, have made their gear selection and done their braking as appropriate, have looked to see what lies ahead ect etc etc ..if they're 30mph slower around that corner than an experienced driver who cares? it's their first time and speed will come later.
As Steve rightly says, at the end of a day with him you'll have learned a lot of good points that will make you a happy, safe and ultimately quick track driver.. but the worst thing you can do is go out with someone who tries to get you to do the driving at a dictated pace that is above what you're capable of in the early stages.
Speed will come, in the meantime learn and have fun
it's the track-day way
[blatant plug] and you can't do any better than go with our own steve lewis .. tvr friendly and a genuinely likebale chap, he'll see you right [/blatant plug]
Track days, especially for novices, shouldn't to my mind be about getting the maximum speed from your car .. the speed will eventually come from getting basic techniques right in the first place, as Steve has pointed out.
Speed will come from good positioning, looking through the corner to what lies ahead, a knowledge of how each application can unsettle the balance of the car, building up to the limits of both you and the machinery, etc etc.
In my limited capacity of track day driver I occasionally go out with people and I always say to them that I have no particular interest in how slowly they approach or go through a corner, as long as they're in an appropriate gear, are correctly placed on the approach, have made their gear selection and done their braking as appropriate, have looked to see what lies ahead ect etc etc ..if they're 30mph slower around that corner than an experienced driver who cares? it's their first time and speed will come later.
As Steve rightly says, at the end of a day with him you'll have learned a lot of good points that will make you a happy, safe and ultimately quick track driver.. but the worst thing you can do is go out with someone who tries to get you to do the driving at a dictated pace that is above what you're capable of in the early stages.
Speed will come, in the meantime learn and have fun
it's the track-day way [blatant plug] and you can't do any better than go with our own steve lewis .. tvr friendly and a genuinely likebale chap, he'll see you right
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