Not sure if this is in the right forum, but still....

I'm considering my first trip to the Ring - but I've not done any track days in the UK -

For those who have been - is it worth doing some UK trackdays first, or is the ring so different (in terms of format) that there is not too much to be gained ?

I'm not after a super quick time, just for the experience really - if it works out OK, then I might make future trips - I'll worry about the time then.

Also, if its best to do a UK run, what's the best way of getting started ?

Cheers,

Mark

 

Mark,

No real benifit in a trackday first IMHO

But you should treat the Ring ..

a) With respect
B) Like an unknown 14 mile stretch of road and not a race
C) The "circuit" is so long take a navigator with Pace notes (easy to mistake a corner/creast)
D) Enjoy it, rember you drove it there and will need to drive it back.
E) drink plenty

Regards

Tony

 

i was thinking of making a trip to the ring last year as my first trackday..but loads of people recommended that i do a trackdayh in the uk first....
not that doing loads here will prepare you any better, but just to get a feel for how tracks are and what to expect.

i went to castlecombe if that helps

 

I dont think it matters if the Ring is the first track you go on...as i am sure any track you go on you will drive with care atleast for the first few laps...

I have booked myself in to Brands Hatch in a months time...Me in my STI, my brother in his S4, and my cousion in his RS4


Thouugh the ring will be for the time when i can be bothered driving to Europe again...


Oh and play plenty of GranTrismo...

 

me and a mate did the 'ring as our first ever "track day" last year.

before hand we spent a day on a track with a pro racing driver teaching us what to do, and although expensive compared to a track day was 1000% better in my opinion.

...oh and we both survived!!

as other people ar posting respect not just for the track but for the other drivers - especially the fast ones - is a good thing to have.

we were lucky in that on our first lap some bikers who knew the track well came as passengers 'cos they were waiting for the track to dry, and as most psople there are very friendly ask around and someone will go as a passenger and tell you to go right or left!

 

Mark,
We (Smacs) are planning a trip for 5 days last day in September till the 5th Oct.

There are a few coming that have not been on the track before and a few that have lots of track experience. We plan on doing some sight seeing as well. You are welcome to come. I noticed that you are from North Staffs so cant be that far from me (Buxton).

We will be driving down to Dover then ferry across to Calais then drive to the ring.

If you are interested PM me.

 

Thanks Andy - I'll check out my calendar around that time and let you know in the next few days. I'm based in Stone, so not too far from Buxton at all.

That certainly sounds a good way for me to do this -

Cheers,

Mark

 

download some vids and watch them about 100 times (no - im not joking!)

 

One of the best things someone said to me before my first time there, (earlier this year), wa to imagine you have a baby in the passenger seat

And what you say about not timing yourself is spot on, just enjoy it, time yourserlf next time, because there will be a next time

 

There is about 140 odd corners to the "Ring" By all means do track days in UK but dont for one minute think the Ring will be the same because it wont be,
I went 2 years ago with the Central RS Owners group (as i was on the commitee at the time) it was one of the best weeks of my life,no doubt.

Oh one other thing if theres a crowd of spectators on the corner you are coming up to,be care full, they are there for a reason and that is for you to fall off the track

 

Just came through Stone this eve first time I had been that way in ages, forgot how may speed cameras you have round there!!!

Saw a Blue Blobeye just outside was not you was it? I was in a Blue Galaxy towing a racecar trailer.

You should have PM now

 

Thanks for the PM -

Don't think it was me - I'd have remembered seeing a racecar trailer.....

Mark

 

Why dont you join the forum at www.northloop.co.uk and we can give you all the advice you will need.

Gary

 

Cheers Gary - I'm now on that case.....

Mark

 

No problem, we aim to please ......