Mallory Park...in the snow???
Discussion
Booked first track day of the year for Thursday (when forecast suggested mild dry weather!), now forecast is for near freezing temperatures and light snow!! 
Presumably they'll go ahead with track day if at all possible, anyone had any similar experience of track days in freezing/snowy conditions?
Presumably they'll go ahead with track day if at all possible, anyone had any similar experience of track days in freezing/snowy conditions?
Many years ago - my first experience on the old Silverstone International circuit.
The start was delayed whilst the marshals chipped ice off the apexes,
and instead of sighting laps they drove us round in groups in a minibus,
by which time things had warmed up a little, and they ran the day.
The start was delayed whilst the marshals chipped ice off the apexes,
and instead of sighting laps they drove us round in groups in a minibus,
by which time things had warmed up a little, and they ran the day.
Yep, turned up to Blyton once with the track about 1 inch under snow.
Delayed start hoping for sunshine to melt it off. Then sent us round in procession go try clear the slush/ice off with the cars at crawling speed.
Numerous spins at crawling speed. Back to the briefing room.
Big bunch of lads in Imprezas - "it's fine, let's get out there!"
Everyone else in Caterhams and MX-5s - "are you mental!"
Got to lunch time, no way anything was happening that day, full refund/voucher and see you next time (which as per the letter of their terms, they didn't actually have to do for a weather cancellation ).
Delayed start hoping for sunshine to melt it off. Then sent us round in procession go try clear the slush/ice off with the cars at crawling speed.
Numerous spins at crawling speed. Back to the briefing room.
Big bunch of lads in Imprezas - "it's fine, let's get out there!"
Everyone else in Caterhams and MX-5s - "are you mental!"
Got to lunch time, no way anything was happening that day, full refund/voucher and see you next time (which as per the letter of their terms, they didn't actually have to do for a weather cancellation ).
Cambs_Stuart said:
I'm at cadwell on Thursday and every time i check the forecast it gets worse. Looking forward to my first trackday in the snow!
I take it you are doing it in the Clio. Has it got traction control? if so, if the truck is wet don’t worry. Just adjust and enjoy the day.Many years ago I had a day booked at Castle Combe. On the day it was snowing lightly first thing in the morning. I left my TVR at home and took my general run about a remapped Octávia vRS.
The whole infield was covered in a lot of snow and it’s sleeted all day. The pace was slow but with traction control and ABS it was still very doable. The majority of rear wheel drive cars were just wagging their tails all day and yet my standard front wheel drive car was circulating pretty quickly.
I have logged that into my memory as one of the most enjoyable Track Days that I have done.
Enjoy……..
the issue will be , that if it snows and isn't looking likely to melt, is that you will have to attend and wait around a few hours before the venue cancels the event. The TD operator won't make that decision as it'll cost them both the hire charge and loss of income, and the venue won't make that decision until the absolutely have to. For monetary reasons.
However as it is the end of March, it's likely to clear by mid- late morning and you'll get half days running at full price. bargain!
However as it is the end of March, it's likely to clear by mid- late morning and you'll get half days running at full price. bargain!
Cambs_Stuart said:
I'm at cadwell on Thursday and every time i check the forecast it gets worse. Looking forward to my first trackday in the snow!
I take it you are doing it in the Clio. Has it got traction control? if so, if the truck is wet don’t worry. Just adjust and enjoy the day.Many years ago I had a day booked at Castle Combe. On the day it was snowing lightly first thing in the morning. I left my TVR at home and took my general run about a remapped Octávia vRS.
The whole infield was covered in a lot of snow and it’s sleeted all day. The pace was slow but with traction control and ABS it was still very doable. The majority of rear wheel drive cars were just wagging their tails all day and yet my standard front wheel drive car was circulating pretty quickly.
I have logged that into my memory as one of the most enjoyable Track Days that I have done.
Enjoy……..
phazed said:
I take it you are doing it in the Clio. Has it got traction control? if so, if the truck is wet don’t worry. Just adjust and enjoy the day.
Many years ago I had a day booked at Castle Combe. On the day it was snowing lightly first thing in the morning. I left my TVR at home and took my general run about a remapped Octávia vRS.
The whole infield was covered in a lot of snow and it’s sleeted all day. The pace was slow but with traction control and ABS it was still very doable. The majority of rear wheel drive cars were just wagging their tails all day and yet my standard front wheel drive car was circulating pretty quickly.
I have logged that into my memory as one of the most enjoyable Track Days that I have done.
Enjoy……..
I've done a few very wet track days before at bedford and snetterton. Generally they're good fun in clio as long as I've got appropriate tyres. Many years ago I had a day booked at Castle Combe. On the day it was snowing lightly first thing in the morning. I left my TVR at home and took my general run about a remapped Octávia vRS.
The whole infield was covered in a lot of snow and it’s sleeted all day. The pace was slow but with traction control and ABS it was still very doable. The majority of rear wheel drive cars were just wagging their tails all day and yet my standard front wheel drive car was circulating pretty quickly.
I have logged that into my memory as one of the most enjoyable Track Days that I have done.
Enjoy……..
Did a trackday in snow at snetterton once. Was quite fun, and a real eye opener about how good traction and stability control is even on a 15 yr old bmw.
But i wouldnt worry too much about thursday. If it does snow overnight, it probably wont stick. And if the temp gets above 3 degrees, any lingering ice will be gone too. So it'll just be a wet trackday.
But i wouldnt worry too much about thursday. If it does snow overnight, it probably wont stick. And if the temp gets above 3 degrees, any lingering ice will be gone too. So it'll just be a wet trackday.
so.... did you get some running in? its a lovely sunny day down here in banbury...
PS, i feel your pain if it is cancelled... had a day booked at silverstone in early april a few years back, and that one day is the one day it decided to snow. The day before and after was clear blue skies...
PS, i feel your pain if it is cancelled... had a day booked at silverstone in early april a few years back, and that one day is the one day it decided to snow. The day before and after was clear blue skies...
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