Discussion
Hi Clive,
Just finished my second day on Ride Drive yesterday :thumbsup: - i have to say for me it was worth every penny. I'm sure that it will depend mainly on the instructor you get, and i struck really lucky. A very nice chap and extremely knowledgable, i had total confidence in him, (but as he posts on here i'll save him any further embarrassment
).
I'm in the process of writing up a more complete review, but in summary you get to drive a couple of hundred miles with someone who is an expert in getting from A to B as quickly and as safely as possible. I can't remember the last passenger i had who told me to drive faster! You'll learn the IPSGA system (information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate) which is very straight forward, and most useful
The airfield time is an absolute blast - but beware your tyres. If, like me, you fail to brake correctly, several times at 60-70mph, you run the risk of creating yourself a couple of flat spots on the front tyres.
I have put it down to driver error - but one from which i have learnt a lot, so hey-ho!
I am much more comfortable driving "enthusiastically" now, and very comfortable overtaking in a controlled way.
Go into your session with an open mind, willing to learn and you'll have great fun.
PS
I've been driving for nearly 30 years, and i learnt more in these sessions than any previously.
Off to Brands Hatch tomorrow with new boots!
Just finished my second day on Ride Drive yesterday :thumbsup: - i have to say for me it was worth every penny. I'm sure that it will depend mainly on the instructor you get, and i struck really lucky. A very nice chap and extremely knowledgable, i had total confidence in him, (but as he posts on here i'll save him any further embarrassment
). I'm in the process of writing up a more complete review, but in summary you get to drive a couple of hundred miles with someone who is an expert in getting from A to B as quickly and as safely as possible. I can't remember the last passenger i had who told me to drive faster! You'll learn the IPSGA system (information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate) which is very straight forward, and most useful
The airfield time is an absolute blast - but beware your tyres. If, like me, you fail to brake correctly, several times at 60-70mph, you run the risk of creating yourself a couple of flat spots on the front tyres.
I have put it down to driver error - but one from which i have learnt a lot, so hey-ho! I am much more comfortable driving "enthusiastically" now, and very comfortable overtaking in a controlled way.
Go into your session with an open mind, willing to learn and you'll have great fun.
PS
I've been driving for nearly 30 years, and i learnt more in these sessions than any previously.
Off to Brands Hatch tomorrow with new boots!
How long after first getting a Tiv would you recommend attending one of these days? I.e. a couple of months to get used to it first?
Also, from the 'drive quickly' comment I'd guess it's no good unless the car is well and truly run in, with several k miles on the clock so you can use the rev range a little more? Just how much of the rev range? I.e. do I need to clock up 4 - 5k first?
Eager to do one of these days.
Also, from the 'drive quickly' comment I'd guess it's no good unless the car is well and truly run in, with several k miles on the clock so you can use the rev range a little more? Just how much of the rev range? I.e. do I need to clock up 4 - 5k first?
Eager to do one of these days.
tvr-i-will-be said:
How long after first getting a Tiv would you recommend attending one of these days? I.e. a couple of months to get used to it first?
Also, from the 'drive quickly' comment I'd guess it's no good unless the car is well and truly run in, with several k miles on the clock so you can use the rev range a little more? Just how much of the rev range? I.e. do I need to clock up 4 - 5k first?
Eager to do one of these days.
Lee,
i waited a couple of months, and got 2k miles under my belt.
I would definately wait until you are well run in, otherwise i don't think you will get maximum benefit. This is a great opportunity for you to learn what the car can really do, and how to do it s afely.
Good luck, and welcome to the fold!
Clive - read this and the associated links. I posted up a thread on this very topic in November and there were 35 replies, some from Ride Drive themselves, which may assist you in advance.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=251714&r=3164103&hm=38660#3164103
Have a great day - superb experience all around and can even knock ££ off your insurance.
Also - totally agree with E2DJH; get a few months under your belt and then take the course (I had app 6-7 mths), as you will then be aware of a lot of its nuances under normal driving conditions.
>> Edited by Mustang Baz on Wednesday 5th April 12:54
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=251714&r=3164103&hm=38660#3164103
Have a great day - superb experience all around and can even knock ££ off your insurance.
Also - totally agree with E2DJH; get a few months under your belt and then take the course (I had app 6-7 mths), as you will then be aware of a lot of its nuances under normal driving conditions.
>> Edited by Mustang Baz on Wednesday 5th April 12:54
Top day, I learned a tremendous amount, and use what I learned on a daily basis. I came home absolutly shatter
One tip - Make sure your oil is topped up to the line though.
Some of the instructors have you drive in a circle on the runway getting faster and faster until she lets go - this can cause oil starvation in the RV8. So (1) make sure she's got lots of oil, and (2) listen out for any tappety noises. If you hear any STOP, and turn of the motor for 3-5 mins.
Not a bad idea to take some oil with you, and check levels when you get to the airfield.
One tip - Make sure your oil is topped up to the line though.
Some of the instructors have you drive in a circle on the runway getting faster and faster until she lets go - this can cause oil starvation in the RV8. So (1) make sure she's got lots of oil, and (2) listen out for any tappety noises. If you hear any STOP, and turn of the motor for 3-5 mins.
Not a bad idea to take some oil with you, and check levels when you get to the airfield.
njw 77 said:
Off to Brands Hatch tomorrow with new boots!
David, guess I'll be seeing you there?
Take it easy on me
Hi Nick, only just seen your post - sorry i misssed it, but it was good to meet you anyway. I had a very steady journey home. For some reason i just wasn't interested in chasing the racers on the M25
With 400+ horses you wanted me to be gentle with you?
I think you beat me by several stables! Oh
all the best
David
thanks for the insight guys, I`m really looking forward to it, I will only have owned the griff for 2 weeks when I go on the course, but the instructor ensures me that this will pose no problems at all.
i will however be putting many miles on it in the next two weeks to familiarise myself with the car.
i will however be putting many miles on it in the next two weeks to familiarise myself with the car.
E2DJH said:
Off to Brands Hatch tomorrow with new boots!
David, guess I'll be seeing you there?
Take it easy on me
Hi Nick, only just seen your post - sorry i misssed it, but it was good to meet you anyway. I had a very steady journey home. For some reason i just wasn't interested in chasing the racers on the M25
With 400+ horses you wanted me to be gentle with you?
I think you beat me by several stables! Oh
all the best
David
You still put in a good show mate
I never seemed to be out on track at the same time as you. Still, allowed me to watch a decent motor lapping instead of the Jap and German stuff Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff