Hello from Surrey

[BatMobile]

Hi,

After reading more discussions on LTF than i care to publicly admit to, I have taken the plunge on an Exige 350. The car is being registered at the moment and i collect from Hofmann's in Henley next Thursday, all a bit lucky really as Lotus delivered them a second demonstrator by mistake and it has allowed me to not only miss the 10-12 week wait time but also the new car tax increase! 

I can now understand the excitement my 5 yr old has a week before Christmas when they would literally do anything to magic the date forward a week. 

Are there any meets in the Surrey area? Any good groups to join for track day companionship?

Look forward to hopefully meeting a bunch of you and hearing any advice you might have.

Thanks 

Al

 

[Bibs]

Congratulations, nice username! 

There's a meeting at Hofmanns tomorrow morning and also a regular and well attended meet at Newlands Corner on the 3rd Sunday of each month for bacon butties and natter. You'll find details in the regional sections at the bottom of the forum index page.

Join http://www.lotus-on-track.com/ who are one of the best TDO's about too

[BatMobile]

Thanks Bibs, yes my car was due for collection tomorrow but the detailer couldn't get out in time to do the ceramic coating so its been delayed until Thursday.

Newlands corner sounds good and should help me eat through the running in miles.

will look at joining lotus on track - is it best to insure with a firm that covers track days (like Mannings) or just cover for the day as a one off?

[swindon_alan]

Excellent! I will have a sit in that tomorrow morning, perhaps Pat will let me take it for a spin...

[BatMobile]

Do you want to make a grown man cry......because you will

[Bibs]

It's cheaper to get TD insurance with your policy, it's an expensive one-off. 

[theelanman]

Hi and welcome

great looking car....always did like the exposed gear stick linkage.......

very cool......

[The Pits]

Absolutely stunning car! Many congratulations.

Loads going on here, quite a few Exiges going to Brands on Thursday 4th May. LOT is sold out but MSV and Bell & Colvill might have some spaces left.

[BatMobile]

Thank you elan, originally wanted metallic grey but after seeing the black in person, it just looks so aggressive I fell in love!!

 

the pits! Your videos I have watched many many times, and whilst I am trying to get through the wait to collect I find myself rewatching them! I am a track day virgin so whilst I am desperate to get into it I must admit to being slightly nervous at the same time. Any tips on how to enter it sensibly? 

[Bibs]

 

[BatMobile]

@Bibs

Thank bibs, that's a great link, very informative.

my purchase seems to have inspired a friend however the car he has been offered is a 2016 build but will be registered as a 2017. It's a £64k spec car but he has been offered it around the £58k mark.

His concern is come resale will this be viewed as a 2016 or a 2017? Is this a common thing for lotus?

thought I would ask you guys as i am not able to provide him with any advice either way.

Edited April 2, 2017 by BatMobile

[M4rk]

Congratulations for your new car, it looks stunning!  I like black cars.

I was pleased with my insurance deal through Mannings, with unlimited UK track cover they were competitive over a couple of others I tried.

Plenty of tracks offer novice days and I recommend taking instruction, its well priced for the benefit it will give you.  Increase speed in your own time and enjoy!  

Get the running in completed in good time, driving your Exige will get so much better after that! 

[swindon_alan]

On 31/03/2017 at 09:39, BatMobile said:

Do you want to make a grown man cry......because you will

Absolutely adored your car yesterday Alastair!

Wow, it really picks up quick and that rev limiter is a lifesaver if you are concentrating and can't look down at the tacho as the bends are oh so severe on the back roads around Henley. Tyres work well though, squeal like a baby at full reverse lock! Donuts in Hofmann's car park were a piece of cake.

@Pat@Hofmanns said he would put the car right though. He reckoned that the "minor" stone chips and the wheel rim scuffing would polish out fine. He's a great bloke.

[The Pits]

We're well past April fools Alan!

Mark's advice is spot on about trackdays. There are novice days and sessions too if you want the most gentle possible introduction but you'll be amazed at your progress during the day in a S350, they are immensely capable on track and keep up with most things without trying.

You have a massive electronic safety net in 'tour' mode, so safe I bet you try 'Sport' mode before the day is out! Most trackdays start the day with very slow sighting laps and are pretty well regulated in terms of driving standards. LOT are pretty strict. But RMA days are better suited to more experienced track drivers. Let us know which tracks and events you are thinking of and we can give you a heads up on how suitable it might be for your first one.

You'll be fine though and will wish you'd done it sooner. In truth the track is a much safer place to drive fast than the road. I look forward to hearing how you get on.

 

[Hofmanns]

8 hours ago, swindon_alan said:

Absolutely adored your car yesterday Alastair!

Wow, it really picks up quick and that rev limiter is a lifesaver if you are concentrating and can't look down at the tacho as the bends are oh so severe on the back roads around Henley. Tyres work well though, squeal like a baby at full reverse lock! Donuts in Hofmann's car park were a piece of cake.

@Pat@Hofmanns said he would put the car right though. He reckoned that the "minor" stone chips and the wheel rim scuffing would polish out fine. He's a great bloke.

Alan you cheeky sod! 

Very much looking forward to handing the car over on Thursday, sadly the detailer we use is in high demand and we won't use anyone else as his work is beautiful, but only a couple of days to go now! 

As others have said lots of great ways getting into track days. I personally started by doing a novice day at Bedford Autodrome, and have had plenty of instruction. With Exige S350s being so capable out the box just take your time, get used to the car and above all enjoy it!

See you Thursday!

[Barrykearley]

12 hours ago, swindon_alan said:

Absolutely adored your car yesterday Alastair!

Wow, it really picks up quick and that rev limiter is a lifesaver if you are concentrating and can't look down at the tacho as the bends are oh so severe on the back roads around Henley. Tyres work well though, squeal like a baby at full reverse lock! Donuts in Hofmann's car park were a piece of cake.

@Pat@Hofmanns said he would put the car right though. He reckoned that the "minor" stone chips and the wheel rim scuffing would polish out fine. He's a great bloke.

Thank god it wasn't slightly damp and frosty with a roundabout in the mix - could have been a whole lot worse 

[pete]

might be worth trying one of these before going on track.Can find limits of car in complete safety

https://www.lotus-on-track.com/book/product/north-weald-friday-28-april-2017?v=79cba1185463

[DaveC72]

Absolutely stunning. Welcome and enjoy!

[ramjet]

Welcome to TLF Alastair.

Looks like there will be lots of fun to be had in that.

Any qeustions or issues with using the forums, feel free to ask one of us mods. We're here to help.  

[BatMobile]

Thanks guys, the pictures don't actually do it justice so I am desperate for the next 49 hours to come and go as quickly as possible so I can spend as much time looking at it/driving it as possible. 

On the flip side, my eagerness to be very busy to make the time pass has won me huge husband points with the wife......every cloud hey!