Can i just go and watch a track day at Bedford autodrome?

[JAM35F]

I have a real desire to try out track days but am a complete novice (except for a supercar experience - not really the same!)

Is it possible to just go and watch a track day at Bedford autodrome so I can get a feel for the day and chat to a few people to get some advise?

Do they charge to watch and are any coming up on a friday or saturday or have I missed the season?

[matt frost]

Trackdays run throughout the year and the circuit gates are open all day.

It's free to go and watch, just find out a day that a trackday is going on and turn up.

[silverthorn2151]

You can go and watch, but I would suggest that Bedford is not the best place.

I would take yourself off to Snetterton for the day. Bedford is all a bit spread out and you can't see much from the various view points.

As Snett is a traditional circuit with pits etc you can wander around and chat to people and get a very good idea of what's going on. You can also sit in on the briefing if you get there early enough. The cafe is behind the pits and there are various places you can watch from. I would suggest Snett rather than Silverstone as that can be a bit like Bedford in terms of getting in and amongst it.

You may find that if you sign on as a passenger you can get a few laps with a willing driver. There are normally Ph'ers at each track day and watching the forums might give you an introduction.

[Ponk]

Agree about Bedford, Brands is a good one too, if it's the Indy circuit you can see the whole track from the paddock. Plus the paddock is pretty compact some easy enough to mingle.

[Chris71]

I'm fairly sure you can't get to the pits unless you're driving. It may be possible to watch from other points, but they make a point of the fact the pitlane is unusually secure because only people attending the day get access.

[Steve Evil]

Rockingham is a good place to go and watch as you can see the entire circuit easily from the main paddock area.

[Ponk]

Chris71 said:

I'm fairly sure you can't get to the pits unless you're driving. It may be possible to watch from other points, but they make a point of the fact the pitlane is unusually secure because only people attending the day get access.

I've been to Brands a couple of times to meet friends out on track, i've never been stopped. Bedford is a bit trickier as the pits are not really accessible unless you are out on track. There is a minibus that ferrys people too and from the main car park/briefing room though.

[dan101smith]

You can get to the pits at any of the circuits on foot if they won't let you take your car, but Brands will let you park behind the garages. Bedford won't let you take your car into the pitlane unless you are taking part, but you can park in the nearest carpark and wander over.

[Viper]

i went to bedford last year and are going again on the 23rd Oct, during the lunch hour break they allowed anyone to go around for some track experience, it was £20 last year for the hour which i thought was a good idea and great value

i guess you have to prebook this (it isnt advertised) as there was a decent sized group all waiting for their hour

http://www.clubmsv.com/car-home/event-details.aspx...

Edited by Viper on Wednesday 29th September 20:06

[JAM35F]

thanks for all the replies, I thought of Bedford as it's the closest track to me and probably a good one to start at once I pluck up the courage as it has large run off areas.

Initially I just want to watch, look at the set up and chat with some people so that I don't go in totally blind the first time I take my car on track.

[mrmr96]

IIRC bedford has 2 car parks, one for spectators and support vehicles and then the actual pitlane which only admits the cars going on track. People will generally park their support vehicles and unload track cars from the trailers then move them to the pitlane where they will stay until they need some work, then they drive back to the support area. I expect you could park in that general car park and then walk to the pitlane where people will be milling about.