Brands GP - is it worth it?
Brands GP - is it worth it?
Author
Discussion

youngsyr

Original Poster:

14,742 posts

216 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
Brands is my nearest track - a mere 17 miles away, so I've driven the Indy circuit on a couple of days and have been a passenger on another day, so wouldn't be keen to go back until I've driven a few more of the other Southern circuits (have driven Castle Combe twice, but not Snetterton, Goodwood or Thruxton).

There are a few Brands GP days over the summer, but they are around twice the cost of an equivalent day elsewhere, so my question is:

If I have the choice of three track days with one at say Snetterton, one at Goodwood and one at Combe, or one of the above plus Brands GP this year, which should I do?

I'm tempted by Brands GP from reading up on it and its convenience, but I'm not convinced it's twice as good as the others.

Porkie

2,378 posts

265 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
Only done it once. It was awesome. Well worth the money!

IGM

46 posts

230 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
On the British Circuits I've driven Brands GP is one of the most challenging and the only circuit that Britain has that is remotely close to Spa for overall wow factor. I am coming "down" for Goldtrack's June date on the GP circuit. But as you say it is an expensive option because of the limited days that can be run on the GP circuit.

legaleagleboy

605 posts

275 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
Yes, I am doing the June Goldtrack as well, really looking forward to it after various people have told me about it -- never done it and need some practice ahead of a race there in July.

89pgy

83 posts

230 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
have done gp track 3 times,once on sessions and twice with an open pitlane and would only ever go open pitlane.You only live once do it.

BenElliottRacing

375 posts

245 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
you wont regret spending the money on a brands gp day.

DiscoColin

3,328 posts

238 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
+1

youngsyr

Original Poster:

14,742 posts

216 months

Thursday 2nd April 2009
quotequote all
Hmmm, thanks all for the food for thought. smile

After checking, the sound limit seems to be 101dB (A) for the GP circuit. I'm pretty sure my car is around 102 dB (C) at 3/4 redline static, 45* 1m, without the bung in.

I can probably get it through a 101 dB test if it's the same as the normal test at Brands, but do they measure drive by limits and is the (A) rating more sensitive than the (C)? confused

LaurenceFrost

691 posts

276 months

Tuesday 7th April 2009
quotequote all
I just cannot see how Brands GP is worth the £399 that you now get charged to do it!

I've driven Brands Indy many, many times and I like the circuit, but £399 for the whole day of the GP is very expensive when you can do Spa for about £100 more including accommodation and crossings etc.

Perhaps you have to drive it to appreciate what it's all about though?

chris7676

2,685 posts

244 months

Tuesday 7th April 2009
quotequote all
...or Dijon for £150.
I have never driven but don't understand why I would pay so much.

DiscoColin

3,328 posts

238 months

Tuesday 7th April 2009
quotequote all
LaurenceFrost said:
I just cannot see how Brands GP is worth the £399 that you now get charged to do it!
Only by driving it will you know whether it is worth it to you, but it certainly is to me. You will of course have to bite the bullet for a definitive answer though.

drjhill

181 posts

214 months

Tuesday 7th April 2009
quotequote all
I put my money where my mouth is this morning and booked for the full circuit later in the year.

Not cheap but you only live once.

the atomic punk

51 posts

216 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
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It's a great circuit. You ought to do it at least once in your life.

jleroux

1,511 posts

284 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
or you could wait till it's all one big housing estate then drive through it at 100+mph for free?

Jonny
BaT

susser

270 posts

234 months

Sunday 12th April 2009
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the atomic punk said:
It's a great circuit. You ought to do it at least once in your life.
As 89pgy

I'm doing it on 27th. I've got 2 passengers at the moment otherwise I'd offer you a ride. You might want to punt out £20 for the chance though.

Andy_sx

2,410 posts

230 months

Monday 13th April 2009
quotequote all
jleroux said:
or you could wait till it's all one big housing estate then drive through it at 100+mph for free?

Jonny
BaT
the day they do that is the day i loose all hope for this country!

My Nan hates motorsport and all the noise, and her house backs onto the circuit (just down from dingel dell) yet would rather have the track their than a new estate.

Fingers crossed JP keeps firm to his promise when he bought the circuit and keeps it as is, and the meddeling numpties that move in and complain about the race circuit thats been there years give up or just plain eff off and leave the house prices to fall so i can move there smile

boxsey

3,579 posts

234 months

Tuesday 14th April 2009
quotequote all
I've not had the pleasure of the GP circuit but with the average price of Oulton Park International being about £220, I'd be surprised if it was £179 better than OP.

matt frost

783 posts

275 months

Wednesday 15th April 2009
quotequote all
Andy_sx said:
jleroux said:
or you could wait till it's all one big housing estate then drive through it at 100+mph for free?

Jonny
BaT
the day they do that is the day i loose all hope for this country!

My Nan hates motorsport and all the noise, and her house backs onto the circuit (just down from dingel dell) yet would rather have the track their than a new estate.

Fingers crossed JP keeps firm to his promise when he bought the circuit and keeps it as is, and the meddeling numpties that move in and complain about the race circuit thats been there years give up or just plain eff off and leave the house prices to fall so i can move there smile
So I have to ask the age-old question. Not directing this at your nan directly, but seeing as the topic has been brought up....Why do all these people who complain about noise and cause the noise restrictions at circuits live next to a racing circuit?

susser

270 posts

234 months

Wednesday 15th April 2009
quotequote all
Absolutely have to agree with Matt's last.