As per the title, the BOLLECKS chapter of LEC have set the date for their annual get together at Castle Coombe, and it appears to have (once again) been hijacked by Club Lotus as it coincides with their Track Day
As always, entry to the ground/padock is completely free (as is spectating), with specific parking areas for Lotus cars (and even a Vectra or Mondeo if you can sneek into the competitors entrance).
If you want to go on the track, then it is the usual set-up - you need to be a Club Lotus member to get a pass (available on the day if not fully booked), and the cost is £92 this year. For that you get 2 guaranteed sessions (1 morning, 1 afternoon) of 15 minutes each, then it goes to 'open pit lane' for the rest of the day.
It is quite possible/realistic to get 4 or 5 sessions in for your single fee.
Drivers/passengers must attend a briefing and collect wristbands before going on track - cars must be noise tested (as a guide, my blue one with a Piper 2 1/4 single-box system easily passes, as do a standard Peco).
No slick tyres allowed (Toyo 888's are fine) and car must be 'roadworthy'.
Occupants need to have arms and legs covered, proper shoes (not sandals), and wear a helmet. Helmets are available to borrow on the day, overalls NOT necessary - jeans and sweatshirt will do.
Cameras are allowed - but not hand-held (i gaffertaped mine to the mirrors).
There are only about 8 cars on at a time, so the track is never over-busy, and everyone tends to drive 'properly', not the way you may see on the boy-racer track days!!!!
There is no racing or time-keeping permitted (you will get banned if caught), and no issue with being fast or slow - just be safe!
Food is available from the cafe/bar (no drinking if tracking!), and if the weather is good, I'll do a BBQ. (veggie option for Phil).
If you want/need any bits and pieces for your car, Merlin Motorsports is on-site and usually have whatever is needed to keep you going (if no-one from LEC has a spare whatever in the boot).
If you don't want to go on track (with paying the money), there is a 'parade session' at lunchtime behind a pace car - no helmets required, any Lotus can take part, and if you accidentally find that you need to catch up with the car in front, then you can still get a reasonable speed on parts of the track. You will need to get a windscreen ticket for that from the main desk in the control tower foyer - best to get one early as they tend to go fast - there are usually a couple of spare ones knocking about LEC members, but can't guarantee it (unless asked for by prior arrangement
).It is the first real oportunity of the year to have a get together with the chance of some good weather (or p-ing with rain!).
It's a good craic, so even if you ain't going on track, you'll be welcome - and as you know, there are 2 seats in an elan, so you may well get the chance for a pax ride!
In good LEC tradition, we'd better have a list!
1) Pinky (tracking - Pac blue)
2) Mrs Pinky (posing - Colapso red)
3)
Who do you book it with ?
, but it is the magazine (that's where i got my booking form from), and if you go to the Castle Coombe website, 
Cheers mate
