JohnS

iTrader: (1)

I have been speaking to the circuit manager at Knockhill this afternoon regarding the changes to the track they have implemented over the past few weeks:

In summary:

Longer pit entry and exit lanes, so no cars pulling out blind, or slowing down on racing line.

Wider track at bottom of Duffus, so slightly more space available. Racing line the same, potential overtaking when racing

Wider track going into Clarks. Again to increase overtaking potential during races, but racing line remains the same.

Hairpin moved some 10m back. Pit straight not so long, so lower speeds. Lots of tarmac before the gravel, so more room if you miss your braking point, or experience bad fade. Hairpin re-profiled to allow faster cornering, so less wheelspin coming out.

Also, they have dug out all the kerbs around the circuit, and replaced them with much smoother ones, and at the same time replaced some of the grass behind the kerbs with special concrete blocks. These blocks have a hole in the centre through which grass grows. Thus if you go over a kerb in the future, your wheels won't dig into mud or grass. However, the grip offered by this surface is about 50% less than the kerb itself, so using it will make you slower in terms of a racing line.

Overall, lap times should be a bit faster, but with much improved safety where it was needed.

Knockhill are running special offers for track hire during February, and we could have a half day on a Saturday during February for only £1,000+VAT (usually £2,000+VAT or more, depending on the time of year), as not many people are keen to do track stuff during the winter months. The dates we have available at the moment are the 10th and 24th, and possibly the 17th March. We could of course get a full day for a mere £2,000+VAT if we wanted.

What I need to know is how much interest there would be for a Saturday track event in February or March (only the 17th available). Remember that it will be cold, and most likely wet as well

I'm thinking that if we get 24 people willing to pay £50 for up to 4 hours of track time (usual open pit format), then I'll go ahead and make a provisional booking. If we get more people taking part, then you'll get a partial refund or credit (some of you have a credit from the last event to carry forward).

Looking forward to some replies…

John

ColinU

John,

I'm OK (and eager) for any of the track dates you mentioned. Count me in.

Knockhill track changes... I'd heard about these too. The only bit that I'm still not clear on is the hairpin. I know the modifications are aimed at creating a safer run-off area (apparantly the superbikes need a bigger gravel trap), but does this mean they will pull the hairpin inwards (i.e. make it less tight) or are they moving the perimeter fence outwards?

Sounds like all the changes will make the track even safer... and a lot more fun .

- ColinU

P.S.
If they do move the hairpin inwards, I guess that means the distance around the track will reduce. Hey presto!... my lap times get quicker without even trying .

JohnS

iTrader: (1)

Colin,

yes they have moved the hairpin about 10m inwards, but are leaving the tarmac which used to be the hairpin in place. That way if you miss your baking point, all you will do is end up going a few meters wide.

10m isn't much over the length of the straight, so I guess we'll still see the same sorts of speeds, and with lower kerbs, you could indeed knock a second or two off your lap times without trying too hard

stage 1

I'll put my name done as a definate Even if it is raining and there are shorter staights....... I'm doomed. On the road my car doesnt hook up in the 1st 4 gears in the rain...
Still, it will give you all a laugh!
Martin

DavieR

Put me down for any of the above dates John.
David

GM

That way if you miss your baking point, all you will do is end up going a few meters wide.

Is that what they mean by "overcooking it"?

I'm told they tried to buy more land so they could just push the fence back but the owner wouldn't sell (or at least not for what Derek would offer him!) They were also talking about building a chicane (about where the tri-oval loop is) to slow the approach speed down. Also supposed to have thought about digging out the hill on the left and making the track go 90 left, hairpin right, 90 right back onto main straight. Sounded reeaallly expensive! I think the main reason for the changes is so they can get their track licence upgraded so Formula 3 and GTs can race there when Power Tour visits next June.

Most important alteration they're making is giving us poor bl***y marshals waterproof huts though!

George

moz.g

John count me in, I fancy another drive up to Scotland after TD 2000!!

Graham

Dave Brown

John put us on the list.

Feb or March is fine

Dave & Karen

JohnS

iTrader: (1)

OK Everyone,

the track has been booked for Saturday 17th March, from 1pm to 5pm.

Costly approximately £50 for 4 hours of fun, depending on numbers. Im expecting between 25 and 30 cars, so loads of empty track time for everyone

Rico

John

put me down too please.

cheers