My first track day!

My first track day!

Author
Discussion

hughjayteens

Original Poster:

2,029 posts

275 months

Monday 14th July 2003
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Something I have always wanted to do, and finally I have lost my trackday virginity!

Decided to go for a bookatrack.com day at Hethel, at the Lotus test track as it was one of the closest, one of the cheapest and was meant to be pretty challenging.

Was very pleased with how well the M3 went - very nearly as quick as the Elise's etc through the twisties, and quite a lot faster on the straights.

Am totally hooked, would write some more but can't really do it justice, so here is some pics instead.

www.evoposters.net/gallery/hethel120703

clubsport

7,298 posts

265 months

Tuesday 15th July 2003
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Good that you have lost your Cherry..as it were..from the sound of it you will start to get the trackday bug.

Sounds like you are a natural at this,,to be up with Elise through the twisties and caning them down the straights,on a Lotus test track!!!! Is this really you Mr Button ???

hughjayteens

Original Poster:

2,029 posts

275 months

Tuesday 15th July 2003
quotequote all
LOL - I did sign up for the beginner section so perhaps the Elise drivers were crapper than me!!

On my last session I was behind an Elise 135 into the Circle Corner and was possibly a little closer than I should have been - next thng I know he slides off onto the grass leaving me very grateful for having masses of grip!!

Managed to hit 127mph or so down the long straight and the Elise's were closer to 110mph - I believe than a Westfield Megabusa in the advanced section was hitting 135+ without a screen!!

I had a 20 minute instructor session that was invaluable - basically pointed out that in a car as heavy as the M3, hussling it around wasn't the answer, and that gentle movements using all of the track was the best solution - pointed out a few lines that no-one else seemed to be aware of that added 10-15mph through the complex.

john_p

7,073 posts

257 months

Friday 25th July 2003
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How was it on tyres? Just thinking about taking the car on track - might get a set of 18"s and some cheapo tyres

steve lewis

141 posts

291 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Hi Guys
As an ARDS instructor doing freelance stuff too.
Always welcome to give advice and talk tech if you wish.
Good on you for using the cars as they are meant...
They're not just for polishing! :-)

Best regs
Steve

rich-uk

1,431 posts

263 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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I did my first track day on Sat too, went to Bruntingthorpe, had an excellent time!

Nothing like a bit of brake fade at the end of a 115mph straight with tire barriers to stir the senses

I recon I did about 3000 miles tire wear in 50 or so miles