Ok chaps. Collective head on now........
I have a chance (and one which I will probably take) to go to the 'Ring in May for a long weekend and about 20 laps of the legendary track. So, as I am, with my own car at least, a bit of a novice at track days, I was wondering if there was some kind of "check list" that people would recommend I do regarding the well being of the car and so on. I am talking about not killing it basically. And also are there thing I should do for a track day in general, let alone the 'Ring?
I tried a search, but what results I did get didn't cover the kind of things I want to know and I couldn't be bothered to go WAY back in some of the posts to find what I wanted if it was there!!!
Any help would be much appreciated people!!!
Ta!!! s:D :D s:D
Someone made a great writeup about trackdays, but I can't seem to find it. IIRC, it was mph...or markiii...
m http://www.circuitdriver.com/default.asp (http://www.circuitdriver.com/default.asp) m
lots of good details here,
Plus GT4 has the 'ring
Quote from: "Tem"Someone made a great writeup about trackdays, but I can't seem to find it. IIRC, it was mph...or markiii...
Yeah, that was what I was looking for, but I can't find it either.
I was kinda hoping for more car care too.......
Quote from: "odub"http://www.circuitdriver.com/default.asp
lots of good details here,
Plus GT4 has the 'ring
Don't worry. GT4 is on order and although I know it is going to be NOTHING like driving the real thing, at least I can have a go at TRYING to remember some of the corners!!!
I reckon it can't hurt, as long as you don't try to do the same speed round the corners, at least knowing that they exist will be a head start.
Try This (http://www.nuerburgring.de/)
I think there is English text in there.
Haha u lucky GIT thatll be a great experience. Jus have fun (top priority s8) 8) s8) )
sorry to say tho, I know people who have done 100+ laps of the reing and still dont know where the fuck they are any of the time s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Get to training on GT4 s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted: s:D :D s:D s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "mrsmr2"Try This (http://www.nuerburgring.de/)
I think there is English text in there.
I tried this site and its not THAT good to be fair. Very confusing (yes, there is english text in there) and not that much info on how to look after your car and so on. Just more about trip planning, accomodation etc............
I know all that. A friend is organising it all, so nothing to worry about there. I just want to know if there are some basic track day do's and don'ts so my car won't get killed by it all!! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:( :( s:(
There is someone who has a great web site which shows times, routes, places to stay, advice, etc. But, I can't remember the address. I think I used it a few weeks ago but I've cleared my history - argh.
It's something to do with Ringers, but a quick check on Google didn't find much of any help.
You could always post a question on the Evo (magazine) forum or Seloc.
Jason
Quote from: "mrsmr2"There is someone who has a great web site which shows times, routes, places to stay, advice, etc. But, I can't remember the address. I think I used it a few weeks ago but I've cleared my history - argh.
It's something to do with Ringers, but a quick check on Google didn't find much of any help.
You could always post a question on the Evo (magazine) forum or Seloc.
Jason
Not a bad idea, but yet another thing I am going to have to sign up for............. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
I thought that there might be a few people on here that might be able to help. I think all of the regular track dy goers have either left us or don't come on here that often anymore. Zud, Martin JuanSolo etc.........haven't seen them here for a while...........
could be worth while hiring that woman, the one that was on top gear to show you how to do it properly or go out in the circuit taxi, better that than spinning off somewhere
Quote from: "kanujunkie"could be worth while hiring that woman, the one that was on top gear to show you how to do it properly or go out in the circuit taxi, better that than spinning off somewhere
Not to worried by that kinda thing really. Going to take it easy anyway, first few times. I can pick up tracks relatively easy (although NOTHING as big as the 'Ring though, admittedly), so should be Ok in that respect. What I am after is stuff that I might need to do to the car, any special things I should do for it e.g. should I adjust tyre pressures, do I need to take anything with me in case of anything happening, should I treat the car in a certain way before or after a number of laps...........that kind of thing.
Sorry if I am confusing you all........ s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
John
a mate of mine has an mpeg of the track, any use to you??
cough cough
m http://www.circuitdriver.com/ (http://www.circuitdriver.com/) m
-> Getting Started...
