Goodwood Trackday for Novices

[TimLambert7]

Been considering a track day at Goodwood Motor Circuit.

I've heard from several sources it's a scary track - very quick, minimal run-off and unforgiving. Those same sources told me it was a really rewarding circuit to get right and really good fun. I'd love to drive the track as I spend so much time spectating there.

Based on those reviews, I'm wondering if it's really a good venue for a relative novice?

For the record, I've got some (but not much) experience on a race track and I'd be driving my Twingo 133.

[Cpt Stirling]

May I suggest you consider one of the Goodwood Track Days - sold as a package I believe - either 1/2 or full day - I appreciate you may already know that. Go round with an instructor initially to build your confidence, learn the track & take advantage of their knowledge. They are well menaged and the marshalls are good at dealing with 'over exuberance' shall we say. They limit the number of cars on track to about 10 at any one time and consideration is given to different levels of ability/experience. Just take it easy to start with.

[9.3]

For a Twingo, I think you'll find there's plenty of run off space. Probably the only corner you might find a bit of trouble getting spot on as a novice is St Marys, but you have all the room in the world if you come off at the exit.
And as mentioned, get an instructor to guide you initially. It's a fabulous circuit to drive.

[TimLambert7]

Thanks to you both for responses.

Cpt Stirling said:

May I suggest you consider one of the Goodwood Track Days - sold as a package I believe - either 1/2 or full day - I appreciate you may already know that. Go round with an instructor initially to build your confidence, learn the track & take advantage of their knowledge. They are well menaged and the marshalls are good at dealing with 'over exuberance' shall we say. They limit the number of cars on track to about 10 at any one time and consideration is given to different levels of ability/experience. Just take it easy to start with.

I've been looking at the 'standard' track day package, half day for now. I recall it says they include tuition which will be a big bonus for me.

My thoughts are that as long as I appreciate the risks, get the instructors guidance and don't try and Senna-esque moves I should be OK?!

[Dan Friel]

The goodwood marshals club track day in December is perfect for novices.. Instruction vital!

[RyanW]

I took part in my first ever track day/experience in a TVR Tuscan which I had owned a week, so you can guess I was pretty nervous. However it’s a great track, fairly small which makes mastering the few corners easier, there is plenty of run off for the majority of the corners, especially the ones you're likely to come off. The briefing was really detailed, explaining everything needed, there is a mandatory parade/siting lap which (for me) was more beneficial that the briefing.
I opted for a half day session which I think is more than enough for your first experience, the format is very relaxed and you could do almost as many or few laps as you wanted. I ended up doing 105 miles in total.
Remember go at your own pace, its not a race and everything should be easy from there.
Ryan 

[T-Rev]

Hi All, I used to run track days at Goodwood for a period of about 14 years, as well as providing instruction, participating and also running/competing in Sprints. It is without question a fantastic classic race track with all the heritage that goes with it and very well worth the experience in actually driving it. IMHO an absolute must for any motorsport enthusiast. Though as already mentioned, do take instruction and do take your time to build up your confidence and speed - I've seen far too many gung-ho drivers who thought they knew it all, only to end up in a tyre wall with a very expensive repair bill!! There is now only one gravel trap and the run off areas as mentioned should be avoided at all costs - especially on the outside of the track as you probably won't stop until you hit a very hard earth backed truck tyre wall? That said, if you're in the right frame of mind and even if you do get it wrong, you can generally keep it on the black stuff and scrub off a lot of speed without hitting anything. Please also bear in mind, Goodwood is 2.4 miles, very fast and therefore quite hard on the car in terms of brakes, tyres and even engines - of course depending on how hard its being driven. As a consequence, I used to run 15 min sessions in order to help keep everything in check as best as possible which worked very well - the point being, if you enter an open pit lane event, you need to consider the potential impact on your car of doing too many laps e.g. limit the number of laps to about 5. I'm sure you'll have a great time, so get out there and give it a go.
Best regards,
Trevor.

