That new track on Teesside??

[johnny senna]

Chaps,

Have you all heard about the new circuit on Teesside that has morphed from a go-kart track? (I found out about it in Circuit Driver quite a while ago now):

www.teessidekarting.co.uk/

I had a bash at getting tickets for the free track days they did as a promotion, but I was unsuccessful.

Has anyone been? Is it good or ropey? Would you take your pride and joy on it?

I know it won't be like Croft (I have driven around there loads of times , I used to be a doc on the safety team too) but the prices are cheaper. I like the idea of the night time track day (!) which they are offering.

Any thoughts? Maybe a gathering might be in order?

[docevi1]

I've been round there in karts and to be honest I don't see how it could be fun in a real car. The circuit is quite tight, and the corners will mean you are winding full lock on regulary and top speed will be very short.

I don't personally think it would be wise to take your car on if you value it and want to have fun as the run off areas are tiny and the corners will severly restrict any speed (just as well as they are darned tight).

[tvrbob]

Wendyg was lucky enough to get there for the free launch day. She took her Elise round. I need to take a look. If it's all corners and very short straights then it'll be no good for TVR's. That said though I understand it's about £40 per session. If so them it'll be worth having a go. Normal track sessions are £85 - £175.

[tvrbob]

OK I've had a look at the site now. £75 is not worth it. As Stefan says it is very tight and all corners. Save your money and go to Croft. Your Boxter will be a fish out of water there. This place is for 7's and Elise's. Powerful road cars will a real handful on this cart track.

[johnny senna]

Are any of you fellas going to Croft this year for a track day? I'm going on the BMWCC organised one on 5/7/04 (I used to own a couple of E30 M3s). They have a few other "open" track days though.

[tvrbob]

johnny senna said:

Are any of you fellas going to Croft this year for a track day?

Yes but I don't know when. This year is looking very busy for car events; I'll probably try to get a late booking so that I have a better idea of what the weather's going to do. Last time I was there it was drizzly and so I had to take it easy.

[johnny senna]

tvrbob said:

johnny senna said: Are any of you fellas going to Croft this year for a track day? Yes but I don't know when. This year is looking very busy for car events; I'll probably try to get a late booking so that I have a better idea of what the weather's going to do. Last time I was there it was drizzly and so I had to take it easy.

tvrbob, if you do, maybe you could put a post here?

[PinkPanther]

docevi1 said:

I've been round there in karts and to be honest I don't see how it could be fun in a real car. The circuit is quite tight, and the corners will mean you are winding full lock on regulary and top speed will be very short.

Same here - great for karts (heard that it was the biggest track for karts in the UK!). But I would say virtually impossible to take a 'real' car around it, doubt you would be getting past 2nd gear. For Caterhams and other kit cars it could be quite fun.

[tvrbob]

I walked this track yesterday. The new section has a nice 'complex' which includes an incline. The back straight is OK, most cars will be selecting 4th before braking for the corner. It uses the outside oval of the old kart track and includes one chicane near the paddock.

Marshalling is poor as is normal for this type of track. The track is not affiliated to ATDO, ARDS or Silverstone training so track-day insurance will not cover you here.

At £75 per car per day with extra drivers free it is priced right and the track director appears willing to negotiate.

Maximum of 10 cars on track so 15 cars in a group is about right.

We could put up 15 cars and offer £750 (£50/car). If we choose to do this I'd be happy to organise it.

[Byff]

For £50 I'd be willing to give it a go.

I think you should ask for two free goes for us two to "test" it out

[tvrbob]

Byff said:

I think you should ask for two free goes for us two to "test" it out

I was close. Could have had a free few laps yesterday but Tarmac was there inspecting the surface. By the time they'd finished it was time for a karting session. I'll be ringing sometime to see if a freebee can be arranged. E-mail me your mobile number and I'll call you if it's on.