Track Days

[Copperman05]

After a brief discussion with some of you at Snetterton I'm trying to gauge some interest in a 944 track day session sometime in the new year/spring. My current thinking is to have a day that would be open to both novices and more experienced track day goers but also one that is affordable and run by a decent organiser. I'm keen to get more track experience and I'm sure some of you would like to see just how good these little cars can be on track. One of the most useful things for me after going on track was being able to understand the handling limits of the car much better, it really was a revelation just how much grip was available, this is almost impossible to achieve safely on a road.

I know MSV have been running some road car only trackdays (no trailers or race cars) that can be booked as a whole day or half day am or pm sessions. The half day sessions were about £99 IIRC. I would also like to keep it open for people who would like to attend but are not quite ready (or willing) to drive on track, perhaps this could be another excuse for a tyre kicking exercise and an opportunity to be a passenger with those going on track.

What are peoples view on this? If enough are interested we could book up and maybe even get an 'expert' or Indy to attend and advise? I know the Bedford Autodrome has good run off areas for overenthusiastic drivers (myself included[]) but I have no experience of driving there myself.

If nothing else it may be a good opportunity for those with track orientated cars to get together, your suggestions are welcome.


Edd

 

[andy watson]

Edd, Good idea, like it, I have heard things about The autodrome I'm in

 

[MarkK]

They are a bit strict about noise though[&o]

 

[graham.webb]

I'm in...haven't done Bedford (a colleague in R19 has...says it's great), but have done Brands Hatch twice. That's also MSV and i have to say their organisation is excellent. I agree there needs to be consideration for novices (that includes me...went into the gravel last time!)

 

[GlennS]

Sounds like fun but my spine would never survive track levels of stress, either as a driver or passenger. I'll come along for the tyre kicking though!

 

[colin944]

Sounds like a great idea. But I would only attend if you moved the track to somewhere within 4-5 hrs drive ie Cheshire or upper midlands..I think if you did that you would get a good turn out of cars from up this end of the country. However I do realise that while a 3-5 hour drive is acceptable for the Scots and Northen boys, most of the southern and London types tend to be unwilling to travel. just saying

 

[Martin Sage]

Count me in at least as a tyre kicker/photographer Edd. Bedford Autodrome is a great circuit and I have driven a friends MX5 race car around there on an open track day. He also drove me round at what he called 80% and I realised why I am not a racing driver! [&:] Glenn knows how cautious I am. [] Quite interesting being passed by a Mustang or Aston Martin on the main straight. Seemed safe and well organised.

 

[edh]

I found Bedford a bit dull when I went there a few years ago in the turbo - although was good fun on a couple of Palmersport days I went on. Certainly there's nothing memorable to match Craner Curves at Donington or even Becketts/Maggots at Silverstone, not to mention Oulton or Cadwell but I'd be up for a 944 trip to Bedford. It's certainly got plenty of runoff... Of the "proper" racetracks, Silverstone is pretty safe, just the pit wall to watch out for really. Not all that much to hit at Donington either.

 

[aporschefan]

I hope to be there too. (I'm in the novice category)

 

[Copperman05]

ORIGINAL: colin944 Sounds like a great idea. But I would only attend if you moved the track to somewhere within 4-5 hrs drive ie Cheshire or upper midlands..I think if you did that you would get a good turn out of cars from up this end of the country. However I do realise that while a 3-5 hour drive is acceptable for the Scots and Northen boys, most of the southern and London types tend to be unwilling to travel. just saying

Personally I have no issue with traveling further myself, although we would have to go with the majority, which tracks would you suggest? Edd

 

[Swindon_Mick]

Sounds like a good idea! - assuming price and date are good count me in. Mick

 

[Chrishazle]

ORIGINAL: Swindon_Mick Sounds like a good idea! - assuming price and date are good count me in. Mick

Road cars only Mick, you'll have to buy your 968 back!![][]

 

[dhmatt]

I'd be interested too

 

[Eldavo]

Sounds good, Oulton/Croft/Donnington would be best for me but will travel if necessary.

 

[Ewan]

I'm on board. As long as it is in (or even better, south of) the Midlands. Castle Coombe is ideal for me!

 

[Highwayman]

I'd be up for this, as my car is finally ready for some track time in 2013. I've done the GT track at Bedford previously and it's a good circuit to experience a range of different corners in relative safety, as long as there arent any JP1s out on circuit at the same time. Those things are seriously quick... Phil

 

[GPF]

Good idea Edd, I would certainly be up for it. Something to look forward to

 

[MarkK]

If its a 99db limit I will struggle and you might aswell....!? Please can we go somewhere with a decent noise limit!??

 

[edh]

have you tried donington in your red car mark? they have a reputation for strictness but I have been there with lots of noisy cars. same goes for Silverstone. I think that Cadwell and Oulton are both pretty relaxed about noise, but are also a bit more intimidating and tricky for less experienced track drivers.

 

[GPF]

ORIGINAL: MarkK If its a 99db limit I will struggle and you might aswell....!? Please can we go somewhere with a decent noise limit!??

Hi Mate, how's it going? Keep forgetting to come and tyre kick with you!! I don't actually know how loud Ferdie is but yes, 99db would quite possibly be a problem! OT but I was at Silverstone on 17th with the Nobles and my mate got black flagged for noise - and that was with the full fat 105db limit! His car is nowhere near as loud as mine so I guess he was using too many revs in the wrong place...ha! Also bumped into Mark Dalton from Titanic who I have never met before. We just got talking in the cafe and gradually worked out who each other were! He was there with his 3.2 944t and kindly gave me a passenger lap - excellent! []