Is there anywhere that you could (legally) go, set up a few cones, and find the handling limits of your car?

 

I'm thinking old airfield etc, however they all either seem to be full of stock of whatever business that owns them, have been turned into a proper track, or are in absolutely terrible condition. Legal access is also a bit of a problem.

 

Track days are fine, but are not really suited to low speed manoeuvrability testing.

 

I suppose auto-solo is more along the lines of what I'm thinking.

Join your local motor club and do some auto-tests or auto-solo.

 

You might be able to find someone with a yard or flat field to try your hand brake turns, but remember that doing it in the supermarket carpark or suchlike is exactly why Section 59 Notices were introduced. A quick way to getting your car scrapped!

Supermarket handbrake turns are not what I was thinking, but good point.

 

A big yard is not a bad idea, would just have to sweet talk the owner.

Have a word with niceyellowvrs (Haydn) he's into Auto-Solo in a big way, Sam.

Hullavington trackday near Castle Coombe, organised by MSE.   They have a handling area running concurrently with the trackday, you can do want you want there.

Or Barkeston Heath up your way, organised by Javelin Trackdays, again a Drift area, drive stupidly day around a short course and a sprint course.

Edited 18 July, 201312 yr by Soot1e

Sam, talk to me! Autosolo is where it's at, you'll soon find the limits of yourself and your car and you get the added enjoyment of a bit of competition. Speeds are fairly low with normally only needing 1st and 2nd gear but it feels a lot quicker. Ask Copey ho quick it feels, I think I scared him a bit the other weekend at an Autosolo demo

 

Like Graham suggests, join your local motorclub, find out through them when events are happening and put in an entry. Typical entry fee is around £30 per event. Have a look at www.gomotorsport.net , plenty of info on there about clubs and what they do.

 

Most solos take place at either Airfields like this one at Pershore

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151480464864389&set=vb.506764388&type=3&theater

 

 

or carparks like this one at Silverstone

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiphR5EGKdU

 

Also, if you do a proper event, you won't get in any trouble and in the very very unlikely event of an accident, there is plenty of people on hand to help.

 

Give me a shout if you want to know anymore about it.

 

Haydn

but remember that doing it in the supermarket carpark or suchlike is exactly why Section 59 Notices were introduced. A quick way to getting your car scrapped!

I'd be more worried about the fixed penalty notice or report for summons than the 59!

As suggested join a club or event, doing anything where the public have access is likely to end in potential prosecution.