VAD17 479 Report post Posted September 23, 2017 Glad you enjoyed it, no point having cars like ours and not use them to their full potential and you can't really do that on the road. I've thought about Bedford too as it's not that far compared to others. I stick with sprinting for now, but quite a few of them are just to far. Bedford is very good to start with (as was highlighted by quite a few people here), combination of fast and slow corners, lots of run off, I also felt marshals were rather good (though i am sure few chaps banned for noise would disagree). Its also long enough to be interesting and once you split it into sections you challenge yourself where you feel more confident. The only part i didnt particularly like was 2 straights with chicane between them. Even if you carry decent speed out of the corner, our cars are just too slow to accelerate (i could just about reach 110 ish before i had to brake again). But "slow(er)" corners are fab, I often noticed i was getting back closer to M3 on coeners that was overtaking me on straight. I'll definitely do it again Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk 1 Cerastes reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted September 24, 2017 Hi guys, can I ask for opinions on tow hooks/ straps. Do you typically fit both front and back? Do you prefer a hook or a strap, and why? Any recommendations? Based on the quick Google search looks like hooks are more straightforward and some look decent enough to leave permanently. Straps do look nice (IMO) but require bumper removal to fix into sub frame, right? Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deacon 1357 Report post Posted September 24, 2017 1 hour ago, VAD17 said: Hi guys, can I ask for opinions on tow hooks/ straps. Do you typically fit both front and back? Do you prefer a hook or a strap, and why? Any recommendations? Based on the quick Google search looks like hooks are more straightforward and some look decent enough to leave permanently. Straps do look nice (IMO) but require bumper removal to fix into sub frame, right? Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk You'll really struggle to fit a tow strap on the 86 due to the depth of the mounting hole for the towing eye and the polystyrene type stuff around it. Tow hooks are a much simpler option. For track days I fit a front and rear but only a front is really required at most places. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich 378 Report post Posted September 24, 2017 I just fit the stock one up front on the day. It's beefier than most you can get online which I rather like if I'm having my car towed by it! 2 Lauren and spikyone reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted September 24, 2017 Just screw the OEM one in the front for a track day. It does the job just fine as Rich says. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted October 13, 2017 Booked next track day at Silverstone on Nov 26th. Thinking whether to buy my own helmet. Any recommendations? I have tried Bell and Arai. Bell seem good but I cant decide whether to go for M or L. Will inside mould a bit after few days? I know people say get the most expensive you can afford, but for few (novice) track days hard to justify 400-500+ pounds. Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McDude 40 Report post Posted October 13, 2017 1 hour ago, VAD17 said: Booked next track day at Silverstone on Nov 26th. Thinking whether to buy my own helmet. Any recommendations? I have tried Bell and Arai. Bell seem good but I cant decide whether to go for M or L. Will inside mould a bit after few days? I know people say get the most expensive you can afford, but for few (novice) track days hard to justify 400-500+ pounds. Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Always try a helmet on before buying, some manufacturers will suit your head shape, some won't and they may even differ model to model. Get the smallest size that is comfortable, it needs to be tight. Spend what you can afford, the big brands don't make an unsafe sh1t helmet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted October 13, 2017 The helmet size won't change, as has been said never buy a helmet without trying it on first. You only have one head, so how much you spend depends upon how much you value it. Car type helmets (FR) are fire retardant. Also may be worth considering an open face helmet, it's a lot nice to use than a full face and if you're only going out in tintops then it would always be my preference. I got a Bell Mag helmet for around £200, seems reasonable and have used it for three years now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich 378 Report post Posted October 14, 2017 I have a V2 helmet, it's comfy and was fairly cheap (£120 ish); they're a bit pricier now. Open face is definitely much nicer in a hardtop car. Price largely affects weights rather than safety - an expensive helmet will be a super lightweight carbon fibre jobbie, rather than using heavier plastics. You might want to consider getting a helmet with HANS attachments for future proofing also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted October 14, 2017 Thanks for the feedback. I am not planning on putting racing buckets or multi-point belts, so HANS is not an option I am considering. I have looked at Simpson hybrid sport harness as an alternative if i decide to track more, apparently it works even with 3 point belt. There isnt really a motorsports store close by (at least i couldn't google one up in South East close to Wimbledon), so i might go and check it out while I am at Silverstone. Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted December 2, 2017 Had a great day at Silverstone last Sunday with Opentrack. As with Bedford took me some time to get used to the circuit and learn the lines, and it was a bit crowded (with all the expensive supercars around was not entirely comfortable getting close to them ). But what a fantastic circuit, definitely worth the extra money. Got a bit too brave in early afternoon and ended up turning through astroturf into Arena couple times (each time 1st lap from the pits), but all was fine and stayed all the way till dawn. Managed to overtake McLaren P1 (well, he was doing cooling lap , but still - shame had no video or photo). Great day, time to plan next one... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAS 25 Report post Posted December 2, 2017 Nice photos, sounds like you had a blast!Some good advice in this thread, I'm taking notes! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted December 2, 2017 Helmet sorted as well now, ready for 2018...My GT86 is going to get some nice Christmas presents thanks to Mike@TD.co.uk and Lucas@Partbox.Looking to decide on next track day - either Bedford again or Brands in February. Would want to try TD NA tune asap while I still remember how stock car behaved.I also want to try CarLimits, but taking a day off in Jan or Feb will be challenging Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sam534 62 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 Good place to try on helmets in the Midlands? Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 Good place to try on helmets in the Midlands? Sent from my STF-L09 using TapatalkI just tried few on track days to see. Frankly was not that much of a difference - Bell was somewhat less comfortable in M (but L was too loose), and I found Sparco fitted me well and my ears didnt hurt after a whole day on in it. Sparco also has several different M sizes, so it was a bit easier to choose.But if you cant find a shop close by (I couldn't), I'd say try few at track days and then order online from somewhere with good returns policy.Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk 1 sam534 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deacon 1357 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 2 hours ago, sam534 said: Good place to try on helmets in the Midlands? Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk Demontweeks isn't that far and has a wide range to try on. GSM in Nottingham also carries helmets I believe. Autosport at the NEC in January may also be worth a visit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sam534 62 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 Demontweeks isn't that far and has a wide range to try on. GSM in Nottingham also carries helmets I believe. Autosport at the NEC in January may also be worth a visit. Thanks deacon, demon tweeks is only an hour and half away, and it's where I was looking at some. Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deacon 1357 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 10 minutes ago, sam534 said: Thanks deacon, demon tweeks is only an hour and half away, and it's where I was looking at some. Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk I'm Midlands based and it's where I went to get mine. They were very helpful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sam534 62 Report post Posted December 3, 2017 I'm Midlands based and it's where I went to get mine. They were very helpful Great, I'll check out GSM as well looking online they have a good choiceSent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Hello good people,Can I ask more experienced forum members of their views on Thruxton circuit as a track day?And also, hopefully not a controversial topic, opinions on TDOs?I only had experience with MSV and Opentrack. Opentrack was at Silverstone and while it was very enjoyable being on track with McLarens, Astons and Ferraris at times it was somewhat crowded with waiting times in the pits.I have heard Gold Track allow less cars and although they are more expensive some friends say its worth it.Appreciate your thoughts Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 The big issue with Thruxton is noise, which is why none of us have been there. It's 90Db I believe which is very low. It's a very fast circuit with Church corner being the one everyone talks about. I've driven every track in the UK except Thruxton. As for TDO's I used to work for Bookatrack 15 years ago. I think to a point the more 'premium' the less cars on track but, the problem is that the premium TDO's will tend to have more expensive cars on the track. Of course this does not mean that having a decent car is any reflection on the ability of the driver, but I tend to avoid TDO's that have a lot of Caterhams going as you will be pulling over constantly for them. Bookatrack have a lot of Caterhams as they are a dealer. I don't overly fuss about TDO's anymore. It was different back in the old days where I used Javelin and of course Bookatrack a lot. I would say have a look at the entrants and pick TDO's that have similar cars entered to your's. I'd avoid a day full of GT3's and exotica as a rule. Nowadays I tend to use Javelin a fair bit as I've known Colin a good 15 years now and well they run the sprint series. Also generally the kind of cars that run are similar to mine. I recently went out with Mazda on Track and that was fine. Yes lots of mobile chicanes with the abundance of MX5's but it wasn't a problem as such. I thnk they're all much of a muchness when it comes to TDO's. The cheaper track days tend to have more cars booked on which can lead to crowding, so that can be a factor. Gold track are more premium as are Bookatrack but you will find there is more exotica on track which can be frustrating if you're getting overtaken all the time, but then again you get a lot of Billies who have exotica that can't drive so they will hammer you down the straights and hold you up in the corners. You see that everywhere though with powerful cars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
surrey86 352 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Think I've been lucky but I've never had to queue in the pits on a trackday, unless there's been a red flag. This isn't the first time I've heard Opentrack have over filled Silverstone, there was a big thread on Pistonheads complaining about a terrible day there Opentrack ran earlier this year. MSV, Javelin and Mazda on Track days have all been great for me. Bit controversial as we have a deal with them, but I found some of the Lotus on Track days not great as I was constantly getting caught by Exiges and Elises on track tyres. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kodename47 446 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 1 hour ago, VAD17 said: Can I ask more experienced forum members of their views on Thruxton circuit as a track day? Thruxton is fast. I don't think they do many trackdays a year, but I've driven a Cayman and Formula Renault around there. They seem to do the track experience stuff and actual racing, when I was there Tiff Needell was there doing passenger laps. I really enjoyed it however I feel that was partly due to the single seater experience, being able to walk around supercars is grin inducing experience, I was only overtaken by Tiff in an M3..... going sideways iaround me into Cobb From memory it has decent run off and it's all about getting the car balanced around the long fast corner sections. This isn't me but a good view of what to expect.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kodename47 446 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 If you ignore the passenger...... how to drive the circuit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VAD17 479 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Thanks guysHave not considered noise limit. I will measure it after TD NA tune and then can decide.Its pretty close to me and (at least on videos) looks like a good circuit.I will be going to Bedford in Feb and Brands in March. Cant wait...Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites