A good track to start with? - Saxperience

Tufty · 20th November 2010, 20:02

Right, I am after a good track to start with start of may onwards!

dont really want my first one to be in the wet if i can help it!

Ideally it needs to be one where i can learn how to drive the car... nothing to testy... And ideally quite local and good surface so it does not dig my tyres

Im located near heathrow

Aly · 20th November 2010, 20:28

I would say Bedford Autodrome would be good for you mate.
Quite close to you and it's an airfield which is good for beginners

Details of an event here:
http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/tr...hk=1&Itemid=11

dannygti · 20th November 2010, 20:30

mallory park, or somewhere with plenty of run off.

tbh, most tracks are very safe so the only thing thats the issue is trying to learn a track thats too complicated whilst trying to learn how to drive on track.
keep it simple to start with.

AndySAXO^p · 21st November 2010, 08:43

Rockingham, a good track, and just get a day with less numbers so you will get good space out there.

But there is a few would do cadwell first as there is much run off there, snertton would be good too, think they are also changing that though adding a few new corners

gavin_t · 21st November 2010, 10:47

Due to your location I would also say Bedford autodrome. As thats the most local one that I can think of and is perfect for the first timer.

Loads of run off and its quite a long track so spaces out the cars so you arn't always crowded up

Wouldnt worry too much about it been wet. My first one was in the wet, you dont go as fast obviously but its kinder on the car and you learn more if anything

Fulch · 21st November 2010, 13:41

Castle Combe

moxy89 · 21st November 2010, 14:18

my first track experience was rockingham loved every second of it loved it!!

gavin_t · 21st November 2010, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulch

Castle Combe

Bit further for him though. Ideally for a first day I would do one that was the closest above all else.

Tufty · 21st November 2010, 16:59

Cheers for the feedback guys

Does bedford have a good surface??

Bedford does sound like a good one for me to start with!

Jason

gavin_t · 21st November 2010, 20:26

Surface isnt as silky smooth as brands hatch etc but its more then good enough. Couple of rough patches off line but nothing major.

This video gives an indication of what it looks like

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukf38...eature=related

As you can see its nice and wide with alot of run off so will allow you to play around with the car nice and safely

Not the most scenic or exciting track but has alot of variety and is suited to a first timer imo

Faveorite bit is the chicaine at the end of the main straight, you can really throw the car into it

AndySAXO^p · 21st November 2010, 20:54

that straight an engine killer ent it lol

looks ok, never done bedford yet, going to give it ago next year.

16vax · 22nd November 2010, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndySAXO

that straight an engine killer ent it lol

looks ok, never done bedford yet, going to give it ago next year.

just thinking the same id be flat out well before the end i think
colin

gavin_t · 22nd November 2010, 19:44

I did it in my VTS when it had its S1 rallye box in and didnt run out of puff, almost did but not quite haha

Standard VTS box etc would be spot on

Ryan^p · 22nd November 2010, 19:46

bedford have very tight noise regs so if the car is loud expect issues.

Brands isnt far away, about an hour or so depending on traffic on the m25 and doesnt wreck tyres

KamRacing · 23rd November 2010, 11:18

Go on any track you like. No track is overly difficult, but your attitude to how you drive it is critical. You need to concentrate on finding the braking points, turn in points etc while keeping a balanced car. You do not need to be fast but natural speed will come as you gain familiarity with the car and the track itself.
Getting an instructor may be a good idea where ever you go. Even in my racing on tracks we have raced many times the team will sit and discuss corners, where the grip is, braking zones, how long its taking to get heat into tyres etc. Every day is slightly different and you have to remember you will always be learning.

Kev

Saaamon · 28th November 2010, 12:53

Snetterton is a good track with some good fast corners, but personally dont like the long straights when using my saxo as it always seems like im putting the engine under un-necessary stress, so most the time i just easy off abit.

AndySAXO^p · 30th November 2010, 14:07

hmm that straight with 170 bhp and s1 box would max out i bet! would have to back off as i wouldnt want to max out the gearbox in 5th!

KamRacing · 30th November 2010, 15:24

Thats what rev limiters are for. Sod backing off

Saaamon · 30th November 2010, 22:24

Mine does about 105/110 on the back straight but that's without hammering it on the brakes, with a standard 16v engine.

Tufty · 1st December 2010, 20:52

Thanks for that Kev, i have watched bedford and it does seem like its a bit heavy on top end.....
So i think i will try brands hatch first and like you say does take it easy. I am thinking about doing a lotus elise track day experience thing like just to get tog rips with it a little bit!
Jason