>

Ring trip pics + vid

TomK

TomK

Senior member
West London
Been desperate to go back there since the disappointment that was the first time I was there for a trackday in Oct 19, just tons of red flags and I hardly got any laps in :(
So, I booked the July 1st Circuit Days trackday late december as a Christmas present to myself. It was a great trip other than the drive over which involved biblical rain all the way across Belgium which was not much fun on worn, very aggressive MRF-ZTR track tyres :cry:
Highly recommend anyone who is on the fence about going to just do it, it's a wonderful place, just full of car culture in beautiful surroundings.
Car was mega, didn't miss a beat. Managed 20 laps or so and after an hour of instruction was putting in low 8 min laps. 970 miles covered 22mpg overall which I thought was fairly decent :thumbsup: Already plotting the next trip, it's like crack that place :D
DSC_0009.JPG
DSC_0002.JPG
20220701-OLLIVISION-DSC05264.jpg
racetracker_17599204_269813.jpg
DSC_0015.JPG
[youtube]Sctu_apnaX0[/youtube]
 
wow some brilliant driving there - some hairy moments as well.
I think I would struggle to concentrate and would sure to be one of those cars you passed like they were stationary!!
 
What a difference in traffic compared to a normal tourist day! Must make it so much more enjoyable.

Good pace too, even with no traffic, 8 min in a z4m takes some courage/skill!
 
beanie said:
What a difference in traffic compared to a normal tourist day! Must make it so much more enjoyable.

Good pace too, even with no traffic, 8 min in a z4m takes some courage/skill!
Click to expand...

Yes, I'd recommend paying what might seem like extra to do a trackday there rather than TF, assuming that is you have done a few at uk circuits before. I managed 20 laps or so and could have done more, at €30 a lap on TF that's pretty much the same price. The traffic situation is generally pretty good (even given this Circuit Days one is very much at the budget end of the offerings there), however it doesn't stop people getting over excited, there was about 2 hours of track closure in the morning for 3 red flag situations. As I mentioned in my op the last/first time I went had multiple track closures all day, we were lucky post midday this time. Last but not least is the insurance implications of doing TF which in my mind put a dampener on things somewhat, I'm not really willing to risk it in a UK car.

I was pleased with getting around 8 mins, I had managed an 8:35 or something last time I was there. The hour tuition I booked was well worth it, there's so much to learn. I would think the car could go an easy 20 secs or so faster with a new set of Direzza or AR-1 etc (my MRF were far past their best) and someone who knew what they were doing!
Case in point here's a z4 3.0si coupe going sub 8 8) https://youtu.be/ss2Y36ZcYhMw
 
Even if a quicker lap may be possible I enjoyed your video. :thumbsup:

You looked pretty committed to me!
 
Nice Pedaling Tom! Agree on the TF thing - I've always wanted to go, but the whole insurance situation has massively put me off. My mates always moan that I'm overthinking it but in my mind it's quite difficult not to having seen some of the monumental shunts that have happened!
 
TomK said:
Yes, I'd recommend paying what might seem like extra to do a trackday there rather than TF, assuming that is you have done a few at uk circuits before. I managed 20 laps or so and could have done more, at €30 a lap on TF that's pretty much the same price. The traffic situation is generally pretty good (even given this Circuit Days one is very much at the budget end of the offerings there), however it doesn't stop people getting over excited, there was about 2 hours of track closure in the morning for 3 red flag situations. As I mentioned in my op the last/first time I went had multiple track closures all day, we were lucky post midday this time. Last but not least is the insurance implications of doing TF which in my mind put a dampener on things somewhat, I'm not really willing to risk it in a UK car.

I was pleased with getting around 8 mins, I had managed an 8:35 or something last time I was there. The hour tuition I booked was well worth it, there's so much to learn. I would think the car could go an easy 20 secs or so faster with a new set of Direzza or AR-1 etc (my MRF were far past their best) and someone who knew what they were doing!
Case in point here's a z4 3.0si coupe going sub 8 8) https://youtu.be/ss2Y36ZcYhMw
Click to expand...

I quite fancy a ‘proper’ day there at some point, I’ve been a couple of times for the TF but only really for a quick experience rather than doing a day of lapping. Having a less chaotic track would be nice and tuition would definitely be a good idea. Did you pre book the tuition or was it available through Circuit Days?
 
beanie said:
I quite fancy a ‘proper’ day there at some point, I’ve been a couple of times for the TF but only really for a quick experience rather than doing a day of lapping. Having a less chaotic track would be nice and tuition would definitely be a good idea. Did you pre book the tuition or was it available through Circuit Days?
Click to expand...
The tuition was through CD, I'm pretty sure all organisers offer similar. It was about £100 I think. I feel like I didn't quite make my point though that yes it worked out in VFM this time but the first time it definitely didn't! I think it was just bad luck but it is also I think true that the cheapest TDs there will inevitably bring out more ring novices (like me) and therefore a greater chance of red flag situations. I am considering paying more next time and looking at things like DN or others that might have a better chance of avoiding that. I booked mine in the usual CD xmas sale thing and it was £495 or something instead of 595.
Do it :thumbsup:
Ed Doe said:
Agree on the TF thing - I've always wanted to go, but the whole insurance situation has massively put me off. My mates always moan that I'm overthinking it but in my mind it's quite difficult not to having seen some of the monumental shunts that have happened!
Click to expand...
I think it depends really on what you want to get out of going there is. If it's just to experience it I'd have no issue with getting out early on a TF weekday and treating it as a nice one way road. Personally though I'd rather try and drive it somewhere near to where I feel the limit is, and that's not something I'd risk on TF for sure. A monumental shunt on a TD though is still certainly not impossible :!:
Mr Tidy said:
You looked pretty committed to me!
Click to expand...
It feels fairly full on in places I won't lie! The speeds in general are a lot lot higher than almost any other circuit and of course there is no run off to speak of. Plus, it's quite a long way from home!
 
That lap looked mega, wish I had the cojones to do it in someone else's car, one day perhaps
 
tomk = the z4 forums very own STIG! Well done man... driving like a beast and the car is imo so impressive!

Tom what did you need to make the aftermarket steering wheel work and satisfy the electrics so you dont get warning lights. Also did the wheel add to the driving experience for you , would love alittle feedback on this. Thanks in advance.
 
Beedub said:
tomk = the z4 forums very own STIG! Well done man... driving like a beast and the car is imo so impressive!

Tom what did you need to make the aftermarket steering wheel work and satisfy the electrics so you dont get warning lights. Also did the wheel add to the driving experience for you , would love alittle feedback on this. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I'd like to know too, I'm considering a momo mod 07 myself! :roll:
 
Beedub said:
tomk = the z4 forums very own STIG! Well done man... driving like a beast and the car is imo so impressive!

Tom what did you need to make the aftermarket steering wheel work and satisfy the electrics so you dont get warning lights. Also did the wheel add to the driving experience for you , would love alittle feedback on this. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Haha, I'd imagine anyone who drives there regularly would say more like a bambi or something :oops:
The car felt really good though there I must say. My issue with my setup at the moment is low speed tight radius traction, something that doesn't feature there. Car rotated nicely generally and all four tyres seemed to be working well.
As for the wheel... hmm! Totally recommend it as a 'driving' mod, the thinner rim with no cushioning just unlocks a further level of feel unsurprisingly. But getting the frickin air bag light off, i've tried inpa, bmw scanner but not got there. I've given up for the moment as my mate owns the place I get it mot'd at but will get back to it soon, it can't be that hard :oops:
Obviously these wheels have no airbags, so you need harnesses really... I had to change mine as I no longer have 3 point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom