Advice

[Ricky_M]

I'm really itching to get on a track, Llandow circuit is less than 2 miles from my house.

What are everyones views on a complete track driving novice taking his own car on a track? Would it be worth me getting some proffesional tuition or somehow get on a track on a quiet day and take it from there?

I'd obviously use a spare set of wheels on my car for track use and the car in question shouldn't be too much of a task to overcome. Its an 1.8 Focus Zetec, with TC, which should hopefully help.

Just need some words of wisdom from some track veterans, its something I really want to do and I think I'd really enjoy it! Bear in mind I'm 19 earning apprentice wages, so a dedicated track car isn't an option at the moment!

[shim]

Just 3 pieces of advice;

1. only start if your prepared to get bitten by the bug and spend some of your hard earned money

2. Spend more money on tuition than mods

3. Spell professional with one f and two s's

[deviant]

There is nothing wrong with you going on track at all. Everyone has to start somewhere.

As mentioned get as much tuition as possible...You will learn more in 5 laps with an instructor than doing 100 laps thrashing around on your own.

The only thing you need to do to your car is make sure its freshly serviced, has got plenty of meat left on the brake pads and that the tyres are in good nick.

[Sean Edwards]

Agree on the above. Although we are expensive, what you get is invaluable and much better/cheaper then any mods to your car.

[Don]

Sean Edwards said:

Agree on the above. Although we are expensive, what you get is invaluable and much better/cheaper then any mods to your car.

You aren't even that expensive when you consider that most of us can only absorb half an hour's worth in a day and can then spend the rest of time practicing. You've got to have reached quite a level already before a full day in the car with someone like yourself can be fully appreciated IMO.

Which is why people club together to get instruction - or the Track Day organisers sort it out.

[ginettajoe]

Don said:

Sean Edwards said:

Agree on the above. Although we are expensive, what you get is invaluable and much better/cheaper then any mods to your car.

You aren't even that expensive when you consider that most of us can only absorb half an hour's worth in a day and can then spend the rest of time practicing. You've got to have reached quite a level already before a full day in the car with someone like yourself can be fully appreciated IMO.

Which is why people club together to get instruction - or the Track Day organisers sort it out.

Strange how you know he's not expensive, when he's told you he is, but not the amount!!! Mr Edwards, you must think everyone is stupid!!!!

[Don]

ginettajoe said:

Strange how you know he's not expensive, when he's told you he is, but not the amount!!!

My point was that one instructor, despite being "expensive" for a day can be shared amongst a number of students. Whereupon each student is not paying the full amount. Given an entire day of coaching is hard to concentrate for when just starting out on track I am suggesting that even as little as a quarter share of an instructor could well be enough for most students. Therefore bearing the cost of 1/4 of an instructor for the benefit the individual will get is a bargain, IMO, and therefore "inexpensive" for the value obtained.

Does that seem strange now? My comment is intended to be both complimentary and encouraging.

[Sean Edwards]

Don said:

ginettajoe said:

Strange how you know he's not expensive, when he's told you he is, but not the amount!!!

My point was that one instructor, despite being "expensive" for a day can be shared amongst a number of students. Whereupon each student is not paying the full amount. Given an entire day of coaching is hard to concentrate for when just starting out on track I am suggesting that even as little as a quarter share of an instructor could well be enough for most students. Therefore bearing the cost of 1/4 of an instructor for the benefit the individual will get is a bargain, IMO, and therefore "inexpensive" for the value obtained.

Does that seem strange now? My comment is intended to be both complimentary and encouraging.

I understood exactly what you were saying Don.

I agree that it's very cost effective when spread out between 2-4 of you and a few of my clients do that, but most seem to like the whole day to them selves, as they personally find it more beneficial

gjoe, what are you on about now?

[ginettajoe]

Sean Edwards said:

Don said:

ginettajoe said:

Strange how you know he's not expensive, when he's told you he is, but not the amount!!!

My point was that one instructor, despite being "expensive" for a day can be shared amongst a number of students. Whereupon each student is not paying the full amount. Given an entire day of coaching is hard to concentrate for when just starting out on track I am suggesting that even as little as a quarter share of an instructor could well be enough for most students. Therefore bearing the cost of 1/4 of an instructor for the benefit the individual will get is a bargain, IMO, and therefore "inexpensive" for the value obtained.

Does that seem strange now? My comment is intended to be both complimentary and encouraging.

I understood exactly what you were saying Don.

I agree that it's very cost effective when spread out between 2-4 of you and a few of my clients do that, but most seem to like the whole day to them selves, as they personally find it more beneficial

gjoe, what are you on about now?

You know what I'm getting at!!!

[Planet Claire]

I went to Llandow back in July, thought it was going to be pretty boring judging by the oval-ish shape on GoogleMaps, however, it was a pretty good day, you'll enjoy it if you do go. It's not a big track, as you'll probably know, but the Bus Stop adds a little spice to it!

I would definitely recommend getting some sort of tuition - the first lot I had was when I went up to Lotus' test track, since then I've just had a friend in the car with me who's very experienced on the tracks (much cheaper!).

[ADee]

Shameless plug for my race team who are based 800yds from Llandau - call Steff at Muzzrace on 07779 735706 or e-mail [e-mail] . They can help with general hints & tips, car set-up, instructors or even track car rental... & possible anything else you may need!

[Ricky_M]

Do you mean Llandow? I'd be very interested if your on my doorstep, where exactly are you based?