Any tips for Brands Hatch Indy circuit?

[jaker]

Hi All,

I'm doing the Javelin day at Brands Indy on Monday, and as a virtual Brands virgin, was wondering if anyone had any tips from the top for the circuit... particularly the Surtess-Mclaren-Clearways-Clarke type complex...

Many thanks

Jaker

[falcemob]

Make sure you are not turning when you hit the bump at the bottom of Paddock and the exit of Graham Hill can catch people out.
Apart from tht follow the traditional lines, have fun

[Furyblade_Lee]

Book an instructor first thing. Brands is difficult. Do not take too much kerb at Surtees, can put you on 2 wheels, then spin you onto the grass. After the left-right there (just clip the kerbs) brake hard in a straight line before the big right. Then you feed the power in as much as you can before the main straight. There ARE a couple of apexes there onto the straight, seriously get an instructor or you will not gain anything. Brands had wierd lines that are not obvious, and Paddock demands respect!

[Furyblade_Lee]

And at Graham Hill concentrate through apex and exit, and make sure you make the apex everytime as if you are really shifting you WILL end up either crossed-up over the exit kerb or worse heading across the grass towards the pits....... Fantastic corner!

[falcemob]

Furyblade_Lee said:

Book an instructor first thing. Brands is difficult. Do not take too much kerb at Surtees, can put you on 2 wheels, then spin you onto the grass.

Don't take any kerb at Brands on a track day and don't take any kerb anywhere until you know what you are doing.
Good idea to get an instructer though

[jaker]

cheers guys,

I was thinking about instruction as it's normally good value...

FWIW, I will be in a 7 (if that makes a difference to lines etc)

[UFO 2 NOB]

jaker said:

cheers guys,

I was thinking about instruction as it's normally good value...

FWIW, I will be in a 7 (if that makes a difference to lines etc)

Same lines but all sideways in a 7,DONT go into the gravel sideways at Paddock,the car will roll if you do.Paddock is easier if you stay out wide turn in late and then you can have a good look through thr corner at your exit.Build it up slowly here as it is a very fast corner and keep of the apex kerb.Good luck

[jaker]

UFO 2 NOB said:

DONT go into the gravel sideways at Paddock,the car will roll if you do.

erm. Hopefully, I wont be going into the gravel at all

UFO 2 NOB said:

Good luck

You think I'll need it??

I'm looking forward to the challenge!

[custardtart]

Get Tuition - have fun.

In a 7 a guide to braking into druids is the gantry over the track, build up to it though.
Stay out wide and apex late through druids and avoid the harsh rumble on the outside on exit, get car over to right for approach to graham hill and don't be tempted to turn in to soon.

[nildram]

For Druids, I'd recommend turning towards the apex at around the bridge, at which time you also go on the brakes. Brake all the way to the apex, and then hug it for most of the corner. Don't get on the power too quickly on the exit either.

This line is just as fast as taking it wide (if not faster because of the shorter distance) and safer because if you outbrake yourself, you don't end up in the kitty litter.

[bigbadbikercats]

Ho-hum...I'm beginning to think that there are as many lines round Brands as there are people to discuss it

For what it's worth when I did Brands with GTDC last November my instructor (Richard) had me braking late[1] and deep into Druids, turning very late and very hard before making what seemed to me to be a very late apex - this actually seemed to suit my car (Audi A4 quattro) very well, letting me make the most of 4WD traction and get loads of power on very early for the run down to Graham Hill but if I'd done that in my bike racing days I'd have had half the field up the inside of me before I'd even started turning...

[1] Well it felt like it to me anyway

--
Jonathon

[Phil. S.]

Let the car drift wide at Clearways and then aim to cut the inside (right) of Clark Curve (you'll see a bald patch on the grass where racers cut this fine) and you'll get a good exit for the straight. It's then a question of building up confidence for your braking point for Paddoack. A great little circuit. Have fun.
BTW which car will you be using?

Also try here
www.driversknow.co.uk/motorsport/trackGuides/brands/

Edited by Phil. S. on Wednesday 31st January 00:07

[ginettajoe]

bigbadbikercats said:

Ho-hum...I'm beginning to think that there are as many lines round Brands as there are people to discuss it

For what it's worth when I did Brands with GTDC last November my instructor (Richard) had me braking late[1] and deep into Druids, turning very late and very hard before making what seemed to me to be a very late apex - this actually seemed to suit my car (Audi A4 quattro) very well, letting me make the most of 4WD traction and get loads of power on very early for the run down to Graham Hill but if I'd done that in my bike racing days I'd have had half the field up the inside of me before I'd even started turning...

[1] Well it felt like it to me anyway

Must be a similar sort of line he used to get a Mini bogged down in the sand at Oulton Park today, followed by a quad, and finally a 4x4!!! Well done Rich, ........
--
Jonathon

[bennyboysvuk]

bigbadbikercats said:

Ho-hum...I'm beginning to think that there are as many lines round Brands as there are people to discuss it

For what it's worth when I did Brands with GTDC last November my instructor (Richard) had me braking late[1] and deep into Druids, turning very late and very hard before making what seemed to me to be a very late apex - this actually seemed to suit my car (Audi A4 quattro) very well, letting me make the most of 4WD traction and get loads of power on very early for the run down to Graham Hill but if I'd done that in my bike racing days I'd have had half the field up the inside of me before I'd even started turning...

[1] Well it felt like it to me anyway

--
Jonathon

I couldn't agree more. When you've got others close by it was always "keep that inside door shut". The late apex sounds ideal for setting a good lap time though, even if you do have to be slightly braver with the late braking.

[falcemob]

nildram said:

For Druids, I'd recommend turning towards the apex at around the bridge, at which time you also go on the brakes. Brake all the way to the apex, and then hug it for most of the corner. Don't get on the power too quickly on the exit either.

This line is just as fast as taking it wide (if not faster because of the shorter distance) and safer because if you outbrake yourself, you don't end up in the kitty litter.

That's more of a defensive racing line. For shortest time it is keep left, turn very late, way past the apex and take the apex quite late and run to the left kerb on the exit.

[nildram]

Depends on the type of car, I guess. In cars I've driven round there with data logging, there's always been nothing in it, in which case the more defensive line is obviously the better one.

[falcemob]

nildram said:

Depends on the type of car, I guess. In cars I've driven round there with data logging, there's always been nothing in it, in which case the more defensive line is obviously the better one.

Oh right, my mistake then but i thought he wanted advice on lines for a track day, not a sure fire way to stick it in the tyre wall on the exit of Druids.

Edited by falcemob on Wednesday 31st January 20:38

[elderly]

I'm NOT experienced at Brands Indy (I've only driven it twice)
but my instructor advised that after the exit of Druids, one
should not try to get back to the right hand side as soon as
possible, but head in a straight line towards the turning point
for Graham Hill bend, giving a shorter distance to it AND being
able to brake in a straight line before the left turn.
Please feel free to shoot the messenger
BTW jaker who started this thread with the question we are STILL
answering has already done it, if I'm getting my days right.

[falcemob]

elderly, that's right, it's thinking ahead that gets the quickest times not necessarily the shortest route.

[ph123]

Tips for Brands Indy?
Go like hell.
If you need to work out lines, seek well qualified help (race winners only). It’s pretty obvious nowadays.
Do not make any ‘mistakes’ by trying too hard, or not thinking. They will cost you.
Allow time to get a feel of the rhythm and pace of the place.
Give the car a chance to ‘breathe’ (and cool off. You too.)
Keep your wits about you.
Be prepared.