Trackday transport
Discussion
I always used to drive mine to and from the track, including week long track soujourns in France.
Only ended up on the back of a trailer twice (both in the UK) - once my fault, once an engine failure (not my fault).
It's good fun, but can be very tiring and carries risks if the car fails (you also have to watch your tyres for wear!).
I'm older, fatter and less hardy these days. I don't own a trailer or car for towing (at the moment), but if I had access to these things I would probably use them. One big advantage of trailering is that you can carry more spares, and also carry slick shod wheels if you so desire.
Only ended up on the back of a trailer twice (both in the UK) - once my fault, once an engine failure (not my fault).
It's good fun, but can be very tiring and carries risks if the car fails (you also have to watch your tyres for wear!).
I'm older, fatter and less hardy these days. I don't own a trailer or car for towing (at the moment), but if I had access to these things I would probably use them. One big advantage of trailering is that you can carry more spares, and also carry slick shod wheels if you so desire.
I trailer mine, for a number of reasons:
- long journeys to and from the track can be very cold, wet & tiring in a Caterham (especially mine which only has an aeroscreen). A luxurious tow car is a godsend.
- I don't have to worry about being able to drive home in the car I'm using on track: I can simply concentrate on enjoying the day. Worst case I just have to drag my broken car home on the trailer.
- I actually find the process of packing up & securing the Caterham on the trailer is a good way to wind down after the track day (rather than just jumping in the car and driving straight home). It is surprisingly relaxing driving back with an enforced limit on your speed due to towing.
That said, there are many people who do drive their Caterhams to and from the track days. My advice would be to use a trailer if at all possible.
Oh, and my one golden rule: never, ever be tempted to do a few laps in the tow car - if you bend it then there are two cars you can't get home.
- long journeys to and from the track can be very cold, wet & tiring in a Caterham (especially mine which only has an aeroscreen). A luxurious tow car is a godsend.
- I don't have to worry about being able to drive home in the car I'm using on track: I can simply concentrate on enjoying the day. Worst case I just have to drag my broken car home on the trailer.
- I actually find the process of packing up & securing the Caterham on the trailer is a good way to wind down after the track day (rather than just jumping in the car and driving straight home). It is surprisingly relaxing driving back with an enforced limit on your speed due to towing.
That said, there are many people who do drive their Caterhams to and from the track days. My advice would be to use a trailer if at all possible.
Oh, and my one golden rule: never, ever be tempted to do a few laps in the tow car - if you bend it then there are two cars you can't get home.
So Jeremy, where did you bend the tow car?
Other advantages of trailering are that you can bring all the petrol you need, so less rushing around having to refill at various points in the day.
Quite often even just a small problem with the car will mean you can't drive it home - as I found out the last time I drove to Rockingham on a nice sunny day. 3 hour AA waiting list punished me for that decision!
But as Jeremy says, it's so relaxing driving home in an aircon luxo barge on cruise control after thrashing about all day. See you at Croft on Saturday!
Other advantages of trailering are that you can bring all the petrol you need, so less rushing around having to refill at various points in the day.
Quite often even just a small problem with the car will mean you can't drive it home - as I found out the last time I drove to Rockingham on a nice sunny day. 3 hour AA waiting list punished me for that decision!
But as Jeremy says, it's so relaxing driving home in an aircon luxo barge on cruise control after thrashing about all day. See you at Croft on Saturday!
New fuel rail finally arrived - delivery woke up Richard at Blink motorsport at 9am on Sunday... hopefully he's got over that now and will fit it in time
Sadly AndrewD took in-car video from the towcar around Bruntingthorpe - after the wife saw it she was a bit upset. Turbodiesel oversteer yeah!
Sadly AndrewD took in-car video from the towcar around Bruntingthorpe - after the wife saw it she was a bit upset. Turbodiesel oversteer yeah!
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