Absolute brucey bonus with the weather
...it was bloody chilly but it wasn't frozen or wetshame we couldn't have got our banger out there
...there always next timeSnetterton February 8th
Looked like there was a lot of fun to be had out there today guys. Stu, BMW and co pilots all seem to be going very well, 8) what a cracking little car you've put together there Stu! but the colour I must admit did throw me for a bit at first as the last time I saw it, it was black and white.... but on up loading the pics to my PC the reason for change of (texture) I mean colour :-D became very clear! ......its all to do with the surprise element 
.....just need to do the wheels to complete the effect 
.....
.....just need to do the wheels to complete the effect 
.....-
andrea@occ
- Posts: 156
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:27 pm
- Location: ely cambs
What a day 
Mixed feelings about the way that it was run and marshalled if I'm honest but Betty (the M3 for those unsure) was quite amazing. I'll elaborate on both points.
The marshalls seemed to have new walkie talkies and blinkers today. I received my first or second black flag EVER after more than 100 trackdays. I tried to overtake a Cosworth powered Caterham on a few occasions into and around the top part of the circuit and he ended up understeering off at Sears sending me into the grass and mud! To add insult to injury I got hauled in for trying to overtake on the grass :lol: As if...................
I politely explained to the marshall that it's February and the mud is slower than the tarmac(I should know) and he agreed that it was one of those things. I could understand the marshall thinking 'safety first'.
Did you know that brake lights are compulsory at a trackday? I didn't and I got warned for that too. Apparently someone had been following my lines and went off after I appeared not to brake. Mmmmmmmmmm :? I understand the principle but it still surprises me that anyone would be daft enough to try and follow someone else braking points on a circuit.
I wasn't the only one affected but I'll let individuals expand on that.
_______________________________
The weather was obviously cold, bitter in fact, but the tyres (R888's) just seem to get better and better. Still on my original set from August, they've done nearly a thousand laps at Snetterton, Cadwell twice, and a fair few airfield sprints. Bloody unreal considering the grip available. No idea about lap times today but I feel like I'm gelling with the car and getting used to some of its little quirks. I felt I was taking Riches, Sears and Corum faster than before and this was making my ability to reel other cars in was pleasing.
The 'reeling in' could also be attributed to another slightly worrying factor. This was the first open pit lane day that I have ever taken part in where there were novices out there at the same time. Normally, or at least in my experience across many different organisers and circuits, OPL days are for intermediate and advanced and sessioned days are split into defined groups. The driving standard and etiquette today underlined the novice presence and it was not enjoyable to be honest. Easy enough to get out of their way but bad drivers are still bad drivers.
On reflection, maybe it's me that is the 'bad' driver? Maybe I'm too aggressive now, too competitive? One things for sure; I won't be taking part in another track day without a good long think about how I drive and who I'm driving with. I love the car and love the sensation of skinning other 'quicker' cars, but I don't know....... maybe the red mist is too compelling?
A few positives that came out of it;
1) Gary of APT managed to get the EVO out this afternoon after some withdrawals. He was kind enough to have a couple of slow laps (by his standard) behind me and he remarked that the car looked quite good in the corners.
2) Nik had a few laps in Betty and seemed to enjoy himself, getting quicker and quicker duelling with Richard in the shared Slarty/Henna M3 for a good few laps. It was great to watch. Until I couldn't get Nik back in :lol: He said, and I quote, 'I got a bit carried away' after 30 minutes of giving the car toot His grin when emerging from the car was worth it though.
3) Jamie from GBH got his Pulsar out after two long years and the car looked great and went like a missile. I was so pleased for the guy. A true gent
4) The support and banter from the guys that turned was mega To see so many friendly faces there was lovely. Thanks to you all for the support and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves.
Thanks for the nice photo Martyn. Your usual high standard mate :thumb:
Mixed feelings about the way that it was run and marshalled if I'm honest but Betty (the M3 for those unsure) was quite amazing. I'll elaborate on both points.
The marshalls seemed to have new walkie talkies and blinkers today. I received my first or second black flag EVER after more than 100 trackdays. I tried to overtake a Cosworth powered Caterham on a few occasions into and around the top part of the circuit and he ended up understeering off at Sears sending me into the grass and mud! To add insult to injury I got hauled in for trying to overtake on the grass :lol: As if...................
I politely explained to the marshall that it's February and the mud is slower than the tarmac(I should know) and he agreed that it was one of those things. I could understand the marshall thinking 'safety first'.
Did you know that brake lights are compulsory at a trackday? I didn't and I got warned for that too. Apparently someone had been following my lines and went off after I appeared not to brake. Mmmmmmmmmm :? I understand the principle but it still surprises me that anyone would be daft enough to try and follow someone else braking points on a circuit.
I wasn't the only one affected but I'll let individuals expand on that.
_______________________________
The weather was obviously cold, bitter in fact, but the tyres (R888's) just seem to get better and better. Still on my original set from August, they've done nearly a thousand laps at Snetterton, Cadwell twice, and a fair few airfield sprints. Bloody unreal considering the grip available. No idea about lap times today but I feel like I'm gelling with the car and getting used to some of its little quirks. I felt I was taking Riches, Sears and Corum faster than before and this was making my ability to reel other cars in was pleasing.
The 'reeling in' could also be attributed to another slightly worrying factor. This was the first open pit lane day that I have ever taken part in where there were novices out there at the same time. Normally, or at least in my experience across many different organisers and circuits, OPL days are for intermediate and advanced and sessioned days are split into defined groups. The driving standard and etiquette today underlined the novice presence and it was not enjoyable to be honest. Easy enough to get out of their way but bad drivers are still bad drivers.
On reflection, maybe it's me that is the 'bad' driver? Maybe I'm too aggressive now, too competitive? One things for sure; I won't be taking part in another track day without a good long think about how I drive and who I'm driving with. I love the car and love the sensation of skinning other 'quicker' cars, but I don't know....... maybe the red mist is too compelling?
A few positives that came out of it;
1) Gary of APT managed to get the EVO out this afternoon after some withdrawals. He was kind enough to have a couple of slow laps (by his standard) behind me and he remarked that the car looked quite good in the corners.
2) Nik had a few laps in Betty and seemed to enjoy himself, getting quicker and quicker duelling with Richard in the shared Slarty/Henna M3 for a good few laps. It was great to watch. Until I couldn't get Nik back in :lol: He said, and I quote, 'I got a bit carried away' after 30 minutes of giving the car toot
His grin when emerging from the car was worth it though.3) Jamie from GBH got his Pulsar out after two long years and the car looked great and went like a missile. I was so pleased for the guy. A true gent
4) The support and banter from the guys that turned was mega
To see so many friendly faces there was lovely. Thanks to you all for the support and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves.Thanks for the nice photo Martyn. Your usual high standard mate :thumb:
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
Nice write up Stuart, sorry you didn't enjoy it as much as you had hoped
If its any consolation, you looked rather quick and we timed you at about 1.25 from our nice warm car. Only timed three of your laps though as i wanted to time that matt black 'kit car thing' that was tearing around soo fast :lol:
If its any consolation, you looked rather quick and we timed you at about 1.25 from our nice warm car. Only timed three of your laps though as i wanted to time that matt black 'kit car thing' that was tearing around soo fast :lol:
James is looking for the next trackday...