long distance driving

[MikeO996]

Just thinking about how I'm going to manage upcoming trackdays. Potentially a 2 hour drive there, blatting round the track all day then a similar drive home.
Is there any advantage in doing the commute roof up? I've not driven it roof up yet, but wonder whether it provides any level of insulation from wind etc that would make the journey less tiring - or is it just another level of hassle?

[Bill]

IME it's a lot more noisy, which makes it more tiring rather than less.

[allen l]

I always drive with custom earplugs. This way, putting the hood on the car, doesn't make driving less comfortable. Ideal for very long journeys or on rainy days.

[ewenm]

Roof down, earplugs/intercom in is the quietest combo I've found. Roof up is noisier and more claustrophobic.

[CatMatt7]

You will be fine. I did a 10 hour journey to Scotland in mine once.

I would always go roof down, unless heavy rain. Ear plugs can help or an ipod.

Don't forget to think about tyres for your track day, you might not be able to drive home on the same ones you used all day around the track.

Enjoy

Matt

[.Adam.]

I'd leave the roof off, I've not got a Caterham but normally do driving holidays each year that regularly involve 8 hour days, and the last few years my roof has stayed at home, I hate driving it with the roof up.

Edited by .Adam. on Tuesday 27th April 19:31

[MKnight702]

I wouldn't worry about the roof to be honest, I travelled back from Le Mans in the XI last year through a thunderstorm. Just prepare for the weather and it will be fine. I had on waterproof coat, trousers, flying hat and goggles as I don't have a windscreen. My wife had on similar but with the addition of a helmet, we did get some funny looks in the heavy downpour but we were quite enjoying it. Just go with the old saying "There's no inappropriate weather, just inappropriate clothing".

[allen l]

I wonder if you'd still think that, if you had a 16 hour drive at freezing conditions through snow and ice. I was quite happy with the roof and doors. It protected me from snow and spray of trucks passing me. Kept me warm as a bonus, too.

Edited by allen l on Tuesday 27th April 19:56

[ewenm]

Roof on/off isn't so much about the precipitation but much more about the temperature - if it's really cold then the roof does create a nice warm pocket to sit in. Warm temps and rain are fine, cold temps and rain can be unpleasant.

[Scotty996T]

Hi MIke

I find driving with roof up claustrophobic. When I drove down to caterham mids and back I just wore my crash helmet - sound and wind insulation. crap stig look

How's it going?

[Rich N]

You need a half hood. Expensive (for what it is) but worth it.

[MikeO996]

Scotty996T said:

Hi MIke

I find driving with roof up claustrophobic. When I drove down to caterham mids and back I just wore my crash helmet - sound and wind insulation. crap stig look

How's it going?

Yeah, I wonder whether crash helmet is the best insulation option, mine's pretty comfy.

The Porsche still isn't being marketed - haven't had the time to do anything about it - too busy learning the R300!

[Nicodema]

Sorry for the necropost Mike, but I'd say it's well worth trying driving with a half hood on. We noticed that it was significantly quieter than fully open as it reduces the vortex behind the screen without creating the resonant chamber that you get with the full hood. I'll show you how it works at Bedford if you haven't seen one (must remember to leave it in the boot).

Martyn

[timrw81]

allen l said:

Kept me warm as a bonus, too.

How warm is a bonus?

[allen l]

Tim, I've kept my coat on, but I've managed all day with the heater off.

[keechy]

I am planning another trip to Germany but this time driving my car instead of hiring a trailer, but worry whether my R500k is up to the task. People have said in the past that the minister engine wasn't designed for a constant 70-80 mph for that sort of distance. Has anybody done a trip of approx 1000 miles there and back with that sort of car and did it perform well?