1st Track Day..
Discussion
Finally got it out of the way.. went to Llandow with a few others last weekend!
Pics and footage below.
The day was brilliant overall. Staff and marshals at Llandow were very friendly, there were quite a few track noobs (including myself) but the briefing and guidance was re-assuring and informative.
I wasn't really too sure what to expect, I thought it was all going to be very serious but the relaxed feeling I got was great.
Great bunch of people there too, again everyone was very friendly. Big mix of cars too.. from a £1,000 MX5 bought a few months ago and just chucked on the track to a brand new Focus RS and everything in between.
Sessions were split into beginner, intermediate and advanced. We all had 2x 20 min sessions in the morning - 1st session started with 2 laps under yellow flags which really helped me get to know the track and settle the nerves - followed by open pit after lunch with a max of 10 cars on track.
Megane was superb though, completely exceeded expectations.
Incredibly predicable even when I went in a bit too enthusiastically on completely the wrong lines. The Quaife LSD offered loads of grip, but I think the 2 year old MPS2's let go well before the chassis was anywhere near the limit.
Overall, the Meg was brilliant fun to drive and just bloody awesome. Near the end started to play with a bit of lift off over-steer and it all just felt very balanced and solid.
I should really say thanks to Jay here, he's put in some long nights helping to get the Megane ready and it's been well worth it.
Want to get back on track asap, I've definitely caught the bug. Possible upgrades and improvements buzzing through my head already!
Tyres will definitely be replaced soon, fancying either 595-RSR's or AD08R's... depending on my wallet at the time.
Also want a smaller steering wheel with a bit of dish. I'm quite tall and found the standard wheel big and "in the way" in the tight bus stop corner. Bit wary about getting a non-airbag wheel without harnesses and a cage though, so maybe that's 1st.
Either way, at this point the Meg is staying for the long term for sure.
Anyway, of course, I managed to get a few vids and pics:
https://youtu.be/kRRRHc-lsig
Lap 14, my fastest lap of the day. Trying to chase down my mate in his S2000. My laps in the morning were around the 1.05min mark, so following someone that has driven the track a few times before was great.
https://youtu.be/AHUlf-7HROA
My mates S2000... catching me after my out lap (honest, haha!).
Front by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Arse by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Close Up 1 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Corner 2 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Bus Stop by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Side by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Corner by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Pics and footage below.
The day was brilliant overall. Staff and marshals at Llandow were very friendly, there were quite a few track noobs (including myself) but the briefing and guidance was re-assuring and informative.
I wasn't really too sure what to expect, I thought it was all going to be very serious but the relaxed feeling I got was great.
Great bunch of people there too, again everyone was very friendly. Big mix of cars too.. from a £1,000 MX5 bought a few months ago and just chucked on the track to a brand new Focus RS and everything in between.
Sessions were split into beginner, intermediate and advanced. We all had 2x 20 min sessions in the morning - 1st session started with 2 laps under yellow flags which really helped me get to know the track and settle the nerves - followed by open pit after lunch with a max of 10 cars on track.
Megane was superb though, completely exceeded expectations.
Incredibly predicable even when I went in a bit too enthusiastically on completely the wrong lines. The Quaife LSD offered loads of grip, but I think the 2 year old MPS2's let go well before the chassis was anywhere near the limit.
Overall, the Meg was brilliant fun to drive and just bloody awesome. Near the end started to play with a bit of lift off over-steer and it all just felt very balanced and solid.
I should really say thanks to Jay here, he's put in some long nights helping to get the Megane ready and it's been well worth it.
Want to get back on track asap, I've definitely caught the bug. Possible upgrades and improvements buzzing through my head already!
Tyres will definitely be replaced soon, fancying either 595-RSR's or AD08R's... depending on my wallet at the time.
Also want a smaller steering wheel with a bit of dish. I'm quite tall and found the standard wheel big and "in the way" in the tight bus stop corner. Bit wary about getting a non-airbag wheel without harnesses and a cage though, so maybe that's 1st.
Either way, at this point the Meg is staying for the long term for sure.
Anyway, of course, I managed to get a few vids and pics:
https://youtu.be/kRRRHc-lsig
Lap 14, my fastest lap of the day. Trying to chase down my mate in his S2000. My laps in the morning were around the 1.05min mark, so following someone that has driven the track a few times before was great.
https://youtu.be/AHUlf-7HROA
My mates S2000... catching me after my out lap (honest, haha!).
Front by the northern monkey, on FlickrArse by the northern monkey, on FlickrClose Up 1 by the northern monkey, on FlickrCorner 2 by the northern monkey, on FlickrBus Stop by the northern monkey, on FlickrSide by the northern monkey, on FlickrCorner by the northern monkey, on FlickrLlandow is my nearest track and I've been thinking about getting the motor on there at some point. I've never tracked my own car, and so haven't a clue about simple things like: is there petrol close to or at the circuit, or do you have to take your own (if so, transport and storage)?
Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
What advice would you give to a first timer having just been in that position yourself?
Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
What advice would you give to a first timer having just been in that position yourself?
alexpez said:
1. is there petrol close to or at the circuit, or do you have to take your own (if so, transport and storage)?
2. Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
3. I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
1. Google will tell you where the closest to the track is, some not all have fuel on site, the track's own website will normally tell you that.2. Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
3. I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
2. I would HIGHLY recommend a minimum brake fluid refresh with good quality high temp fluid, new pads & a spare set to take with you, on top of that a gauge & plug in 12v tyre inflator is a good idea as you will drop the pressures on track & need to top them back up for the drive home.
3. That is fine if it is comfortable (you will probably get hot on track) & in good condition.
alexpez said:
Llandow is my nearest track and I've been thinking about getting the motor on there at some point. I've never tracked my own car, and so haven't a clue about simple things like: is there petrol close to or at the circuit, or do you have to take your own (if so, transport and storage)?
Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
What advice would you give to a first timer having just been in that position yourself?
Petrol is fairly close to Llandow, theres a tesco in Bridgend which is doable or Texaco in Cowbridge. TBH, I just brimmed the tank and managed to get there and back without refilling. You can take a can of fuel if it's in the correct container. Most people just leave stuff in the parking area.Apart from checking that everything is good with the car (brakes, tyre wear etc), did you take anything to monitor or change tyre pressures at the circuit?
I have an old Arai GP5K lid from years ago, with a Snell SA00 sticker on it. Too old?
What advice would you give to a first timer having just been in that position yourself?
I got a bit of advice from forums and other people at the track to set my initiall pressures and then monitored through the day. Aimed to have recommended pressures when hot, so cold I'd dropped a fair bit on the front to start off with. It's a bit trial and error though.
Helmet shoudl be fine, they don't really check the safety reg, just visually check it looks in good condtion... but its your head, a new helment doesn't have to cost loads. Mine was £60.
Advice: get your car checked over to make sure there's nothing garishly wrong with the car and just do it! You'll find out what works/what doesn't after a few sessions!
Make sure you have AA cover, not RAC if you're driving there and back. AA will recover you from the circuit, whereas RAC refuse to touch a car that they deem has been on track (infact RAC don't cover modified cars).
Massive mix of cars and talent. There was a couple in a brand new MX-5 just cruising round all day and a guy in a turbocharged MX-5 giving it 100% beans.
Looks good man!
Llandow is just the other side of the bridge for me (Bristol based)
Castle Combe is also a great track nearby! I took my Megane 265 (old car, replaced with an earlier 250, don't ask!) around there earlier in the year and booked on in November (after a few mods!) Llandow is one I like the look of, and need to do tbh.
I've got 595 RSR's on mine and although fantastic in the dry, after about 4k road miles and 1 sprint day they're not far off the wear-bars.
Nice chopped sticker on the rear btw! If you're on Facebook, have a look at Joining the Meganesport groups as they often have parts for sale/questions answered.
Llandow is just the other side of the bridge for me (Bristol based)
Castle Combe is also a great track nearby! I took my Megane 265 (old car, replaced with an earlier 250, don't ask!) around there earlier in the year and booked on in November (after a few mods!) Llandow is one I like the look of, and need to do tbh.
I've got 595 RSR's on mine and although fantastic in the dry, after about 4k road miles and 1 sprint day they're not far off the wear-bars.
Nice chopped sticker on the rear btw! If you're on Facebook, have a look at Joining the Meganesport groups as they often have parts for sale/questions answered.
Blanchimont said:
Looks good man!
Llandow is just the other side of the bridge for me (Bristol based)
Castle Combe is also a great track nearby! I took my Megane 265 (old car, replaced with an earlier 250, don't ask!) around there earlier in the year and booked on in November (after a few mods!) Llandow is one I like the look of, and need to do tbh.
I've got 595 RSR's on mine and although fantastic in the dry, after about 4k road miles and 1 sprint day they're not far off the wear-bars.
Nice chopped sticker on the rear btw! If you're on Facebook, have a look at Joining the Meganesport groups as they often have parts for sale/questions answered.
Cheers!Llandow is just the other side of the bridge for me (Bristol based)
Castle Combe is also a great track nearby! I took my Megane 265 (old car, replaced with an earlier 250, don't ask!) around there earlier in the year and booked on in November (after a few mods!) Llandow is one I like the look of, and need to do tbh.
I've got 595 RSR's on mine and although fantastic in the dry, after about 4k road miles and 1 sprint day they're not far off the wear-bars.
Nice chopped sticker on the rear btw! If you're on Facebook, have a look at Joining the Meganesport groups as they often have parts for sale/questions answered.
Combe is on the list for sure, been a long year trying to get the car ready but has been well worth it.
I'm swaying towards AD08R's, but have some ditch finders in the shed which will be going on the rear for now I think.
Already on megansport groups, picked up a Milltek last week, should be going on with a decat next week all being well!
Readers Car thread here for anyone interested: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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