-> Track Technique
-> Car Preparation
cough
A tip i read on some scooby site was, don't use the handbrake after getting the brakes hot, 'cos it'll fuse them shut.
Quote from: "kanujunkie"John
a mate of mine has an mpeg of the track, any use to you??
Yeah, definately! Would be most appreciative. PM me it (or to everyone if they want to see it!)
ta! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "odub"cough cough
m http://www.circuitdriver.com/ (http://www.circuitdriver.com/) m
-> Getting Started...
-> Track Technique
-> Car Preparation
cough
A tip i read on some scooby site was, don't use the handbrake after getting the brakes hot, 'cos it'll fuse them shut.
Sorry Odub, I have just seen this myself too!!! DOH!!! I was being a bitthick earlier and flitting in and out of the office so didn't take much notice of what was on the site. My bad....... s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
As for the handbrake tip, I have heard that too. Nice to know its not an urban myth!!!
Cheers!!
w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
you might like that also for some very large vids
Quote from: "odub"A tip i read on some scooby site was, don't use the handbrake after getting the brakes hot, 'cos it'll fuse them shut.
And/or boil the brakefluid... bad thing to do.
Handbrake off after a run to avoid warping the disks.
Also, leave engine to idle for a bit to avoid hot spots (whatever they are - but that's what Andy said at North Weald).
I've heard that for turbo engines before, leaving to idle cooling down,
I guess when the engine is ticking over the oil is getting moved around, but if its not, it'll still be 100's of degrees in static oil, if there was any irregularity in the consistently or purity of the oil I guess it could super heat.
Quote from: "odub"www.northloop.co.uk
you might like that also for some very large vids
I love the one with the *loud* american and the Porches.
s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Simon
Yeah thats great:
"These guys can't drive they don't know the line at all"
Just before taking completly the wrong line, hitting the curb and almost spinning t'bmw.
Quote from: "odub"www.northloop.co.uk
you might like that also for some very large vids
Odub,
That site is excellent! I have sent that link to the "convoy" I will be travelling to whet their appetites too!
Did you say it was a mate of yours?
Are you going to get some virtual practice in?
TOCA racing driver 2 for the PC has the 'ring.
Simon
Quote from: "SimonC_Here"Are you going to get some virtual practice in?
TOCA racing driver 2 for the PC has the 'ring.
Simon
Does it? Oh dear..........................I didn't know that. Whoops.........
Going to wait for GT4 to actually buy a game, but could be tempted to actually HIRE Toca 2 for that. The more practice, the merrier............ s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
Don't forget the wheel and peddles. You gotta have a wheel and peddles!
Simon
I've just checked (I had a feeling) Race Driver 2, and although it does have the Nurburgring, it is the Sudschleife - the GP circuit, not the Nordschleife which is the public, 13 mile long jobbie.
GT4 does indeed have the full Nordschleife though s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
I should read the box better, I think I thought at the time 4miles was a bit short!
And I don't have a console to play GT4 on s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Simon
Quote from: "Slacey"I've just checked (I had a feeling) Race Driver 2, and although it does have the Nurburgring, it is the Sudschleife - the GP circuit, not the Nordschleife which is the public, 13 mile long jobbie.
GT4 does indeed have the full Nordschleife though s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
Ahh...bummer. I want the Daddy!!!! s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted: s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
GT4 it is then!! s:roll: :roll: s:roll: s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "SimonC_Here"Don't forget the wheel and peddles. You gotta have a wheel and peddles!
Simon
Don't worry. Already WAY ahead of you........... s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Got them when I got GT3!!!!
Quote from: "SimonC_Here"Quote from: "odub"www.northloop.co.uk
you might like that also for some very large vids
I love the one with the *loud* american and the Porches.
s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Simon
Errr.......just seen this!!! Now, I know we have one or two friends from across the pond that frequent this site and they are very welcome indeed. But when you watch this video, you have to say he really isn't the best advertisement for the good ol' US of A is he?
