Castle Combe Racing School

[MaddMart]

On Saturday I was up with the larks & off to Castle Combe for the "Elise Sports & Racing" course. The briefing started at 8:15am for approx. 30 mins. which covered safety issues & how to drive the course. Then it was off to the pit lane. 3 of us piled into one of the Focuses for a few laps, with the instructor driving & showing the correct way to do it. Then it was my turn. I was doing ok until the last bend of the 1st lap (camp corner) where I spectacularly spun it right in front of everybody watching (well the track was wet).<br>
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Next was the Formula Ford single seater. What a strange experience that was. After sliding down on to the seat you're strapped in tightly (Tinned sardines came to mind, although they probably have more room). After a quick briefing on the controls I was off. It's a very isolated feeling driving one of these. Anyway, I did a couple of laps at what I thought was a fair speed until a couple of Imprezas came flashing past me. huummm!! I thought, I wonder if I could keep up with them ?? No! was the answer, as I found myself facing the wrong way after coming out of Quarry corner (a bit to quick on the gas). Still, most of the drivers spun these single seaters as the track was still wet. At least nobody saw me this time.<br>
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Then it was on to the Impreza. Now that was more like it. The acceleration was incredible and it handled well through the corners. I got the rear end to step out a couple of times (ooer) but learnt from my earlier experience in the Focus & floored it to pull it back in. My only criticisms of the Impreza was the lack of involvement/feedback from the car.<br>
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Finally, the Lotus Elise. Getting in & out of this car is an art in itself and wearing a helmet didn't help. Having only ever viewed one of these from a distance I was surprised at the lack of mod cons & basic instrumentation, no carpets & fairly solid seats. But what a car!! Great acceleration & phenomenal through the corners. After a couple of laps my confidence grew & I was able to throw it into the corners a lot quicker and the Elise just handled it perfectly. It certainly brought a smile to my face. Pity I couldn't have had a few more laps.<br>
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I would definately recommend this course to anyone, especially if you're thinking of taking your car on the track. The only downside was not having more tracktime.<br>
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Roll on next season. Can't wait to get the Sprint on the track!!<br>
<br>
Martin

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[Carsreunited]

Sounds like you had a fantastic day. I suppose the great thing about having so many vehicles to go out in was that you get to see which ones you have a good feel for and which ones bring a big smile to your face.<br>
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You need to find an all Elise track day now! Can't wait to see you in the Sprint on a track somewhere. Maybe we should aim to get on the Anglesey track day? If Graeme, yourself and a couple of others could get along then it might show the TR people our clubs interest in becoming active in Motorsport.<br>
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No doubt I'll be speaking to you soon. Let me know what you want to do re the 45's. I can box them up and send them on to you whenever you are ready.<br>
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Scott.<br>
<br>


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[SMIFTER]

Impreza WRX? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz<br>
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They may be fast, but a Focus is more fun (if you keep it on the road eh Mart<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> )<br>
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And I quite agree with the Lotus barebones principal - Thats how Colin Chapman used to design his Lotus's and how a no compromises sports car should be. Saying that the latest Elises have such nonsense as optional electric windows and aircon to appeal to the masses - Colin Chapman must be turning in his grave!<br>
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BTW driving a Sprint on track is nothing like any of those cars. <br>
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I'd like to do the Anglesey day - its supposed to be a challenging circuit there with lots of level changes and looks similar to Llandow where I sprinted last year. Must get my car working again!! <br>
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G

<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub52.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdol ... SMIFTER</A> at: 2/1/04 9:36 am<br></i>

[MaddMart]

sounds like a good idea. I'm hoping to have my Sprint on the road on 1st March ready for the trackday at Castle Combe in April. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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[SMIFTER]

Maybe you can take me round then Martin! Mine wont be ready until late April at the soonest.<br>


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[MaddMart]

How come Graeme. What are you planning now (besides sorting your oil pressure or lack of) ??

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[SMIFTER]

Things to do:-<br>
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Rewire electrical accessories to toggle switches and push button start, Build Alumnimum Dash fascia, Strip down doors, bonnet, boot and lighten where possible, replace passenger side wing, get 4HA axle fitted (might be a big job!) not to mention sorting out the engine problem and getting it in a decent state of tune.<br>
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All of which isnt helped by me not finding the time, enthusiasm or cash to get out in my tiny cramped garage and get down and dirty.<br>
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AAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

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