Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Where are the pics and stories of drifting S2000 and 370z guys
alicrozier wrote:As Robin said, need to be comfortable and confident to push right up to the limit - sometimes you only find the limit by going beyond it...
(that's why I think Mike will do fine, that and his lack of imagination).
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Just back now. Not sure anybody took any pictures. Drifting was easy this morning. Arrive at Druids. Drift. Or spin 
Pretty tame day actually - everybody had a good time, plenty of abuse given to the cars but I think our lot all stayed on the circuit. One or two others not so lucky, but no armco contact I believe.
Egor gave me a fright - it started clonking and banging in the engine bay - thought something had let go inside the engine - turned out to be either the starter or the ring gear come loose so after brimming it at the Shell and a friendly bump start from Stu I drove it home non-stop keeping it below 3K RPM. Took ages, but arrived home with 12L still in the tank. Will pull it apart in a couple of months when I can be arsed
It never rained, unfortunately, so had to pull out the excuse book for being overtaken left right and centre [Down on power, too many heat cycles in the tyres, etc., etc.]
Cheers,
Robin
Pretty tame day actually - everybody had a good time, plenty of abuse given to the cars but I think our lot all stayed on the circuit. One or two others not so lucky, but no armco contact I believe.
Egor gave me a fright - it started clonking and banging in the engine bay - thought something had let go inside the engine - turned out to be either the starter or the ring gear come loose so after brimming it at the Shell and a friendly bump start from Stu I drove it home non-stop keeping it below 3K RPM. Took ages, but arrived home with 12L still in the tank. Will pull it apart in a couple of months when I can be arsed
It never rained, unfortunately, so had to pull out the excuse book for being overtaken left right and centre
[Down on power, too many heat cycles in the tyres, etc., etc.]Cheers,
Robin
I is in your loomz nibblin ur wirez
#bemoretut
#bemoretut
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Glas you are home ok Robin, will be interesting to see whats happened, didnt think it would make it back, good old K. Last time i was there in the 160, i limped home with a broken alternator( shock) and the time before that, a driveshaft gator, infact, the time before that, i had to borrow Tut,s tyres......must be that track
I was a bit off colour today, so i will blame that, the VX didnt feel at home in the dry with the Khumo,s on it, ended up changing the front pads, as the new Mintex ones I was trying had far to much stopping power for road tyres, they were very impressive, cant wait to try them with 048,s on.
Back home enjoying a wee wine.
Stu
I was a bit off colour today, so i will blame that, the VX didnt feel at home in the dry with the Khumo,s on it, ended up changing the front pads, as the new Mintex ones I was trying had far to much stopping power for road tyres, they were very impressive, cant wait to try them with 048,s on.
Back home enjoying a wee wine.
Stu
S1 S160
Caterham 310R
Caterham 310R
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Glad you got home safe and sound Robin. Also great to see everyone. It was good to catch up.
Had a great day. First track day in the green motor. First track day in an S2. First track day in more than 3 years. Not been to OP in more than fours years...and...get this...the first time I've had a random woman flash her boobs at me when I've been in an Elise! J15 on the M1. Black Focus comes speeding up the middle lane then slams on the anchors. Woman in the back of the car leans out of the window and jiggles her naked thrupenny's at me. 13 years in silver motors and nothing. Green is the way ahead,
Any road up, the S2 SC is pretty nippy on track and easier to drive than Honda S1. It suffers from terminal understeer in slower corners but a bit of fettling and it would be pretty handy on track. I had an odd issue with the TC randomly switching itself off and on. I'm pretty sure it was my knee pressing on the button as I was bracing myself for the corners but try as I might to intentionally do it on the way home, I could't get it to happen.
Had a great day. First track day in the green motor. First track day in an S2. First track day in more than 3 years. Not been to OP in more than fours years...and...get this...the first time I've had a random woman flash her boobs at me when I've been in an Elise! J15 on the M1. Black Focus comes speeding up the middle lane then slams on the anchors. Woman in the back of the car leans out of the window and jiggles her naked thrupenny's at me. 13 years in silver motors and nothing. Green is the way ahead,
Any road up, the S2 SC is pretty nippy on track and easier to drive than Honda S1. It suffers from terminal understeer in slower corners but a bit of fettling and it would be pretty handy on track. I had an odd issue with the TC randomly switching itself off and on. I'm pretty sure it was my knee pressing on the button as I was bracing myself for the corners but try as I might to intentionally do it on the way home, I could't get it to happen.
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Kelvin - can you ping me your email address to robiniddon@googlemail.com - not sure what address you're using these days - need to send you something the hotel sent me (and square up with you too).
The SC certainly had the legs on Egor - they are impressively quick!
Cheers,
Robin
The SC certainly had the legs on Egor - they are impressively quick!
Cheers,
Robin
I is in your loomz nibblin ur wirez
#bemoretut
#bemoretut
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Not a LOT of Lotus content - Please do not read this if you are eating.......or of a nervous disposition
The year of 2011 has conspired against me with a lot of extraneous activities getting in the way of doing trackdays ......so was really looking forward to my annual SE jaunt to Oulton.
The intention was to take a leisurely day off and join a posse travelling down to Cheshireshire but some random focker in Telefonica decided that all senior/senile management needed two days training on Cloud Computing........in that sh*thole otherwise known as Slough
Nothing else for it but to pack the Coxster for a week's business travel etc and head down south and join the rest of the group at the Pikey Premier Inn.
For fear of sounding a raging snob.
I am not a great fan of the budget hotels because I spend a great deal of my life in strange bedrooms .......and the prospect of spending an evening in a hotel chain favoured by that halfwit Lenny Henry had me plotting a breakaway faction with Malcolm and Mike at the Alvanley Arms
I had visons of an evening of banter in convivial surrounding supported by a vat of red wine. My complicated logisitics had me abandoning that idea and joining the crew at the Tandoori place at late o' clock
Things started to get better when I was released at 1730 from my training and allowed to venture north in time for a pre prandial at Northwich.