What a complete and utter t**t!!!! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Quote from: "odub"I've heard that for turbo engines before, leaving to idle cooling down,
I think I'm right in saying that Turbo engines should be left to idle for a few seconds after starting and before switching off. This is because most turbos run on an oil bearing - that is no balls (ahem), just a channel with oil in it to support the turbo whilst it spins.
If you flay the car from the moment it's started, then the turbo will reach humungous revs, but effectively without a bearing to run in, therefore it will break (sooner or later).
If you switch off immediately after a fast run, then the turbo will still be spinning, but the oil pump is off so no fresh oil is being pumped into the bearing - same effect, turbo doing big revs, but no lube in the bearing. Idling the engine for a few seconds allows the turbo to spin down before you remove the lube from the bearing.
Good morning chaps.
Gary here from w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
I saw that you guys were looking at my new site and thought I would come on and say hello. Hope you enjoy the videos and pictures. There will be loads more going up over the next few weeks. We also have a forum linked which shows ring opening times etc so if your interested come along and say hello.
Funnily enough I met a group of MR2 owners from the UK over there last year......NIce guys I must say.
Gary
Quote from: "northloop"Good morning chaps.
Gary here from w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
I saw that you guys were looking at my new site and thought I would come on and say hello. Hope you enjoy the videos and pictures. There will be loads more going up over the next few weeks. We also have a forum linked which shows ring opening times etc so if your interested come along and say hello.
Funnily enough I met a group of MR2 owners from the UK over there last year......NIce guys I must say.
Gary
Alright Gary! Had a real good look at some of the vids and pictures and so on on your site. Very nice and REALLY makes me want to take this chance and get over there. Looks TRULLY awesome!!!
I think I will be watching your vids a bit more often than not. Might be a good way of trying to learn the track instead of playing the games........ s:roll: :roll: s:roll: s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Tell you what!!! That Pug looks a complete nail, but by gods its quick innit? I knew they were good, but with a few mods, its a monster eater!
Like the car parks too............. s8) 8) s8)
And that american guy? Comedy value at its best.............
How often do you get over there cos you seem to know the track pretty well?
Quote from: "John Woodward"I was wondering if there was some kind of "check list" that people would recommend I do regarding the well being of the car and so on. I am talking about not killing it basically. And also are there thing I should do for a track day in general, let alone the 'Ring?
Simple stuff really. Make sure you have plenty of meat on your tyres and brakes. Make sure your fluids are all good - replace / top up as necessary. Generally that all is in good running order.
Fit your towing eye to the car before going out on track, if the worst happens and you stuff it, they'll not spend time trying to find it and will get your car out by any means neccessary.
Make sure you have got plenty of fuel in the tank before going out on track
It's a modern japanese sports car, there's really not any more to it. Drive within your limits and be extra observant of all that is going on around you. Especially at the Nurburgring (talk about baptism of fire!) where you can have bikes, cars, vans and god knows what all sharing the track. Start off slow and build up your speed slowly. Going balls out from the start is a guarenteed way of sticking your pride and joy into a barrier.
I would strongly recommend getting a couple of trackdays in before the Nurburgrng. Experienced trackdayers even find it intimidating, it's not really the place for your first trackday!
Quote from: "juansolo"Quote from: "John Woodward"I was wondering if there was some kind of "check list" that people would recommend I do regarding the well being of the car and so on. I am talking about not killing it basically. And also are there thing I should do for a track day in general, let alone the 'Ring?
Simple stuff really. Make sure you have plenty of meat on your tyres and brakes. Make sure your fluids are all good - replace / top up as necessary. Generally that all is in good running order.
Fit your towing eye to the car before going out on track, if the worst happens and you stuff it, they'll not spend time trying to find it and will get your car out by any means neccessary.
Make sure you have got plenty of fuel in the tank before going out on track
It's a modern japanese sports car, there's really not any more to it. Drive within your limits and be extra observant of all that is going on around you. Especially at the Nurburgring (talk about baptism of fire!) where you can have bikes, cars, vans and god knows what all sharing the track. Start off slow and build up your speed slowly. Going balls out from the start is a guarenteed way of sticking your pride and joy into a barrier.
