Donington and winter Z4 track day advice

[Ed Doe]

Good man, go enjoy it and let us all know how it all goes!

On the insurance front, the insurance policy only covers your car, even in the event of someone crashing into it. It does not cover other cars in the event you crash into them - but that's just a universally accepted risk of going on track. The excess is steep (I think it's a grand plus from memory but I'm sure it changes depending on the cost bracket of car you're insuring).

Not trying to put you off but hopefully it helps you make a decision on what's right for you

[JSz4]

Good man, go enjoy it and let us all know how it all goes!

On the insurance front, the insurance policy only covers your car, even in the event of someone crashing into it. It does not cover other cars in the event you crash into them - but that's just a universally accepted risk of going on track. The excess is steep (I think it's a grand plus from memory but I'm sure it changes depending on the cost bracket of car you're insuring).

Not trying to put you off but hopefully it helps you make a decision on what's right for you

Ah ok, thanks, that makes sense regarding damage to other vehicles. Given the value of mine I don't think it's something I'd go for but would certainly consider it if it was worth more.

Just looking at petrol stations nearby (staying in Tamworth), I've previously used Tesco Momentum for track days as easy to find near circuits but is it worth paying bit more and going further for Shell V Power, or not going to make any meaningful difference?

[Ed Doe]

I'd go Tesco momentum or shell, they're the only two that do 99. If your car hasn't had the knock adaptations reset it'll not likely make much if difference though.

[JSz4]

I'd go Tesco momentum or shell, they're the only two that do 99. If your car hasn't had the knock adaptations reset it'll not likely make much if difference though.

Thanks for the advice, went with Tesco momentum as on route.

I really enjoyed Donington, thought it was a fantastic circuit and luckily the weather was good but track was still damp in the morning so frequent interruptions for people to be extracted from the gravel! However I'd a helpful session of tuition and got some good laps in by the end of the day, I kept the tyre pressures 30/32 which worked well on the cold track.

Due to the damp and cold track I left the TC/DSC on, unlike previous track days I've done in the summer. However I was surprised that there was equal brake dust on the rear wheels as front (although first track day with switching to new bluestuff rear pads but still running little older yellowstuff front pads). Is the increased rear dust likely just due to bluestuff producing more dust or was the rear being braked by the DSC? The light didn't flash on the dashboard at any point.

[mmm-five]

Due to the damp and cold track I left the TC/DSC on, unlike previous track days I've done in the summer. However I was surprised that there was equal brake dust on the rear wheels as front (although first track day with switching to new bluestuff rear pads but still running little older yellowstuff front pads). Is the increased rear dust likely just due to bluestuff producing more dust or was the rear being braked by the DSC? The light didn't flash on the dashboard at any point.

Yes, the DTC/DSC will still be intervening a little before the lights start flashing...and you will get rear pad wear from it - maybe more than if it's left on in dry conditions.

But if it's damp you'll also get lots of grime/grit thrown out through the wheels too.

[Ed Doe]

Glad you enjoyed it, I think it's a cracking track, flows really nicely!

Yeah you'll definitely find the rears will see some heavy use on track with the tc left on. It's another reason why it's worth running the tc off on track, but I understand why you'd want the safety net on a damp/wet track - I was exactly the same at my last wet day out at donny!

You planning any more then?

[JSz4]

Glad you enjoyed it, I think it's a cracking track, flows really nicely!

Yeah you'll definitely find the rears will see some heavy use on track with the tc left on. It's another reason why it's worth running the tc off on track, but I understand why you'd want the safety net on a damp/wet track - I was exactly the same at my last wet day out at donny!

You planning any more then?

Apologies, only just seen this.
Thanks, I'll definitely leave the TC/SC off in future as it looks like it ate a reasonable amount of the pad and getting little more confident on track now. I've since bought matching Goodyear supersports for the front, replaced the slightly warped front discs and gone for Bluestuff pads to match the rears (do limited miles but is my daily drive so not going for anything more racey), replaced worn inner/outer track rods and had alignment so ready for return trip in Spring How about you?

[Beedub]

cant wait to get to donny this year!

[Ed Doe]

Glad you enjoyed it, I think it's a cracking track, flows really nicely!

Yeah you'll definitely find the rears will see some heavy use on track with the tc left on. It's another reason why it's worth running the tc off on track, but I understand why you'd want the safety net on a damp/wet track - I was exactly the same at my last wet day out at donny!

You planning any more then?

Apologies, only just seen this.
Thanks, I'll definitely leave the TC/SC off in future as it looks like it ate a reasonable amount of the pad and getting little more confident on track now. I've since bought matching Goodyear supersports for the front, replaced the slightly warped front discs and gone for Bluestuff pads to match the rears (do limited miles but is my daily drive so not going for anything more racey), replaced worn inner/outer track rods and had alignment so ready for return trip in Spring How about you?

No worries!

Reading up, blue stuff pads sound like a decent choice for giving a bit of improved on-track performance without sacrificing on-road useability.

Another one that's an expensive but extremely good choice is Pagid RSL29s - as I say they aren't cheap but a very impressive pad on track and again perfectly useable on the road too.!

My list... hah! ok so;

I'm in the process of refitting my now weld-repaired exhaust manifold
Need to finalise the fitment and adjustment of my new adjustable droplinks.
Then need to whack the newly refurbed wheels back on

Then more importantly I need to buy and fit an oil pressure gauge & sensor, and flush the brake fluid.

Then I should be ready!!

cant wait to get to donny this year!

Well both of you guys - you fancy getting something in the diary for April-time? I'm sure Tom_K would be keen to *ahem* show us all how comparatively slow we are

Myself & Lee off here and a few other mates are already planning an evening session in April at Donny to shake down our cars ahead of a ring trip in May. Definitely keen to get a few of us out there

[Beedub]

Glad you enjoyed it, I think it's a cracking track, flows really nicely!

Yeah you'll definitely find the rears will see some heavy use on track with the tc left on. It's another reason why it's worth running the tc off on track, but I understand why you'd want the safety net on a damp/wet track - I was exactly the same at my last wet day out at donny!

You planning any more then?

Apologies, only just seen this.
Thanks, I'll definitely leave the TC/SC off in future as it looks like it ate a reasonable amount of the pad and getting little more confident on track now. I've since bought matching Goodyear supersports for the front, replaced the slightly warped front discs and gone for Bluestuff pads to match the rears (do limited miles but is my daily drive so not going for anything more racey), replaced worn inner/outer track rods and had alignment so ready for return trip in Spring How about you?

No worries!

Reading up, blue stuff pads sound like a decent choice for giving a bit of improved on-track performance without sacrificing on-road useability.

Another one that's an expensive but extremely good choice is Pagid RSL29s - as I say they aren't cheap but a very impressive pad on track and again perfectly useable on the road too.!

My list... hah! ok so;

I'm in the process of refitting my now weld-repaired exhaust manifold
Need to finalise the fitment and adjustment of my new adjustable droplinks.
Then need to whack the newly refurbed wheels back on

Then more importantly I need to buy and fit an oil pressure gauge & sensor, and flush the brake fluid.

Then I should be ready!!

cant wait to get to donny this year!

Well both of you guys - you fancy getting something in the diary for April-time? I'm sure Tom_K would be keen to *ahem* show us all how comparatively slow we are

Myself & Lee off here and a few other mates are already planning an evening session in April at Donny to shake down our cars ahead of a ring trip in May. Definitely keen to get a few of us out there

im up for it .......