Various text messages received en route suggested Robin was in the same predicament as me and would be arriving last minute........and the remainder were getting stuck into large quantities of beer in the adjacent pub
My suspicions were confirmed 190 miles later when I arrived to see the assembled company in a very convivial mood with tables awash with glasses.
A quick drink and a chat and we all piled into taxis and headed to the Cheshire Tandoori.
A long table was set out to cater for more social intercourse, eating and drinking.
I like others had reached a stage of exhaustion/apathy and did not take a great deal of attention to what I was ordering and was somewhat surprised by the three boiling vats of lava that arrived at my place setting accompanied by what looked like an Elephant's p*ss flap
I bravely completed this endurance test with the help of a few pints to put out the resultant fire that was raging in my belly
The banter continued until 2300 when we were again bundled into taxis and taken back to the Premier.
The Premier prides itself in customer service and absolutely refused to entertain the idea of about 12 paying residents sitting at the bar drinking.........so we all slope off to bed.
Well........that's not strictly true ......there were a couple of members who managed to buy a volume of beer prior to last orders.....and partied until 0300 .....but I wil leave them to decide whether they wish to own up to this.
The next day started with a bang.........well more like a phart that registered about 6 on the richter scale.........followed by a mad rush to the loo before the inevitable follow through
This flatulence and sphincter exercising was to remain with me.........and most of the group for the rest of the morning
We arrived early at Oulton for sign in for a hearty cooked breakfast and coffee followed by a long pre trackday briefing
I looked around the table and could see there were strained faces and other signs of discomfortand at the end of the 30 min brief the resultant dash to the loo saw the ladies being used as well for accident prevention reasons (Sorry Ruth)
Noise testing and sighting lappery followed and a leery slide at Druids on the second lap supported the usual warnings about taking care on entry
The weather was kind for once and the session started in anger with people testing their bravery on the back circuit . The coxster was surprisingly at home with the longer circuit allowing it to get a good head of steam into the corners. My MG racing friends tell me you are not a man unless you take Island Bend flat which saw me leaving the track at 105mph last year and onto the grass (sorry Cheezus) with no damage. it was then I found out that MG's are only doing 90 at that point. The coxster sailed into that bend at about 100 with only a quick dap of brakes after the bumps. I noticed a lot of bumps this year as I was carrying greater speed than previous Loti
There is a slight yump on the left hander before Druids that had me sideways on the damp surface giving me a new level of focus in trying to find a line around druids
The morning was spent discussing bowel movements and tales of "derring do" as the lappery became quicker
Andy was in a frail state but appeared to be God of the Day with the GT3 scything through everyone at great speeds that not even the race boys could match.
Instruction was available and I saw Kevin and Mike availing themselves of the Oulton Wisdom.
I sought Andy's help to my ......"I cannot get Druids right" problem
After 4 or so laps he showed me a line which frankly had me sh*tting myself as the car was already sliding before the apex. The grip was there ........and the car slid gently across to the outside allowing maximum attack down to lodge.
This was a seminal moment for me as I have been doing the double apex line for far too many years.
The afternoon was spent with serious lappery and a few cat and mouse chases with Robin and Kelvin
I got a ticking off from a marshall for giving Robin a hand signal which is not readily recognized in Motor Racing
The track day part finished for me around 1500 with Andy,Tut and myself heading safely north on my home circuit (M6)
I will leave others to give their version of events .......but a few mentions go the following
Ross
Thanks for effecting the role of social secretary.
Your car is definitely gheyer than mine..... and why do you have a large part on an oil rig in the engine compartment where the Airbox should be?
Robin
The lappery was fun
Hope the car is well .....or will we see another transplant of unfeasable proportions
Tut
You're a loon.........Loads of barefoot laps with not a breakdown van in sight
(Your rear numberplate light is out- noted from your M74 driveby)
Andy G
Thanks.......you taught an old dog a new trick
Stu P.
Disagree about your comments.......your car seemed settled and was certainly flying
Shooomer
You weren't there.................again!
Mike
Stick with it.......your car is a beautiful sight on track and will be loads of fun
If you dont...........It's worth £25k all day long
The Lovely Ruth
Thanks for putting up with all the petrol head /toilet humour xx
Malcolm
Gentleman Racer.......although yesterday saw his car at the ragged edge a few times
Next time .........The Alvaney and a few glasses of red?
Mass
Usual infectious levels of enthusiasm coupled with an ability to discolour RED Brembo callipers into a perma-jobby brown
in his Renault
Kelvin
Nice to see you again at this annual event
I' m off to get the coxster painted green in the vain hope that some laydee shakes her thruppennies at me
Uncle Ron
Keep Andy in check!
Kevin
Gentleman Racer
Fab car with a great presence on track
In summary
A great day and should be mandatory in the "Bucket List"
Anyone wishing to lose weight and not undergo the expense and embarrasment of a colonic irrigation programme would do well to have the Kalthi meal at £13.95 (Cheshireshire Tandoori)
If anyone has taken or finds any pics of the coxster in full flight.........I need to update the rogues gallery in my downstairs loo
The year of 2011 has conspired against me with a lot of extraneous activities getting in the way of doing trackdays ......so was really looking forward to my annual SE jaunt to Oulton.
The intention was to take a leisurely day off and join a posse travelling down to Cheshireshire but some random focker in Telefonica decided that all senior/senile management needed two days training on Cloud Computing........in that sh*thole otherwise known as Slough
Nothing else for it but to pack the Coxster for a week's business travel etc and head down south and join the rest of the group at the Pikey Premier Inn.
For fear of sounding a raging snob.