I would strongly recommend getting a couple of trackdays in before the Nurburgrng. Experienced trackdayers even find it intimidating, it's not really the place for your first trackday!
Hah HA! There you are!!! Thought you had run away!
s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
I have thought of doing a couple of track days before going to be honest. But cost is a bit of a biggy, especially as the 'Ring weekend is going to cost me the best part of £500 probabaly. Luckily, my Dad bought me and the girlfriend some track time in some Mini Cooper S Works cars, so that is a start. Ok, completely differennt car, but its something all the same....
My car is going in for a service before I go anyway, so hopefully, anything mechanical should be brought up and sorted out then anyway. What is worrying is that I am losing water A LOT at the moment (the car overheated badly the other day and there was nothing left in the system. I really can't find out what is up with it cos there seem to be no leaks and there is no classic signs of head gasket.................but that is another thread.....). I will get the guys to check everything (it had a brake fluid change on the last service, so that should be Ok) and the pads MIGHT need changing, but other than that, its all in good order.
As for being a baptism of fire? Well, yep!! Indeed!! Can't argue with that. I have done circuit time before, but with other peoples cars, not mine, so I have SOME track experience, but NOTHING like this. And it IS my own car. But the opportunity arose and I thought "What the hell. Only comes around so often" and thought I better do it before I never get to do it.
Cheers for that Solo. Appreciated. Just keep to the basic stuff and get used to the track. Copy that!!!
Ta! s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "John Woodward"Hah HA! There you are!!! Thought you had run away!
I still pop in every now and then. s;) ;) s;)
QuoteI have thought of doing a couple of track days before going to be honest. But cost is a bit of a biggy, especially as the 'Ring weekend is going to cost me the best part of £500 probabaly. Luckily, my Dad bought me and the girlfriend some track time in some Mini Cooper S Works cars, so that is a start. Ok, completely differennt car, but its something all the same....
Doesn't matter about the car, it'll help you gain awareness of what's going on around you on track. It's all a bit of an information overload the first few times as you're concentrating on so many things that are not second nature yet. Once you have a couple under your belt you'll be way more comfortable and you'll need to be, especially if it's an open day/free for all at the 'ring... Seriously, I cannot stress how much this is worth doing.
If you can on the Mini day, get some tuition. It's worth it's weight in gold even to the most experienced track driver.
Quoteand the pads MIGHT need changing, but other than that, its all in good order.
If they're low change them anyway and bed the new ones in. You will hammer the hell out of them on track.
QuoteCheers for that Solo. Appreciated. Just keep to the basic stuff and get used to the track. Copy that!!!
Yep and keep an eye on your mirrors. You'll be fine. Good luck!
Cheers!!! Appreciated!
Quote from: "John Woodward"Quote from: "northloop"Good morning chaps.
Gary here from w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
I saw that you guys were looking at my new site and thought I would come on and say hello. Hope you enjoy the videos and pictures. There will be loads more going up over the next few weeks. We also have a forum linked which shows ring opening times etc so if your interested come along and say hello.
Funnily enough I met a group of MR2 owners from the UK over there last year......NIce guys I must say.
Gary
Alright Gary! Had a real good look at some of the vids and pictures and so on on your site. Very nice and REALLY makes me want to take this chance and get over there. Looks TRULLY awesome!!!
I think I will be watching your vids a bit more often than not. Might be a good way of trying to learn the track instead of playing the games........ s:roll: :roll: s:roll: s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Tell you what!!! That Pug looks a complete nail, but by gods its quick innit? I knew they were good, but with a few mods, its a monster eater!
Like the car parks too............. s8) 8) s8)
And that american guy? Comedy value at its best.............
How often do you get over there cos you seem to know the track pretty well?
Hi John how you doing?
Im not sure how to take your comment about my pug being a complete nail ...... s:wink: :wink: s:wink: Its not that bad I promise. In fact it cost nearly £18K new so it cant be that bad s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
To be fair it hasnt had too much done, just the non essentials stripped out and a cage etc fitted. It only has 139 BHP but it does ok.....
