Goodwood Sprint this Saturday
Discussion
Hi,
I'll be there in our mini.
Couple of pointers based purely on my own experience driving (and spinning)there for the first time...
- YouTube videos = good for learning which way the corners go but are deceptive when it comes to giving you a really good feel for the shape of the corner. The circuit is fairly flat and wide so can be hard to get your bearings too. I went piling into St.Mary's on my first lap with way too much speed and remember thinking 'it didn't look this sharp on the internet' as I did a smoky pirouette!
- I also got caught out at Madgewick, there's a crest halfway around the corner (between the two apexes) that will make the rear of the car go light.
- pay attention during the drivers briefing - the start procedure is different to any other sprint I've been to
Er, and enjoy - it's a great circuit!
Chris
I'll be there in our mini.
Couple of pointers based purely on my own experience driving (and spinning)there for the first time...
- YouTube videos = good for learning which way the corners go but are deceptive when it comes to giving you a really good feel for the shape of the corner. The circuit is fairly flat and wide so can be hard to get your bearings too. I went piling into St.Mary's on my first lap with way too much speed and remember thinking 'it didn't look this sharp on the internet' as I did a smoky pirouette!
- I also got caught out at Madgewick, there's a crest halfway around the corner (between the two apexes) that will make the rear of the car go light.
- pay attention during the drivers briefing - the start procedure is different to any other sprint I've been to
Er, and enjoy - it's a great circuit!
Chris
ad_p said:
I have also been watching videos of Goodwood circuit and I am a bit nervous as it seems like it is a really fast circuit.
Heard it said that as it's the same as it was in the fifties it's the quickest track in the UK for definate, and possibly further afield as well...Beautiful track
ad_p said:
I think it says in the regs I was sent that Spectators are not permitted.
wouldn't place too much stock in that to be honest - the place seems to have an open door policy, people just wander in to watch and then leave again, generally get some very nice cars stopping by!5H4K said:
I'll hopefully be there at some point in the afternoon if anyone would like photos.
That would be great thanks!It's a great circuit, I hope you all enjoy it. I can't make this, which is a shame as i usually go along.
I was there on Monday for a Track Day, the hump at Madgewick was taken out over the winter, it is a much nicer corner now, far less un-nerving than it used to be.
As others have said, watching youtube will give an insight, but no way prepare you for the speeds. I always struggle to find braking points due to the high speed on entry and the relatively low speed for the corner..
Damned good fun though!
I was there on Monday for a Track Day, the hump at Madgewick was taken out over the winter, it is a much nicer corner now, far less un-nerving than it used to be.
As others have said, watching youtube will give an insight, but no way prepare you for the speeds. I always struggle to find braking points due to the high speed on entry and the relatively low speed for the corner..
Damned good fun though!
ad_p said:
Chris - couple of questions if you dont mind?
- Do I need to bring my own set of numbers for the car?
- Do I need to bring a fire extingusher (there is a section of regs stuck on at the end of the main regs that mentions a fire extingusher)?
Thanks,
Adam
Will definitely need to bring your own numbers but you can cobble something together with tape if you're stuck.- Do I need to bring my own set of numbers for the car?
- Do I need to bring a fire extingusher (there is a section of regs stuck on at the end of the main regs that mentions a fire extingusher)?
Thanks,
Adam
Not sure about fire extinguisher but doubt it if you're in the roadgoing class. Sorry, not checked the regs though.
chris_w said:
ad_p said:
I think it says in the regs I was sent that Spectators are not permitted.
wouldn't place too much stock in that to be honest - the place seems to have an open door policy, people just wander in to watch and then leave again, generally get some very nice cars stopping by!5H4K said:
I'll hopefully be there at some point in the afternoon if anyone would like photos.
That would be great thanks!Morning all,
how did you get on AD_P? Saw your car parked up and wandered over to say hello but missed you I'm afraid.
Shame about the early stoppage, was shaping up to be a good day though those pesky Caterhams kept causing delays too, petty sure there were just too many of them there to allow us three times runs unfortunately.
how did you get on AD_P? Saw your car parked up and wandered over to say hello but missed you I'm afraid.