I am not a great fan of the budget hotels because I spend a great deal of my life in strange bedrooms .......and the prospect of spending an evening in a hotel chain favoured by that halfwit Lenny Henry had me plotting a breakaway faction with Malcolm and Mike at the Alvanley Arms
I had visons of an evening of banter in convivial surrounding supported by a vat of red wine. My complicated logisitics had me abandoning that idea and joining the crew at the Tandoori place at late o' clock
Things started to get better when I was released at 1730 from my training and allowed to venture north in time for a pre prandial at Northwich.
Various text messages received en route suggested Robin was in the same predicament as me and would be arriving last minute........and the remainder were getting stuck into large quantities of beer in the adjacent pub
My suspicions were confirmed 190 miles later when I arrived to see the assembled company in a very convivial mood with tables awash with glasses.
A quick drink and a chat and we all piled into taxis and headed to the Cheshire Tandoori.
A long table was set out to cater for more social intercourse, eating and drinking.
I like others had reached a stage of exhaustion/apathy and did not take a great deal of attention to what I was ordering and was somewhat surprised by the three boiling vats of lava that arrived at my place setting accompanied by what looked like an Elephant's p*ss flap
I bravely completed this endurance test with the help of a few pints to put out the resultant fire that was raging in my belly
The banter continued until 2300 when we were again bundled into taxis and taken back to the Premier.
The Premier prides itself in customer service and absolutely refused to entertain the idea of about 12 paying residents sitting at the bar drinking.........so we all slope off to bed.
Well........that's not strictly true ......there were a couple of members who managed to buy a volume of beer prior to last orders.....and partied until 0300 .....but I wil leave them to decide whether they wish to own up to this.
The next day started with a bang.........well more like a phart that registered about 6 on the richter scale.........followed by a mad rush to the loo before the inevitable follow through
This flatulence and sphincter exercising was to remain with me.........and most of the group for the rest of the morning
We arrived early at Oulton for sign in for a hearty cooked breakfast and coffee followed by a long pre trackday briefing
I looked around the table and could see there were strained faces and other signs of discomfortand at the end of the 30 min brief the resultant dash to the loo saw the ladies being used as well for accident prevention reasons (Sorry Ruth)
Noise testing and sighting lappery followed and a leery slide at Druids on the second lap supported the usual warnings about taking care on entry
The weather was kind for once and the session started in anger with people testing their bravery on the back circuit . The coxster was surprisingly at home with the longer circuit allowing it to get a good head of steam into the corners. My MG racing friends tell me you are not a man unless you take Island Bend flat which saw me leaving the track at 105mph last year and onto the grass (sorry Cheezus) with no damage. it was then I found out that MG's are only doing 90 at that point. The coxster sailed into that bend at about 100 with only a quick dap of brakes after the bumps. I noticed a lot of bumps this year as I was carrying greater speed than previous Loti
There is a slight yump on the left hander before Druids that had me sideways on the damp surface giving me a new level of focus in trying to find a line around druids
The morning was spent discussing bowel movements and tales of "derring do" as the lappery became quicker
Andy was in a frail state but appeared to be God of the Day with the GT3 scything through everyone at great speeds that not even the race boys could match.
Instruction was available and I saw Kevin and Mike availing themselves of the Oulton Wisdom.
I sought Andy's help to my ......"I cannot get Druids right" problem
After 4 or so laps he showed me a line which frankly had me sh*tting myself as the car was already sliding before the apex. The grip was there ........and the car slid gently across to the outside allowing maximum attack down to lodge.
This was a seminal moment for me as I have been doing the double apex line for far too many years.
The afternoon was spent with serious lappery and a few cat and mouse chases with Robin and Kelvin
I got a ticking off from a marshall for giving Robin a hand signal which is not readily recognized in Motor Racing
The track day part finished for me around 1500 with Andy,Tut and myself heading safely north on my home circuit (M6)
I will leave others to give their version of events .......but a few mentions go the following
Ross
Thanks for effecting the role of social secretary.
Your car is definitely gheyer than mine..... and why do you have a large part on an oil rig in the engine compartment where the Airbox should be?
Robin
The lappery was fun
Hope the car is well .....or will we see another transplant of unfeasable proportions
Tut
You're a loon.........Loads of barefoot laps with not a breakdown van in sight
(Your rear numberplate light is out- noted from your M74 driveby)
Andy G
Thanks.......you taught an old dog a new trick
Stu P.
Disagree about your comments.......your car seemed settled and was certainly flying
Shooomer
You weren't there.................again!
Mike
Stick with it.......your car is a beautiful sight on track and will be loads of fun
If you dont...........It's worth £25k all day long
The Lovely Ruth
Thanks for putting up with all the petrol head /toilet humour xx
Malcolm
Gentleman Racer.......although yesterday saw his car at the ragged edge a few times
Next time .........The Alvaney and a few glasses of red?
Mass
Usual infectious levels of enthusiasm coupled with an ability to discolour RED Brembo callipers into a perma-jobby brown
in his Renault
Kelvin
Nice to see you again at this annual event
I' m off to get the coxster painted green in the vain hope that some laydee shakes her thruppennies at me
Uncle Ron
Keep Andy in check!
Kevin
Gentleman Racer
Fab car with a great presence on track
In summary
A great day and should be mandatory in the "Bucket List"
Anyone wishing to lose weight and not undergo the expense and embarrasment of a colonic irrigation programme would do well to have the Kalthi meal at £13.95 (Cheshireshire Tandoori)
If anyone has taken or finds any pics of the coxster in full flight.........I need to update the rogues gallery in my downstairs loo
Last edited by H8OAG on Sat Nov 19, 2011 2:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Excellent report, your Boxster was going really well and I like the red colour
Robin, I'm glad to hear you got back ok. It was so good to catch up with all.
Tut came to my house and we headed down to a local Baxter at Selkirk, had lunch there while waiting fro Kevin to catch up. Lost Tut on the motorway but got to the hotel, headed to the lounge and went to the Indian. I'm not used to eating at 10:30pm though
The trackday was great. Enjoyed the pax laps with Robin, Mike and Ross. Also there was a Honda S1 Exige driven by a nice chap called Dave. His car was fast and driven well. The R26.R drove properly for the first time and I did 100 track miles before I lost the front brakes completely. They overheated so much the fluid was boiled and the callipers changed their colour. I am not impressed as the fluid is race spec..... I will put the SRF next!
