Discussion
There is tuition available as part of your entry fee on all TVRCC track days. The organisation is V good and thoroughly recommended.
Overtaking under braking is strictly forbidden, so the driving is actually quite safe as long as you drive within your abilities.
The entry forms for Oulton Park are in this months sprint magazine. This is a very good fun track, but also quite a challenging one. Highly recommended. One of my two personal favourites.
Much the most important thing is the correct preparation of your car. There should be a thread of its own on this subject. If there isnt then someone should start one.
I will post some experiences if anyone is interested.
Overtaking under braking is strictly forbidden, so the driving is actually quite safe as long as you drive within your abilities.
The entry forms for Oulton Park are in this months sprint magazine. This is a very good fun track, but also quite a challenging one. Highly recommended. One of my two personal favourites.
Much the most important thing is the correct preparation of your car. There should be a thread of its own on this subject. If there isnt then someone should start one.
I will post some experiences if anyone is interested.
First of all, dont hang about getting those entry forms in. Spaces are limited and Oulton Park is a popular one. TVRCC also offer places to the Caterham boys to make sure the day pays for itself.
Unfortunatley, I cant do Oulton Park this year as it clashes with my Holiday. But, i do recommend it. Very good organisation, tuition available on the day, top marshalls, challenging track and great facilities.
Will post more later.
Unfortunatley, I cant do Oulton Park this year as it clashes with my Holiday. But, i do recommend it. Very good organisation, tuition available on the day, top marshalls, challenging track and great facilities.
Will post more later.
Boys, if you are nervous about track days I would suggest doing an airfield day. They are not as exciting as track days as the ground is flat but there is generally a lot less to hit. Bedford Autodrome (Jonathan Palmers place) only has 1 corner where you could damage the car by hitting something.
I've done a couple of airfields and they are generally cheaper than track days too. The down side is the often don't have proper facilities (Bedford is teh exception), generally are harder on the tires and are less exciting. A price worth paying if you're worried about the car.
Whatever you go for, get some time with an instructor as early in the day as you can. Everyone benefits from some tuition and it will make a massive difference to your confidence and your enjoyment of the day.
Good luck with it, its a fantastic experience.
Rob
I've done a couple of airfields and they are generally cheaper than track days too. The down side is the often don't have proper facilities (Bedford is teh exception), generally are harder on the tires and are less exciting. A price worth paying if you're worried about the car.
Whatever you go for, get some time with an instructor as early in the day as you can. Everyone benefits from some tuition and it will make a massive difference to your confidence and your enjoyment of the day.
Good luck with it, its a fantastic experience.
Rob
don't let it spook you.
I've not done any car ones, but done plenty bike ones.
They will probably be the same.
You'll get a talk at the start telling you racing lines, rules, flags, etc.
They'll be instructors available for you to ask to go out with and help you.
For bikes anyway they usually split the groups into beginners, intermediate and advanced.
However slow you think you are they'll be folk slower. Once you get on the track you will instanty not give a sh*t what speed anyone else is going round...it's not a race. you do your own thing, no pressure. No one else cares either. No one is going to care if you are quicker or slower than them. There is no shame in going slow (in fact in my experience some of the faster folk are the biggest ars3holes)
It's usually spilt into 15-20 min sessions (that'll be plenty long enough). I'd suggest you maybe go out the first session yourself and get a feel for it a bit, then try to get an instructor for your next session..that way you'll know where you are getting lost. You can then practice what he tells you on subsequent sessions. By the end of the day you will be absolutely amazed how quick you are going round compared to the morning.
All you need to remember is to make sure you do what is necessary before the trackday (they will tell you what is required to your car and/or yourself). And then just enjoy it.
And lastly, when you finish at night don't drive straight off the track home. Stop somewhere, have a coffee, have a drink. have a break for 30 mins or so. You need it to switch off from 'track mode' and get rid of the adrenaline. I've seen far too many accidents with folk continuing to 'track drive' on the road immediately afterwards....you don't get HGVs coming the other way at oulton park :-(
stu
I've not done any car ones, but done plenty bike ones.
They will probably be the same.
You'll get a talk at the start telling you racing lines, rules, flags, etc.
They'll be instructors available for you to ask to go out with and help you.
For bikes anyway they usually split the groups into beginners, intermediate and advanced.
However slow you think you are they'll be folk slower. Once you get on the track you will instanty not give a sh*t what speed anyone else is going round...it's not a race. you do your own thing, no pressure. No one else cares either. No one is going to care if you are quicker or slower than them. There is no shame in going slow (in fact in my experience some of the faster folk are the biggest ars3holes)
It's usually spilt into 15-20 min sessions (that'll be plenty long enough). I'd suggest you maybe go out the first session yourself and get a feel for it a bit, then try to get an instructor for your next session..that way you'll know where you are getting lost. You can then practice what he tells you on subsequent sessions. By the end of the day you will be absolutely amazed how quick you are going round compared to the morning.
All you need to remember is to make sure you do what is necessary before the trackday (they will tell you what is required to your car and/or yourself). And then just enjoy it.
