best circuit for a track virgin
Discussion
try an Airfield venue first, you can find your limits and those of the car with miles fo grass rather than Armco around!
take a look at www.motorsport-events.com
take a look at www.motorsport-events.com
Big runoffs are a help, but equally important in my opinion is to go on a well organised trackday: strict enforcement of the safety rules will make you feel much more comfortable on track. Go with a reputable company (Bookatrack get my vote).
But mainly enjoy yourself: remember that you can drive at your own pace - there is nothing to be gained by being faster than anyone else out on the track. And I bet you'll find it a whole lot less scary than you think it is at the moment.
But mainly enjoy yourself: remember that you can drive at your own pace - there is nothing to be gained by being faster than anyone else out on the track. And I bet you'll find it a whole lot less scary than you think it is at the moment.
205 Gti..great cars those. Rallied mine & a 309 all over the place, setting probably the slowest race lap time of Donnington in the process 
For a first time out on track in a 205, I'd avoid anything with very high speed corners (e.g. Thruxton, Snetterton). Can you left foot brake? This is a very good way of settling a 205 in a corner, (practice on somewhere like a track, but with no-one behind you!) keep your right foot on the accelerator, as lift-of oversteer can be scary, and just very gently brush the brake with your left. This avoids going round corners too rapidly, or worse, backwards..
For a first time out on track in a 205, I'd avoid anything with very high speed corners (e.g. Thruxton, Snetterton). Can you left foot brake? This is a very good way of settling a 205 in a corner, (practice on somewhere like a track, but with no-one behind you!) keep your right foot on the accelerator, as lift-of oversteer can be scary, and just very gently brush the brake with your left. This avoids going round corners too rapidly, or worse, backwards..
Another vote for Bedford - nothing to hit and very well organised. Usually open pitlane I think when organised by RMA (rma-limited.co.uk) and they tend to attract a good mix of cars without many people.
Get some instruction, its worth lots of seconds a lap, especially if you are inexperienced and don't know the circuit (I fall into both of those categories) - 19 corners is a lot to learn, and without armco, they can be difficult to pick out.
Also, Donnington is fantastic and fairly open, and the gradients make it very easy to see the corners.
Try here for more info from those who are really in the know.
Get some instruction, its worth lots of seconds a lap, especially if you are inexperienced and don't know the circuit (I fall into both of those categories) - 19 corners is a lot to learn, and without armco, they can be difficult to pick out.
Also, Donnington is fantastic and fairly open, and the gradients make it very easy to see the corners.
Try here for more info from those who are really in the know.
will be doing some trackdays this summer in the (soon to be acquired) 205GTI. Would be grateful to learn which circuits are recommended for first-timers.
I have seen some track evenings at Donnington but this is an open pit session which sounds a bit scary!
Paul, the peugeot will fit in well down at Cannons Marsh or Eastville later this evening, a quick cruise around the ring road, followed by a Burn out comp at TGI fridays! WIKKID!
Simon. I suggest Bruntingthorpe. It has massive run off areas so if it does go wrong the chances of bending your car are low. This is why it was a vehicle proving ground - the vehicle limits are going to be exceeded but the impact of what goes wrong needs to be minimised.
I'd have somebody experienced at driving round circuits instructing you and would recommend you go out with cars of similar speed and cornering ability.
I'd avoid the left foot braking idea like the plague until you are confident that you know what you're doing. Get to feel the car on the limit and then use braking in a straight line and turn in when the car is settled.
When you've built up your confidence you will be able to brake into the apex, lift off mid bend etc, but it is important to pick your moment, otherwise the result could be expensive and injurious.
I'd have somebody experienced at driving round circuits instructing you and would recommend you go out with cars of similar speed and cornering ability.
I'd avoid the left foot braking idea like the plague until you are confident that you know what you're doing. Get to feel the car on the limit and then use braking in a straight line and turn in when the car is settled.
When you've built up your confidence you will be able to brake into the apex, lift off mid bend etc, but it is important to pick your moment, otherwise the result could be expensive and injurious.
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