Robin, I'm glad to hear you got back ok. It was so good to catch up with all.
Tut came to my house and we headed down to a local Baxter at Selkirk, had lunch there while waiting fro Kevin to catch up. Lost Tut on the motorway but got to the hotel, headed to the lounge and went to the Indian. I'm not used to eating at 10:30pm though
The trackday was great. Enjoyed the pax laps with Robin, Mike and Ross. Also there was a Honda S1 Exige driven by a nice chap called Dave. His car was fast and driven well. The R26.R drove properly for the first time and I did 100 track miles before I lost the front brakes completely. They overheated so much the fluid was boiled and the callipers changed their colour. I am not impressed as the fluid is race spec..... I will put the SRF next!
I don't know driving in another way which isn't risky. Each one has to improve himself. Each driver has its limit. My limit is a little bit further than other's.
A Senna
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Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Glad to hear you made it back okay, Robin - I too had visions of seeing you stuck on the hard shoulder with the hazards lit, so it was great to see you just prior to the Teebay services (I had to make a pit stop - Energy drink is extremely diuretic ! 
), and also when I caught up with you again just before Lockerbie.
I've been off the track day scene for many years for numerous reasons, so was rather looking forward to heading south to my favourite UK circuit.
My trip started on Thursday lunchtime, with a trip to see Willie at CLCM for a geo check - I'm very glad I did, as the suspension was so far out he labelled it dangerous...Oops!
Not only that, but the front left locking nut for adjusting camber was completely loose, which meant the camber setting on that side was somewhat...dynamic... 
Fully adjusted, it was a different car - Far (far) more confidence inspiring than I could have imagined.
Afterwards, I called Mr Iddon to arrange a rendezvous for our trip south, but unfortunately he was tied up with work, and suggested I head down myself. Given the rain soaked / greasy tarmac, I couldn't be bothered taking the back roads, so elected to take the obvious M8 -> M73/74 ->M6 trail, arriving 3.5 hours later at the hotel.
Great to see the SE crew, and quickly realised that it'd been 5-6 years since I'd seen the likes of Stu / Malcolm, etc - Time flies!
Also great to meet Mass and Mike for the first time - As well as see some of the usual suspects...
Few pints later and off to the Cheshire Tandoori, where they tried to force feed us pints of Cobra; The garlic chilli chicken masala / garlic nan combination seemed a good idea at the time, but there'd be a price to pay later...
As Mr B stated, the 'Premier' Inn weren't for serving us any beer when we got back, so an early(ish) night channeling le petomane, for an early(ish) start at 7am.
Arrived at the circuit the next morning for fried death in a bap breakfast and coffee. Unfortunately the coffee set off a chain of gastrointestinal events which are best not described here. Needless to say, during the longest briefing I've ever sat through, my mind was elsewhere.
The real sickener was the mandatory sighting laps that you had to complete - Which were taking place immediately after the briefing...Again, my focus was elsewhere during them, and on exiting the track my first port of call was the gentlemen's convenience.
Focus restored, I blagged a few pax laps with Malcolm, to work out braking & turn in points, before filling the S2K with oil and taking to the track.
It was actually better than I thought it'd be - Bearing in mind just how rusty my track driving is, and the fact that this was the first time I'd driven it on track, I really enjoyed it and got a bit quicker throughout the day, with some top tips from Malcolm / Robin (who were brave enough to sit next to me). (Passed a few Elises, so wasn't the mobile roadblock I had worried I might be. )
Enjoyed a few pax laps with Robin & Mr B over the day - Impressive stuff as always, and I was particularly impressed with Mr B's Boxster S - Nice smooth power delivery, and a very competent chassis which also seemed very adjustable at the limit.
Came back in to hear of Robin's mechanical maladies, so after one final session on track for the S2K, I decided to park it up for the day (was 15:15 anyway), and ready the car to give Robin a run back up the road to Edinburgh.
By some miracle, Egor sprung back to life, albeit sounding like a loose bundle of spanners in a washing machine on spin cycle...
Deciding to go for it, we all pointed our cars north, and hit the usual monster traffic jam where the M56 joins the M6...Busy around Preston too, but a clear run up from there. Got in the door around 8pm last night, shattered but happy after a great couple of days.
Thanks to everyone for their company / advice / pax laps etc - I fully intend to get along on some SE jaunts next year, and look forward to catching up soon!
P.S. My compact wasn't the best for pictures, so only took a couple...
My shed amongst Loti
Nice to see a couple of Evora out there
Car park furniture - The Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaag...
), and also when I caught up with you again just before Lockerbie.I've been off the track day scene for many years for numerous reasons, so was rather looking forward to heading south to my favourite UK circuit.
My trip started on Thursday lunchtime, with a trip to see Willie at CLCM for a geo check - I'm very glad I did, as the suspension was so far out he labelled it dangerous...Oops!
Not only that, but the front left locking nut for adjusting camber was completely loose, which meant the camber setting on that side was somewhat...dynamic...
Fully adjusted, it was a different car - Far (far) more confidence inspiring than I could have imagined.
Afterwards, I called Mr Iddon to arrange a rendezvous for our trip south, but unfortunately he was tied up with work, and suggested I head down myself. Given the rain soaked / greasy tarmac, I couldn't be bothered taking the back roads, so elected to take the obvious M8 -> M73/74 ->M6 trail, arriving 3.5 hours later at the hotel.
Great to see the SE crew, and quickly realised that it'd been 5-6 years since I'd seen the likes of Stu / Malcolm, etc - Time flies!
Also great to meet Mass and Mike for the first time - As well as see some of the usual suspects...
