brynhamlet
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| posted on 11/3/08 at 10:51 PM |
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Track days
I'm thinking of doing a track day later in the year. I will go to Cadwell for two reasons, one it's only about 30 miles from home, two
it's noise limit is so high that my car which only passed the noise test at the sva by 2dB will be okay noise wise.
Now the question, most days are quoted as open pitlane. Does this mean as long as there are only so many cars on the track at anyone time, I can come
and go as I please?
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The Great Fandango
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| posted on 11/3/08 at 11:02 PM |
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Indeedy...
There are two main types of trackday.
1. Group Sessions: The participants are placed into groups often based on vehicle type or previous trackday experience. Each group is sent out onto
track for a specific length of time (usually 20-30 minutes) before the group is flagged back in and the next group sent out. Any driver therefore gets
typically 4-6 sessions of 20-30 mins througout the day.
2. Open Pit Lane: The track is continually open apart from accidents and lunchtime. A maximum number of people are allowed out of track at any one
time. If the track's busy you simply join the queue to 'go out'.
Generally speaking you can get more tracktime for your money with an open pitlane day. As the day draws on, people's cars die, they use all
their fuel, or have had their fill of tracktime. Therefore the track is very often near empty for the last couple of hours.
The benefit of a group sessions is that (i) groups may be selected on ability and (ii) you get to bond closely with the guys in your group.
A downside to group sessions is that if someone has an accident in your session, very often the cars are brought back in and that session is
cancelled, losing you that valuable track time.
Cadwell is a superb track with a perfect mix of straights and a variety of bends. Some people like it because it's a track that tests both your
nerves and pretty much every aspect of your car.
It's strange that I'm still not 100% happy when ragging the car round Cadwell. You tend to see several accidents at Cadwell on any one
trackday, particularly coming over the hill.
Personally, I'm happy as a sand-boy at the more basic track like Mallory Park circuit. Mind you, that was my first ever trackday and I think
your first time's always special.
[Edited on 11/3/08 by The Great Fandango]
He Who Dies With The Most Toys Dies The Happiest
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