CAMPING WEEKEND WITH OPTIONAL TRACKDAY

[chris.t]

So do we need roll bars

i have done a number of track days and roll bars have not been an issue however i will check

[Monty]

Sounds like if u`r car wasn`t made with a full roll over safety device from the factory then u will be allowed on, But if u have a rollbar fitted which is not facotry fitted then it has to be full MSA/FIA approved roll safety device But if they bother checking is another story.

Shagster, if u do go to Bedford it would be interesting to know what the peco`s DB`s are.

[jimp357]

Don't know if all tracks are the same but at Oulton park there are regs on open top cars ie full face helmet, gloves and rollbar have a read off this:-

......Open top cars will only be permitted when fitted with a full MSA/FIA approved roll safety device, or other road homologated roll over safety device. Road homologated vehicles which do not have the above by virtue of their manufactured date, but which are still in standard road homologated specification are also permitted

Taffy, according to the above, our cars, although not fitted with rollbars, are in the standard road homologated specification and are therefore OK.

My car is not fitted with a rollbar, but is allowed on track days. I've just been on one today after a last minute invite ( I'll post some piccies seperatley)

If you wanted to race an Elan then you would need a rollbar fitted.

[taffy]

Sounds good. I am looking forward to it.
Nigel

[rob_J]

Depending on the mix of novices / experts & numbers who would be interested, you might want to consider hiring a smaller track for the day. This can work out very cheap, plus you have the advantage that only elans will be on track & you have total control.

A group of us took a track down in Wales for a half day earlier in the year. Seem to remember cost was around £80 each between 15 of us.

Anyway I'll be up at Bedford on the 16th. Bedford is well known for it's safety, but also for being a fast circuit. You really don't want to be there on an open day if there will be a lot of novices mixing it with the Radicals, etc.. So you definitely want to go on a lotus only day, although the Exiges don't mess around either.

[stevieshag]

Shagster, if u do go to Bedford it would be interesting to know what the peco's DB's are.

I will arrange a trip to bedford & get the Db checked out, i can also get a list of do`s & dont`s for us with reference to gloves rollbars etc..

stevie

[chris.t]

Steve, they test noise levels as you go into the track at bedford. You willhave to get a test done at a garage or test facility which could be nearer to you.

I personally do not think you will be within 3dB of the maximum (3dB = a doubling of the sound level).

I know you were hoping for the loudest exhaust in england

[stevieshag]

Gran turismo circuit
3.6miles

[chris.t]

Just got a reply from LOT

"Hi Chris


No you don’t need a roll bar on any track day.. That’s for sprinting or racing.

We’ve had quite a few Elans at Bedford in the past.

Regards

Paul Golding

www.lotus-on-track.com www.lotrdc.com"

[stevieshag]

I just got off the phone to a company called Competition Car, i had a quote for the trackday at bedford, they have quoted me £60 for the day thats for kermit value 6k, with a excess of £600. If your car is worth more your excess is 10% of your cars value for example 8k car excess will be £800 & the cover would cost £73 . Is this a reasonable price i thought it was quite good, they did say that bedford is the safest track in the country & any other tracks in the uk would be more expensive. I asked if they could do a discount for a group but they could not.

stevie

[Monty]

Thats not to bad, the elise lads pay between £100-£200 with a high excess but obviously covered for more value. If i can`t get covered for free with my insurance think i`ll just take my chances.

[chris.t]

The thing about bedford which hasn't been mentioned yet is its length. This allows for a lot of gap between cars. Also cos its an ex aerodrome the track is wider than most circuits. I feel that its definitely the track for first timers and experienced trackers alike.

[davidjt]

In the pub the other day I suggested that it can be hard to get into a rhythm on a tight circuit - and if it doesn't 'flow', you tend to unsettle the car all the time, which is both slow and really hard work.

One opinion was that the keys to going quickly in a front-drive car are (1) less aggressive inputs - and (2) left-foot braking.
Bedford would be the ideal place to practice.

[theelanman]

Thats not to bad, the elise lads pay between £100-£200 with a high excess but obviously covered for more value. If i can't get covered for free with my insurance think i'll just take my chances.

but monty what happens if you clip someone and you dont have insurance....like wise if they hit you???....it might never happen but thats why we have insurance.......I'm not sure they'll let you on without it....
cheers
g

[jimp357]

Unlike the road, insurance is not normally mandatory.

Unless you have insurance to cover damage done to your own car, any 'incidents' are on a gentlemens agreement or more commonly pay for your own car. If someone clips you they are not under any legal obligation to pay anything. Likewise if you touch them.

Its much more common for the driver to make a mistake and damage his own car without any involvement from anyone else.

Best advice - watch your mirrors and stay out of any faster cars way.

If someone is blatantly racing or any complaints are made the responsible party is usually given a warning and then expelled.

People are alot more careful than you may think...

[Monty]

Jim is right, u don`t need insurance on track as it`s not a public highway. I believe u have to sign an indemnity form when doing a trackday. Here`s one from Book a Track Indemnity form

[rob_J]

I just got off the phone to a company called Competition Car, i had a quote for the trackday at bedford, they have quoted me £60 for the day thats for kermit value 6k, with a excess of £600. If your car is worth more your excess is 10% of your cars value for example 8k car excess will be £800 & the cover would cost £73 . Is this a reasonable price i thought it was quite good, they did say that bedford is the safest track in the country & any other tracks in the uk would be more expensive. I asked if they could do a discount for a group but they could not.

stevie

Track day cover is normally around 1% of the cars value, with a 10% excess. Your figures sound about right.

Most people I know don't bother with it for most UK circuits. I don't bother with the GT3. If the day is sensibly run then frankly I think I've less risk of damage than the normal commute to work. At somewhere like Bedford even with a high speed off the damage will not exceed you excess.

It's an excellent day out, real fun, you learn a lot & well worth doing. Trouble is it becomes addictive & before you know it you have a new expensive hobby

[chris.t]

i certainly agree wiyh the last para rob

[AndyL]

I will be up for it too.

A complete newbie to Elans and Trackdays so as much professional help as possible and safe tracks would be great.

I pick up my S2 Elan at the end of this month.

Can anybody recommend who I should take it to for a complete check over before venturing onto the track.
I live in Worcestershire so I'm guessing Paul MAtty would be the first option.

Andy

[AndyL]

I will be up for it too.

A complete newbie to Elans and Trackdays so as much professional help as possible and safe tracks would be great.

I pick up my S2 Elan at the end of this month.

Can anybody recommend who I should take it to for a complete check over before venturing onto the track.
I live in Worcestershire so I'm guessing Paul MAtty would be the first option.

Andy