[TimLambert7]

T-Rev said:

Hi All, I used to run track days at Goodwood for a period of about 14 years, as well as providing instruction, participating and also running/competing in Sprints. It is without question a fantastic classic race track with all the heritage that goes with it and very well worth the experience in actually driving it. IMHO an absolute must for any motorsport enthusiast. Though as already mentioned, do take instruction and do take your time to build up your confidence and speed - I've seen far too many gung-ho drivers who thought they knew it all, only to end up in a tyre wall with a very expensive repair bill!! There is now only one gravel trap and the run off areas as mentioned should be avoided at all costs - especially on the outside of the track as you probably won't stop until you hit a very hard earth backed truck tyre wall? That said, if you're in the right frame of mind and even if you do get it wrong, you can generally keep it on the black stuff and scrub off a lot of speed without hitting anything. Please also bear in mind, Goodwood is 2.4 miles, very fast and therefore quite hard on the car in terms of brakes, tyres and even engines - of course depending on how hard its being driven. As a consequence, I used to run 15 min sessions in order to help keep everything in check as best as possible which worked very well - the point being, if you enter an open pit lane event, you need to consider the potential impact on your car of doing too many laps e.g. limit the number of laps to about 5. I'm sure you'll have a great time, so get out there and give it a go.
Best regards,
Trevor.

Thanks Trevor.

I was worrying today about the brake/tyre wear I might experience. Fortunately my Twingo only weighs just over a ton and I won't be pushing the limits of physics at every bend.

The 5 lap rule is a good one and certainly something I'll stick to.

The gung ho advice is also valuable. My car is no speed machine and I'll certainly be taking it nice and easy.

Provided I follow your advice, do you think a half-day can be undertaken without much trouble? I don't want to go on a half day and need a new set of tyres by the end...

Thanks again.

[ecsrobin]

I think I need to join you Tim as I haven't done a track day in my civic typeS and being a regular to goodwood would like to have a plod out with similar novices in similar "low powered" cars.

[TimLambert7]

ecsrobin said:

I think I need to join you Tim as I haven't done a track day in my civic typeS and being a regular to goodwood would like to have a plod out with similar novices in similar "low powered" cars.

I'm about 99% at the moment but I've got a half day PM on November 15th in my sights.

Can anyone tell me the format of a Goodwood track day? Open pit-lane, sessions, times of PM session etc. etc.

Thanks

[HaylingJag]

Hi Tim'
Having done Goodwood numerous times in a variety of cars I can understand your need to get out there, however, open pit lanes are expensive and few & far between. Most days are sessioned and you are lucky to get one 15min sesh per hour. This is what puts me off despite it being just up the road. You tend to get into you stride after a couple of laps then it's time to come in, very frustrating.
It is a fast circuit and very rewarding, if driven with respect it can be driven with great enthusiasm. I have never been intimidated there and always had fun,

D

[T-Rev]

Your tyres and brakes will be fine, so long as you're not pushing too hard! As I'm sure you'll appreciate, a Track Day in non-competitive, you're not allowed any form of timing and frankly, you can drive as fast or as slow as you want as it's all just for fun! One other really good point regarding Goodwood, especially for novices is that the number of cars on the track is limited to a max of 10 on a 98db event, or just 5 for 105db event, so there is plenty of room on the 2.4 miles of tarmac.
If you're taking it easy, e.g. no squealing from the tyres and no very late and hard braking into the corners and limit your laps/track time, there is no reason why you couldn't do a full day.
Don't forget, you won't be able to stay on the track all day, even if you wanted too. On average whether it's an open pit lane or timed session event, you'll get around 6+ sessions during a full day - subject to the number of entries.
Have a great time.
Trevor.

[Tassa]

Bit late to topic but just did a half day Goodwood trackday yesterday (pm) - My first visit here and have to say I was really impressed. Ideal trackday for novices as they limit to 12 minute sessions with 5-6 cars per session.... plenty of tracktime and you rarely meet another car on track which gives you time to learn the circuit - the track itself is very fast and you do need to be commited if you want to reach a cars limit - however you can have plenty of fun at 80% without feeling like you will spin off into tyre walls, etc.... Have to say that although not the cheapest, a half day is pretty good value and I did not feel short changed - the staff are also very accomodating and definately add to the overall experience... have already booked another date for later in the year.