Anyone going to Beford on Saturday 23rd April?
Discussion
Am going to my first ever track day on the 23rd. Was originally booked for back in November last year but it snowed and was cancelled.
Sadly don't have a suitable car so am having an hours tuition in one of MSVs VX220s to learn the track and track etiquette.
Wondered if any friendly PHers will be there who I can get some advice from and generally pick your brains about track days in general. Maybe even get a passenger ride to see how it's really done...
I'll be the novice getting over taken by all of you about 10am ish though I'll be there for the drivers briefing early on.
Sadly don't have a suitable car so am having an hours tuition in one of MSVs VX220s to learn the track and track etiquette.
Wondered if any friendly PHers will be there who I can get some advice from and generally pick your brains about track days in general. Maybe even get a passenger ride to see how it's really done...
I'll be the novice getting over taken by all of you about 10am ish though I'll be there for the drivers briefing early on.
Myself and my brother are there Saturday, I'm praying I'll be in my white k reg track clio but nothings certain as I only finished building the engine Monday night after it dropped a valve. Otherwise I'm in my silver clio 172 and my brother will be in a gold Saxo vts. Please feel free to pop across and say hi!
So James, how did you get on? I have to say I didn't notice you but I was rather preoccupied. I managed to get my little White track clio there on a very freshly built engine which I was on edge about all day but it held up well. We all had such a spot on day, weather was nice, track wasn't crowded and all the cars in our group drove home.
What a great day! I was there in my old datsun (grey skyline) .
Weather was gorgeous, I didn't breyak or crash ky car and I didn't have any noise issues!
Met some decent folk up there too
Result!
A vid I got. Chasing a 911, really hammering the car to try and catch up...check out the BMW driver lol!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmIyfElsUws
Got some other footage on my YouTube channel if anyone's interested...
Cheers all,
Sam
Weather was gorgeous, I didn't breyak or crash ky car and I didn't have any noise issues!
Met some decent folk up there too
Result!
A vid I got. Chasing a 911, really hammering the car to try and catch up...check out the BMW driver lol!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmIyfElsUws
Got some other footage on my YouTube channel if anyone's interested...
Cheers all,
Sam
git-r said:
A vid I got. Chasing a 911, really hammering the car to try and catch up...check out the BMW driver lol!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmIyfElsUws
You do know you're supposed to go around the track, right?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmIyfElsUws
git-r said:
TheInternet said:
You do know you're supposed to go around the track, right?
Erm, nope.. Please explain! 
at the video. Theres using all of the track, theres using all of the track and a bit more then theres driving straight through the cones 
Did you not notice everyone else driving around the cones while you were driving through them?
Beaniemoo said:
So James, how did you get on? I have to say I didn't notice you but I was rather preoccupied. I managed to get my little White track clio there on a very freshly built engine which I was on edge about all day but it held up well. We all had such a spot on day, weather was nice, track wasn't crowded and all the cars in our group drove home.
Hi, yeah I was there. (wearing a hotwheels tshirt and sweating!) Was in the MSV VX220 Turbo for the morning and then had a ride in the Jaguar 2 seater just before lunch time.I had a fantastic morning, I loved it. Admitedly I was a bit nervous at the begining of the session but once out in the car and shown the lines by my instructor I settled in and like to think that I put in some good laps for a total newcomer. Only had one or two moments but caught it each time and learnt from the mistake and didn't repeat it.
I hope I didn't hold any of you guys up too much, my instructor was watching my mirrors so I was pulling over as soon as possible.
Before yesterday one worry I had was that as a total newcomer I'd be getting buzzed by the more experienced faster drivers for the whole morning. But I have to say the track etiquette was perfect, no one hassled me or resented a new comer at all. Hopefully was pace was good enough that I didnt stand out as a total newbie but even the very fast cars gave me time and didnt bully me out of the way. So thanks to everyone for being considerate.
The whole day seemed very well organised with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. I hope this is indicative of most track days. The number of cars out on track seemed quite low which suited me meaning I could concentrate more on my lines and braking etc rather than worry about who was coming up behind.
The VX220 Turbo was a fabulous car to drive too, very direct with great brakes and more than enough power. I want one!
My instructor was Ryan Hooker and he was great. Very knowledgeable and patient and full of useful tips. I am so glad I booked him, in one hour he taught me so much and although I still have lots to learn, he has given me a great foundation to build on. I will definately be using him again in the future. He listened to what I wanted from the session, what my experience was and then pushed me through the whole session until eventually I even began to impress myself. He seemed pleased with my progress and complimented my ability as a total newbie. If any other track day novices read this, book some tuition! I can't believe any one would go out without some tuition on their first day. If I had gone out on my own having never tracked before I'd have either crashed/ spun, been a hinderance to others or had such a slow rubbish time that I'd have never gone back. Am so glad I booked tuition, helped me so much.
So overall I loved the day. I am now hooked and want to do more track days soon! I'm already begining to look in to a track car. It'll be a daily driver on a budget so my well be a 172/106/saxo/306/. There seemed to be a few of these cars having fun yesterday and at Bedford I expect it's mainly the 1km straight where they perhaps lack some grunt.
How do you and your brother (gold saxo I think) find these tye of cars at bedford and what are the real world costs. ie prep, replacement brakes etc?
I saw your white clio there. I think you were fitting an extra silencer in the car park as I arrived. You seemed to be having a good session. I should have come over but I didnt seem to be in the pits at the same time as you and then had to shoot off at lunch time.
So thanks to everyone there for being considerate track dayers, you helped make my first track day a memorable day. And most of all thanks to Ryan if he reads this, so talented and helped me so much.
yep had so much fun. Been looking at cars and you tube clips endlessly today.
Were you there? Have considered the mx5 as thats the default answer on PH, but sat in one last year and just couldnt fit, am 6ft 3inch and my knees just don't fit round the steering wheel. Though am begining to think I need to find a friendly ph'er with an mx5 with a small steering wheel to try sitting in.
Clio is definately a consideration, is it worth looking for a cup spec 172? Is a 2k saxo/106 gti not worth a look at?
Were you there? Have considered the mx5 as thats the default answer on PH, but sat in one last year and just couldnt fit, am 6ft 3inch and my knees just don't fit round the steering wheel. Though am begining to think I need to find a friendly ph'er with an mx5 with a small steering wheel to try sitting in.
Clio is definately a consideration, is it worth looking for a cup spec 172? Is a 2k saxo/106 gti not worth a look at?
JAM35F said:
yep had so much fun. Been looking at cars and you tube clips endlessly today.
Were you there? Have considered the mx5 as thats the default answer on PH, but sat in one last year and just couldnt fit, am 6ft 3inch and my knees just don't fit round the steering wheel. Though am begining to think I need to find a friendly ph'er with an mx5 with a small steering wheel to try sitting in.
Clio is definately a consideration, is it worth looking for a cup spec 172? Is a 2k saxo/106 gti not worth a look at?
Hehe its a slippery slope buddy! Were you there? Have considered the mx5 as thats the default answer on PH, but sat in one last year and just couldnt fit, am 6ft 3inch and my knees just don't fit round the steering wheel. Though am begining to think I need to find a friendly ph'er with an mx5 with a small steering wheel to try sitting in.
Clio is definately a consideration, is it worth looking for a cup spec 172? Is a 2k saxo/106 gti not worth a look at?
Yeah I was there in my old datsun - see 5th post down...
I'm sure there's not much difference but id imagine the clio to be quicker but all the cars you mention would be good for your purpose...
Personally I'd always go for a rwd simply because its more fun, fwd is less likely to bite for a beginner but a day at somewhere like north weald would teach anyone the basics if you were worried.
I was there, I'm Beaniemoo's brother, I was in my Gold Saxo VTS.
I had an absolutely brilliant day.
Did my first trackday at Bedford in a S1 1.3 106 Rallye, which was brilliant and handled beautifully but it was a little slow for such a large track such as Bedford. Since then I moved onto a Saxo VTS which I picked up a couple of weeks ago for £900.
I have now taken it to 2 trackdays in the last month and it has performed brilliantly.
There seems to be a bit of an opinion on some forums that to do trackdays you need slicks, 4 pots, a roll cage etc to have fun. But I have to admit (and I'm sure lots of people on here will agree) bombing round in a nice cheap, standard car is brilliant fun!
My car has accellera front tyres and Marshall rears, standard brakes of some kind and I was managing to pass Clio 172's, Clio 200's staying with Elises (presumably not being driven as hard as the old Saxo was lol).
As for running costs I did in the region of £55 worth of fuel in the day, that was with 2 of us driving it, so it did quite a few sessions.
Also not had any failures with the car apart from a driveshaft caused by a split Cv boot I ignored and a worn door catch (causing the door to open itself at speed).
If you're over 6 ft and looking for a track car, as much as I LOVE Saxo's and would generally recommend one to someone, you might struggle for head room with a helmet on. So I think I'd probably say a Clio would be a good choice. As for a Cup I haven't driven one, but I had a go in a mates a standard ph1 172 at Bedford once and it was a beautiful handling car so I wouldn't dicscount a Non cup straight off.
As for RWD being more fun, I have to disagree, you just have to drive you car to its strengths
I had an absolutely brilliant day.
Did my first trackday at Bedford in a S1 1.3 106 Rallye, which was brilliant and handled beautifully but it was a little slow for such a large track such as Bedford. Since then I moved onto a Saxo VTS which I picked up a couple of weeks ago for £900.
I have now taken it to 2 trackdays in the last month and it has performed brilliantly.
There seems to be a bit of an opinion on some forums that to do trackdays you need slicks, 4 pots, a roll cage etc to have fun. But I have to admit (and I'm sure lots of people on here will agree) bombing round in a nice cheap, standard car is brilliant fun!
