Newbie back in business.... what next?

[kingskingdom]

Following your great advice about 2 months back, I joined the "big grin" brigade and purchsed the red/burgandy Ratpac Cerbera. Wow what a car! Apparently it was running like a bag of spanners. However, After 3 weeks at Offords having a major service and many components being replaced/sorted, it now runs like a dream(There goes my allocated 3 grand pa alloacated running costs!!). Fingers crossed there is nothing essential that requires attention and I can now focus on the extra's (wishful thinking).

So, the question is what next. These are my thoughts so far. Please help!

a. Enjoy driving it every day.
b. Learn how to drive it properly/to full potential (sensible suggestions please!)
b. Sanata Pod on the 8th (hope its not too late to book)
c. Track day (any suggestions for Newbie)
d. Upgrades (already had, sports/decat, brakes, avo's.....what next and in what order please)

look forward to meeting you all and hearing your suggestions.

Chris

[kstead]

I would say do a) till you know the car and how you want to use it, 1/4 mile, track days and fast road are all different. My wish list for my next cerby will be for it to handle well on REAL roads, to go where i point it, and if im honest if that makes it slower on a track or strip then I could live with it! also dont underestimate how quickly you'll get used to the power and think back to the first trip and want to experience that feeling again. Enjoy for now and I feel your questions will answer them selves.

[Captain Beaky]

It sounds like you've got most of the mechanical upgrades sorted. If your suspension is adjustable you can make pretty big changes to the handling and feel of the car with a few clicks either way. If it isn't adjustable then you might need Nitrons. The 4.2 apparently doesn't benefit much from ECU changes or remapping in terms of power but you might get it smoother.

I'd say the most impotant thing on the list is

b. Learn how to drive it properly/to full potential (sensible suggestions please!)

A couple of suggestions on that:

1) RideDrive - a day on the road with a police class one driver. Lots to learn about making progress on the road safely.

2) Don Palmer - I'm doing my fourth day with Don tomorrow. If you want to learn about car control I'd thoroughly recommend him. Round cones on an airfield might sound boring but there are grins (and spins !) to be had all day. Expect to wear out your tyres.

[jesfirth]

The TVRCC track days are great value and you are likely to meet other cerb owners so you can see how their cars handle go etc. they also have instructors on hand free of charge who will go out on the track with you to help with the learning process. I always take an instructor for at least one session even having done it for 8 years now.