Booking my first Trackday at Brands Hatch- help

[Not the Sam]

Decided it's time to get to a trackday, It'll be my first so am having a bit of trouble finding the right one to get on.

I'm thinking that 2011 Jan/Feb is best and Brands Hatch Indy is a good starter (lots of run off, I know the track quite well- obviously not as well as if I drove it!).

Are there any particular sites to be checking or clubs to be joining?

The car I'll be in is a CRX SIR 1.6 with coilovers, rollcage, ARB, Strut Braces etc so its certainly quick in corners, but not so much on fast straights compared to bigger machinery- not sure if that changes what days are best, in my research it appears anything goes with anything, and everyone gives eachother their space and lines.

I'm in the south, so if theres one with fellow PH'ers it'd be great to join

Thanks for any help.

Sam

[gruffalo]

I would say there is a specific day to go on.

Focused Evenets ahve always been well organised in me experience.

Make sure you get instruction, well worth it and will reduce the time it takes before you are putting in some good times.

Most people on track days are very understanding and well behaved so do as instructed in the drivers brief, get instruction and enjoy yourself.

[Phil Dicky]

Open pitlanes is a must fo a beginner as you can come and go on and off track as you please.

Edited by Phil Dicky on Monday 1st November 17:02

[Porkie]

Jan/feb is probably going to be wet and cold... a wet brands is not somewhere I would want to do my first ever trackday!


I'd suggest getting down to Bedford. Alot less technical and with huge runoffs.

if you are going stick with brands. I would do one of the special 'Novice' afternoons or evening sessions that MSV run there

or what about this saturday after next...
http://www.clubmsv.com/car-home/event-details.aspx...

Edited by Porkie on Tuesday 2nd November 07:55

Edited by Porkie on Tuesday 2nd November 07:56

[anonymous-user]

Porkie said:

Jan/feb is probably going to be wet and cold... a wet brands is not somewhere I would want to do my first ever trackday!


I'd suggest getting down to Bedford. Alot less technical and with huge runoffs.

if you are going stick with brands. I would do one of the special 'Novice' afternoons or evening sessions that MSV run there

or what about this saturday after next...
http://www.clubmsv.com/car-home/event-details.aspx...

Edited by Porkie on Tuesday 2nd November 07:55

Edited by Porkie on Tuesday 2nd November 07:56

Seconded, Bedford would be much better for a first trackday.

[gruffalo]

You could always come along to Brands on the 28th November and sign on as a passenger, I will be there with some mates and I am sure you would have penty of opportunity to get track time as a passenger to get a feel for the event and see what you think. Cars in our little group are a TVR Cerbera, a Lotus Exige with supercharged Honda engine and a BMW E36 M3, all of us would be willing to take another PHer round if wanted.

[silverthorn2151]

gruffalo said:

You could always come along to Brands on the 28th November and sign on as a passenger, I will be there with some mates and I am sure you would have penty of opportunity to get track time as a passenger to get a feel for the event and see what you think. Cars in our little group are a TVR Cerbera, a Lotus Exige with supercharged Honda engine and a BMW E36 M3, all of us would be willing to take another PHer round if wanted.

This is a brilliant thing to do and a generous offer. I strongly recommend that you take Gruffalo up on it.

Brands doesn't have great run off in many places but that only affects things at higher speeds in my view. I love Brands but it is a circuit where there is something going on all the time. The Indy circuit has no straight when you are sitting in the car and cambers, bends and gradients make it difficult to keep a proper eye on what is going on.

Having said that it's a proper circuit with a proper atmosphere and that's part of the fun. Bedford is fabulous to drive but a little sterile and remote in many ways.

I would second the advice above about a novice day or afternoon at Brands as the ideal way to get a feel for things once you have had some laps as a passenger. Your car will be fine as long as you respect its, and your own limits.

It's bloody brilliant, so do it!

[Not the Sam]

Fantastic stuff, thanks for all the replies, you've been really helpful.

Gruffalo, thats really kind of you, November sundays are quickly filling up for me, and its the only day I get to see the Mrs at the moment, so will sort it and be in touch if I can Thanks very much!

Sam

[silverthorn2151]

Not the Sam said:

Fantastic stuff, thanks for all the replies, you've been really helpful.

Gruffalo, thats really kind of you, November sundays are quickly filling up for me, and its the only day I get to see the Mrs at the moment, so will sort it and be in touch if I can Thanks very much!

Sam

Take her with you! Introduce her to the whole thing.

Oh, and i believe it is traditional to ask for photos, of the day I presume!

[Not the Sam]

hahaha, very good point!

[gruffalo]

Not the Sam said:

Fantastic stuff, thanks for all the replies, you've been really helpful.

Gruffalo, thats really kind of you, November sundays are quickly filling up for me, and its the only day I get to see the Mrs at the moment, so will sort it and be in touch if I can Thanks very much!

Sam

Mail me if you get it sorted at home or just come along on the day, we have booked a garage so wander along and find us.

[Not the Sam]

Will do buddy

[stumpy67]

gruffalo said:

Not the Sam said:

Fantastic stuff, thanks for all the replies, you've been really helpful.

Gruffalo, thats really kind of you, November sundays are quickly filling up for me, and its the only day I get to see the Mrs at the moment, so will sort it and be in touch if I can Thanks very much!

Sam

Mail me if you get it sorted at home or just come along on the day, we have booked a garage so wander along and find us.

I'm going this too, so may pop along and say Hi.
I'll be in a 2001 RS4.

Was at Snetts yesterday and was brilliant.