Track Day Virgin
Update for the BHP Event.
Car was finished on Sunday, mapped, suspension adjusted and driving nice. Drove over to Dover on the Sunday and stayed in some funky hotel for the night then out for a curry.
Turned up to the event Monday morning and queued for the track time.
The Plan was to have a couple of sessions, firstly in the novice class then onto the intermediate class.
Unfortunately, Ed and I were straight out onto the intermediate class which was not ideal as wanted to get in some practice but worked out ok.
Being a track virgin and not haven driven the car in anger before, I took the first few laps very slowly.
I followed a grey scooby for a little while to follow his lines and on the frist bend when you come out of the pits followed his racing line. That was a mistake, he ended up in the gravel and so did I nearly lol.
The next few laps got better but the biggest problem I had was that most people were taking the bends in 3rd and when I came out of the bends onto the straights, my turbo was way to slow in spinning so by the time I came on boost, I was braking. Lydden Hill is a very short track so not really ideal for my car.
Ed checked the date on the syvecs which was interesting to look at so I made a few changes for my second session.
I had the racing lines sorted so this time, I braked later into the bends, dropped into second and had a much more control through the bends and acceleration out of the bends. The track was still too short to get the most out of the car but felt a hell of a lot better than my first session and I was competitive around the bends and quick down the short straights.
Then the bad news, I looked into my mirror to see loads of smoke out of the back window. I immediately pulled over and turned the engine off and was towed off the track.
Ed and Dan (red reading) took a good look at the car to diagnose the problem. They both feared the worst with a rod coming out of the side of the block. Upon further inspection, the engine had blown the oil seal so after a bit of cleaning, Ed put the filter back on and started her up. Everything seemed fine with no knocks or smoke so I think I was very lucky.
Drove the car back home and no problems so hopefully everything is ok and I managed to switch the engine off without causing serious damage. Time will tell but keep fingers crossed.
So, an eventful day yesterday but thoroughly enjoyable and can't wait to do it again.
There is certainly a lot to learn in being quick on a track day and I have to make a few changes to my suspension setup but overall very pleased with my first outings.
Saw a total of 5 gtir's
Red Reading
Fusion Ed
Ash
Mine
A nice wide arch yellow one
Some piccies
Big thanks to Ed and Will at Fusion for organising the event and to Dan (red reading) for his input and advice.