Few pints later and off to the Cheshire Tandoori, where they tried to force feed us pints of Cobra; The garlic chilli chicken masala / garlic nan combination seemed a good idea at the time, but there'd be a price to pay later...
As Mr B stated, the 'Premier' Inn weren't for serving us any beer when we got back, so an early(ish) night channeling le petomane, for an early(ish) start at 7am.
Arrived at the circuit the next morning for fried death in a bap breakfast and coffee. Unfortunately the coffee set off a chain of gastrointestinal events which are best not described here. Needless to say, during the longest briefing I've ever sat through, my mind was elsewhere.
The real sickener was the mandatory sighting laps that you had to complete - Which were taking place immediately after the briefing...Again, my focus was elsewhere during them, and on exiting the track my first port of call was the gentlemen's convenience.
Focus restored, I blagged a few pax laps with Malcolm, to work out braking & turn in points, before filling the S2K with oil and taking to the track.
It was actually better than I thought it'd be - Bearing in mind just how rusty my track driving is, and the fact that this was the first time I'd driven it on track, I really enjoyed it and got a bit quicker throughout the day, with some top tips from Malcolm / Robin (who were brave enough to sit next to me). (Passed a few Elises, so wasn't the mobile roadblock I had worried I might be.
) Enjoyed a few pax laps with Robin & Mr B over the day - Impressive stuff as always, and I was particularly impressed with Mr B's Boxster S - Nice smooth power delivery, and a very competent chassis which also seemed very adjustable at the limit.
Came back in to hear of Robin's mechanical maladies, so after one final session on track for the S2K, I decided to park it up for the day (was 15:15 anyway), and ready the car to give Robin a run back up the road to Edinburgh.
By some miracle, Egor sprung back to life, albeit sounding like a loose bundle of spanners in a washing machine on spin cycle...
Deciding to go for it, we all pointed our cars north, and hit the usual monster traffic jam where the M56 joins the M6...Busy around Preston too, but a clear run up from there. Got in the door around 8pm last night, shattered but happy after a great couple of days.
Thanks to everyone for their company / advice / pax laps etc - I fully intend to get along on some SE jaunts next year, and look forward to catching up soon!
P.S. My compact wasn't the best for pictures, so only took a couple...
My shed amongst Loti
Nice to see a couple of Evora out there
Car park furniture - The Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaag...
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Glad you all had a good time!
Alan, Cheezus, Gav and another lad from Alan's work, Keith, we're in Silverstone today drifting Caterhams and they drove down yesterday but decided that they would pop into Oulton on the way down as it wasn't much of a detour. They missed you all though and you all passed them on your way home! It was them that flashed you's from the focus hire car!!
Alan, Cheezus, Gav and another lad from Alan's work, Keith, we're in Silverstone today drifting Caterhams and they drove down yesterday but decided that they would pop into Oulton on the way down as it wasn't much of a detour. They missed you all though and you all passed them on your way home! It was them that flashed you's from the focus hire car!!
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Another great trackday! A huge SE turn out for what was always going to be interesting track conditions at Oulton.
Arrived to find MIke and Stu in the bar, got the drinks in, and then Tut, clearly sniffing the offer of beer from miles away appeared in the carpark.
Thursday night saw the usual SE banter, after 2 meetings and 600 miles of driving, the Indian trip was interesting, and i consumed too much ale, enjoying too much laughter, nonsense, and 2 of my friends from London had decided to make the trip also - thanks to SE for making them so welcome, and ensuring they want to do more trackdays.
Phil brought a Saab 9000 with 350bhp, and Matt a 996 Carrera - both lads did really well, and were getting better and better as the day continued. MAtts braked confirmed just how badly mine need changed
Awoke on Friday feeling more sluggish than the Elise Ron had dumped at my house as he'd borrowed the 111r. Still, the prospect of a rare GT3 trackday, at may fav UK track soon spurred me on.
Arrived at the track, got signed on, got ready to go.
Un-exsighting laps revealed that Druids had minimal grip, especially on the exit - lap1 proved that as i went sideways, after a slightly ambitious exit speed - still got me thinking about positioning the car differently to allow for more pace, and a slight drift (almost an Atom line).
It was to prove pretty effective as the Caterhams found out later in the day
The Gt3 was just epic - knew the brakes needed done, fluid changed but even still, what a car. Just awesome. The engine is the star, but even being reasonably non-leary for a change, for fear of doing another set of rears in 30 minutes, is is much more suited to an Oulton than a knockhill, and on some parts was beyond 130-135.
A few times coming back in to the pits the brakes were smoking, but hey, thats what they are there for - and they are getting replaced this week
Its not and easy car to drive, but bloody hell is it good fun! Such a challenge and so enthralling. Could have spent the day lapping in it Mass endurance stylee
I did 916 miles in 48 hours, and the car excelled the entire way through. Averaged 29 mgp also!!! WTF
And to think 2 years ago I'd decided 911's werent my thing.
Took my 111r out as well - its first track outing - just such a capable wee car straight out the showroom! Some of the SC cars were making it feel a bit malnourished as were its tyres, and kack brakes, but it was still huge fun, and such a great car to get in to track days with. Uncle Ron seemed to be enjoying it
Went out with Iain in the boxster - great car, and some smooth driving from a man who'd clearly been there before. Great line through the shell oil hairpin especially. He declined a GT3 pax due to his bowel issues, but i think it might have been more due to me passing him my "line" for druids! We were both raving about the boxster on our return to the pits - so capable.
Mass's r26r was great - different style clearly, and tightly stacked gearing, but i think its going to be even better fun when the brakes dont sie - and to think it happened just before my shot! Rubbish! Still Mass was out giving it such death he managed to chnaged the colour of the brakes calipers, and we came in with the brakes smoking and no pedal- good sign of effort
Heading up the road following the Boag Boxster, i was feeling desperately tired, but boyed on by an M6 pilot charging up the road, and my mad mate from old deer as the rear gunner i was home by 6.20pm. Just in time to bath the wee one, order a pizza and have a glass of wine.
