This information is here to help people that are new to trackdays.
A car like a V6 Clio with its reputation of ''tricky'' handling often puts some owners off doing trackdays. Below is some information on places to go on track, insurance, car preparation and driving styles, I hope this gives at least some the confidence to get there car out and enjoy them, it can be a very rewarding experience. :race:
PLACES TO GO
Often it can be useful to attend a event with safety in mind, for example a Bedford Autodrome Novice day or a airfield day. The advantage of this is that both are forgiving in the event spinning or coming off the track.
Here the amount of run off can be seen
The other advantage is that Bedford will have a driving instructor available to ride with you and offer advice.
Other Airfield days can have the room for safe fun offs but instructor aren't always present
Possible places of interest are
Keevil
Hullavindon
Colerne
Woodbridge
Elvington
And info on these airfield days are available here.
http://www.trackdays.co.uk/tracks/
INSURANCE
One of the main worries is damaging you beloved car, especially a V6, as we all know that every part costs a lot. Insurance is therefore a good option. A trick one to way up on cost because accidents on trackdays are rare so some choose not to pay it. I have been quoted £400, 10% of the car value and some road insurances cover track use so have a good think about it because with all the good will in the world things happen.
Some insurance firms found on google (I have not used them just suggestions)
http://www.ryanmi.com
http://www.hertsinsurance.com
http://www.mismotorsport.com
CAR PREPERATION
Remove any loose items from within the car
Connect the tow eye to the front of the car
A good running and well maintained car should be fine, but recently service is a great way of making sure that a car is in the best condition as possible
Make sure the brake pads have plenty of pad left
Consider new brake fluid as heat can affect older fluid
Tyres should be legal and able to make it through the day and often need to be used to drive home
Tyre pressures are best kept at manufacturers pressures. Some suggest more pressure to stop sidewall ware, but this can affect the handling of a V6
Take extra engine oil and check all levels regularly throughout the day
Any video equipment is to be mounted property and the circuit will often ask people to sign to say the footage is not posted on youtube etc.
While on the track build up speed slowly, this warms all fluids, oils, tyres and brakes
Brake fade can affect the V6, it this happens keep driving slowly at least one full lap before pitting as movement cools the brakes and stopping can increase the chance of boiling the fluid
A slow lap should be done after all quick out laps before coming into the pit, this aids cooling
Check over your car regularly
DRIVING STYLES
As described above start slowly then build up, Clio V6's do under-steer and can over-steer quickly so rushing in can cause incidents or more likely you being told by the marshals to leave the track.
An example
[youtube]eRF1xJ-dBaM[/youtube]
Often smoothness is rewarded by quicker speeds, adjusting mid corner is less forgiving in our cars than others, this video is an example of smooth throttle and steering inputs
[youtube]PRmLxbzcQs0[/youtube]
A V6 in the wet is almost like driving a different car and all sudden driving inputs can create spins and slides, although this can be fun
[youtube]AjLDUJMNdLM[/youtube]
As ever there are more challenging tracks to go with but they can be more risky but after getting used to a Clio V6 on track then you will know you own limits better and can decide where to go next. :race:
A car like a V6 Clio with its reputation of ''tricky'' handling often puts some owners off doing trackdays. Below is some information on places to go on track, insurance, car preparation and driving styles, I hope this gives at least some the confidence to get there car out and enjoy them, it can be a very rewarding experience. :race:
PLACES TO GO
Often it can be useful to attend a event with safety in mind, for example a Bedford Autodrome Novice day or a airfield day. The advantage of this is that both are forgiving in the event spinning or coming off the track.
Here the amount of run off can be seen
The other advantage is that Bedford will have a driving instructor available to ride with you and offer advice.
Other Airfield days can have the room for safe fun offs but instructor aren't always present
Possible places of interest are
Keevil
Hullavindon
Colerne
Woodbridge
Elvington
And info on these airfield days are available here.
http://www.trackdays.co.uk/tracks/
INSURANCE
One of the main worries is damaging you beloved car, especially a V6, as we all know that every part costs a lot. Insurance is therefore a good option. A trick one to way up on cost because accidents on trackdays are rare so some choose not to pay it. I have been quoted £400, 10% of the car value and some road insurances cover track use so have a good think about it because with all the good will in the world things happen.
Some insurance firms found on google (I have not used them just suggestions)
http://www.ryanmi.com
http://www.hertsinsurance.com
http://www.mismotorsport.com
CAR PREPERATION
Remove any loose items from within the car
Connect the tow eye to the front of the car
A good running and well maintained car should be fine, but recently service is a great way of making sure that a car is in the best condition as possible
Make sure the brake pads have plenty of pad left
Consider new brake fluid as heat can affect older fluid
Tyres should be legal and able to make it through the day and often need to be used to drive home
Tyre pressures are best kept at manufacturers pressures. Some suggest more pressure to stop sidewall ware, but this can affect the handling of a V6
Take extra engine oil and check all levels regularly throughout the day
Any video equipment is to be mounted property and the circuit will often ask people to sign to say the footage is not posted on youtube etc.
While on the track build up speed slowly, this warms all fluids, oils, tyres and brakes
Brake fade can affect the V6, it this happens keep driving slowly at least one full lap before pitting as movement cools the brakes and stopping can increase the chance of boiling the fluid
A slow lap should be done after all quick out laps before coming into the pit, this aids cooling
Check over your car regularly
DRIVING STYLES
As described above start slowly then build up, Clio V6's do under-steer and can over-steer quickly so rushing in can cause incidents or more likely you being told by the marshals to leave the track.
An example
[youtube]eRF1xJ-dBaM[/youtube]
Often smoothness is rewarded by quicker speeds, adjusting mid corner is less forgiving in our cars than others, this video is an example of smooth throttle and steering inputs
[youtube]PRmLxbzcQs0[/youtube]
A V6 in the wet is almost like driving a different car and all sudden driving inputs can create spins and slides, although this can be fun
[youtube]AjLDUJMNdLM[/youtube]
As ever there are more challenging tracks to go with but they can be more risky but after getting used to a Clio V6 on track then you will know you own limits better and can decide where to go next. :race:
