Oatz Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I am currently a trackday virgin and planning to pop my cherry next Monday at Brands Hatch (Renaultsport day). But before I put the pedal to the metal I have a couple of burning questions: Is Brands a forgiving/easy for a novice type of circuit? Does anyone have any tips or tricks I should be made aware of for a trackday? Also what's the best route for insurance? Speak to my existing company or take out a one day cover with a specialist? Also, anyone else planning on going to this?? Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Hi Oatz, Brands Indy circuit is good and bad... it's very easy to learn... two rights, two lefts, two rights... but it also gets a bit tight in a few places (like Druids)... so watch out for bunched up traffic. I've been sereral times on a bike and I love it. The first few times into Paddock Hill bend are very interesting, hopefully (like me) you'll find you've slowed down too much... because it's a fecker if you leave your breaking too late! In a car, I'd have preference to going somewhere like Bedford Autodrome, where the track has miles of run-off... only downside to airfield tracks is their natural tendency to be flat as a pancake. Is the trackday "open-pit" or "grouped sessions"? Nice thing with open-pit is you can spend as much time on-track as you like, but you get novice and experts on at the same time, unlike the grouped sessions where your with 'like-skilled' drivers. Depending on who your insurance is with, I'd try and add the track day to your current supplier. One-off insurance can be very expensive. I'm with Direct Line (so no track day options) but will be swapping to a track day friendly company next time. Whatever you do, just build-up your pace slowly... keep an eye out for the usual ego-nutz... and have fun. You've certainly got the car for some fun ! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Brands is a fun circuit but personally I think it can be a bit tricky once you start to build some confidence ( especially on a motorbike) because it has some parts where the suspension is loaded strangely - Paddock Hill Bend for example, and Clearways/Clark Curve leading onto the start finish straight is awkward as you are still cornering whilst trying to accelerate for the straight - on the bike this was ultra scary. Think Rich and I will be there, Oli, so we can help you load bits of the car that you break off!!!! Seriously though, its a circuit most of us know our way around, its short enough to pick it up if you don't and you won't be going particularly fast if it goes wrong, unlike Goodwood where you will be in deep doodoo at the end of the straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oatz Posted May 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Cheers for the advice guys, much appreciated and hopefully I won't be needing any help removing strewn parts of my car from the turf! Dan - Will be good to catch up with yourself and Rich though! Just phoned my insurance company who have categorically said a big fat F off to insuring me... my question now then is can anyone recommend a one off insurance company please? Ta once again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt R Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Try PM ing Insurance Jon, I think he posted about being able to offer this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Hi Oli - you could try HIC for insurance linked to a normal fully-comp policy Yes Dan and myself will be there on Monday, and I know a few of the other Clio lads going so should be a good day. I've booked 1/2 day's training to really cement the car into my head with it's latest setup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I've booked 1/2 day's training to really cement the car into a wall with it's latest setup [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Tips for a trackday mate; Leave your pride at home, i.e. if a Pug 205 goes flying past you ignore it, they could be the next JB or it could be heavily tuned. Just go for your own fun. Don't time yourself, but try and hit each apex and make your lap "smoother" each time. This way you're more likely to enjoy yourself, improve your driving and less likely to have a prang trying for that "magical time"... Also, remember to let your car cool down and warm up, which also means not putting your handbrake on after you've been out on track (this will warp your discs). Also try not to be out on track for too long at a time, this will put a lot of stress on both you and your vehicle. Number one tip? Have fun and get some pics taken mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lottiefox Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I've booked 1/2 day's training to really cement the car into a wall with it's latest setup [/ QUOTE ] [/ QUOTE ] Cruel cruel man... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Tips for a trackday mate; Leave your pride at home, i.e. if a Pug 205 goes flying past you ignore it, they could be the next JB or it could be heavily tuned. Just go for your own fun. Don't time yourself, but try and hit each apex and make your lap "smoother" each time. This way you're more likely to enjoy yourself, improve your driving and less likely to have a prang trying for that "magical time"... Also, remember to let your car cool down and warm up, which also means not putting your handbrake on after you've been out on track (this will warp your discs). Also try not to be out on track for too long at a time, this will put a lot of stress on both you and your vehicle. Number one tip? Have fun and get some pics taken mate [/ QUOTE ] absolutely bang on with that "red mist" plus trackday = bust car = pi55ed off. Avoid getting frustrated at all costs and just enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I've booked 1/2 day's training to really cement the car into a wall with it's latest setup [/ QUOTE ] [/ QUOTE ] hello Dan. feck off I'll make sure you're in the car if that's going to happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan32 Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Couldn't resist, especially as you mentioned cementing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oatz Posted May 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Thanks for all the advise. I did try HIC but unfortunately they do not offer one off insurance for the day. Although I have just got off the phone from competition car insurance who are willing to insure me for £199 for the day (£1900 excess!) Does this sound about right? Sounds a bit spenny for my liking.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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