Texted Robin to see if I needed to ready the rangie to go and collect Egor to discover he was on the M8! Top botching once again i suspect.
These days just highlight the very best of SE for me, the "trackday" section being the first i turn to, and trips like this explain why - thanks to all who made it such a great outing
ps - if you do trackdays and havent ventured beyond KH, do yourself a favour and get south of the border in 2012.
pps. Havent been to Cadwell for a while - next trip???
Arrived to find MIke and Stu in the bar, got the drinks in, and then Tut, clearly sniffing the offer of beer from miles away appeared in the carpark.
Thursday night saw the usual SE banter, after 2 meetings and 600 miles of driving, the Indian trip was interesting, and i consumed too much ale, enjoying too much laughter, nonsense, and 2 of my friends from London had decided to make the trip also - thanks to SE for making them so welcome, and ensuring they want to do more trackdays.
Phil brought a Saab 9000 with 350bhp, and Matt a 996 Carrera - both lads did really well, and were getting better and better as the day continued. MAtts braked confirmed just how badly mine need changed
Awoke on Friday feeling more sluggish than the Elise Ron had dumped at my house as he'd borrowed the 111r. Still, the prospect of a rare GT3 trackday, at may fav UK track soon spurred me on.
Arrived at the track, got signed on, got ready to go.
Un-exsighting laps revealed that Druids had minimal grip, especially on the exit - lap1 proved that as i went sideways, after a slightly ambitious exit speed - still got me thinking about positioning the car differently to allow for more pace, and a slight drift (almost an Atom line).
It was to prove pretty effective as the Caterhams found out later in the day
The Gt3 was just epic - knew the brakes needed done, fluid changed but even still, what a car. Just awesome. The engine is the star, but even being reasonably non-leary for a change, for fear of doing another set of rears in 30 minutes, is is much more suited to an Oulton than a knockhill, and on some parts was beyond 130-135.
A few times coming back in to the pits the brakes were smoking, but hey, thats what they are there for - and they are getting replaced this week
Its not and easy car to drive, but bloody hell is it good fun! Such a challenge and so enthralling. Could have spent the day lapping in it Mass endurance stylee
I did 916 miles in 48 hours, and the car excelled the entire way through. Averaged 29 mgp also!!! WTF
And to think 2 years ago I'd decided 911's werent my thing.
Took my 111r out as well - its first track outing - just such a capable wee car straight out the showroom! Some of the SC cars were making it feel a bit malnourished as were its tyres, and kack brakes, but it was still huge fun, and such a great car to get in to track days with. Uncle Ron seemed to be enjoying it
Went out with Iain in the boxster - great car, and some smooth driving from a man who'd clearly been there before. Great line through the shell oil hairpin especially. He declined a GT3 pax due to his bowel issues, but i think it might have been more due to me passing him my "line" for druids!
We were both raving about the boxster on our return to the pits - so capable.Mass's r26r was great - different style clearly, and tightly stacked gearing, but i think its going to be even better fun when the brakes dont sie - and to think it happened just before my shot! Rubbish! Still Mass was out giving it such death he managed to chnaged the colour of the brakes calipers, and we came in with the brakes smoking and no pedal- good sign of effort
Heading up the road following the Boag Boxster, i was feeling desperately tired, but boyed on by an M6 pilot charging up the road, and my mad mate from old deer as the rear gunner i was home by 6.20pm. Just in time to bath the wee one, order a pizza and have a glass of wine.
Texted Robin to see if I needed to ready the rangie to go and collect Egor to discover he was on the M8! Top botching once again i suspect.
These days just highlight the very best of SE for me, the "trackday" section being the first i turn to, and trips like this explain why - thanks to all who made it such a great outing
ps - if you do trackdays and havent ventured beyond KH, do yourself a favour and get south of the border in 2012.
pps. Havent been to Cadwell for a while - next trip???
AMG GT-R
Atom 4 - CM425
Lotus Esprit S4S
G30 M5 Comp
Ferrari 599
Lotus Elise S1 "Shed" spec
Atom 4 - CM425
Lotus Esprit S4S
G30 M5 Comp
Ferrari 599
Lotus Elise S1 "Shed" spec
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Cadwell is a must for the start of 2012, wanted to do it this year, but it never happened.
Stu
Stu
S1 S160
Caterham 310R
Caterham 310R
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
With two days to go I finally made the ( largely weather forecast based ) decision to try an alternative to Knockhill.
Struggled a bit to get the car ready as I needed a new set of tyres but, as ever, Ronnie at Wheelsaround provided a timely solution and I met up with Mass and Tut near Galashiels. Pleasantly brisk drive down to Carlisle followed by an uneventful trundle down the M6, M56 etc to the Sandiway Premier Inn.
We met with the usual suspects and, after a couple of beers in the pub next door, I headed off to the Cheshire Tandoori with my designated driver in his R26.R, this time with full turbo boost available - and all four wheels firmly attached
Enjoyed the curry ( for the first time around at least ) and banter before returning to the hotel to find that the bar had shut about 30 minutes earlier so, unlike a few notable exceptions with the foresight to pre-order a table full of beers, most of us headed off for an early night.
Next day I headed down to the car, feeling fairly fresh if a little apprehensive after noting the low friction characteristics of the carpark after a smattering of drizzle and remembering Mass's tales of the trecherous, slimy, leaf-coated bends at Oulton.
After refueling and a short drive we arrived at the circuit and kicked off the customary sign-on, bacon roll and briefing sequence. As I looked around I noticed that the the guys I recognised had been to Oulton before and were all very quick - and the ones I didn't all seemed to be clad in well worn racing overalls. This heightened my feelings of apprehension ( very similar to my first trackday at Knockhill ) but I was lucky enough not to suffer the gastronomic discomfort of many of my fellow SEers
I felt much more comfortable after the sighting laps - what a beautiful and flowing circuit. and the grip levels on the apparantly dry track seemed to be fine, contrary to the warnings from the briefing. Then, on the exit of Druids, on what appeared to be a perfectly dry line I felt the Exige's rear twitch unexpectedly, and mine reciprocated - A bit of respect ( and 100% traction control ) required then.