And lastly, when you finish at night don't drive straight off the track home. Stop somewhere, have a coffee, have a drink. have a break for 30 mins or so. You need it to switch off from 'track mode' and get rid of the adrenaline. I've seen far too many accidents with folk continuing to 'track drive' on the road immediately afterwards....you don't get HGVs coming the other way at oulton park :-(
stu
I've done 2 TVRCC days and am booked for more. They are very well organised and I was quite suprised how much fun Snetterton was in the pouring rain!
I learned a lot about the car in the wet and I have developed a great respect for the F1 drivers in the wet, it is a nightmare.
Alwasy lots of friendly perople to talk to who all feel the same as you, slightly nervious but thrilled to take the car out for a spin
I learned a lot about the car in the wet and I have developed a great respect for the F1 drivers in the wet, it is a nightmare.
Alwasy lots of friendly perople to talk to who all feel the same as you, slightly nervious but thrilled to take the car out for a spin
Some great insights - many thanks. It'll just have to be done ! I'll go with TVRCC.
On a related note, is there a thread on here somewhere about how to prep the car for such punishment ? I don't mind admitting I'm a bit on a Sunday driver when I'm out of the day-to-day car and into the Tuscan at weekends - quite happy just to potter about with the roof off and listen to gorgeous woofling sounds coming from the exhaust !! Basically, I'm slightly apprehensive about the engine blowing at the first bend having never taken it past the green shift light in the 2 months I've had it. Perhaps I'm a bit of a lightweight, but the jaw dropping performance was not the main reason I bought the thing.
>> Edited by DrDaveWatford on Tuesday 7th June 12:50
On a related note, is there a thread on here somewhere about how to prep the car for such punishment ? I don't mind admitting I'm a bit on a Sunday driver when I'm out of the day-to-day car and into the Tuscan at weekends - quite happy just to potter about with the roof off and listen to gorgeous woofling sounds coming from the exhaust !! Basically, I'm slightly apprehensive about the engine blowing at the first bend having never taken it past the green shift light in the 2 months I've had it. Perhaps I'm a bit of a lightweight, but the jaw dropping performance was not the main reason I bought the thing.
>> Edited by DrDaveWatford on Tuesday 7th June 12:50
powerlord said:
However slow you think you are they'll be folk slower. Once you get on the track you will instanty not give a sh*t what speed anyone else is going round...it's not a race. you do your own thing, no pressure. No one else cares either. No one is going to care if you are quicker or slower than them. There is no shame in going slow (in fact in my experience some of the faster folk are the biggest ars3holes)
Well put.
dvpeace said:
I've done 2 TVRCC days and am booked for more. They are very well organised and I was quite suprised how much fun Snetterton was in the pouring rain!
That was some serious water on the track. I had enought problems aquaplaning and keeping it in a straight line in the Chim, let alone a Tuscan.
As for prepping the car, check out the Track Days foum on here. Try a search as there have been loads of topics on it before. Basically:
- Ensure all levels are topped up (but not over filled).
- Give the car a check over to make sure nothing is loose or falling off.
- Empty the boot and the cabin as the last thing you want is something flying around you at 100+ mph.
- On a hard day up the tyre presures a bit, on a wet day stay standard.
- Fill up with petrol before you start, as petrol prices at most venus are pretty steep.
- Start slowly and build up your pace throughout the day
- If its an open pit lane event (i.e. not in groups), ensure you give yourself and the car a rest. Only go out for 15-20 minutes at a time. You will concentrate very, very hard.
- The track generally gets quieter towards the end of the day as people leave early. This is the best time to really enjoy what you've learnt.
- Take something to eat and drink as it will help you concentrate to the end of the day
- Pay attention to the rules during the drivers briefing. You can get kicked out of the event if you break the rules. Normal things are overtake on the left, no overtaking into corners, obey the flags and the marshalls at all times.
- Above all, enjoy yourself!
Rob
OK, heres the thing about track days. Its not about starting, its about stopping.
BRAKES.
All on the above list are V important but brakes are the thing. Before you go to a track day, go to a mechanic and get your road pads swapped for competition pads. Also, get your brake fluid replaced for a high spec option (DOT 5.1).
When we were green, we boiled our brake fluid. This resulted in us flatlining the chicane at Oulton Park and having to go for an underwear change.
I also prefer to have the engine oil changed to ensure maximum pressure at high temps.
On your list to take with you should be:-
Helmet
Licence (not your telly one)
Basic spanner kit, + wrenches ETC.
(we also take a trolly jack and axle stands)
Foot pump
Electrical tape (for headlights)
Spare fluids (all types)
Rug (to stand the roof on in the pit garages)
AA or RAC card
Octane boost (Super is hard to find oop north)
We prefer NOT to have a full tank of petrol, but instead we go and refill at lunchtime.
My other word of wisdom is to PLEASE properly warm up a SP6 engine (oil to 60 degrees) before your session and then properly warm dowm on your final lap after the chequered flag.
ITS GREAT FUN. ENJOY.......
