11/02/2007 19:57:56 nigel castell Hi all, Well i decided to take the plunge and take my MGB GT onto the track. Can anyone out there give some advice on preparing the car for the day ahead? Any info would be appreciated. Look forward to seeing you. Nige!

11/02/2007 22:41:45 norman Hi Nigel, welcome to the team. Have you had a look [URL="http://www.mgs-on-track.com/faq"]here?[/URL] I'm sure others will be along with some more advice. We've never been to Snetterton before so we will all have something to learn.[U][/U]

13/02/2007 22:42:28 nigel castell Thanks Norman, i will check that out.

14/02/2007 02:21:19 Mike Hi Nigel, Norman's right, Snetterton is a mystery to all of us :D Having once jumped into a car I didn't know and driven a couple of laps, I can confirm that the one thing you don't want to be disappointed by is your brakes... :eek: Being fairly enthusiastic with the gas pedal means the brakes are going to get hotter than you're likely to achieve on the road, and that's when you discover the difference between budget pads and motorsport-oriented compounds, and the difference between brakes that will scrape through an MOT and brakes that will still be performing well after 20 minutes of adrenaline-charged fun. Motorway sliproads can be good testing grounds :cool: If the brake fluid is a bit long in the tooth I'd recommend a change, just to make sure there's no moisture present, and a higher grade fluid would be extra assurance when you have the obligatory oops-left-that-a-bit-late moment and have to brake REALLY hard :D On the day, the rule of thumb is putting approx 2psi more in the tyres, although everyone seems to have their own theories and preferences - I actually reduce mine at one end. Higher pressure means the tyre keeps its shape better and won't suffer the telltale wear around the shoulders, but that doesn't always produce the most grip or the best feedback. It's recommended not to put your handbrake on after a track session, and paddocks are rarely perfectly flat so something to chock the wheels is always useful. ________ [URL="http://vaporizer.org/reviews/vapor-genie"]Vapor genie review[/URL]

14/02/2007 18:40:23 Martin C Hi Nigel, Welcome to MGoT and your first event. I ran my B GT last year and the advice from Norman and Mike is sound. I presume you have standard car? which is fine, mine was a virtually standard rubber bumper car. The only mods were to free flow exhaust manifold and system, the Powerstop X25 front brake upgrade and larger tyres on the Rostyles, but I didn't have the brakes until the end of the season. Everything else was exactly as the factory intended, so don't fear you do not need a super modified car :D Tyres, I ran it with 195/70X14, originally budget Kumo tyres which were in actual fact quite sticky, but I had one go oval at the end of a day at Castle Combe so changed to Avons. If it was dry I'd run them at 30psi all round, if wet then standard pressures. Mikes advice about brake fluid is very important, if you don't know how long the fluid has been in the system I would change it. But the standard brake system copes OK, the pedal may start to go a little long towards the end of the day, but should still be firm. If you adjust the rear brakes, make sure they don't bind at all, as Mike said heat build up is going to happen, you don't need to aid it with binding shoes. I would also do an oil and filter change, check gearbox/overdrive and back axle fluid levels. Check your cooling system hoses and make sure they are good condition. Finally a good greasing of all your grease nipples and you'll be ready to go have loads of fun:) Fianlly remember the BIGGEST nut is the one behind the steering wheel;) Take your time to learn the circuit, it is very easy for the red mist to rise and the adrenalin to flow and the pedal goes to the metal. You will find there are always faster cars or drivers (usually), so let them go and concentrate on enjoying your time. You have the whole day to build up to going quicker and quicker. Finally have you thought about coming to North Weald, it is a great place to get the feel of the car? If you go to the picture Gallery for Castle Combe you'll be able to see what fun a standard car is, mines the black rubber bumper model. I guarentee you'll have fun and be back for more. Cheers, Martin.

14/02/2007 23:13:07 nigel castell [b]Roll on the 16th.[/b] Thanks guys, This is all really useful info. Martin I viewed the pic of your CC exploits last night, very impressive! The tyre info is really interesting as it is handy to have tyre pressures in mind, I do see the theory of more pressure, besides wear the tyre should be more stable if harder. I would like to stay on the standards first time out as the car really is unchanged from its original set up so it will be good to see how it performs:eek: . I will obviously look at my road tyres condition prior to the day as those thin pieces of rubber hold the whole thing together and from previous experience with performance cars I realise that quality of tyre makes a huge difference. I may put a higher spec set of discs and pads on the car, MGOC stock vented discs which at a reasonable cost will, with better grade pads improve braking for both road and track. Thanks for the advice on fluid as this is something that I had not considered beforehand. Interesting fact about the handbrake too as it would be a shame to weld the brakes! I did consider the North weald event too Martin but unfortunately I have a prior engaement on that day. Goodwood and Brands look inviting though and hopefully we might see more of Snetterton over the summer. I have watched the MG classes at a couple of meetings at Snetterton and it sure looks fun. A friend of mine has raced there several times in MGB's but unfortunately I cannot get hold of him at the moment. If I do i shall share any knowledge. Regarding the Nut behind the wheel, my track experience is limited to several kart races some years ago. Needless to say I did take to a track in the Loire valley in 110c sunshine and had the great pleasure of beating allcomers. Might have been my weight advantage in those days but what great fun. I do recall how draining it could be too including a couple of cracked ribs on one occasion. Well I look forward to meeting you on the day and hope to chat in the meantime. Many thanks Nige!