My first couple of sessions were fairly slow and ponderous as I felt my way around but after a few pax laps with Mass to confirm the lines I was beginning to get the hang of it. I then had a session with one of the LOT instructors, which was very enjoyable and useful. Mark is a very competant, friendly and patient guy and he managed correct a couple of my dodgy lines as well as build my confidence that I wasn't about to go flying out of control into the trees.
I spent the rest of the time lapping increasing quicker, and indeed passing quite a few cars - so I wasn't the mobile roadblock I had initially feared I might be. I had lots of fun, particularly lapping with Mass's R26.R and later the black Exige but did note, however, that a certain white 997 GT3 passed me on the straight before island bend with what appeared to be around a 30mph differential. Hangover gone then.
I've still got a lot to learn aboult Oulton, especially taking a more agrressive approach around Druids - I always felt I should have been carrying more speed, but now feel confident about driving it - at least in the dry.
The drive back home was again fairly uneventful - even in my thrupenny green Exige, The highpoint was probably seeing Robin, still running at good pace around Tebay in his ailing 135R - a bag of spanners in a washing machine doesn't even come close. Glad you made it home.
Thanks for the company. Count me in for the next trip to Oulton, my new favourite circuit.
Kevin
Struggled a bit to get the car ready as I needed a new set of tyres but, as ever, Ronnie at Wheelsaround provided a timely solution and I met up with Mass and Tut near Galashiels. Pleasantly brisk drive down to Carlisle followed by an uneventful trundle down the M6, M56 etc to the Sandiway Premier Inn.
We met with the usual suspects and, after a couple of beers in the pub next door, I headed off to the Cheshire Tandoori with my designated driver in his R26.R, this time with full turbo boost available - and all four wheels firmly attached
Enjoyed the curry ( for the first time around at least ) and banter before returning to the hotel to find that the bar had shut about 30 minutes earlier so, unlike a few notable exceptions with the foresight to pre-order a table full of beers, most of us headed off for an early night.
Next day I headed down to the car, feeling fairly fresh if a little apprehensive after noting the low friction characteristics of the carpark after a smattering of drizzle and remembering Mass's tales of the trecherous, slimy, leaf-coated bends at Oulton.
After refueling and a short drive we arrived at the circuit and kicked off the customary sign-on, bacon roll and briefing sequence. As I looked around I noticed that the the guys I recognised had been to Oulton before and were all very quick - and the ones I didn't all seemed to be clad in well worn racing overalls. This heightened my feelings of apprehension ( very similar to my first trackday at Knockhill ) but I was lucky enough not to suffer the gastronomic discomfort of many of my fellow SEers
I felt much more comfortable after the sighting laps - what a beautiful and flowing circuit. and the grip levels on the apparantly dry track seemed to be fine, contrary to the warnings from the briefing. Then, on the exit of Druids, on what appeared to be a perfectly dry line I felt the Exige's rear twitch unexpectedly, and mine reciprocated
- A bit of respect ( and 100% traction control ) required then. My first couple of sessions were fairly slow and ponderous as I felt my way around but after a few pax laps with Mass to confirm the lines I was beginning to get the hang of it. I then had a session with one of the LOT instructors, which was very enjoyable and useful. Mark is a very competant, friendly and patient guy and he managed correct a couple of my dodgy lines as well as build my confidence that I wasn't about to go flying out of control into the trees.
I spent the rest of the time lapping increasing quicker, and indeed passing quite a few cars - so I wasn't the mobile roadblock I had initially feared I might be. I had lots of fun, particularly lapping with Mass's R26.R and later the black Exige but did note, however, that a certain white 997 GT3 passed me on the straight before island bend with what appeared to be around a 30mph differential. Hangover gone then.
I've still got a lot to learn aboult Oulton, especially taking a more agrressive approach around Druids - I always felt I should have been carrying more speed, but now feel confident about driving it - at least in the dry.
The drive back home was again fairly uneventful - even in my thrupenny green Exige
, The highpoint was probably seeing Robin, still running at good pace around Tebay in his ailing 135R - a bag of spanners in a washing machine doesn't even come close. Glad you made it home. Thanks for the company. Count me in for the next trip to Oulton, my new favourite circuit.
Kevin
Exige S
Caterham 7
Caterham 7
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Excellent reports already posted so a short one to say how good it was to get back to a dry track day at Oulton. Last one was after DP when it was closed due to snow and power failure, and I had the only spin(s) that has ever really scared me.
Standard of driving was excellent apart from an over exuberant Elise which was sorted out, and S_E spent most of the day on track. I am now doing 20 min sessions as opposed to 40 mins, and was quite happy to slot in behind the likes of Robin and IanB, and appreciate smooth, quick driving and check that I still had the lines right and was being kept honest. That meant that I could still slot in behind the 2-11's, GT3 RS's etc, and have a blast for a few laps, but in fact Andy in his GT3 was faster than them, enjoyed lapping with him, but as soon as he passed a car and I could not, that was that.
Sorry that I did not say good bye to everybody, Robin's car looked kaput, but on my last lap I was getting a none too healthy knocking sound from the back of the car. Could not diagnose it, did not want to go back up the road on my own, so as Iain and Andy were just leaving I did a quick repack and took up rear tail gunner.
It did not sound like a driveshaft/CV joint problem, more of a high clattering, so just carried on with ear plugs and the radio turned up to drown it out. I think Andy was on a tractor beam to Iain but my noise was on throttle so I hung further back, which meant that I had to do a bit of lane changing to keep them in sight. Plus they do a fair few tuts more than I do, so I actually was home in 5.5 hours for 410 miles. Driving at night nowadays is not my favourite, the oncoming glare hits me, but it was dry, had bright rear lights to follow, never felt tired but had a back up plan with Robin(can not remember if I told you), so after Glasgow with very little traffic it was a good drive home.