>> Edited by Tuska on Tuesday 7th June 23:15
>> Edited by Tuska on Tuesday 7th June 23:17
BRAKES.
All on the above list are V important but brakes are the thing. Before you go to a track day, go to a mechanic and get your road pads swapped for competition pads. Also, get your brake fluid replaced for a high spec option (DOT 5.1).
When we were green, we boiled our brake fluid. This resulted in us flatlining the chicane at Oulton Park and having to go for an underwear change.
I also prefer to have the engine oil changed to ensure maximum pressure at high temps.
On your list to take with you should be:-
Helmet
Licence (not your telly one)
Basic spanner kit, + wrenches ETC.
(we also take a trolly jack and axle stands)
Foot pump
Electrical tape (for headlights)
Spare fluids (all types)
Rug (to stand the roof on in the pit garages)
AA or RAC card
Octane boost (Super is hard to find oop north)
We prefer NOT to have a full tank of petrol, but instead we go and refill at lunchtime.
My other word of wisdom is to PLEASE properly warm up a SP6 engine (oil to 60 degrees) before your session and then properly warm dowm on your final lap after the chequered flag.
ITS GREAT FUN. ENJOY.......
>> Edited by Tuska on Tuesday 7th June 23:15
>> Edited by Tuska on Tuesday 7th June 23:17
Great post Tuska - a couple of queries now that I have signed up to Oulton Park;
Brakes: Road pads swapped for competition pads: Any recommendations?
Brake Fluid replaced for a high spec option (DOT 5.1)- sorry for ignorance, but is this the brand?
Helmet - any recommended brand?
Also - do you need to change pads/etc back immediately prior to going back onto the road?
Thanks again for the guidance.
Brakes: Road pads swapped for competition pads: Any recommendations?
Brake Fluid replaced for a high spec option (DOT 5.1)- sorry for ignorance, but is this the brand?
Helmet - any recommended brand?
Also - do you need to change pads/etc back immediately prior to going back onto the road?
Thanks again for the guidance.
Guys, for your first trackday you don't need to worry about DOT 5.1 and competition pads. This is for more seasoned track day goers who push the car even harder. Modern TVRs will thrive on a day's trashing around the track - just make sure the oil/water/tyres are as they should be and enjoy yourself. Brakes will stand up to normal track sessions from someone not being an arse or driving like they stole it.
You'll be surprised how much fun it can be without wearing out your brake pads at the first corner.
You'll be surprised how much fun it can be without wearing out your brake pads at the first corner.
targarama said:
Guys, for your first trackday you don't need to worry about DOT 5.1 and competition pads. This is for more seasoned track day goers who push the car even harder. Modern TVRs will thrive on a day's trashing around the track - just make sure the oil/water/tyres are as they should be and enjoy yourself. Brakes will stand up to normal track sessions from someone not being an arse or driving like they stole it.
You'll be surprised how much fun it can be without wearing out your brake pads at the first corner.
I think that targarama is right.
It is very difficult to give advise on a forum such as this without either
1) Making light of the potential pitfalls, or
2) Scaring people so that they never do one.
I am really pleased that you are going to Oulton Park, its a great day and you will have great fun.
For every person you speak to about track days you will get a different opinion on car set up etc. That is the very nature and essence of motorsport. Once you have 'sniffed the petrol' for the first time you can start tinkering with your equipment with the real benefit of you own experience.
By the way though, the class of helmet that you need is clearly stated on the entry form.
ENJOY, ENJOY. And please post to let us all know how you got on.
yeh, I'd say you should be fine with standard pads and fluid.
DOT5.1 is a standard (DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, DOT5.1).
basically it's like DOT5 but without the hassle of silicon based fluid and having to totally gut the system of any DOT4 left.
It has a higher boiling point that DOT4 and takes on less moisture (but not as little as DOT5).
If serious about track days it might be worth getting your fluid changed to DOT5.1 at the next service.
pads wise, just give them a check and make sure you have plenty pad left.
standard brakes are pretty good anyway.
But be aware of them. If you feel them start to fade, come in and let them all cool down.
Also, tape over your speedo. We always do this on the bikes. Why ? Because its a pointless distraction.
Tape it up and start to concentrate on you revs (not the read out..use your ears and the change lights).
Keep your LCD on the one with all the settings so you can keep an eye on oil/water/pressure/etc.
stu
DOT5.1 is a standard (DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, DOT5.1).
basically it's like DOT5 but without the hassle of silicon based fluid and having to totally gut the system of any DOT4 left.
It has a higher boiling point that DOT4 and takes on less moisture (but not as little as DOT5).
If serious about track days it might be worth getting your fluid changed to DOT5.1 at the next service.
pads wise, just give them a check and make sure you have plenty pad left.
standard brakes are pretty good anyway.
But be aware of them. If you feel them start to fade, come in and let them all cool down.
Also, tape over your speedo. We always do this on the bikes. Why ? Because its a pointless distraction.
Tape it up and start to concentrate on you revs (not the read out..use your ears and the change lights).
Keep your LCD on the one with all the settings so you can keep an eye on oil/water/pressure/etc.
stu
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