15/02/2007 20:32:46 Martin C [I]Hi Nigel,[/I] [quote=nigel castell]Thanks guys, I would like to stay on the standards first time out as the car really is unchanged from its original set up so it will be good to see how it performs:eek: . I may put a higher spec set of discs and pads on the car, MGOC stock vented discs which at a reasonable cost will, with better grade pads improve braking for both road and track. [/quote] [I]The standard tyres are fine, the Kumos and Avons were standard road tyres, just a bigger than standard size.[/I] [I]I wouldn't go to the expense of vented disc's, I don't think they are required for a standard or mildly tuned state of car. Look at the Powerstop X25 brake kit. Solid grooved & spotted disc's with green stuff pads. It gives 25% extra braking area using the standard calipers. It comes as a complete kit for around £150 and I found it superb and along with braided hoses should be ample extra insurance, so to speak. Look at [/I] [I][URL="http://www.powerstop.co.uk"]www.powerstop.co.uk[/URL][/I] [B][I]ACTUALLY NIGEL DON'T GO THERE I'VE JUST CHECKED AND THEY WANT ABOUT £200. GO TO [URL="http://www.mikerolls4mgs.co.uk"]www.mikerolls4mgs.co.uk[/URL][/I][/B] [B][I]MIKE IS DOING THE WHOLE KIT FOR A SPECIAL OF £159, IT'S WHERE I GOT MINE.[/I][/B] [I]Finally I forgot, Norman takes super pictures, but my mate managed to catch these of me at Combe.[/I] [I][URL="http://www.mgs-on-track.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2645/cat/500/ppuser/272"][IMG]http://www.mgs-on-track.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/060806_076.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.mgs-on-track.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2644/cat/500/ppuser/272"][IMG]http://www.mgs-on-track.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/060806_066.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/I] [I]Standard B's I love em! :) , it's just a shame I've had to move on from mine now:mad: . But after playing with my new ZS at Goodwood I think I can live with the replacement:D [/I] [I]Cheers,[/I] [I]Martin[/I]

15/02/2007 20:33:48 martin peacham I have not driven the track but from friends who have say its a quick track, russell can be quite interesting to say the least, the bollards there are fexible plastic with lots of run off(you know thats a good sign) and the best spectator point on the track,I have seen many cars spin or go across the bend backwards over the years. I hope to ahve the cash to book a place before they all go.:(

16/02/2007 00:18:33 v8dave I would advise everyone to plan on not leaving the track. While in recent years the straight on abort of Russells is fairly safe, overshooting the exit kerb is still a traumatic experience, and either occurance late in the day is evidence of a failure to learn the limits of circuit and car. IMHO. Also Russels is probably the safest corner at snetterton because it is the slowest. One point for anyone in a classic MG with drum rear brakes is don't adjust the rears or handbrake to give instance responce on the brake pedal - all you will do is overheat and damage your rear brakes. I suggest you adjust the rear shoes to be two notches back from dragging then set the handbrake to come up 6 clicks YMMV. Dave

16/02/2007 19:24:08 Mike [quote=v8dave]I would advise everyone to plan on not leaving the track. [/quote] That's my [I]plan [/I]on every track day... just occasionally, I succeed :rolleyes: :D The first track session is always the 'sighting laps', or 'ducks & drakes' (quite why I couldn't say - anyone..?) where the field is led by the pace car at around 50mph for 3 or so laps, and then the session continues under the usual rules. The pace car takes the 'perfect' line, the theory being that it will follow on down through the field, but in reality it becomes a bit diluted so the closer you can position yourself to the front the better the info will be ;) Alternatively, book an instruction session - the ARDS qualified guys have all probably done more laps than they care to remember, most often in race conditions, so the nominal investment can have a very good return in saved tyres, brakes & embarassment :D I usually ask the instructor to drive a couple of laps, and then swap over - I pick up braking and turn points better from the passenger seat, making trying to adhere to them while in the hot seat a bit less hit'n'miss :rolleyes: Your ribs I think should be fairly safe from harm, and unlike me when I go karting, you shouldn't work up any blisters either... ________ [URL="http://www.vaporshop.com/mflb-vaporizer.html"]Magic flight[/URL]

19/02/2007 15:44:19 Prawn Snetterton is a great circuit but is very quick with two of the longest straights in the UK. It can be pretty hard on brakes as well. The first corner Riches is mega quick (110+ in the Radical), Sear is slower but you need to watch the exit as you are always tempted to carry too much speed and use too much of the run off concrete. Then the straight which seems to go on forever in a road car. The esses are fairly conventional but you arrive at high spped so need to get the brakes right, the bombhole can be very tricky as the dip/rise and weight transfer try to chuck the car off the circuit. Corum is one of the best corbers in the UK IMO, it is mega quick, much quicker than you first think and again seems to go on forever. Russells chicane is another big brake moment and many people overcook it into here. Definatley a circuit to be wary of and build up to during the day, I would also suggest instruction as the lines are not always obvious.

