An unusual request
Discussion
Hey all,
So I've a bit of a request, but before I ask I'll fill you in on the back story for the context.
I'm 28 now, joined the Armed Forces at 18, got married in '17 and had our first child in' 19 so, in that respect, all good.
I went through a bit of a 'mental health wobble' over winter, all self-diagnosed really but something was definitely amiss and ultimately, I've narrowed it down to this; the job became the hobby and I didn't do anything else with my life other than family & work.
So, I've always wanted to put a car on track. I'm under no illusions about my ability (or lack of) and my only experience of speed is the odd experience day and I drive like Miss Daisy on the road.
Anyway, before I take the plunge (and to aid in my research) I'd like to come down to a Track Day and just take it all in, get a feel for it as a spectator. My question is, would anyone mind if I tagged along with them (post epidemic); I'm not totally useless with a spanner, and if there's a passenger seat going for a lap or two that would be an absolute bonus (but equally not expected).
I've got my own helmet and stuff from back in my youth when I had a moped (oh the shame!) which is in good nick if its appropriate for track use and happy to provide copious amounts of coffee!
Hope your all keeping well given the circumstance, be good to hear off of any of you.
Edit: Should mention I'm Lincolnshire/Norfolk based so fairly well placed for most locations in this part of the world.
So I've a bit of a request, but before I ask I'll fill you in on the back story for the context.
I'm 28 now, joined the Armed Forces at 18, got married in '17 and had our first child in' 19 so, in that respect, all good.
I went through a bit of a 'mental health wobble' over winter, all self-diagnosed really but something was definitely amiss and ultimately, I've narrowed it down to this; the job became the hobby and I didn't do anything else with my life other than family & work.
So, I've always wanted to put a car on track. I'm under no illusions about my ability (or lack of) and my only experience of speed is the odd experience day and I drive like Miss Daisy on the road.
Anyway, before I take the plunge (and to aid in my research) I'd like to come down to a Track Day and just take it all in, get a feel for it as a spectator. My question is, would anyone mind if I tagged along with them (post epidemic); I'm not totally useless with a spanner, and if there's a passenger seat going for a lap or two that would be an absolute bonus (but equally not expected).
I've got my own helmet and stuff from back in my youth when I had a moped (oh the shame!) which is in good nick if its appropriate for track use and happy to provide copious amounts of coffee!
Hope your all keeping well given the circumstance, be good to hear off of any of you.
Edit: Should mention I'm Lincolnshire/Norfolk based so fairly well placed for most locations in this part of the world.
Edited by Liam_92 on Saturday 30th May 14:29
Obviously post all this but I would say you are more than welcome.
I’ve found most track dayers are very friendly and only to keen to talk about their cars and experiences. I’ve asked Been offered and got a load of passenger rides in the past and in fact I have only been refused once that was due to timing.
In addition both my brother and myself are very willing to give passengers a few laps out with us.
Just rock up and mingle, again obviously once we are allowed to do such things.
I’ve found most track dayers are very friendly and only to keen to talk about their cars and experiences. I’ve asked Been offered and got a load of passenger rides in the past and in fact I have only been refused once that was due to timing.
In addition both my brother and myself are very willing to give passengers a few laps out with us.
Just rock up and mingle, again obviously once we are allowed to do such things.
Edited by Bright Halo on Saturday 30th May 17:48
As said, once the restrictions are lifted by the track day organisers you will be more than welcome.
Just find a suitable track day (Cadwell Park, just south of Louth, is a great track in Lincs, and you aren't far from Snetterton either. I used to live near Wisbech, both were about a pleasant hour's drive away) and turn up at about 7.30/8.00 am so that you can fill in a passenger form, get a wrist band and listen to the briefing. Entry to the track to watch is free, a passenger wrist band is normally £10 or £20. You will need your helmet, not sure re ID.
Then just be bold, walk up and down the pits and ASK - most people, including me, would be more than happy to give you passenger rides, doubly so as you armed forces - many of us have relatives in the forces and have a lot of time for you.
You may well get some rides in fairly exotic stuff - I have passengered in a Caterham, Radical, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche Cayman, TVR Tuscan, etc.
Only the MacLaren driver refused (nicely) because he had only had the car two weeks and didn't want to spend his first track day in it giving rides.
Bring your own sick bags. - I am not joking, 5 laps of someone else driving will have me heading for the gents pronto
Just find a suitable track day (Cadwell Park, just south of Louth, is a great track in Lincs, and you aren't far from Snetterton either. I used to live near Wisbech, both were about a pleasant hour's drive away) and turn up at about 7.30/8.00 am so that you can fill in a passenger form, get a wrist band and listen to the briefing. Entry to the track to watch is free, a passenger wrist band is normally £10 or £20. You will need your helmet, not sure re ID.
Then just be bold, walk up and down the pits and ASK - most people, including me, would be more than happy to give you passenger rides, doubly so as you armed forces - many of us have relatives in the forces and have a lot of time for you.
You may well get some rides in fairly exotic stuff - I have passengered in a Caterham, Radical, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche Cayman, TVR Tuscan, etc.
Only the MacLaren driver refused (nicely) because he had only had the car two weeks and didn't want to spend his first track day in it giving rides.
Bring your own sick bags. - I am not joking, 5 laps of someone else driving will have me heading for the gents pronto
Qbee,
I'm not sure a VW Tiguan belongs on the track, I'd likely be more of a hazard lumbering around!
