Board logo

Millbrook Test Track ?
Tris - 17/3/10 at 09:46 PM

Hello All,

Living within a stones throw from the test track at Millbrook, i was wondering if anyone on here has ever driven there and whats the access like to the track?

Are there ever any organized track days there ?, or does anyone know of a contact for a sneaky few laps ? (i often see a few sevens going round on a sunday afternoon)

Cheers
Tris


blakep82 - 17/3/10 at 09:53 PM

i had a shot round it at a vauxhall day a few years back.

not sure its good for track days, its a test track for new cars, so the 'alpine' track is very tight and twist, and hilly, and the other bit i went on was the bowl, which is just a huge circle. it gets shown on top gear a fair bit. you know when they bought the jag xjs, the mitsubishi thing in red, and the bmw 6 series? thats there


Tris - 17/3/10 at 09:59 PM

Yes indeed - its the alpine track that i almost back on to, and most interested in having a go on

Someone also told be that the James Bond rolling DB9 sequence was also filmed there (not sure how true that is though).

There does seam to be a few kit cars using it, even a couple of bike engined dune buggy things (rage ?) which made me ask the question.

Cheers
Tris


karlak - 17/3/10 at 10:10 PM

I am pretty sure that there are no "open" track days. These guys are locally based -

http://www.catdrivertraining.co.uk/

and use the track for their training days. Not cheap, but I know a few people who have used them and all have nothing but good things to say. I believe you can take your own car along.

EDIT; and yes the James bond sequence was shot there.

[Edited on 17/3/10 by karlak]


SJL - 17/3/10 at 10:37 PM

We have used it a few times through work. I can tell you its damn expensive to hire

I have had to go through a half days training just to be able to get onto the track. Actually I need to renew that I think as it expires yearly.

Its very secure no cameras allowed etc as I expect you know most major manufacturers use it for testing.

The Alpine circuit is the dogs although the outer city route is a good crack too.

As has been mentioned they did do the big roll scene in Casino Royale there it was on the Alpine bit but in the reverse direction to normal.

Aston Martin have their own Clubhouse there for driver training.You just need to buy a new Aston to get access

Westfield also offer an experience day there

http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk/Experience%20Days.html

£99 quid for a half day doesnt seem bad value


Tris - 17/3/10 at 10:51 PM

quote:

Its very secure no cameras allowed etc as I expect you know most major manufacturers use it for testing.



Yes, but you would be amassed at the amount of 'ramblers' walking up the hill with very big cameras on a certain mornings .

Thanks for the reply's though - think its a long shot, but i am going to send them an email, asking if they offer anything to locals to help us forget about the local council and noise pollution !

[Edited on 17/3/10 by Tris]

[Edited on 17/3/10 by Tris]


karlak - 17/3/10 at 10:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Tris
quote:

Its very secure no cameras allowed etc as I expect you know most major manufacturers use it for testing.



Yes, but you would be amassed at the amount of 'ramblers' walking up the hill with very big cameras on a certain mornings .

Thanks for the reply's though - think its a long shot, but i am going to send them an email, asking if they offer anything to locals to help us forget about the local council and noise pollution !

[Edited on 17/3/10 by Tris]

[Edited on 17/3/10 by Tris]


Let me know if they say yes - Cranfield aint too far away and on a quiet day, with the wind in the right direction - I may just about be able to hear them as well


Bass1st - 20/3/10 at 04:40 PM

I have been there a number of times with CAT driver training. Excellent day! They are the only training company who have access to the track. Only other way is to be invited by a motor manufacturer.