Track Days in the NW

[Los Endos]

After my purchase ( 111R ) a couple of months ago, at some point I'd now would like to actually to drive the thing properly on a track :-)
So I'm based on the Wirral, so I was thinking Oulton / Anglesey, certainly I'm not driving to Kent to take it for a blast ( I'm keen but not keen to sit on a motorway for hours ! )
Ideally I'd like some instruction to get me started, I'm not bothered about the cost, better to get it done correctly on my 1st mission, so happy to pay for the privilege.

Any inspiration, ideas and experiences more than welcome, as ever.....

[Thorburn]

Blyton Park could be worth a look for a first track day. Walshy does Car Limits days as well.

[mike_knott]

Oulton or Anglesey are both good choices, and Blyton could also be handy, as above. If you are willing to travel a bit further, it opens up circuits like Donington, Bedford and Silverstone.

For a first track day, I would be inclined to avoid Oulton as it is a bit technical with not much runoff (although I did my first track day there without any problems) and try Donington, Bedford or Silverstone. I have never really got on with Anglesey, but, thinking about it, it probably would be ok for your first time out.

Do not underestimate the importance of a good track day organiser: I'd rather have a crap track with a good organiser than the other way round.

Do it; you won't regret it!

Mike...

[Los Endos]

Thanks Guys...
Blyton Park looks great, but it's miles away
I guessed you might say Oulton is a none starter for a 1st time out, it's only 20 mins away and I used to marsall there, so it's a real pity, but run offs aren't exactly expansive

[mike_knott]

... in which case you will have a great time at either Anglesey or Donington which will be a similar distance from you.

Mike...

[Top cat S2]

Blyton Park is just over two hours drive for you i would guess, so it is doable. I drive there from Warrington and travel up the same day. Anglesey is also pretty safe and a great track, again it must be nearly two hours for you. You also have Donington about the same distance. For my first track day i would choose Blyton, Anglesey, Donny then Oulton in that order, though i would turn the order round for which i prefer to drive. Oulton park is just brilliant as long as you take it easy from Druids down to Lodge from October to March. I have had so many arse twitching moments down there under the tree cover.

[redlancer]

It's easy to say don't do Oulton 1st but a valid point. We've travelled to rockingham, Bedford etc done a track day and driven back in a day no problem. But if that's not for you then consider oulton.
I've seen many a bad crash at Anglesey that needed a lot of work, no track is safe.
If you have a good understanding of racing lines and can drive smooth and safely nothing to say you won't have a great safe time.

Comes down to the driver and attitude IMO
I was told the same re Oulton Park when I bought a track day for a newbie. I also got tuition for us all. Nothing better than local knowledge.
We all had a great safe day. Most the track I was pushing, but come Druids just took it easy unless i was with an instructor. Sap from the tree, odd bumps etc.

Also attitude I.e. don't go chasing cars or race. You have no idea of other drivers or their cars ability or lack off ability.
Don't follow other cars thinking they know what they are doing either.

If you don't want to travel use the money saved for lots of tuition.
Also pick a good well run organiser like BaT and MSV. I mention them as I know some off the instructors.

Oulton park is a great circuit, as is Anglesey. Bedford is as safe as you can get as there's nothing to hit but a bit feature less for me.

[crackthatoff]

bookatrack .com
anglesey circuit
£20 for an instructor
Book in at the anglesey arms hotel mention bookatrack for discount

Fantastic weekend ! that was my first and loved it