I met a fair few MR2 owners over there last year. I think it was a group outing or something. Real nice guys I must admit, had a good chat with them.
In fairness the ring is all about track knowledge. If you have a light car and around 140BHP then under 9 mins is in your scope ......
We have put some pics up today from Bedford RS onwers club track day today ,,,,,,,,
w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
m http://www.northloop.co.uk/gallery_bedrs_feb05.htm (http://www.northloop.co.uk/gallery_bedrs_feb05.htm) m
enjoy
Gary
Quote from: "northloop"Hi John how you doing?
Im not sure how to take your comment about my pug being a complete nail ...... s:wink: :wink: s:wink: Its not that bad I promise. In fact it cost nearly £18K new so it cant be that bad s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
To be fair it hasnt had too much done, just the non essentials stripped out and a cage etc fitted. It only has 139 BHP but it does ok.....
I met a fair few MR2 owners over there last year. I think it was a group outing or something. Real nice guys I must admit, had a good chat with them.
In fairness the ring is all about track knowledge. If you have a light car and around 140BHP then under 9 mins is in your scope ......
We have put some pics up today from Bedford RS onwers club track day today ,,,,,,,,
w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
m http://www.northloop.co.uk/gallery_bedrs_feb05.htm (http://www.northloop.co.uk/gallery_bedrs_feb05.htm) m
enjoy
Gary
Heh heh..don't worry. The Pug being a nail wasn't a put down!!! Honest! Its that just looking at it it doesn't "look" like its a sub 9 minute car........no offence, honest!!! s:oops: :oops: s:oops: s:lol: :lol: s:lol: But, stripped and the rigth mods........well, you prove me wrong!!!
s:D :D s:D
I would be more than happy to get Sub 9 mins in my 2, but then I suppose, like you said, if you know the track, then its well within reach of many good cars.
I reckon I am going to have to take more than one trip over there though if I am going to get sub 9 mins in my 2 though, although it should be capable........140bhp, light........seems reasonable!!!
As for the MR2 guys, doesn't suprise me you found them all a good bunch. When I have my Mk1's, used to see and communicate with a number of members of various clubs and they were all a really nice bunch and the same goes for this lot on here. Couldn't have been luckier to find a top bunch of people with good knowledge and a sense of humour too. Hang around and you will see........
Must be something to do with the car itself..........you should get one!!!! s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Will check out the piccies.........
I've been to the ring a couple of times, only drove it once (did 3 laps, and passenger in a few more). This was when the guy in the shed was selling 6 lap tickets, its a bit more flash now I hear !!
We did it in a Proton Impia, and a Merc C200 rental car, and we were overtaking some cars in them! I think the fastest lap I did was about 11 minutes, and I thought I was flying :-) :-) :-) Its such a lnog circuit, you are never going to get down to 9 minutes without a lot of tracktime !!
I don't think it matters what car you have until you learn the circuit, which is probably 20-30 laps minimum as it is so long.
Just driving round the circuit is amazing, with all the cars/bikes you see at various speeds, just be careful to watch your mirrors, and don't be tempted to go too fast to keep up with people !!
Its an amazing experience, and I recommend it to anyone.
My lasting memorys (and I think everyone gets the same) are:
- Being overtaken by locals in knackered cars
- seeing them in the barriers later in the lap
- overtaking coaches doing tours of the circuit !!
- Getting undertaken by a motorbike in the carousel - NUTTER !
- the circuit closing for a couple of hours as a motorcyclist was killed
- Driving to the nearest petrol station on fumes to find out NO CREDIT CARDS :-) :-) :-) (Is this still the same ???)
My top tips would be to fill the car with petrol before you get to circuit, and keep an eye on the fuel gauge, as you get rubbish MPG !!
Also, be very careful when you have done a few laps - you will think you are coming up to a fast corner, when actually its a tight one - they all look the same !!
Take a friend with a video camera to sit in the passenger seat and watch when you get home.
Theres a bunch of info at the website m http://www.nurburgring.de/ (http://www.nurburgring.de/) m I thought they had a calendar showing which days its open to the public, but I can't find it now - its not every day as they close the circuit for Manufacturers days, and other events, so make sure your going on a decent week.
James.
Quote from: "jblackmore"Take a friend with a video camera to sit in the passenger seat and watch when you get home.
Not anymore - they banned all filming and photography last year s:( :( s:(
John,
I'm heading to the 'ring at the end of march for my 2nd time - I'm finding out (like jezza clarkson) that once you do it once, it kinda gets under ya skin! s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
check out http://www.nurburgring.org - this is probably the site alluded to earlier, and has lots of useful info. Check out the beginners and safety pages and then read the previous trip logs for some insights.
As well as gt4, project gotham 2 on the xbox also has the ring, as it's definately useful to get some practice in first, although be wary of thinking you know the track as you won't (as demonstrated by the guy in the elise on my last trip, who binned it under the trees at the end of the lap).
I totally agree with the advice given so far - watch your mirrors for nutter golf and porsche drivers, but also keep a look out for that damn coach! s:evil: :evil: s:evil: Good advice about the handbrake, so also remember to take a wheel chock as the carpark is not flat! Some of the corners have painted marks on to guide you in the turn in/apex points, so look out for those.
See if you can grab some passenger laps as well - it gives both you and the car a rest and also a different perspective... Above all, enjoy it!! s:D :D s:D
edit: btw, don't worry too much about it being one of your first track days - it was only my 3rd! s:roll: :roll: s:roll: Also, I'd advise not to worry about timing - i found that it just put me off trying to beat the clock, rather than concentrating on getting round in one piece!
Quote from: "Chris"John,
I'm heading to the 'ring at the end of march for my 2nd time - I'm finding out (like jezza clarkson) that once you do it once, it kinda gets under ya skin! s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
check out http://www.nurburgring.org - this is probably the site alluded to earlier, and has lots of useful info. Check out the beginners and safety pages and then read the previous trip logs for some insights.
As well as gt4, project gotham 2 on the xbox also has the ring, as it's definately useful to get some practice in first, although be wary of thinking you know the track as you won't (as demonstrated by the guy in the elise on my last trip, who binned it under the trees at the end of the lap).
I totally agree with the advice given so far - watch your mirrors for nutter golf and porsche drivers, but also keep a look out for that damn coach! s:evil: :evil: s:evil: Good advice about the handbrake, so also remember to take a wheel chock as the carpark is not flat! Some of the corners have painted marks on to guide you in the turn in/apex points, so look out for those.
See if you can grab some passenger laps as well - it gives both you and the car a rest and also a different perspective... Above all, enjoy it!! s:D :D s:D
edit: btw, don't worry too much about it being one of your first track days - it was only my 3rd! s:roll: :roll: s:roll: Also, I'd advise not to worry about timing - i found that it just put me off trying to beat the clock, rather than concentrating on getting round in one piece!
All cracking advice Chris. Cheers!!! Appreciated.
How do you get passenger rides anyway? Are there people touting them around? Ir do you just go and ask someone?
Just go and ask s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I have a Ferrari paddle shift steering wheel and pedals for the PS2 if anyone wants to give me a small fee for them!
I don't use them anymore.
Quote from: "Slacey"Just go and ask s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Exactly! They're usually an approachable lot, so just find the car you fancy a go in and ask! they can only say no... s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Quote from: "Chris"Quote from: "Slacey"Just go and ask s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Exactly! They're usually an approachable lot, so just find the car you fancy a go in and ask! they can only say no... s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Fair enough. As I haven't done it before, I didn't know if there was some kind of proceedure that you need to go through before you get a ride.........
Ok, I am off to go and find someone in a Stradale........... s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
They used to have 'circuit Taxi's' which were M5s driven by local nutters - I think they still run them !!
After the 24 hr race a few years ago I got a lap in a V70R which was really amazing, they were giving free rides to people from all the race teams ! I asked whats the fastest lap he'd ever done and it was 7 and a bit minutes in an F1 car !!! Blimey !
So you never know your luck !
If you go and chat to people you will normally get a good pax lap. GT3 RS etc....... Dont bother with the challenge stradale they are pretty slow in comparison.