Just been up to Craig's and there is 1" horizontal movement in the offside driveshaft, so back home, called the AA, and good old P&L will cover it.
tut
Standard of driving was excellent apart from an over exuberant Elise which was sorted out, and S_E spent most of the day on track. I am now doing 20 min sessions as opposed to 40 mins, and was quite happy to slot in behind the likes of Robin and IanB, and appreciate smooth, quick driving and check that I still had the lines right and was being kept honest. That meant that I could still slot in behind the 2-11's, GT3 RS's etc, and have a blast for a few laps, but in fact Andy in his GT3 was faster than them, enjoyed lapping with him, but as soon as he passed a car and I could not, that was that.
Sorry that I did not say good bye to everybody, Robin's car looked kaput, but on my last lap I was getting a none too healthy knocking sound from the back of the car. Could not diagnose it, did not want to go back up the road on my own, so as Iain and Andy were just leaving I did a quick repack and took up rear tail gunner.
It did not sound like a driveshaft/CV joint problem, more of a high clattering, so just carried on with ear plugs and the radio turned up to drown it out. I think Andy was on a tractor beam to Iain but my noise was on throttle so I hung further back, which meant that I had to do a bit of lane changing to keep them in sight. Plus they do a fair few tuts more than I do, so I actually was home in 5.5 hours for 410 miles. Driving at night nowadays is not my favourite, the oncoming glare hits me, but it was dry, had bright rear lights to follow, never felt tired but had a back up plan with Robin(can not remember if I told you), so after Glasgow with very little traffic it was a good drive home.
Just been up to Craig's and there is 1" horizontal movement in the offside driveshaft, so back home, called the AA, and good old P&L will cover it.
tut
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Oulton Park is a track that deserves some respect and it's great to see so many SE turn out, drive around at very respectable pace and then drive home again afterwards - big thanks to Ross for kicking us into action!
The state Druids was in first thing I wouldn't have been at all surprised to discover one or two in the armco on the inside ... where the black Exige nearly landed when Mass and I caught him up just before Druids - he had taken the warnings about not passing up Clay Hill too seriously and was trying not to hold us up I think, so he took an awkward line into Druids too quickly (40mph was enough to be too quick) and then ran out of talent when the rear end said "no thanks". Luckily he was going so slowly that the full emergency stop worked and the car slid to a halt facing the wrong way back up the circuit about 2 feet from the barrier. Lucky guy!
The red/cream type 49 was something else. I was just catching him on the way to the braking point for Knickerbrook (Dizzys now?) chicane and the marshall pressed the "blue light" button - queue 50 really bright blue LEDs straight in your face. This appeared to startle the driver who instead of holding his line and taking the chicane (we were much too close to the corner to consider a pass anyway) instead decided to try and turn the wrong way onto the national circuit (slip road through to Cascades). He then realized his mistake and instead of coming to a stop out of harms way, wait for a clear circuit and continue (which is what we told in the briefing) he just slammed an armful of lock on and veered back across the circuit. I had already decided the guy was nuts and had taken full evasive action, so wasn't there for him to collect anyway, but no thanks to him ... anyway I end up in the bit of track where you go when you out-brake yourself and don't you know he just carried on for another frustrating and dangerous lap before finally letting me pass; he then did more or less the same thing to Tut !?!? Anyway I had a word with Pete off-of-LoT who then went and sat in the car with him for a few laps to try and calm him down a bit. Didn't work. Once back by himself he went straight on at Shell Oils. WTF.
Him aside (and you always get one, don't you), the driving standards were high I felt. Apart from a certain red porsche that didn't understand that two fingers doesn't mean "pass on the left my good chap" They were two or three fun laps
Cheers,
Robin
The state Druids was in first thing I wouldn't have been at all surprised to discover one or two in the armco on the inside ... where the black Exige nearly landed when Mass and I caught him up just before Druids - he had taken the warnings about not passing up Clay Hill too seriously and was trying not to hold us up I think, so he took an awkward line into Druids too quickly (40mph was enough to be too quick) and then ran out of talent when the rear end said "no thanks". Luckily he was going so slowly that the full emergency stop worked and the car slid to a halt facing the wrong way back up the circuit about 2 feet from the barrier. Lucky guy!
The red/cream type 49 was something else. I was just catching him on the way to the braking point for Knickerbrook (Dizzys now?) chicane and the marshall pressed the "blue light" button - queue 50 really bright blue LEDs straight in your face. This appeared to startle the driver who instead of holding his line and taking the chicane (we were much too close to the corner to consider a pass anyway) instead decided to try and turn the wrong way onto the national circuit (slip road through to Cascades). He then realized his mistake and instead of coming to a stop out of harms way, wait for a clear circuit and continue (which is what we told in the briefing) he just slammed an armful of lock on and veered back across the circuit. I had already decided the guy was nuts and had taken full evasive action, so wasn't there for him to collect anyway, but no thanks to him ... anyway I end up in the bit of track where you go when you out-brake yourself and don't you know he just carried on for another frustrating and dangerous lap before finally letting me pass; he then did more or less the same thing to Tut !?!? Anyway I had a word with Pete off-of-LoT who then went and sat in the car with him for a few laps to try and calm him down a bit. Didn't work. Once back by himself he went straight on at Shell Oils. WTF.
Him aside (and you always get one, don't you), the driving standards were high I felt. Apart from a certain red porsche that didn't understand that two fingers doesn't mean "pass on the left my good chap"
They were two or three fun laps Cheers,
Robin
I is in your loomz nibblin ur wirez
#bemoretut
#bemoretut
Re: Oulton Park - 18th Nov - LoT
Did you actually meet the driver Robin?
Looked like an ancient version of myself.
tut
Looked like an ancient version of myself.
tut