Hi everyone,

I've been really looking forward to the National Meet, both to put some names to faces and to learn a bit more about my car and my driving abilities in a "safe" non-threatening environment. Having read most of the recent threads on this subject I now find that my enthusiasm is waning a little and I now feel a degree of apprehension about the whole thing. There is a lot of talk of lap times and the emphasis seems to have shifted to a racing day.

Whilst I appreciate that this is what a trackday is normally all about I thought this was to be more in the spirit of letting everyone enjoy their cars without necessarily roaring around at maximum speeds.

As my car is one of the few that is un-modded it will be one of the slowest - I would hope that everyone will appreciate that a) not all cars (or drivers) are capable of "170 down the straight" and people who have never been on a track before (like me) may be a little slow to move over when required.

I now feel that I do not want to be out on the track at the same time as some members (I'm sure the feeling is mutual) as I may inadvertently get in their way. I have visions of being barged out of the way by someone intent on proving that they are faster/better/more macho than someone else.

Thanks to RealSkoda I am also concerned that I will end the day with my brakes and tyres shot to pieces.

I fully understand that I represent one end of the spectrum of drivers attending, whilst there are others that regularly take their cars on the track and the day is for all to enjoy.

Could someone please confirm that the original plan for segregated sessions is still going ahead and that there will be no timing.

Thanks

Jane

Jane, yes the sessions will still be going ahead so you have nothing to fear. Go at your own pace. Regarding the wear thing, it all depends on how you drive at the end of the day. if you dont hammer it round the corners then tyre wear although greater than road use shouldnt be to bad. Brakes take a bashing, but then again I am still on 1st set of pads and have done 650 miles on the nurburgring, and 40k road miles and there is still loads of pad left. Timing is not permitted and anyone caught doing so will most likely be banned from track, thats the rules for any uk track day.

Jane - I'll go out with you... (so to speak) I'm another person who just wants to fling his car around a few bends where it's safe to "drift" a bit if I'm going a bit quick

I plan to do a few miles, give the car a small de-coking and probably (to be honest) spend more time talking to fellow members whom I have and have not met before. I believe that's more than half of the spirit of this meet anyway.

The sessions are only in the morning though? With an open pit lane in the afternoon?

Anyone know what the deal is with the short handling course? Sounds like it might be a bit more sedate come the PM...

I am not sure, but if its to hairy on the main bit I proberbly wont go out on the main track PM anyway and will do my bit in the morning sessions. perhaps gassing in the afternoon and trying the handling thing, then grabbing some passenger laps.

so free for all in the afternoon then???

that seems a bit unfair on the majority of participants who are new to this and just want to have some fun with no pressure.

I think the plan is to see how it goes in the morning to get a handle on how other people are managing before taking the final decision.

Des posted the running of the day here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/showpost.php?p=123448&postcount=49 (or just look at the events page: http://www.briskoda.net/pages/events.php ).

Hopefully this will clear a few things up.

"4. We will be running in three sessions, one for Nutters, one for intermediate drivers, one for beginners. Possibly an open pit lane in the afternoon, i'll leave this up to the drivers."

See you all there.

ps Ian will be selling spare octavia bumpers from behind our team support vehicles, and we will also be demonstrating the merits of our newly fitted H.A.N.S devices:rofl:

Jane, and others with similar concerns.

First and foremost the day is a Briskoda meet with the emphasis on fun. The sessions in the morning will not only allow you to run at your own pace but also, don't forget, provide you with valuable experience for further sessions as the day progresses.

Don't be too concerned about "blocking" anybody - as long as you watch your mirror you will know when somebody wants to get past. After that it's as simple as moving to the left (overtaking will probably be on the right) as soon as you can safely do so. The driver briefing will go into this stuff.

If you feel you get on well in the sessions in the morning, there's nothing to stop you going out again later on in a more mixed session. There's really no mystery to it - it's just like the public road - be aware of those around you, and act accordingly.

You may find you need to overtake others too - the same rules apply - you need to wait until the right moment and overtake safely, when you are sure that the overtaken driver has seen you and understood your intentions.

"4. We will be running in three sessions, one for Nutters, one for intermediate drivers, one for beginners.

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i agree with this setup,i've done lots of bike track days but only a handful in cars.

i'll be going for the expert group like i do at bike track days due to the riders/drivers in that group know what their doing,and are the best to follow,well try to as they know the best lines and braking points.

and the expert group always has less people in it!!!!!!!

