E30 Zone

Hey

I am going to goodwood tomorrow on my first track day in my little 316. Got sorted with some tyres to blow away but i am not planning on going at all hard. I am hoping for a bit of rain so i have a lively rear end.

Post some comments let me know if you have any tips or warnings.

Just tried the helmet and i only just fit in!!

Cheers

Russ

Hi,

Sounds like you'll have fun!

Read the rules of the day and adhere to them.

Check you oil and water before and after each run on the track. Keep your eye on the water temperature gauge. Watch out for brake fade! Also check how much meat is on your pads before you start.

If a faster car approaches, be ready to move out the way, move to the right of the circuit and indicate to let them past.

Don't go too fast into corners, or you could lose grip and hit a wall!

Start off gently, and build up speed as your confidence builds, but don't get cocky or you could make mistakes!

Is it your first time on track?

Keep an eye on your tyre pressures through the day and check your wheel bolts are tight !

....oh and don't run out of fuel

Have fun !

I think i am set.

Yes first track day. Been to watch before but thats it. I will probably be the slowest car there - i have got a boyed up rover 218 to beet. But im noy really looking for that. I do a bit of filming and photography so im hopping to get some good stuff.

Got all the tools and wheels to go home on so should be good.

Anyone no what the track is like?

Goodwoods a nice track. Due to the noise regulations you'll only have 10 cars or so on track at any time which is nice if you're slower (less cars overtaking you).

If they offer driver training/intro's take them, being taken round by someone who knows the circuit is a real eye-opener and will give you a much better feel for the circuit than tip-toeing your way around yourself. Nearly all trackday companies offer at least sighting laps if you're new to the track and some offer 10 minute tuition sessions in your own car as well.

Goodwood is however very very fast, which means if you get it wrong you have a higher chance of careering off into something. So, as previously mentioned, definitely take it easy and work your own way up to your own speed slowly. I'd suggest if you have a friend going try and put yourselves deliberately in seperate sessions! I know it sounds pathetic but you really don't want to end up racing each other (it'll all end in tears) and by doing seperate sessions you can both take piccies of each and watch/comment on each others driving styles.

Oh, and one last thing if you're running a noisy exhaust be careful, Goodwood are very strict on noise.

I hope you have a great time, I'm jealous! Chill out, take it easy and always drive to your abilities and pace not anyone elses

My mate is using my car aswell which worries me a bit. Noise shouldnt be a problem

Ill post tomorrow to let you know how it goes.

Cheers Guys

Hahaha Goodwood...just remembering going round there in a Formula Ford single seater in unbelievable FOG!! Ended up laughing my head off as I couldn't see the track from the grass let alone anything else.

Just to add to the others good advice, don't forget to have cool down lap before coming off. When you come off don't leave the handbrake on (stick it in gear instead), with hot brakes it will create hotspots on the disc or drum and can warp them.

You will get brake fade unless you have seriously uprated brakes...be prepared for it!!! It's a brown trouser moment when you come to a corner and realise you are not slowing down much no matter how hard you press that pedal!

Once you have done one though you will be hooked, enjoy!!!!

325tracky wrote:Hahaha Goodwood...just remembering going round there in a Formula Ford single seater in unbelievable FOG!! Ended up laughing my head off as I couldn't see the track from the grass let alone anything else.

Just to add to the others good advice, don't forget to have cool down lap before coming off. When you come off don't leave the handbrake on (stick it in gear instead), with hot brakes it will create hotspots on the disc or drum and can warp them.

You will get brake fade unless you have seriously uprated brakes...be prepared for it!!! It's a brown trouser moment when you come to a corner and realise you are not slowing down much no matter how hard you press that pedal!

Once you have done one though you will be hooked, enjoy!!!!

LOL Fog - I've been round the nurburgring while it was snowing - that was mad enough!

Re disc warping - its not the discs that warp if you leave put the brakes on after heavy use, pad material transfers over to the discs, then hardens - this makes the discs appear warped. Same effect at the end of the day anyway.

Probably worth picking up a spare set of pads and bottle of brake fluid if you get chance on the way there - just incase you boil the fluid or wear the pads out. Speaking from past experience here!

Guys

Back from Goodwood safe and happy. Superb day and as soon as my wallet has been refilled i am going again. Now looking into having another e30 track car in the future.

Saw an Aerial Atom! That thing flies!!

Cheers for the advise

Russ

Those ariels are awesome

Is that one of those split single 2 stroke things.

goodwood is great! i remember racing round there in my mk.1 mini cooper! was a real good day and didnt come last which was kool! hope ya had fun mate

Let me know when your going again, i love goodwood apart from the noise limit! Id definately be up for a day there in the near future.

Andy_magic wrote:Is that one of those split single 2 stroke things.

this is one