Wednesday 8th February 2006

Novice track days galore

Six more days at four different circuits

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Brands Hatch

Brands is to see more track days aimed at novices, courtesy of MotorSport Vision (MSV), which started the initiative last year. It'll also be running more such days at other circuits this year.

The novice track days were designed to attract newcomers to track driving, with tuition from professional track-driving instructors but without the pressure of having to share the circuit with more experienced and confident drivers.

Last year’s events were all held at Brands Hatch, and proved incredibly popular, said MSV. Newcomers ranged from a couple who wanted to give their aged Maestro one last blast before being sent to the scrapper, to drivers who wanted to see what their sports car could do without the encumbrances of driving on public roads. The days are open to any driver with any type of car.

Novice track days

When: Friday 3 March

Where: Snetterton

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When: Friday 10 March

Where: Oulton Park

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When: Tuesday 14 March

Where: Brands Hatch

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When: Friday 17 March

Where: Cadwell Park

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When: Wednesday 5 April (evening)

Where: Brands Hatch

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When: Friday 12 April

Where: Oulton Park

MotorSport Vision will also be running events for car clubs: a Noble Owner’s Club trackday was a huge hit at Brands Hatch on 29 January and events for the RS Owners Club and Peugeot owners are also planned. Car clubs interested in having their own track days run by MSV should contact Alex Baker on 01474 875216.

• Motorsport Vision

[NJW 77]

My wife bought me a gold voucher from MSV for Xmas but sadly and rather suprisingly (not!) I dont quite make the weight limit for their courses (unless I want to do a rally course, then Ive only got to lose half a stone!)

Just spoken to Alex at MSV and he confirmed I can use all or part of my voucher against these track days, so Im happy.

Just thought Id share that in case anyone else has these vouchers and was wondering what to spend them on

[gideon]

As someone who has not done a track day before and is looking at getting a car this year (fingers crossed on the bonus) and starting this year I have to say this does appeal to me.

[ubergreg]

gideon said:

As someone who has not done a track day before and is looking at getting a car this year (fingers crossed on the bonus) and starting this year I have to say this does appeal to me.

You’re gonna love it when you go, no question. As someone who had never done a trackday before, it was the best thrill of my driving life. There were all kinds of cars, everyone was friendly, and it was really well organised.

As a trackday novice I felt very comfortable on the track, and in the pit lane amongst all manner of drivers and machinery.

If want a good description of a Novice Day at Brands, go here:
www.raadius.co.uk/forum/article_01a.html

[whatever]

I went to the Novice day at BH in December, and great fun it was too! (the same day as the above-mentioned Maestro , sharing track with a rather quick lambo)

A good day out, especially as the weather was particularly kind that day (torrential rain on the way there and back; sunshine over BH )

[ubergreg]

whatever said:

A good day out, especially as the weather was particularly kind that day (torrential rain on the way there and back; sunshine over BH )

I take it you did the one on 2 December - were you the one in the dark green Cerbie?

I thought we were going to see some serious wet weather action on the day as well (pity the guys in the morning session )

[whatever]

ubergreg said:

whatever said: A good day out, especially as the weather was particularly kind that day (torrential rain on the way there and back; sunshine over BH ) I take it you did the one on 2 December - were you the one in the dark green Cerbie? I thought we were going to see some serious wet weather action on the day as well (pity the guys in the morning session )

Yes, that was me! The track did dry out pretty much by the end (on-line, at least) save for the quick shower just before closing time. Still, not quite dry enough to keep everyone on the island!

[john75]

Any idea on price

[whatever]

john75 said:

Any idea on price

£159 for a full day.

I paid £89 (I think) for 1/2 (the afternoon) which was 3hrs, open pitlane.

Free helmet hire. Instructors available (though not for free).

Details here www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/trackdays.asp?circuit=bh&type=Car

[njw 77]

The evo Active day is only £125

[ubergreg]

njw 77 said:

The evo Active day is only £125

I would love to do that day. I'm a big fan of the mag, and it would have been nice to see some of the hacks and their cars.

But alas, I am poor. The timing belt and clutch need replacing this month. Then there's the matter of a full service, followed shortly after by an extended Euro-jolly - so I must abstain.

[whatever]

njw 77 said:

The evo Active day is only £125

True but:

MSV site said:

1030 Signing on, distribution of goodie bags 1100 Instructor introductions and detailed trackday briefing, covering everything from car preparation to driving techniques and the racing line 1200 Lunch Break 1230 Guided tour of the circuit in mini-buses – a chance to see the circuit and all the corners in detail 1300 Circuit lapping. (Three twenty minute sessions lapping in small groups behind an instructor’s pace car) 1600 Free lapping. Each driver gets the chance to put everything they have learned into practice with a twenty-minute solo session 1700 Debrief and chance to ask further questions

So I make that 3x20mins behind a pace car, and 1 hour of open pitlane - less "driving" time in exchange for more "theory" stuff. There's probably the allure of the evo people being on-hand too, I expect (perhaps).

(eta: an extra "o". Tsk.)

>> Edited by whatever on Thursday 9th February 12:19

[gideon]

Thanks all for the info,links and advice.

I'm determined to make this the year that I actually get on track, just need to get the money sorted, but have got to the point that it almost doesn't matter what I start with.

Hope to see some of you out there when I do.

[njw 77]

I'm more than likely attending the evening session in April

[m3pilot]

Me and a friend are booked in for the %th of april at brands, did one in decemeber and can wait to get back on the track.

[Black Racing]

I am racing in this years Formula Woman Championship in a Caterham 7. We are planning to race at 2 motorsport vision circuits - Brands Hatch and Snetterton. I have not raced at either before and I was just wondering which one people think is the hardest. I cant really afford to do 2 track days unless I find a sponsor. So please help, by answering the following questions;-

1. Which circuit is the most enjoyable to drive?
2. Which circuit is the most challenging?

Thank you very much for your help and support.

Amanda Black
www.amandablack.co.nr

[njw 77]

Ive no idea Amanda, but good luck with the racing.

You go girl