Track Recommendations/Advice?

[hutchingsp]

Originally posted in General Gassing as I totally failed to spot the "Let's talk about Tracks forum".

I have a Boxster and would like the opportunity to explore some of its potential without having to worry about losing my license, having to worry about a child/horse/pedestrian/car being around the corner, worrying about the dodgy road surface (that lovely feeling when a wheel digs into a hole in what seemed a nice looking corner).

What I don't really want to do is race or out and out thrash the brakes/tyres etc.

Is there anywhere I can go that is similar to (AIUI) the Nurbergering in that you turn up, you pay, you drive?

Midlands ideally.

[shim]

M6 toll road but watch out for the u/c skoda!

Sorry was that not much help.....

[hutchingsp]

shim said:

M6 toll road but watch out for the u/c skoda!

Sorry was that not much help.....

As it's about 5 minutes from me I must confess I did briefly think "I wonder if it's classed as a private road" and then sanity kicked in.

[jimminy cricket]

hutchingsp said:

shim said:

M6 toll road but watch out for the u/c skoda!

Sorry was that not much help.....

As it's about 5 minutes from me I must confess I did briefly think "I wonder if it's classed as a private road" and then sanity kicked in.

well when i was on it a couple of months ago a nice unmarked volvo was giving a ticket to a top of the line range rover and i saw a marked mondeo legging it northbound with blues and two's going, so i would say no. lol.

for a boxster in that area, either try donington or maybe mallory park?

Edited by jimminy cricket on Sunday 3rd June 20:40

[hutchingsp]

jimminy cricket said:

for a boxster in that area, either try donington or maybe mallory park?

Edited by jimminy cricket on Sunday 3rd June 20:40

Someone suggested Donnington Park, but from what I can see on their website they are "proper" track days i.e. you need safety gear etc.

I happen to work at MIRA so rather annoyingly there's a track 500 metres from the car park, but of course it's not as simple as you'd think to get on it.

[jpivey]

Safety gear I.E. a crash helmet must have some of those lying around MIRA if not most track day companies will hire you one for a small fee.

[ginettajoe]

Have a look at www.driverskills.com who operate at Elvington, near York! A day or half day, can be tailored to suit you, driving either one of their cars, or your own, or a combination of both. The emphasis is on driving dynamics, and performance driving, and I generally instruct on the performance driving circuit. There would only be yourself out at any one time, and the venue lends itself to pushing to, and beyond the limits, helping you understand how various techniques will make you a safer driver, and at the same time allow you to push that much harder in your own car, without placing it under undue pressure. If you require any further information, feel free to PM me. Hope this may help you.

[gtdc]

Go on a proper trackday. You can rent a helmet from the organiser and get some coaching. An evening is a nice way to start.

If you don't fancy a full blown race track 1st time out try a BookaTrack airfield event. Very friendly and not silly money either.

Melindi
www.goldtrack.co.uk

[Pickled Piper]

Hutchingsp,

I also live in the Midlands. I would recommend a trackday at Donnington Park or at Bedford Aerodrome. Perhaps just a track evening.

I don't know any other means nowadays of truely enjoying your car without risking your license.

Hire a crash helmet and make sure you have the necessary insurance in place. You have a Porsche, all you will need to do in terms of prep is check the fluids and tyre pressures. These cars thrive on being tracked.

Take it easy and enjoy. The only real danger is that you will get addicted.

pp

Just noted that you work at MIRA. Have a chat with the Dynamics (Ride & Handling Department). I'm sure they will have some good recommendations or alternatively they may be able to get you on a freebee tyre testing jolly, run by one of the tyre manufacturers.

Edited by Pickled Piper on Tuesday 5th June 09:25

[hutchingsp]

Pickled Piper said:

Just noted that you work at MIRA. Have a chat with the Dynamics (Ride & Handling Department). I'm sure they will have some good recommendations or alternatively they may be able to get you on a freebee tyre testing jolly, run by one of the tyre manufacturers.

I did and the chap who trains the test drivers took me out for three hours one Sunday morning to do a Roadcraft/Defensive Driving type of course - the most useful three hours I think I've ever spent in a car tbh.

I'll pick his brains on where to go as well, odds are he has some contacts.