Castle Combe track day 25th May '24 - first timer

[Markindevon]

I've finally worked out that the CC track day won't this year clash with other family commitments so have signed up

It will be my first track day and so any hints and tips will be appreciated - just hope the car passes the noise test!

Any of the SW gang going? @MPx, @mayevora, @exeterjeep, @EGTE?

[exeterjeep]

Ian usually goes and usually on track. SWLC partly sponsor a racing Exige so they are often there.  There is a lunchtime parade round the track (no helmets required for this) , not sure whey they started doing that.

Sure Mike will be there, as he pointed out that the date is also the same day as the car show at Matford Exeter.  

Not been on the track myself, used to go when I lived up in Hertfordshire - also there used to be a time  when lotus specialists  ie local dealer and then well known parts suppliers  often had tents and parts etc for sale. But these days there are a few private stalls selling odd parts.

 

 

[MPx]

I've not missed one in over 30 years Mark - always great fun, more so if its sunny than wet but always good anyway.   Usually a few hundred Lotus there so loads to gawp at - track places for 100 in groups of 12.   So its not crowded and makes for a very gentle intro to track driving as there's a no overtaking in the corners or braking areas rule - passing by consent on the right only.  There's always a couple of numpties who break the rules (and get black flagged) and others that think if they don't let you pass they are faster drivers/faster cars - conveniently forgetting the "by consent" rule.   But generally a very friendly and considerate crowd and a great way to get the feel of track driving.

You don't really need to do much prep to your car - obvs check coolant/oil/fuel/tyre pressures - I just make them spot on Lotus spec for fast road driving - leave any "tuning" for a proper track day.  The sessions are less than 15 mins on track typically 7 or 8 laps - that will probably be plenty long enough to work up a bit of a sweat but not long enough to beat up your car.  If you do more than the minimum 2 sessions, you will get through a lot of fuel so take the hit on weight and fill up before you get there.  The worse bit is queuing for the track - can become very tedious between about 11 and 3.

There's proper instructors there happy to help for a charity donation...or if you just want a very basic guide I'd be happy to show you round - you passenger in mine and/or I'll passenger in yours.

[Steve V8]

Are we sure about this date chaps.

Unusual for it to take place on a Friday, add to that a a previous comment which suggests it clashes with the Matford car show which is on Saturday 9th March.

I missed it last year, don't want to miss it again this time.

[Markindevon]

I think @exeterjeep may have been mistaken about the clash? -it's back to the usual Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday (which is Monday 27th):

 

[Steve V8]

Getting my 24's and 25' mixed up. It's in the diary.

[Markindevon]

26 minutes ago, MPx said:

...

There's proper instructors there happy to help for a charity donation...or if you just want a very basic guide I'd be happy to show you round - you passenger in mine and/or I'll passenger in yours.

Hi Mike , @MPx,

We were going to do this a couple of years back weren't we... and then I ended up not being able to go!

I would definitely like to have a chance of finding my way around and would love to take you up on that offer - maybe even in both directions with me coming with you first and then vice versa?

The car is going into SWL next week to try to get the bumper properly aligned and do a couple of other small things so I'll ask them for their view on the brakes etc while it's there.

Actually @exeterjeep, the Matford 'Sanctioned' car show is indeed on the 25th too... I know where I'll be going!

[exeterjeep]

I wonder if there could be an Evija or an Eletre R present on track - at least they would meet the required decibel levels.

[MPx]

More than welcome Mark - just hope that the cars behave this year so that you get a proper feel.  Esprit not run in yet from its rebuild so likely in the M100, but we'll see how it goes.

[jep]

It's always a fab day out. Historic Lotus Register display beauties and loads of younger Lotus too. 

I've only missed a few in 31 years. Free to gawp, pay to track and tons of access after 3pm, you can lap until you or the car drop.

Justin 

[mayevora]

I’ve only missed one in 30 years. (Still haven’t forgiven my sister for booking her wedding on a Castle Combe date) I’ve no more sisters so I’ll be there 100% 👍😁

[EGTE]

Is this a Club Lotus-only thing or can I book direct somewhere? Definitely interested in seeing how the 430 does.

[exeterjeep]

Going on track you have to be a Club Lotus member and pay the booking fee.

Details..

https://www.clublotus.co.uk/castle-combe-track-day-package-29th-may-2021   I know this says 2021 but it comes up as  CASTLE COMBE TRACK DAY PACKAGE 25TH MAY 2024

 

Please note you must be a member of Club Lotus in order to purchase the track driving packages. Lotus cars only.

Track driving packages are £110 – which guarantees two 15 minute sessions on the fast, smooth and flowing 1.85 mile circuit when the track opens at 09.00. Once these sessions have been completed we’ll go to open pit lane (usually from around 14.00/14.30). You’re then able to go out again as many times as you like until the circuit closes at 17.00.

It is free to turn up and park to watch and look at all the other Lotus parked around on the grass and hard standing.

Can then chat to other Lotus owners to compare whatever you want to compare with...

[jep]

Noise restrictions apply so check before booking 

[exeterjeep]

Certainly think James' Esprit from SWLC is too loud to go on track.

Also think you may need a suitable helmet, could not find that info on their web site.   Am sure if you have a convertible its needed.  Anyone confirm? @mayevora

[mayevora]

And arms and legs must be covered. (No shorts or T-shirts) Helmets are obviously compulsory but you can hire them there if you don’t own one. 
All of above not necessary on lunchtime parade laps.

[EGTE]

How do we know if our car will meet the noise standards? Anyone taken a standard GT430 to Castle Combe and been turned away?

[exeterjeep]

16 minutes ago, EGTE said:

How do we know if our car will meet the noise standards? Anyone taken a standard GT430 to Castle Combe and been turned away?

James from SWLC said mine would be too loud, when I was chatting to him at the show at Matford around a month ago. They have fitted a different (quieter) exhaust to their 430 to pass the noise test as they want to try it out at Castle Combe. May be check with James about yours.

 

[EGTE]

Thanks for that Keith. Will be speak to James right now.

Apparently they need to test it to be sure, will go down on the 15th. I've already booked this, so will be annoying if it won't pass. A track car that's too loud for track days is bonkers.

[exeterjeep]

i would expect the Evija X might be ok for noise limits but does not sound great anyway.

[MPx]

2 hours ago, EGTE said:

 A track car that's too loud for track days is bonkers.

Sort of, but the real problem is the NIMBYs who move to a village next to a race track and then start complaining about the noise. CC get a lot of flack and have been reduced to very few "loud" days per year which are used for proper racing.  Most club days are 100dB limited, sometimes 105, but occasionally even lower. 

[exeterjeep]

B&C have a track day at Castle Combe for their customers ie Lotus Subaru  Morgan and McLaren....once per year. This year its Thursday 27th June.   Car + 1 Driver = £285 plus vat

Their FB add says  105db - Noise limit     don't know what the Club Lotus day limit is.

 

[Rambo]

2 hours ago, exeterjeep said:

  don't know what the Club Lotus day limit is.

 

100 dB(A) I think 🤔

[EGTE]

Unfortunately it is 100 dB.  I think I'm going to try to cancel, sadly.

[Uncle Al]

Just out of interest will this event incorporate the 50th Anniversary of the ‘Wedge’?  I know this was covered at the NEC back in March but I heard that a track day was being organised to get as many Elites/Eclat’s/Excels/Esprit’s as possible - but I could be wrong?