Thanks for the advice though, Cadwell is only 45 minutes away so may well take a day off and head down once the restrictions are lifted. I'm not blessed with boldness traditionally but will definitely go along and observe!
I'm not sure a VW Tiguan belongs on the track, I'd likely be more of a hazard lumbering around!
Thanks for the advice though, Cadwell is only 45 minutes away so may well take a day off and head down once the restrictions are lifted. I'm not blessed with boldness traditionally but will definitely go along and observe!
Liam_92 said:
Hey all,
So I've a bit of a request, but before I ask I'll fill you in on the back story for the context.
I'm 28 now, joined the Armed Forces at 18, got married in '17 and had our first child in' 19 so, in that respect, all good.
I went through a bit of a 'mental health wobble' over winter, all self-diagnosed really but something was definitely amiss and ultimately, I've narrowed it down to this; the job became the hobby and I didn't do anything else with my life other than family & work.
So, I've always wanted to put a car on track. I'm under no illusions about my ability (or lack of) and my only experience of speed is the odd experience day and I drive like Miss Daisy on the road.
Anyway, before I take the plunge (and to aid in my research) I'd like to come down to a Track Day and just take it all in, get a feel for it as a spectator. My question is, would anyone mind if I tagged along with them (post epidemic); I'm not totally useless with a spanner, and if there's a passenger seat going for a lap or two that would be an absolute bonus (but equally not expected).
I've got my own helmet and stuff from back in my youth when I had a moped (oh the shame!) which is in good nick if its appropriate for track use and happy to provide copious amounts of coffee!
Hope your all keeping well given the circumstance, be good to hear off of any of you.
Edit: Should mention I'm Lincolnshire/Norfolk based so fairly well placed for most locations in this part of the world.
If you’re still in the military we have an Armed Forces Race Championship - obviously motorsport hasn’t quite started again after being locked-down, but expecting the season to restart fairly quickly. Have a look at the link below or on our Facebook page if you’re interested - there are links to the respective service teams (I guess RAF from the location):So I've a bit of a request, but before I ask I'll fill you in on the back story for the context.
I'm 28 now, joined the Armed Forces at 18, got married in '17 and had our first child in' 19 so, in that respect, all good.
I went through a bit of a 'mental health wobble' over winter, all self-diagnosed really but something was definitely amiss and ultimately, I've narrowed it down to this; the job became the hobby and I didn't do anything else with my life other than family & work.
So, I've always wanted to put a car on track. I'm under no illusions about my ability (or lack of) and my only experience of speed is the odd experience day and I drive like Miss Daisy on the road.
Anyway, before I take the plunge (and to aid in my research) I'd like to come down to a Track Day and just take it all in, get a feel for it as a spectator. My question is, would anyone mind if I tagged along with them (post epidemic); I'm not totally useless with a spanner, and if there's a passenger seat going for a lap or two that would be an absolute bonus (but equally not expected).
I've got my own helmet and stuff from back in my youth when I had a moped (oh the shame!) which is in good nick if its appropriate for track use and happy to provide copious amounts of coffee!
Hope your all keeping well given the circumstance, be good to hear off of any of you.
Edit: Should mention I'm Lincolnshire/Norfolk based so fairly well placed for most locations in this part of the world.
Edited by Liam_92 on Saturday 30th May 14:29
http://www.armedforcesracechallenge.net/
Frodo (RAF team)
frodo_monkey said:
If you’re still in the military we have an Armed Forces Race Championship - obviously motorsport hasn’t quite started again after being locked-down, but expecting the season to restart fairly quickly. Have a look at the link below or on our Facebook page if you’re interested - there are links to the respective service teams (I guess RAF from the location):
http://www.armedforcesracechallenge.net/
Frodo (RAF team)
I was going to post the same link and recommendation. Even if the OP is not still serving, it is still worth considering this series as veterans are also eligible.http://www.armedforcesracechallenge.net/
Frodo (RAF team)
h lolLiam_92 said:
Qbee,
I'm not sure a VW Tiguan belongs on the track, I'd likely be more of a hazard lumbering around!
Thanks for the advice though, Cadwell is only 45 minutes away so may well take a day off and head down once the restrictions are lifted. I'm not blessed with boldness traditionally but will definitely go along and observe!
They will state on their website when they start to allow spectators and passengers at the track.I'm not sure a VW Tiguan belongs on the track, I'd likely be more of a hazard lumbering around!
Thanks for the advice though, Cadwell is only 45 minutes away so may well take a day off and head down once the restrictions are lifted. I'm not blessed with boldness traditionally but will definitely go along and observe!
Google MSVT - MSV (Motor Sport Vision) own Cadwell, Snetterton, Brands, Oulton Park, Bedford Autodrome and Donington.
It is run by Dr Jonathan Palmer, he of a brief career in F1 many moons ago. He drops in regularly at his tracks by helicopter.
If I book something I will let you know. I too live 45 minutes from Cadwell, and may book the TVR Car Club day if it gets resurrected this autumn. It was supposed to be last week.....quite a nice array of classic British sports cars, old and new(er).
Liam, I do Snetterton at least twice a year so when restrictions are lifted, feel free to join for the day. Happy to do pax laps when allowed (unless you're 20 stones as the M2 is heavy enough as it is 
).
The ropes are quite quick and easy to learn and your approach is the right one.
PM me when you have a minute. I normally book with Javelin so it will depend on their diary.
).The ropes are quite quick and easy to learn and your approach is the right one.
PM me when you have a minute. I normally book with Javelin so it will depend on their diary.
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