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A thoroughly recommended driving skills day at Abingdon

aholymanjones55

aholymanjones55

New member
[blockquote][blockquote][blockquote]I attended a brilliant driving skills test Day at Abingdon on Friday 28 June 19, for rear wheel drive sports cars. I found myself in a coaching class of just three cars. A 2005 996 GT3, 2003 Ferrari 360F1 Modena and my 718 Boxster GTS.

This is the second such course I’ve attended organised by Gary Marsh. That last one being one year ago in the Macan at the same venue.

What I like is Gary is very practical and hands on and helps you maximise the potential of your car. He is a coach.....and when you know his background it’s rather fun to think he is helping you become a better driver. He told the story of driving Eau Rouge at Spa at 215mph... back to the day.

On the track around Gary’s set course, I managed a marginal win in time at 1:35.9 minute, some 1 tenth of a second faster than the GT3 and some 1.8 sec ahead of the Ferrari. This was a tight course and as such the GTS was able to be more nimble especially around the roundabout section and through the snake section and the chicane in the main straight.

But this course is not all about delivering a fast time it’s about understanding how the get the best from you car and how to drive well around corners, chicanes and other skills tests that Gary presents.

How to brake, steer brake and then park. Using the wide open spaces it makes you understand how incredibly capable modern cars are when equipped with ASB, they are very impressive kit. Can I really do an emergency stop from 90mph and park the car on a sixpence in dummy garage without hitting the back wall. Yes, I can.

I found the driving fast around corners to be most enjoyable. Finding the optimal speed to get around the corner. How to approach the corner! It’s how he makes you find the optimal speed that’s the enjoyable and learning element. Then how to set the car up to hit the right corner speed and then use its natural turning ability to pull the car to the apex and the hit the accelerator pedal on the exit. To achieve an optimal corner experience. Fast in and Fast out.

A thoroughly recommended experience.

Gary's details as he hosts these events all around the country.

Gary Marsh
Race Driver, ARDS Instructor, Motorsport UK Coach, SDSA Driving Professional
Mobile: 07768 997050
http://www.aneed4speed.co.uk


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Hi, sounds like fun. I've been considering some professional training in my 987.1 but I'm really not interested in "pure" track driving/speed, more about cornering and handling on regular roads - especially learning the limits of the car and what to do if it all goes wrong. It sounds like Gary touches on these points, but it also sounds like it may be more track related than day-to-day driving, what do you think?

If anyone has any other recommendations that might suit me better, I'd be all ears (without wishing to hijack this thread!).

Jon
 
Jon,

I would say the driving skills were designed more for road use than track but obviously there will be a cross over.

I do not do track days either and nor did the other two on the course. Gary very approachable so best you make contact direct I would suggest to see if this fits your bill or not.

Adrian
 
Thanks Adrian, I'll get in touch. Couldn't ask to be much closer - I live in Wallingford...

J
 
That sounds like an excellent driving skills course. If only more people would take such interest in improving their driving skills and getting to know their car better, our roads would be safer for everyone. We need more courses like this on offer across the UK from properly qualified instructors such as GM.

The natural progression from such courses is to polish and hone the lessons learnt on PCGB track days. Twisty, technical tracks are best, such as Oulton Park, Anglesey, and Knockhill, rather than the high speed Donnigton, Goodwood, and Silverstone circuits. It is immensely satisfying when you get your car flowing through the corners smoothly and quickly, and understanding weight transfer and chassis dynamics better.

Good on you aholymanjones for posting this thread.

Brian
 


My "Limit Handling Courses" are designed to be flexible & can be tailored to a Drivers requirements. The Courses cover a very broad range of Structured Learning & "Deliberate Practice" in order to improve more advanced driving skills. Most Courses act as an introduction to several advanced driving techniques including an emphasis on the correct vision/observation & anticipation along with practical exercises such as high speed Lane Changes & Brake & Avoid routines. Understanding what works best for your car during cornering is included in all Courses (because anyone can drive a car fast in a straight line).

There is a significant cross over between Road driving & Track driving with a key emphasis on developing a respect for speed & a deeper understanding of yourself and your cars capabilities. Displaying sound judgement at all times whilst driving at speed can be a life safer.

Some of my more Advanced Courses are for Drivers who wish to push themselves & their car "Beyond Limits" and learn over-steer control & drifting skills.

Essentially, it is just not safe to explore the Limits of your Cars Handling on the Roads. Even at Track Days the Track Limits & other cars on Circuit require self control & mutual respect for other Drivers/Cars that are out on the Circuit.

Unlike Roads & Circuits, I provide a safe environment where only one Driver/Car is performing at any one time & there is nothing to hit other than plastic cones.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in taking part in a future Event. Thank you.

All the best

Gary Marsh
Race Driver, ARDS Instructor, Motorsport UK Coach, SDSA Driving Professional
Mobile: 07768 997050
gary@aneed4speed.co.uk
[URL]http://www.aneed4speed.co.uk[/URL]
 
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