Curborough Sprint Course

Curborough Sprint Course

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anniesdad

Original Poster:

14,589 posts

245 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
Had a great time yesterday at Curborough with a bunch of N.W Caterham enthusiasts.

We trailered a friend's Caterham Superlight R (200bhp) to the course, but having not run for around 12 months, once we got the car onto the track it developed severe hiccups and was basically undriveable. After messing with the plugs and HT leads, we decided (after consultation with a mechanic) that it would probably help to change the fuel (the fuel being 12 months old and probably having the consistency of Gold Label). So after taking 30 minutes or so to find a Shell garage, we mixed in 20 litres of Optimax into the 15 or so litres of gold label and after a couple of exploratory laps the car cleared it's throat and went like stink!

In the end we got 20 or so circuits in, my best "one up" time being 63.96secs, not bad after driving the car for the first time that day and it being my first ever Caterham "experience". Turns out it was the 3rd fastest time of the day behind my friend, who posted a 61.70 lap and Richard McCann (EVO competition winner), who posted one in the 62s in a Superlight (160bhp).

For those inclined, the track is a great "drifter" by the way as very ably demonstrated by Richard.

All in all a great day, at a cost of only £35 entry fee. Great bunch of people, who made me feel very welcome. Makes me want to consider buying one.

Alpineandy

1,395 posts

250 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
Did you use the bottom loop only?
I've been there a couple of times and really enjoyed it (Bottom loop only). When you turn up and see such a small 'mickey mouse' circuit your mood drops, but after a few laps it's a lot of fun.

anniesdad

Original Poster:

14,589 posts

245 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
Wouldn't have a clue what would constitute the bottom loop to be honest. From the start line, its a short straight into a 3nd gear left hand curve into a 2nd gear left hand corner, staying in 2nd into a right hander, into a tight left, then a gentle right into a 2nd gear hairpin, onto the main straight, down back to a 2nd/1st gear right hander back into the first left hand corner, repeat the previous corners, back to the 4th gear main straight and straight down past the timing pole and back to the start line.

iguana

7,056 posts

267 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
Think we must have done a difernet layout- I did just the top loop, as I got a 31.20 as my best (road rubber & bit down on power) & my car is defo not 31s quicker than a brisk 7!

anniesdad

Original Poster:

14,589 posts

245 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
www.curborough.co.uk/aerial05.htm

aerial picture here of the full track. We did the full track.

GreenV8S

30,489 posts

291 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
Being a short circuit means you come round again while the mistakes from the last lap are fresh in your mind, great way to get it inch perfect. The car almost seems to drive itself once you get into the rhythm.

anniesdad

Original Poster:

14,589 posts

245 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
I would dearly love to have had 5 hours tracktime in the car as I'm sure I could have got my time down into the 62's maybe even 61's. I know where I was braking too early and coming onto the throttle a little too late and could have ironed these out given more track time. There were only 10 cars running and you're right, as the track is so small you can replay the previous lap in your head, whilst lining up for your next run. Caterham's are fantastic fun!

Alpineandy

1,395 posts

250 months

Thursday 19th May 2005
quotequote all
anniesdad said:
Wouldn't have a clue what would constitute the bottom loop to be honest.

We were going clockwise round the main bit on the picture. We didn't use the top end. Each time I got 15'ish laps, in for 10-20 mins and back out again. well over 100 laps.The nearside tyres edges took a hammering.

bencurry

17 posts

237 months

Saturday 21st May 2005
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sounded like a good day. i am going on tuesday with the PVG there are only 10 of us going so we should all get plenty of tracktime.

Flyin Banana

2,178 posts

245 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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If anybody is up for another trip to curborough ive booked the 9th june with my work and have 3 places left from a group of 10, if your interested drop me a line 01531 636999
or post on the midlands part of this site(theres a thread there from me)

Cheers Rob