Track Day Virgin - Bedford Autodrome
Discussion
Helmets are available for rent - I think £10 for the day plus a refundable deposit when you return it at hometime.
As for advice, make sure you give the car a good once-over making sure fluids/tyres/brake pads etc are all good and take some spare oil with you. Whilst there isn't much to hit at Bedford, I would still take it easy to start, look for the lines and slowly increase your speed during the day. Also it is amazingly difficult for newbies to keep concentration levels for long, so i suggest that you keep sessions to 15 mins to give you and the car a rest.
When parking up, do NOT apply the handbrake unless you want to warp your discs and check all levels before every session. You will also need to play with the tyre pressures - whether to increase/decrease depends on weather and track conditions, type of car etc so best to have a play with these for the first few sessions and see what suits.
Good luck
David
As for advice, make sure you give the car a good once-over making sure fluids/tyres/brake pads etc are all good and take some spare oil with you. Whilst there isn't much to hit at Bedford, I would still take it easy to start, look for the lines and slowly increase your speed during the day. Also it is amazingly difficult for newbies to keep concentration levels for long, so i suggest that you keep sessions to 15 mins to give you and the car a rest.
When parking up, do NOT apply the handbrake unless you want to warp your discs and check all levels before every session. You will also need to play with the tyre pressures - whether to increase/decrease depends on weather and track conditions, type of car etc so best to have a play with these for the first few sessions and see what suits.
Good luck
David
Marf said:
I wonder if anyone might know the website of the photographer who was there today? I can't remember the name for the life of me!
It's http://www.xtremesportsphotography.net/Unfortunately their website is down at the moment.
Marf said:
Any advice for two enthusiastic drivers who are track day virgins?
Get some tuition. Not particularly for the car control, although they may be able to help, but more for finding your way around. Bedford is really tricky to learn initially because it's so damn featureless. An instructor will get you up to speed quicker and they will push you. They can also help out with ettiquete and stuff, which takes some of the pressure off you as a first timer.On that note, don't forget to keep half an eye on your mirrors. The key is to relax and get on with your own thing, but still be mindful of quicker cars. If someone is obviously able to go quicker then stay over to the right on a decent length straight and indicate for them to go past and maybe ease off if they're in a less powerful car. Likewise when you overtake people it's best to wait for some sort of sign that they've seen you and aren't about to change line.
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