Big thanks to all that came along on the day. :-D
Glad that everyone had a good time – already thinking about the next one for 2011 :thumb:
Have to admit that Cadwell Park in the summer was certainly an interesting experience.
I won’t be quite as blunt as Bob, but I have to agree on some of what he has said.
The quality of driving from other track day-ers was diabolical. The blatant blocking, over aggressive driving, poor attitudes and lack of looking in mirrors was dreadful. :doh:
The amount of people driving like it was a test day or a race day was quite apparent throughout the day and dangerous even popped into my head.
I never seen so many red flag’s at Cadwell Park, let along in the morning session.
The guys in the briefing said that there (apart from 2 times this year) was always someone going off within the 1st hour at Cadwell and we didn’t disappoint – 5 min’s if I remember correctly? From then on it was like waving red flags to raging bull’s.
Even I got frustrated and started waving my arms around in a “racing driver” fashion.
Can’t tell you how annoying it is coming out on to track and within 2-3 min’s been waved a red flag and have to come in again. It totally disrupted the day and the flow of driving. :evil:
Apart from that it wasn’t too bad, talked to a few other drivers who were sporting some cracking cars, little bhp but all about handling and set-up.
Wide arched 106, a nippy little caged saxo (very quick round the corners), 2.0 red top mini and Ford Capri with slicks :thumb:
As the day ran on some of the idiots from earlier in the day had crashed out or gone home, this free’d up the track and there was more space and clear air to push the car and get some flag free laps.
Only downside was a number of people were still not looking in their mirrors. One that stuck out for me was a race prep’d BMW M3. At first I thought he was not looking in his mirrors, but once I noticed that he had seen me he still remained in track position for a number of laps. To be honest I just think he wanted to be chased and be pushed from behind. :der:
Interesting to feel the tow of his slip stream (not a feeling I’ve had since my early days on the street razzing around and slip streaming people down the bypass), normally I’d account for the entrance and exit speeds with our cars, mine having that edge with the 4WD, but a number of times when we were flat out on the straights, I tucked in right behind him almost shunted him off the track due to the slip stream.
Anyway after what seem’d like 20 laps the fool (with no indication) let off the power over the mountain and I had to swerve to avoid ramming him.:yuck:
Once past I was on my way, a little happier and back in clean air.
Anyway, apart from those minor issues the day was a success, I really enjoyed myself and it was good to meet more members and put faces to names.
Cheers to Jonsey for the lift to the Shell garage for more fuel and Joey for letting me borrow his massive fuel can.
Cheers to Bob the Builder for the gun and jack – much appreciated. :-D
I’d also like to point out I’ve now fixed the issue of fuel pick up without the use of a swirl pot, baffle or spending very little money – an “How to Guide” will be along shortly, but I ran the car right down the to the orange light coming on and only then did it start to splutter (good warning sign).
My comments still stand about track days – winter is the best time to go, its cheaper, less cars, better quality of drivers and the bug count is low too.
See you next year 8)
Glad that everyone had a good time – already thinking about the next one for 2011 :thumb:
Have to admit that Cadwell Park in the summer was certainly an interesting experience.
I won’t be quite as blunt as Bob, but I have to agree on some of what he has said.
The quality of driving from other track day-ers was diabolical. The blatant blocking, over aggressive driving, poor attitudes and lack of looking in mirrors was dreadful. :doh:
The amount of people driving like it was a test day or a race day was quite apparent throughout the day and dangerous even popped into my head.
I never seen so many red flag’s at Cadwell Park, let along in the morning session.
The guys in the briefing said that there (apart from 2 times this year) was always someone going off within the 1st hour at Cadwell and we didn’t disappoint – 5 min’s if I remember correctly? From then on it was like waving red flags to raging bull’s.
Even I got frustrated and started waving my arms around in a “racing driver” fashion.
Can’t tell you how annoying it is coming out on to track and within 2-3 min’s been waved a red flag and have to come in again. It totally disrupted the day and the flow of driving. :evil:
Apart from that it wasn’t too bad, talked to a few other drivers who were sporting some cracking cars, little bhp but all about handling and set-up.
Wide arched 106, a nippy little caged saxo (very quick round the corners), 2.0 red top mini and Ford Capri with slicks :thumb:
As the day ran on some of the idiots from earlier in the day had crashed out or gone home, this free’d up the track and there was more space and clear air to push the car and get some flag free laps.
Only downside was a number of people were still not looking in their mirrors. One that stuck out for me was a race prep’d BMW M3. At first I thought he was not looking in his mirrors, but once I noticed that he had seen me he still remained in track position for a number of laps. To be honest I just think he wanted to be chased and be pushed from behind. :der:
Interesting to feel the tow of his slip stream (not a feeling I’ve had since my early days on the street razzing around and slip streaming people down the bypass), normally I’d account for the entrance and exit speeds with our cars, mine having that edge with the 4WD, but a number of times when we were flat out on the straights, I tucked in right behind him almost shunted him off the track due to the slip stream.
Anyway after what seem’d like 20 laps the fool (with no indication) let off the power over the mountain and I had to swerve to avoid ramming him.:yuck:
Once past I was on my way, a little happier and back in clean air.
Anyway, apart from those minor issues the day was a success, I really enjoyed myself and it was good to meet more members and put faces to names.
Cheers to Jonsey for the lift to the Shell garage for more fuel and Joey for letting me borrow his massive fuel can.
Cheers to Bob the Builder for the gun and jack – much appreciated. :-D
I’d also like to point out I’ve now fixed the issue of fuel pick up without the use of a swirl pot, baffle or spending very little money – an “How to Guide” will be along shortly, but I ran the car right down the to the orange light coming on and only then did it start to splutter (good warning sign).
My comments still stand about track days – winter is the best time to go, its cheaper, less cars, better quality of drivers and the bug count is low too.
See you next year 8)