Shame about the early stoppage, was shaping up to be a good day though those pesky Caterhams kept causing delays too, petty sure there were just too many of them there to allow us three times runs unfortunately.
That would be me then.
Here's what happened:
The key to a fast lap at Goodwood, particularly with an underpowered car like the 1600 MX-5 is conservation of momentum, so on this second timed run I was trying very hard to carry as much speed through the corners as possible. I went through the right hander after Fordwater more quickly than before and so was carrying more speed into the left hand part of St Mary's. The car was running out to the right of the circuit which at first felt ok, however the adverse camber seemed to keep pushing the car wide. I got the right hand two wheels onto the grass and the car turned into a spin, back across the track so that I hit the tyrewall on the outside of the circuit, right rear first. I assume I must have bounced off the tyrewall and landed upside down.
I knew that I was largely ok when I came to rest but my head was being pressed down and forwards with the weight of the car. So when the team got to me the first thing they had to do was right the car. They then had to extract me keeping my head and neck as stable as possible in case of any damage. They strapped me to a spinal board with a neck collar and head blocks, and put me in the ambulance. When I got to the hospital the A&E doctor sent me down for X-rays of my chest, back and neck. Eventually they reviewed the X rays and gave me the all clear. The only damage I have is to the muscles in my upper back - a bit like whiplash. They gave me some heavy duty pain killers, which work a treat, and sent me on my way at about 6pm.
The marshals, paramedics and rescue team at Goodwood were fantastic. I did my best to thank them at the time but want to make sure everyone knows what superb support we have around us when we compete. They have my utmost respect and deepest gratitude.
I haven't seen the car yet, it's on its way back from Goodwood today. I do know from the pictures that my wife took for me that the car stood up pretty well. I would never compete in an open car without a decent roll bar, seat and harness. These three things certainly saved me from much more severe injury.
It's ironic that I'm now doing well in the overall championship as that will be my last outing this year. I haven't decided what to do next but I hope to be back before too long.
Thanks to everyone for their concern.
You all be careful out there.
Dave.
Here's what happened:
The key to a fast lap at Goodwood, particularly with an underpowered car like the 1600 MX-5 is conservation of momentum, so on this second timed run I was trying very hard to carry as much speed through the corners as possible. I went through the right hander after Fordwater more quickly than before and so was carrying more speed into the left hand part of St Mary's. The car was running out to the right of the circuit which at first felt ok, however the adverse camber seemed to keep pushing the car wide. I got the right hand two wheels onto the grass and the car turned into a spin, back across the track so that I hit the tyrewall on the outside of the circuit, right rear first. I assume I must have bounced off the tyrewall and landed upside down.
I knew that I was largely ok when I came to rest but my head was being pressed down and forwards with the weight of the car. So when the team got to me the first thing they had to do was right the car. They then had to extract me keeping my head and neck as stable as possible in case of any damage. They strapped me to a spinal board with a neck collar and head blocks, and put me in the ambulance. When I got to the hospital the A&E doctor sent me down for X-rays of my chest, back and neck. Eventually they reviewed the X rays and gave me the all clear. The only damage I have is to the muscles in my upper back - a bit like whiplash. They gave me some heavy duty pain killers, which work a treat, and sent me on my way at about 6pm.
The marshals, paramedics and rescue team at Goodwood were fantastic. I did my best to thank them at the time but want to make sure everyone knows what superb support we have around us when we compete. They have my utmost respect and deepest gratitude.
I haven't seen the car yet, it's on its way back from Goodwood today. I do know from the pictures that my wife took for me that the car stood up pretty well. I would never compete in an open car without a decent roll bar, seat and harness. These three things certainly saved me from much more severe injury.
It's ironic that I'm now doing well in the overall championship as that will be my last outing this year. I haven't decided what to do next but I hope to be back before too long.
Thanks to everyone for their concern.
You all be careful out there.
Dave.
Glad you're ok Dave, news filtered back to us that you were essentially alright but nice to hear from the horses mouth as it were.
From what I saw of your car it'll need more than painkillers sadly but, as you say, the main thing is it protected you.
Hope to see you out again soon,
Chris
From what I saw of your car it'll need more than painkillers sadly but, as you say, the main thing is it protected you.
Hope to see you out again soon,
Chris
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