Menu toggle

PCGB Track Day Castle Coombe

bobfair

bobfair

PCGB Member
Member
I attended the clubs track day at Castle Coombe last week and it was interesting to have a go myself after watching the races there on Bank Holiday Monday.

I had an absolutley brilliant day helped by great weather and a limted number of attendees which allowed an open pitlane. Both Mike Wilds (ex F1 and still testing F1 cars) and his son Anthony were there and I was able to get some further tuition from Anthony who is currently leading the Britcar championship.

It was a track day so I was not timing but I couldnt help noticing from the Onboard Vision/Race Logic software that I was more than 4 secs quicker than on my last visit thanks to Anthony's help. For all of you thinking about a performance upgrade all I can say is the best upgrade you will ever have is to get Mike or Anthony to give you some coaching.

By comparison the fastest lap in the first race in the Porsche open on Bank Holiday was 1.16.8 and the software shows that had I have been a bit more consistent I could easily be in the mid 18's. With a bit more committment, using a bit more of the track and without taking too many risks this could be high 17's which shows what a road going GT 3 can do. For those of you thinking about a GT 3 it is a truly fabulous car so do it but be warned you will have to get it on a circuit to see what it really can do. Of course its not about the times but enjoying a truly fabulous car when it is put to good use

I hope you enjoy this video

http://vimeo.com/14909136

I cannot recommend Anthony highly enough its not just the coaching in the car but the discussion afterwards and the explanation of what you and the car are doing that make the day so enjoyable for a petrol head.

GT 3 love it!!
 
Great vid Bob. Interesting to compare the speeds (max) and the braking points compared to what I was getting in the turbo first time out at Combe (one "O" btw!!). Shall be there in the Marlin later this month and in the Turbo for the last PCGB day in Oct - coming to that one too?[;)]
 
Alan,

I am sure you will have a lot of fun. I think the last club day is a quiet day so my noisy GT 3 wont pass the test as it hits 105db static.

I confess to having used the "oh s**t" lanes at the chicanes a couple of times when I braked too late. Better that than spin.

The times in the video are GPs the speedo was showing approx 5mph higher

I was much happier with the line through Avon rise as it it slightly less bumpy so can recommend that. Stay a bit strighter and turn in to the rise a litlle later than you think, quick squirt of throttle to settle the car then brake and down a gear for quarry. I can defiantely go faster through camp but then you arrive at Avon rise well over 140 and its bumpy!! With your Turbos grunt down the straight 150 is definately possible!!
 
I think on the quiet days the noise test is at 4500rpm and not 3/4 revs - would it still not get through? Agree about the lines and braking and I find Camp the scariest corner on the track as you know you can do it quicker but that wall is so bl**dy close!! I don't know about 150 - 140 perhaps![;)] The Marlin is quicker around the whole circuit, if not it top speed, as I can carry at least 10mph more through all the corners. I know the Marlin race boys do around 1-15's. It's also much more frightening over the bumpy bits as I feel so exposed![&:] Good fun though[:D]
 
It would be good to see a video of the Marlin in action. I am sure Dario will be there to hire it out if you are tempted

Anthony told me his best time around here is a 1.07 in a single seater race car. I can only imagine what that must be like.

I may try and come and watch at the end of October but I will have done 7 days this year so have to cool it a little
 
It's a low 1:17 lap in the Club Class 1 race cars but at that you really are hanging on for dear life. Excellent, exciting track but it makes you pay if you get it wrong, which is easy !
 
ORIGINAL: bobfair

It would be good to see a video of the Marlin in action.
Click to expand...
Bob,

I have just bought an HD Hero camera so will see what I can do next time out.[:)] 295 bhp in 650kgs car (before I get in and weigh it down) with no driver aids at all is fairly hard work for a plonker like me!

Richard
"Excellent, exciting track but it makes you pay if you get it wrong" That's what worries me!![;)]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top