My third track outing in 3 weeks (like A2ON197)
I thought i would just try it down at Woodbridge as it is not too far away.
It is about as good as an airfield circuit can be i think with a nice long straight, a short straight and some nice complexes that need practice to get right.
I went with Chris (black Gordini) who wanted to have a little seat time.
We arrived at lunchtime as i could not spare the morning away from the business and used that time to load up/prepare. They did me a deal for 1/2 day. I decided to use my A539's as the track could be damp/greasy from the morning dew.
Even though the weather was fine, it was not that busy with around 25 track cars to include lots of 3 series BMW's from 318 up to M3 and M5, 2 R35's, plus some nice spactators cars. No pics i am afraid.
A couple of local BP members were there. Mark Mosely was there in his lower powered R32 GTR spectating and BigFil was there with some mates with Mustangs (not his unfortunately)
We unloaded the car, signed on, had a nice little dedicated informal breifing and sighting laps at the start of the afternoon session. Other cars came out and i started to learn the lines. The track had a dryish line, apparently the morning had been a bit slippery. We just did a few more laps to suss the layout a bit more and then came in to check tyre pressures and have our lunch. Oh and because Chris felt a little ill supposedly as he had not eaten yet.
We went out again after 20 mins or so and i started to find some decent lines. Back in for Chris to have a go. He had fun, but he is a novice so the tyres took a beating from not being on the right lines on entry to the bendy bits.
Then, after refueling, i went out on my own. Now i was getting the hang of it and made ground on a E39 M5 on the twisties, but he pulled away a little on the main straight of course. After a couple of laps of pushing so hard he got all squirmy in some corners he let me past on the short straight
I came in after quite a long session to let the car rest for a while and add more fuel. Chris wanted another little go so i said i would drive for a few laps first to show him the lines i had found and then we would change over. In front of us was an E46 M3 convertible. I think the performance of these is only compromised slightly over the tin top which i am slower than normally, but i thought i would have a go anyway lol. We warmed up in convoy and gradually got up to speed. Similar to the M5 earlier it was slightly quicker on the straights, but i was able to outbrake and get right behind on the bends/complexes. He also let me past on the shorter straight. Another
I did a couple more laps and got a slight lead on it and then came in to swap seats with Chris.He had another few laps, starting to improve his line a little untill the chequered flag came out around 4PM due to fading light.
We packed up and after thanking the TDO, headed home after another succesfull outing in the mighty Metro.
Eddy