"Don't be too concerned about "blocking" anybody - as long as you watch your mirror you will know when somebody wants to get past. After that it's as simple as moving to the left (overtaking will probably be on the right) as soon as you can safely do so. The driver briefing will go into this stuff."

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having done quite a few track events as i've previously stated and in respect to this statement isn't it the driver/rider whos behinds responsibilty to get past,not yours to make room for him??

because if your going round trying to concentrate then looking in your mirror worrying about who's catching you up your never going to relax and enjoy it.

if i am incorrect with this statement i stand corrected.

No - you're right Alex, but there's a limit to how long the driver behind can be expected to wait. All I'm saying is be aware of what is around you, in front AND behind. That way everybody gets to enjoy their track time.

You've probably done many more track events than I have - but what I've seen is people being observant and making room whenever they can. Seems the best way to me.

and you are very right also Nick,and i wouldn't want to slow anybody up.

i think the conclusion is as you have stated is to be observant and enjoy.

overtaking will be to the left on a clockwise circuit... as there are long striaght i would assume passing will be forbidden on bends unless indicated to pass by the car infront..

the only area of concern at brunters is the end of the straight as this is where cars will be traveling at the highest speed differential... as long as people use there mirrors and the faster are aware of the positioning of traffic there will be no prob...

plenty of run off.. i for one will happily go down the grass rather than risk a collision. I have the big newbie stickers on order and they will be clearly visible from space!

as with all motorsport the largest area for incidents is mechanical faliure.. I would strongly recommend carrying out all the check indicated by jon in his other posts - the last thing you need is a tyre / brake faliure - or gearbox for that matter.... at best it wastes your day and money... at worst it could get much more expensive- sorry if this is scaring some people but it is far better to check things and be safe

Interested in nicks comments regarding overtaking on the right :confused: all the track days I've done have been strictly keep far right with r indicator on,to show you are aware of quick cars intentions to overtake,and then obviously if you are overtaking you do it on the left.I assume this has always been the case so the quicker car will more than likely have the quick racing line.I agree it can spoil your enjoyment if you have to spend all the time looking in your mirror.I think I did the best part of 1 lap of oulton in dec 03,staying on the rt,'cus I was swamped by race/track cars.I was the tiddler in the pond full of piranahs though.Got a bit verbal in the pits after I was v nearly wiped out on the chicane by a 'racing driver',in a full race clio.Can't see that sort of behaviour being tolerated here though.Also 1.we all sort of know each other and I would like to think,be a lot more understanding to others needs :eek: 2.most cars of similar power outputs..can hear some of the exclamations from here!.. I didn't say all, so not so much of a worry about F1 ferrari v lada samara power differences 3.presumably big n wide,unlike a circuit,so therefore less intimidating to beginners.Never done an airfield before so sorry if i've got some of my facts incorrect.I'm sure we'll all listen intently on the day,obey instructions,respect others who have paid and are there to enjoy themselves too and have a damned good hoot.Jane.. please don't worry,Im sure you'll go home that night hooked with a big grin,chomping for the next track day.They are addictive! cheers colin

I agree, Check oil level, pad friction material, and tyre pressures and condition of same before attending. Keep an eye on all these during the day and all will be well, Dont forget to keep an eye on fuel level because it will go down much faster than you think. as a guide expect around 15-20 mpg out of the octy vRS maybe slightly more or less depending how you drive, not sure on the diesel front.

is there a petrol station nearby?

as i don't really want to go in with a full tank of petrol,weight etc

i'm thinking about taking a 20 litre jerry can with me so that i don't have to go out and can keep topping up.

will there be somewhere to leave it while i'm out on the track?

a) not all cars (or drivers) are capable of "170 down the straight"

I seriously doubt anyone has a car to do this on the track day...

I seriously doubt anyone has a car to do this on the track day...

700bhp supra? :eek:

a fabia vRS being towed by a 700bhp supra?

700bhp supra? :eek:

a fabia vRS being towed by a 700bhp supra?

Will need more than a standard Fabia though Colin!

Will need more than a standard Fabia though Colin!

i didnt specify if it was a standard fabia or not

. as a guide expect around 15-20 mpg out of the octy vRS maybe slightly more or less depending how you drive, not sure on the diesel front.

I'd say more like 12-15mpg if your flat out.

Steve

I'd say more like 12-15mpg if your flat out.

Steve

Less than that