As for the wheel chocs dont bother, the carpark isnt flat but there is a gully to sit your back wheels in while cooling down.
Just make sure you have new pads before you go and enjoy yourself.
People make the place up to be scary etc but infact as long as you keep your eyes in the mirror at all times and if something catches you indicate and move (let off too if needed) then you will be fine.
DO NOT time yourself especially on your first trip. You will not be fast so just dont bother. All it does is make you drive outside of your limits when you have been held up for a few seconds.
Most of all enjoy yourself and if you see any of my group w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w then come and say hello, we will take you for a pax lap. If a sub 9 mins pug 205 or 8.30 scoob isnt fast enough will try and find you a friend who is quicker still.
Gary
w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
Quote from: "northloop"If you go and chat to people you will normally get a good pax lap. GT3 RS etc....... Dont bother with the challenge stradale they are pretty slow in comparison.
As for the wheel chocs dont bother, the carpark isnt flat but there is a gully to sit your back wheels in while cooling down.
Just make sure you have new pads before you go and enjoy yourself.
People make the place up to be scary etc but infact as long as you keep your eyes in the mirror at all times and if something catches you indicate and move (let off too if needed) then you will be fine.
DO NOT time yourself especially on your first trip. You will not be fast so just dont bother. All it does is make you drive outside of your limits when you have been held up for a few seconds.
Most of all enjoy yourself and if you see any of my group w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w then come and say hello, we will take you for a pax lap. If a sub 9 mins pug 205 or 8.30 scoob isnt fast enough will try and find you a friend who is quicker still.
Gary
w www.northloop.co.uk (http://www.northloop.co.uk) w
Heh heh!! You're on!!!
just got back from a busy easter weekend, and will get some pics and vids together over the next few days hopefully...
The toyos look ok considering that they did 6.5 laps and a total of 960 miles in 3 days. I did about 3.5 tanks of fuel, so i make that about 26mpg, including track milage - the grand prix circuit was open as well, so it made each lap 15.8 miles long!! s8) 8) s8) I could feel the rear sliding about a bit though towards the end of my second consecutive lap, so the tyres must have been quite hot... s:roll: :roll: s:roll: Can't remember what the brakes were like last time out, but i was impressed by their general feel with the new fluid.
I also fitted my corky anti flex plate for the last day, and apart from a slight problem with one of the screw holes not lining up properly, then it fitted ok and seemed to firm up the car nicely, with it feeling more solid over the lumps and bumps.
I also took the opportunity to run the unichip on super unleaded with map a for a while - it was worth nearly 10mph extra at the end of the gp straight! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s8) 8) s8) the throttle response feels a lot faster, and the engine sounds great winding up to 6500 rpm s:wink: :wink: s:wink: It also helped getting up the huge hill at Ex-Muhle!
So what speed did you get up to? Also what was the average speed around the track?
A whole weekend and only 6.5 laps. You should be asshamed of yourself s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Gary s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "Jap GT300"So what speed did you get up to? Also what was the average speed around the track?
I think it was about 100/105 at the end of the main straight. I'm not sure about my average speed, but a friend in his m5 did a 78mph average, iirc.
As for the 6.5 laps then, yeah it was a bit pitiful, but I'm scared of the rain! s:wink: :wink: s:wink: Plus, spent a lot of time spectating and taking pax laps...
Can't wait to get back at some point when the wallet allows.. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
coffees and chat to the folks I'm with until a dry line re-appears. I've seen too many Evos and other 4wd cars on the back of the recovery truck coming off the circuit - they think that they can defy the laws of physics in the wet and end up with restyled front ends s:( :( s:(
FWIW - a lap of the circuit without the GP circuit is 14.1 miles.
To do a 10 minute lap, your average speed around the entire circuit would need to be about 85mph.
There are some very fast sections in the first half of the lap where you would be doing 100-120mph if you're committed enough - the second half of the lap is a little more twisty, with a big climb in the top of 3rd and mid 4th gear.
Personally, I find the second half of the circuit more technically challenging to drive, the first half requires more commitment ..