ScoobieWRX wrote:I hear what you're saying Gerry and fair comment on the time the place has been a circuit etc..., however, it still doesn't detract from the fact that even if the car passes the static test, and you fail the drive by test, your money and your day is down the drain.Gerry H wrote:I'm thoroughly peed as I'm literally 15 mins. down the road and love the place.
To answer ScoobyWRX, unfortunately, B/A is an old WWII airfield that has only been a car circuit for a few years, not sure but definitely less than 10 since Johnathan Palmer began to develop it. So, in fairness to the miserable, moaning, locals, they werre there first in this instance.
Trouble is with the place, it depends on which way the wind is blowing and how fast. My car has no problem with the static test but, depends on prevailing wind and conditions as to whether I get black flagged or not.
Goodwood, Donnington, Castle Combe are the same except they're established race circuits that are now at the mercy of the piggin' P effin' C brigade.
In defence of Bedford's policy, which is like others, imposed by the local councils, you can go along, by prior appointment and have your car noise tested, both static and drive by. But, someone else will drive your car for the test.
Most ordinary and non-clued-up people in fairness wouldn't have any idea how many db their exhaust is, wouldn't have had it checked prior to attending either as all they are doing is going for a days hack around a track in safety. It probably wouldn't even have occured to them to give noise limts a second thought thinking their car is OK, and it turns out not to be.
I can see lots of people getting caught out by that, and Bedford Autodrome's rep going south.
It's a shame because i think it's a fantastic circuit, with plenty of run off area ( and god only knows i've needed it). I've had the pleasure of driving many laps of the whole GT circuit in my Scoob and a Monaro VXR8, and it was the sort of drive you'll never ever forget. Great place, just a big shame about the very restrictive rules!!
I think it was SIDC who organised a bunch of Scoobies for a track day at Bedford. Quite a few were over the limit and asked to leave when all hell broke loose resulting in JP banning them for any future days. JP personally became involved with the BBS thread that ensued.
I agree it's a real shame but nothing's going to change the restrictions, hence the group buy suggestion. I may have a ring round suppliers and see what's on offer.
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