 | Home > Off Topic > Anyone into track days? Advice? |
 
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| Cheshire110 Member Since: 26 Jul 2013 Location: Cheshire/London Posts: 2760  
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So theoretically in the future i'd like to possibly get into motorsport/track days. Always been a big fan of fast cars but a defender (being now only 20) has always been the more realistic approach and obviously got more support from family etc in a safe, slow, traditional defender. And that'll always be my first car ''love''.
But i maybe will soon have the chance to get something a bit more sporty. Going to go on a few track days with friend/acquaintances first as a passenger and get into it a bit more first. I live only a couple of miles from Oulton Park which I've visited a couple of times and did a 'rally experience' around once - a great track and venue. So what advice would anyone have for getting into the cheap end of track days? Always been a fan of imprezas but theyre probably too heavy, unreliable and expensive to maintain as a cheap track day hoon. People i know rave about their civic Type-R's (EP3) and i have to say i see their point: theyre cheap, reliable and front wheel drive so fairly predictable and alright in the wet. Other options (looking online) seem to be things like Saxo VTS, peugeot 106's, Golf GTi's etc etc. Maybe even an Evo? just interested to hear people's thoughts on car choice, costs, problems and just general experiences really 
Maybe also a good opportunity to show off your non-defender cars! Cheers, David Land Rovers of all shapes S3 onwards… Daily is a 110 V8. |
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12th Jan 2015 10:32pm |
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| T1G UP Member Since: 08 Dec 2009 Location: Bath Posts: 3101  
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everyman racing has a vast selection of track cars track days.
i went to sweden last march ice driving.....the best time i have ever had driving.started on a bmw compact 325i then onto an impreza. i have a pretty quick audi, 450 hp. its fast and handles but is not that fun to drive on a track. like the man said a mx5 on a wet track would be great fun try it in the defender first  Last edited by T1G UP on 12th Jan 2015 11:20pm. Edited 1 time in total |
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12th Jan 2015 11:08pm |
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| SimonDavies Member Since: 15 Mar 2012 Location: Swansea Posts: 244  
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Older BMW, Clio 172/182, mx5, maybe even something classic like an MG midget or mini?
I Bought an ex academy Caterham in March. Used only on the road last year but hopefully will go on a few track days this year. If I enjoy that, there is the caterham hillclimb/sprint championship that I could compete in. Simon |
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12th Jan 2015 11:09pm |
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| landy andy Member Since: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 5729 
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MX5. Great track cars, cheap, fun, and they don't roll. Apart from that an old RWD BMW.
My other advise would be DON'T try your Defender, they are none of the above comments, and what happens on a track day often isn't your doing, there are many many idiots out there. Andy |
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12th Jan 2015 11:17pm |
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| Pickles Member Since: 26 May 2013 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3785  
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I've done a few track days etc.
A few days of Club Motorsport in V8 Commodores, then I did a "Drive Day" with AMG when we bought our C63 which was something else again. Let me tell you, I'm not very good at it, I'd be classed as "Captain Slow", but I still enjoyed it. But it is good fun. All mine has been done in my normal road car. Never wanted a "track" car as the V8 was always plenty for me. A dedicated track car would be good, as long as it's got some grunt. Pickles. |
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12th Jan 2015 11:20pm |
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| Martin Site Admin Member Since: 02 Apr 2007 Location: Hook Norton Posts: 6611 
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If you want to be good, get something that drives well but is not overpowered - the MX5 is a good recommendation
That way you learn how to get the best out of it, rather than compensating for poor driving technique with horsepower. If you want to show off, get the most powerful thing you can afford 
Before you invest in a car, perhaps do a track experience - not a "drive a supercar day", but a proper track experience in an MX5 or similar.  1988 90 Td5 NAS soft top
2015 D90 XS SW |
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12th Jan 2015 11:20pm |
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| Cheshire110 Member Since: 26 Jul 2013 Location: Cheshire/London Posts: 2760
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Good advice all, thanks! I definitely agree about the not too much power point, there's something very satisfying about getting the very most out of a car.
And why not try my defender? It's 4 wheel drive, 4cylinder, turbocharged! It's basically an Impreza!  Cheers, David
Land Rovers of all shapes S3 onwards… Daily is a 110 V8. |
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12th Jan 2015 11:25pm |
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| Macpaul Member Since: 25 Mar 2013 Location: SW Surrey Posts: 439 
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Another vote for an MX5.
My brother's got one and we did Silverstone last year. I was in the Aston and we swapped a couple of times. His was more fun! 2003 Td5 110 Hardtop Now a 2013 110 USW too. |
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13th Jan 2015 6:07am |
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| bpman Member Since: 21 May 2008 Location: Oslo Posts: 8069 
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Mx5 or maybe a Honda s2000 ... Front wheels for steering back wheels for power
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13th Jan 2015 7:18am |
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| MartinK Member Since: 02 Mar 2011 Location: Silverdale (Lancashire/Cumbria Border) Posts: 2665 
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More fun, cheaper, more speed for your dollar on a motorbike
Defender "Puma" 2.4 110 County Utility (possibly the last of the 2.4's) |
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13th Jan 2015 9:30am |
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| tookaphotoof Member Since: 18 Mar 2013 Location: dordrecht Posts: 1279  
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I tried using a Forester XT on a track. Not much of a succes for me. 
Consider a Lotus Elise or Caterham. Sign up for Lotus on Track and you'll have guaranteed fun for little money. Many trackdays throughout the year. |
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13th Jan 2015 11:12am |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5829  
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Wholly agree. A blast on two wheels more than makes up for the lack of horses from the 110. And quite frankly, unless you want to go Banzai, you get more than enough petrol-headed thrills from a good, open road to make the bike an every-day tool, without the extra costs incurred for a track day. Do your Direct Access and find you will be as obsessed with your two wheels as your four by four wheels... 'Ride it like you stole it....' Monsieur Le Grenadier I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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13th Jan 2015 11:31am |
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| scotty38 Member Since: 21 May 2011 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 571 
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Agree with what's been said about bikes but it wouldn't be my recommendation for someone new to it either on the road or otherwise. Getting anywhere near a modern bike's capability these days takes a fair bit of experience and while I'm not saying that's what's being suggested a bike is not the quick way to a few thrills on track.
I'd stick with a car unless you have bike experience already. |
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13th Jan 2015 11:44am |
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| rallysteve Member Since: 10 Feb 2014 Location: Cumbria Posts: 2237 
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I have done a few with one of my 205gtis and it has been great fun.
A good car for trackdays being cheapish to buy, cheap to run and easy to repair. 8v engine is bullet proof too. (Even selling one of mine, hint hint )
Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread |
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13th Jan 2015 12:23pm |
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