My car has accellera front tyres and Marshall rears, standard brakes of some kind and I was managing to pass Clio 172's, Clio 200's staying with Elises (presumably not being driven as hard as the old Saxo was lol).
As for running costs I did in the region of £55 worth of fuel in the day, that was with 2 of us driving it, so it did quite a few sessions.
Also not had any failures with the car apart from a driveshaft caused by a split Cv boot I ignored and a worn door catch (causing the door to open itself at speed).
If you're over 6 ft and looking for a track car, as much as I LOVE Saxo's and would generally recommend one to someone, you might struggle for head room with a helmet on. So I think I'd probably say a Clio would be a good choice. As for a Cup I haven't driven one, but I had a go in a mates a standard ph1 172 at Bedford once and it was a beautiful handling car so I wouldn't dicscount a Non cup straight off.
As for RWD being more fun, I have to disagree, you just have to drive you car to its strengths
I saw your saxo going round and you were definately keeping up with cars that on paper should were alot more powerful and track orientated. Showed me that cheap and nippy can still mean alot of fun. How did the brakes handle the day? Are they standard as the course seemed to be very heavy on brakes.
I wish I had come over and said hi now, perhaps could have sat in your car with a helmet to see if I fitted. Head height is concern for me and i don't want to go out and buy a car and then later find me and a lid don't fit.
Running costs on something small like a saxo also appeal and if the worst happens and it dies I won't have blown too much money.
I'm comfortable with RWD having owned 5 BMWs over the years and an mx5 is a possibility but my height might be an issue again. Need to try a few cars out. Does your brothers 172 have more headroom then?
git-r, I read your posts but then didnt realise it was you after you replied later, I watched you going round and have been watching your videos, good stuff and you were keeping on the tails on some powerful cars. Was the 911 driver ok with you following so close, I assume the unwritten rule is that if you don't like it you let the following car pass. Had you arranged to have a bit of chase before going out. Not sure if I'd be so brave as to follow someone so close just yet! And no offence but I won't be learning from your lines through the chicane! I wondered who was smashing the cones up!! Your channel has been book marked to refresh me on the circuit before my next trip there so thanks for posting the link.
I wish I had come over and said hi now, perhaps could have sat in your car with a helmet to see if I fitted. Head height is concern for me and i don't want to go out and buy a car and then later find me and a lid don't fit.
Running costs on something small like a saxo also appeal and if the worst happens and it dies I won't have blown too much money.
I'm comfortable with RWD having owned 5 BMWs over the years and an mx5 is a possibility but my height might be an issue again. Need to try a few cars out. Does your brothers 172 have more headroom then?
git-r, I read your posts but then didnt realise it was you after you replied later, I watched you going round and have been watching your videos, good stuff and you were keeping on the tails on some powerful cars. Was the 911 driver ok with you following so close, I assume the unwritten rule is that if you don't like it you let the following car pass. Had you arranged to have a bit of chase before going out. Not sure if I'd be so brave as to follow someone so close just yet! And no offence but I won't be learning from your lines through the chicane! I wondered who was smashing the cones up!! Your channel has been book marked to refresh me on the circuit before my next trip there so thanks for posting the link.
lol - i didn't smash any of the cones! Didn't touch a single one all day 
I learnt that route years ago when i was a newbie at bedford.. A lot of folk use that route
About the 911 he should have let me pass as i had caught him up but i was enjoying chasing him. Had a natter with the guy and it turned out i'd met him before at brands. Nice chap
I learnt that route years ago when i was a newbie at bedford.. A lot of folk use that route
About the 911 he should have let me pass as i had caught him up but i was enjoying chasing him. Had a natter with the guy and it turned out i'd met him before at brands. Nice chap
JAM35F said:
I thought the 911 should have let you pass too after watching but it seems you both were enjoying it and kept it all safe so why not, I bet the chase was great fun, certainly made great viewing.
Your video camera looks great quality, which one is it?
Camera.is a Panasonic sd9. They don't make them any more but for motorsport they are better than the newer ones as they have 3ccd's... got line from eBay last year and its great! Even comes with a remote which is perfect for using un-car.... Your video camera looks great quality, which one is it?
git-r said:
Camera.is a Panasonic sd9. They don't make them any more but for motorsport they are better than the newer ones as they have 3ccd's... got line from eBay last year and its great! Even comes with a remote which is perfect for using un-car....
Excuse my ignorance, what is 3ccd?It's the type of lenses it uses I think.. tbh I'm not really sure either but was helped by the guys on av forums.. search 3ccds on YouTube and you'll see how much better they are than the newer ones...
I bought the current Panasonic model and it was s
t compared to the older model I have now... bought through amazon and sent back....
I bought the current Panasonic model and it was s
t compared to the older model I have now... bought through amazon and sent back....Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff