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Trackdays in 2005 (so far)

by
Christopher Darwin

Having decided to take part in track days this year - rather than organise them - I have enjoyed two already. You may be interested to hear how they were for me.

The first was at Keevil airfield in Wiltshire in March. This was arranged by Motorsport Events (www.motorsport-events.com or 0870 7872116). It was well-organised and controlled, and although not at a motor circuit an interesting experience; the 100dBs day cost only £89, which was great value. The ‘circuit’ was about a mile, using part of the runway and some of the taxiways of this nearly-disused airfield; most of the cars were standard track day - Caterhams and modern Japanese - but several entertaining cars as well, such as a Cosworth turbo Escort Mark 2. Phil Edgar (a regular at our days) was there with his recently acquired TR7V8, and discovered the limits of its brakes (which he has since improved). I think my TR5 was the oldest car. Driving standards and discipline were good; despite the traffic there were no problems.

The circuit was demanding, with two 180 degree turns, one being within the width of the runway; these required very accurate positioning and turn-in to achieve the best line. I learned a lot about both understeer and power-on oversteer. Plenty of cars on track, plenty of track time, lots of open run-off areas (if needed!). Unfortunately, my oil cooler developed a leak, possibly due to chassis flex at those sharp corners and I gave up at lunchtime; I limped the 90 miles home without running out of oil. After talking to Revington (and opening my wallet) I have mounted the replacement on rubber bobbins.

On 20th April I returned to Goodwood. The day was organised by CKL Developments and was mainly for Jaguar E types, but places were available for older English cars. It was a ‘loud’105dBs day with only 5 cars on track and about 25 cars in total; three drivers from our track days were there with a Morgan, E type and MGBV8 as well as me with my TR5. The weather was perfect, there was not a single foreign or new car, and it was a great pleasure to be on Goodwood’s track in such illustrious company (both cars and drivers) – not all of whom overtook me. I was told that one lightweight E type low-drag coupe was valued at over £1m.

My favourite memory was the magnificent view from my car close behind a GT40 (which had just overtaken me, of course), itself held up by an E type as we went through St Mary’s and then Lavant corners – and I did manage to pass the E type, who did not know the circuit as well as me.

CKL works on competition classic Jaguars and runs these days at cost - although they are 105dBs and therefore with few cars and more expensive; my half day cost £130.

If you would like to be informed of the next event contact 01424 838250 or sales@ckldevelopments.co.uk. CKL customers have priority, but there are sometimes spare places, so register your interest. Your older car would be welcome, but please do not bring your modern car at the last minute – it is not that sort of day.

The next event for me and the TR will be on 11th May at Goodwood, another 105dBs day which is being organised by a Porsche dealer, Sussex Performance Cars (01403 257257); this may prove scary after the gentlemen in E types. Once again, the day is at cost; I am sharing the day with a Porsche and driving in the morning. I also intend to drive a Bookatrack (www.bookatrack.com 0870 744 1635) 98dBs day at Goodwood later in the summer.

All of these organisers have future events planned. Do contact them – you and your car will enjoy yourselves.

If you fancy having a go at writing up your event, get in touch via the contact us page and we will let you know how you can provide your own article.