In another post today I was pondering that even with 1000 BHP I wouldn't be able to use it on our public roads (had very slow, busy and annoying rush hour commute and still miserable!). So having already had a remap done I am wondering about ways to spend any further money...

Some have suggested a driving course, I like the idea of that.

What about track days and racing on private circuits. Please excuse my ignorance, but is there such a thing as a circuit in the UK where you can take your own car and race it around the track? Meaning, any member of the public just turning up with their car? I assume if the answer is yes, there's significant extra expense with insurance, tyres, and a real risk of crashing if you're a newbie?

It's just I quite fancy taking my Fabia VRS for a very fast blast without any caravans, tractors, bin lorries and HGVs in the way.

Anyone here done a trackday where you race about in caterhams etc? Is it much more of a thrill than your everyday car? Worth the money?

Another sign I am getting older and more sensible - wanting to race safely. :eek:

See my sig. Join about 5 other Fabias and a couple of Octavias and meet some other forum members. £99 for the day, if we get you and one other you get free track tuition for 20 minutes too .

If you want any more info or have any concerns feel free to PM me.

A video of me on a track can be found on youtube in a standard fabia vrs..:

Pete - For a first time "blast" off the public road, Hullavington I would say ticks all the boxes. - Plenty of space for any offs, nothing more than traffic cones to hits, and surrounded by other cars which are out for the same thing - to have fun and be safe around others, especially when it's people off here

As far as I'm concerned...

http://briskoda.net/general-car-chat/best-performance-mod-under-500-no-really/118381/

ap0gee, I keep meaning to go on that, but really can't bear to spend that much money! Would that come better before or after an IAM course do you think?

This came up in conversation as my mum is an Advanced Driver, and Don reckons that they make the worst students on his course since the IAM teach to Roadcraft which he reckons isn't really suitable for driving a modern car as it hasn't had much by way of revision since it was written in the 50s when Dixon of Dock Green was chasing after cads and boundahs in his car-sprung, live-axle Wolseley. Having said that, there are synergies with Roadcraft's System of Car Control and Don's theories on Personal, Vehicle and Road / Traffic State Management.

The thing is, Don and the IAM are attacking car control from two different directions. Don's course is all about finding the limit of your car and learning how to cope when you get there, whereas the IAM is all about driving as 'progressively' as possible without ever getting near your car's limits.

TBH, ScoobyChris is the man to ask for opinions, as he's an Advanced Driver and has also been on Don's course more than once. Me? I've read Roadcraft and watched the Police Federation vid that goes with it, but never been for an observed drive...

My problem is, I've now got the handling sorted as well as the power (as much as I dare), and I just got an email from the man saying a space has opened up on his Masterclass over on Anglesey. And they said Brisky was a money pit! :eek:

Pete, Have a look at the Track Days forum under Regional meets and Events, on this site,

just remember track days are VERY hard on your car,the fabia seems to suffer far more than most,my 18000 mile 2007 se was just about buggered if i had of kept it it was about to cost me lots more money,and track driving is also very addictive.But the fabia will never be the track weopon you want,i spent 000's on the thing and alltho much better than standard it still wouldn't go round a corner properly.Have fun drive safe:thumbup:

Mine was fine after a fairly brisk time at Hullavington Gary - with frequent > 15 lap sessions.. only thing that was a bit dodgy afterwards was the front brakes which I got a bit hotter than I should have and ended up with a blue circle around the centre of the disc (and pad) - both replaced last night - also I think the amount of power you were running was probably something to do with the wear and tear on the car? I'm not sure 130 horses can put that much strain on the car - only things that really take a battering in my view are the brakes and the tyres, both of which are deemed in my opinion to be consumable items anyway.

As long as the car is warmed up before a flying lap and is allowed to cool down before being turned off, I don't see why engine wear etc should be an issue either

Mine was fine after a fairly brisk time at Hullavington Gary - with frequent > 15 lap sessions.. only thing that was a bit dodgy afterwards was the front brakes which I got a bit hotter than I should have and ended up with a blue circle around the centre of the disc (and pad) - both replaced last night - also I think the amount of power you were running was probably something to do with the wear and tear on the car? I'm not sure 130 horses can put that much strain on the car - only things that really take a battering in my view are the brakes and the tyres, both of which are deemed in my opinion to be consumable items anyway.

As long as the car is warmed up before a flying lap and is allowed to cool down before being turned off, I don't see why engine wear etc should be an issue either

bushes take a huge hammering too,and engine mounts and the dogbone mount

I'm sure your V1s are in impeccable condition though Gary.

track days are tons of fun, i have a 205 Mi16 for track fun up here but have taken the fabia round silverstone a couple of times at the trax show

Nice one - thanks everyone for the useful info.

I've attended many track days, and organised eleven of my own. Some days/sessions are tailored for novices allowing you to build your confidence, however I feel that being on track amongst lots of track virgins is more dangerous than being amongst experienced guys who may be going very quickly, but know what they're doing and can anticipate novices and pass them with care and consideration. You only have to drive as fast as you choose, within your and your car's limits, allowing you to be considerate to the mechanicals and build your confidence at your own pace.

If your car is due a service you could get it done prior, but I prefer to just check all fluids and serviceable items before, then do a service shortly after. If it's dry, run tyres a few PSI over normal to prevent some scrubbing, especially on rough airfield tracks. Always have a warm-up lap and a cool-down lap, and after returning to the pits leave you car running for at least five minutes without the handbrake on to let it cool further and prevent the rear pads killing the discs and themselves. Check all fluid levels after each run too, especially oil, and have some with you for topping up. Unless you bring a set of track wheels, check your tyres after each run to ensure they are still road legal for the drive home. Obviously, if they start looking dodgy, end the day early. When on track, keep an eye on your mirrors and be prepared to signal, move over and allow other cars to pass safely, especially on the exit of corners where big power cars will surge past you. Take advice or tuition if available, and most of all, enjoy yourself.

Google others, but here's a good start..... http://www.trackdays.co.uk/tracks/cadwell_park.htm

:iagree:

spot on there