What's Rockingham like ???

[glenn mcmenamin]

Thinking of doing trackday there on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May with Bookatrack.

Can anyone give me the low down on the track, looks a little dull, but could be wrong ????


G.

[mikeww]

Good circuit. Unique( in the UK) banked oval circuit for part of the lap then a technical infield and a fast transition between the 2- definitely not dull and well worth a visit.

[aceparts_com]

I've been a few times and liked it a lot. Doing 130 next to an enormous wall is a bit nerve wrecking though.
I wouldn't dare go there now as it requires a more sensible approach that I think i've lost.

Go, I think you'll like it lots.

[iguana]

Darn this thread! just been trying to get some kind of plan of tracks to visit this year, inc some faves & a couple ive never driven before & thought i was about sorted & my tiny budget could cope, then you go & bring up rockingham which id let slip of my radar.

I can see this tread costing me money.....

[elderly]

It's a good experience, you must try it.
The banking is not nearly as steep as I imagined it
would be and it's just so different to any other feature on any other circuit I've driven on.
In the afternoon when I went, it rained and then I found the concrete wall a little daunting!
I like the 'speed limit' sign as you come out of the
pit lane onto the banking .... 240 mph!!!!!

[anonymous-user]

elderly said:

I like the 'speed limit' sign as you come out of the pit lane onto the banking .... 240 mph!!!!!

haha. yeah i'd forgotten about that. does anyone have a photo?

[Dakkon]

Depending on which course is booked though, when I went last year it was just the inner track, no banked parts at all.

[jleroux]

Cant speak for any other TDO's but BaT only ever use the full 2.5 mile "International Long" circuit at Rockingham.

J5
BaT

[adrianr]

The feel of being in the bowl is unique in the UK. Banking should be done at least once in your trackday career; few too many 2nd gear corners in the infield which can lead to 'trains' but nice 3rd gear section over brow by the lake.

Not my favourite place, but worth a visit. Also offers civilised spectating from roof of pits.

AdrianR

[simon clark]

Do it Glenn!

I will be there on the 2nd and did it a couple of weeks back with BaT.

Not a circuit I had thought of before but rates as one of my favourite now - banking is unique, great selection of corners, and superb facilities

Braking from 140mph next to the wall is an awesome experience and BaT run very well organised days

Come and say hello if you make it, Blue Caterham 7 Superlight R

Cheers

Simon

[glenn mcmenamin]

Cheers Simon, i'm still thinking about it.

Thing is, i'm getting the feeling that the course may be better suited to the likes of Caterhams/lotus's and the like, which are smaller and more nimble than my GT3

G.

[steve lewis]

ROCKINGHAM
Do it!

Well where do I start!

I do a lot of Instruction work at the 'Rock'.
It is a 'different' experience to most other circuits, so just has to be done.

For one it is a purpose designed circuit, not a converted airfield, so some thought has gone into what works.

It's a mix of flat out bits and pretty technical wiggly bits.
There are several Circuit configurations and the one BaT uses is probably the best.
I'm not sure why it is not used more.

It's not easy to learn, so (obviously) I would recommend taking instruction wherever possible.
It's usually guaranteed that you will learn something to improve your laps!

Given the high speeds, there is heavy brake use. Cooking your brakes is common, so be sensible amd cool 'em before coming in and if possible always use the highest boiling point fluid you can.
(Castrol SRF always gets my vote even though it's dearer than a good Malt!)

Rockingham has something for all.
The infield is great for the lighter more nimble cars.
The fast turn 4 and chicane into turn 1 is mega in power cars.

Just take it easy and build the speed up 'cos as we say.... the WALL is like your best friend...

It's always there to catch you!

Best regs
Steve

[fergus]

Considering the circuit is purpose built and relatively new, the quality of the infield circuit leaves a lot to be desired. I think they could have diverted some money from the 250,000-odd seats (or however many thousand they have) to put a better suface down. Riding it on a bike, the surface is appaling. Coming down the 'back straight' of the infield circuit into the fast right handers, results in almost a tank slapper when tipping it in....

Never done it in a car, but given car t/day organisers can get a little anal with what they consider to be 'agressive' overtaking moves, I would imagine that unless people are extra diligent with respect to what's behind them, there is a possibility of having a large traffic jam, as the boys with powerful cars (who daren't go quickly round the twisty bits, but love the straights) have no where to build up any speed. I suspect the banking is great to drive. Bit dangerous for bikes though. I'm there again this sunday so will see if my impressions have changed at all....

Which way direction do they run the car days, or does it depend upon which circuit is in use?

[dannylt]

Anti clock wise, BaT have their circuit picked out on their site.

As for powerful cars - these should lift off to let the quicker & less powerful cars by - otherwise it's discourteous driving and you risk the black flag.