Track day
- Thread starter TommyGG
- Start date
Liverpool
It is fun, and highly-addictive.
Unless you're driving like a loon, a half-worn set of road tyres should last the day.
Your 'local' tracks would be Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Thruxton, Castle Combe or best for beginners would be Bedford (lots of run-off and quite flat).
Unless you're driving like a loon, a half-worn set of road tyres should last the day.
Your 'local' tracks would be Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Thruxton, Castle Combe or best for beginners would be Bedford (lots of run-off and quite flat).
Also look up Dalton Barracks its and old RAF Base big runway massive run off areas. I have not driven there but it looks good for a first time. They only open on Fridays its not to busy. I might be keen on joining you there maybe a forum track day???
I've always been a fan of Bruntingthorpe... Longest runway in UK (I think), not near SW London but the drive is easy!
There's a nice 180 degree return to the runway too to practice drifting if the mood takes you... And as with most aerodromes, massive runoffs (as mentioned above)
There's a nice 180 degree return to the runway too to practice drifting if the mood takes you... And as with most aerodromes, massive runoffs (as mentioned above)
boristhebold
Member
I would recommend going on a BMW car club track day.
No (or very few) idiots in caged stripped trackday cars. Good and free tuition available. Mainly normal people taking their pride and joy for a few laps.
Similar price to standard track days but join the BMWOC and get £20 off, so two in a year and you pay for your membership with the saving
No (or very few) idiots in caged stripped trackday cars. Good and free tuition available. Mainly normal people taking their pride and joy for a few laps.
Similar price to standard track days but join the BMWOC and get £20 off, so two in a year and you pay for your membership with the saving
If you do go on an airfield event then check whether it's the original concrete surface (VERY abrasive - e.g. I can wear out a set of tyres in 10 laps) or it's had tarmac laid over it.
And whilst there's usually not a lot to hit if you do go off, you may find there's a drop from the edge of the concrete to the marshy grass at the sides (and some have trees quite close to the service roads).
And whilst there's usually not a lot to hit if you do go off, you may find there's a drop from the edge of the concrete to the marshy grass at the sides (and some have trees quite close to the service roads).
boristhebold
Member
Cool, you'll know what I mean then as you'll see the folk I mean on every track day you go to. I must admit that the organisers are far better nowadays at black flagging morons but as a gentle intro to track time.......BMWOC. (I aren't on commission and only joined it last week after a 5 year absence)
miln0039 said:
None. The best thing you can do is book an instructor for the 10am slot. Just check all the levels and tyre pressures (come in after a few laps and adjust your pressures) as they will alter through out the day. Check your ego at the pit lane and off you go.
regarding the airfield and the instructor comments,
spot on with the tarmac. the airfield surface if not adapted will be really harsh. yes there is plenty of runoff but if its still got the odd light etc around it as its still an active place then they do plenty of damage! lol
the instuctor is also a very good idea as they know the circuits and will help you develop a line.
ive done a couple in an old mondeo and my little racy type 7 car. i opted for an open pit lane day. as a novice they took us out on track first to give a go on our own. as on all days there is overtaking rules that are a help. the days ive done these were policed very very tightly.
i did a quick 20 mins on my own first thing just to get used to it at my pace and feel for it. then i took out the instuctor who showed me where to be quicker etc.
what ever you do. just be sensible and most of all enjoy yourself.
spot on with the tarmac. the airfield surface if not adapted will be really harsh. yes there is plenty of runoff but if its still got the odd light etc around it as its still an active place then they do plenty of damage! lol
the instuctor is also a very good idea as they know the circuits and will help you develop a line.
ive done a couple in an old mondeo and my little racy type 7 car. i opted for an open pit lane day. as a novice they took us out on track first to give a go on our own. as on all days there is overtaking rules that are a help. the days ive done these were policed very very tightly.
i did a quick 20 mins on my own first thing just to get used to it at my pace and feel for it. then i took out the instuctor who showed me where to be quicker etc.
what ever you do. just be sensible and most of all enjoy yourself.
Simon_P said:
Thanks
I've been on track a couple of times before and tend to take it pretty steady if I am honest! But instructor time is absolutely invaluable, I agree!I was going to upgrade brake fluid and was only contemplating some slightly better pads - cannot do any harm Shirley?