08/12/2013 08:40:39 midget64 Hi, Why don't MGOT run open pit sessions? All of the other track days I have taken part in go open pit after the first few sessions. I find it much more enjoyable than being with the same group of cars for the whole day. What is the rationale please? Thanks Neil

08/12/2013 09:27:27 Stu Hi Neil There are numerous reasons why this route was adopted, but personally I think the sessioned day gives the ability to place people in groups depending on there experience. MGOT has always been keen to encourage newbie's, those who might be nervous of taking there car on circuit for the first time. ( I still remember well the feeling of anticipation as I drove onto the circuit at Donny for the first time, chanting to myself "I have got to drive it home" over and over again whilst listening to Radio 2's Terry Wogan to keep me calm :rolleyes:) A few years ago obviously :eek: Sessioning the day helps to not only give the newbie's reassurance that they are not on there own in there limited experience and that they won't be holding up the 'experienced regular' who will likely be traveling much faster. Also by sessioning the day you can control the amount of cars on circuit at any one time which means a clearer track most of the time making it a safer track. For instance at Silverstone GP we generally have about 120 cars grouped over 3 sessions (40 cars out at any one time, circa 10 cars per mile of track) The circuit will limit the cars out at any one time on open pit lane but its likely to be around 80 in Silverstone's case so double the traffic. For me 20min sessions really work, it's long enough to get a fair few laps in trying to perfect your line, then a 40 min break to reflect on your session, discuss and chat with friends over the perfect lap that we all strive to achieve but rarely do:D. Grab a coffee, take a leak and get ready to do it all over again. It also give the cars chance to cool and be checked over. I dont have any problem with the open pitlane format and have participated in numerous but for MGOT I think sessioning really works. Have a great xmas and see you on track in 2014 Stu:D

08/12/2013 09:47:24 Tim Guy Ha... Stu beat me to it but I'll leave this post here anyway - The debate about open pit or sessioned days will run for ever and there is of course no right answer. MGoT has positioned itself providing track days for ordinary road going MGs and tries to encourage as many MG owners as possible to have this fantastic experience of driving on track. As such we believe sessioning leads to a safer day; running similar car/ driver combinations together and is also less intimidating for novices. Apart from driving beyond the capability of car or driving ability, incidents are most likely to happen when overtaking. Running similar speed cars together minimises this. Many of the more experienced drivers also prefer to run in session because there is a far greater chance of getting open laps without hold up from slower cars. There is also less chance of contact when joining a fast running circuit. Brands is a good example of this with the pit lane opening pretty much straight into the turn in point for Paddock Hill. In some circles this has lead to MGoT being considered as a bit of a 'wuss' type organisation but we don't mind. If people start with us then want to move onto something more adrenaline filled; mixing with a variety of faster cars or onto racing, they are more than welcome. We have done our job. It has to be said that organising sessioned days requires far more effort and preparation: scheduling, instruction etc. I suspect this is why most commercial TDOs run open pit - just get a bunch of punters, point them towards the pit lane, let them queue and sort themselves out - job done. Out of interest we also run less cars than most other operators to give everyone more track room. For example Brands will let us run 25 cars on the circuit but we only run 18. We can afford to do this and keep our prices competitive because we are voluntary run and non profit making.

08/12/2013 20:04:40 midget64 Thanks for the replies Stu and Tim. I respect your views on this matter. I will undoubtedly come with you again but will also participate in other TD's where Open Pit is allowed. I just feel Open Pit makes the day more interesting with more variety rather than playing follow my leader around the track. As you say, it is a matter of personal choice. But thanks anyway.

09/12/2013 03:10:12 Stu Hi Neil I am not sure if you have checked over the 2014 calendar as yet but the first track day of 2014 in January is with our friends at LOT and is open pit lane and is booking now...:D [URL="http://www.mgs-on-track.com/events/155/bedford_autodrome_2014-01-25.htm"]http://www.mgs-on-track.com/events/155/bedford_autodrome_2014-01-25.htm[/URL] Stu :D

09/12/2013 06:43:55 midget64 Yes, thanks for that. Won't be able to make that one Stu but have in fact have booked with them for a TD in France next year. K Series Midgets like to mix it a bit :)

09/12/2013 16:22:23 Stu What circuit? A few of us drove abbeville a few years back with LOT, a really windy short circuit but was great fun on if i remember rightly, a very hot day :D Cheers Stu

09/12/2013 19:01:47 Tim Guy [quote=midget64]Thanks for the replies Stu and Tim. I respect your views on this matter. I will undoubtedly come with you again but will also participate in other TD's where Open Pit is allowed. I just feel Open Pit makes the day more interesting with more variety rather than playing follow my leader around the track. As you say, it is a matter of personal choice. But thanks anyway.[/quote] Thanks for your feedback Neil. We do try to respond to members needs and wishes and this forum is certainly the place to voice them. .

10/12/2013 14:24:13 NigelS There was a very good editorial from Mark Hales on the subject of OPL vs sessions in "Track Driver" a fw editions ago. Cant remember all the arguments be he concluded that sessioned days were preferable for the majority of track drivers if I recall correctly. You can subscribe for free to Track driver [URL="http://www.trackdriver.com/"]HERE[/URL].