Tracking a 12c
Discussion
As some of you are probably aware I have only just picked up my 12c Spider and I am loving it. One thing though is very apparent, there is no way you can experience what this car has to offer on public roads. Therefore I will be looking to tracking it in the very near future. There is a TD at Silverstone in August on the full GP circuit, its a circuit I know quite well and I think one that would suit the car.
My question to you is Have you ever tracked your McLaren? If so, what was your experience in it like and what tips/advice could you offer?
Many thanks
My question to you is Have you ever tracked your McLaren? If so, what was your experience in it like and what tips/advice could you offer?
Many thanks
^ last week at Spa....
It's.... bloody quick. If dry, start off in sport suspension track engine for the handling dials then once you're comfortable with the car go to track suspension (much better as the car rolls less etc). The electronic systems are still going to be present in track mode despite the traction control off light so you do have some safety net. If it's raining I would strongly suggest staying in normal suspension mode if you have to go out even if the systems interfere a lot and make the car feel quite unnatural or.. personally I'll just stay off track until it dries. I assume you're on the standard Pirelli Pzero tyres.. be prepared for a LOT of fun adjusting tyre pressures and with tyre sensor warnings
IME, you want to be driving the car pretty smoothly just below triggering the various systems (ABS/traction control etc) in a big way and it's much better like that than driving like a hooligan and sideways everywhere. When braking very hard the rear of the car might start to feel a bit light - don't worry if you feel that, the car will not flip around on you despite that slightly unnerving feeling. If you have ceramics make sure you do a full cooling down lap before coming in. When back in the pitlane, press the parking brake down while holding the brake pedal when you turn off the car with the door open and that keeps the parking brake off so it doesn't automatically trigger and make a mess of a hot disc. Can't think of anything else at the moment..... Silverstone GP is good fun - enjoy and do update how you get on.
A Manning has a reasonable trackday inclusive policy but like most policies has a 10% excess which makes it very expensive should anything go wrong.
Has anyone had issues with the noise limits. My car does not have the sport exhaust so hopefully will pass the 102db limit at Silverstone.
Has anyone had issues with the noise limits. My car does not have the sport exhaust so hopefully will pass the 102db limit at Silverstone.
As part of my fact finding I sought the opinion of my race instructor. He won't mind me publishing:
I drove (pretty damn hard) a McLaren MP4 12C at Goodwood Circuit last
Summer. My impression is that the car is so hugely capable that most drivers
"run out of bottle" before they get close to exploring the cars limits. They
do feel a bit unusual in the corners initially but this ought not take long
to get used to. I put this down to not having traditional ant-roll bars.
Although I have only ever driven on track, the self-levelling suspension &
compliant ride ought to make it a good drive on the Road.
Even early models can be completely updated with the correct
software/firmware upgrades. Turning as much of the electronic aids off as
possible can make the car come alive.
I agree entirely with you on safety. (edit: I had suggested the Mac with its carbon fibre tub would be a 'good' place to be in the event on the unfortunate occurring)
The McLaren MP4 12C is
very much a modern day supercar, it might just take a bit longer to grow on
you compared with the instant "in your face" thrill of a Ferrari or
Lamborghini. The McLaren would probably be far more practical on a day to
day basis where the Italian Exotica can for some become a bit tiresome &
irritating on longer journeys.
I drove (pretty damn hard) a McLaren MP4 12C at Goodwood Circuit last
Summer. My impression is that the car is so hugely capable that most drivers
"run out of bottle" before they get close to exploring the cars limits. They
do feel a bit unusual in the corners initially but this ought not take long
to get used to. I put this down to not having traditional ant-roll bars.
Although I have only ever driven on track, the self-levelling suspension &
compliant ride ought to make it a good drive on the Road.
Even early models can be completely updated with the correct
software/firmware upgrades. Turning as much of the electronic aids off as
possible can make the car come alive.
I agree entirely with you on safety. (edit: I had suggested the Mac with its carbon fibre tub would be a 'good' place to be in the event on the unfortunate occurring)
The McLaren MP4 12C is
very much a modern day supercar, it might just take a bit longer to grow on
you compared with the instant "in your face" thrill of a Ferrari or
Lamborghini. The McLaren would probably be far more practical on a day to
day basis where the Italian Exotica can for some become a bit tiresome &
irritating on longer journeys.
Did at least 6 track days in my old car and I don't think you'll find a better all round machine. Miss my 12c and want another!
Only issue I experienced in addition to the air brake making it have too much rear braking for my liking is the Orange calipers turned mustard yellow due to the heat. Mclaren replaced these twice and on the third claim they offered black ones as a final solution lol!
Only issue I experienced in addition to the air brake making it have too much rear braking for my liking is the Orange calipers turned mustard yellow due to the heat. Mclaren replaced these twice and on the third claim they offered black ones as a final solution lol!
Good tip re the handbrake - had thought I had tried everything to make it stay off so happy to hear there is a way 
Not had my car on track yet but do look forward to it when I get round to it.
From previous track experience Id suggest a cool down lap for the steel brakes as well as the oil/turbo's - even after fast road drivibg, my last few miles are treated as a cool down period.
Not had my car on track yet but do look forward to it when I get round to it.
From previous track experience Id suggest a cool down lap for the steel brakes as well as the oil/turbo's - even after fast road drivibg, my last few miles are treated as a cool down period.
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