20/02/2007 20:16:32 nigel castell Well i have booked an ARDS guy which will stand me in good stead, This is great info and I will definately add a couple of upgrades and follow all the advice including staying on the track. I witnessed a friend racing a bgt leave the track at Russell (in spectacular form) and suffer a race ending break. Having watched several events at Snetterton it always amazes me how cars can look very out of shape exiting Coram too! Often fighting all the way into the approach of Russell. I must say, Looks fun!:cool:

22/02/2007 20:31:44 v8dave The back straight might be long, but we all thought we would need something to read on the long straights at Silverstone GP;) - I assure you that the corners will arrive more than soon enough!:eek: Prawn said the lines are not obvious - I've found them to be weather dependent too. [SIZE=1]Updated 25/02[/SIZE] A long time ago...... Video of a single slightly untidy lap while defending from a 1996 race - the bridge has been moved to the back straight for some years now! [U][/U][url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KSmgVCwa6U[/url] Dave

04/03/2007 19:45:55 nigel castell [b]Overdrive[/b] I am curious as to how the overdrive can best be utilised on the track. Having not been in a position to give the red roller skate much welly this is something I have not experimented with. I know the car will hit 100mph now though, dont ask me how I found out :D only to say it seemed very edgy on a slighty damp road this morning!

04/03/2007 19:58:32 Dodger [b]Track Day Virgin[/b] Hi folks I've just taken the plunge and booked my first ever track day for my TF at Snetterton too!! Feeling a little :eek: at the prospect, but your postings certainly helped. Decided to book and instruction slot after reading the bit about being thrown off the track. So if you find a 116 X-Power grey TF slowing you down a bit - be gentle with a track day virgin! Keep the posts coming 'cos all the advice will be really helpful, and looking forward to meeting you in the pit lane. Cheers David :confused:

04/03/2007 20:06:09 nigel castell [b]Hi David[/b] Well David, Two virgins in Norfolk, im sure we will be in good hands with the knowledge the guys have pitched in, Good luck, look forward to seeing you at Snetterton and Im sure I will be at the back with you somewhere. Nige!:)

04/03/2007 20:34:46 Dodger [b]Last places[/b] Yup, Nigel, I'll probably be joining you at the rear of the field!! Just hoping the Lotus boys will be too busy doing repairs during our track time to laugh too much!! That said, I'm really looking forward to the day, but I think new brake pads will be going on first, and the fluids changed. See you in April David:p

04/03/2007 21:34:21 Martin C [quote=nigel castell]I am curious as to how the overdrive can best be utilised on the track. [/quote] Hi Nigel, I have yet to have used overdrive on a track day. I also assume being a chrome bumper the switch is dash mounted? This would give you something else to think about, I would suggest you leave it out to start with. I doubt any of the straights are long enough for you to run out of revs. in normal forth. To get to a corner in overdrive forth, have to think about braking, changing down, cliping the apex and then flooring it to find you have no power because you are in overdrive third will be frustrating:mad: Then you panic and fumble for the switch:confused: ........................................... forget it. The overdrive switch on the rubber bumper is in the top of the gearknob, dead simple to use but I never bothered. Also welcome to MGoT to David, Dodger, you guys will be fine, it will seem daunting, perhaps:( , to start with, but as I've said before we all started in the same boat at some point. I bet you'll have Soooo much fun you'll be gagging for more:D Cheers, Martin.

05/03/2007 19:34:41 nigel castell [b]overdrive[/b] Hi Martin, I thought that might be the answer. Somehow it seemed to overcomplicate the situation, I know in normal road driving you have plenty of time to think step by step as opposed to charging into a bend on the track:eek: . See you at Snetterton. Nige!

06/03/2007 21:40:32 Dodger [b]Insurance[/b] Hi Guys What's the going rate for Trackday insurance for a single event? I've been quoted £97 for one day. Does this sound high. Any recommendations for companies supplying trackday insurance? Thanks David (Dodger)

06/03/2007 22:14:32 Dave [quote=Dodger]Hi Guys What's the going rate for Trackday insurance for a single event? I've been quoted £97 for one day. Does this sound high. Any recommendations for companies supplying trackday insurance? Thanks David (Dodger)[/quote]Hi David, I haven't checked recently what the going rate is for one-off cover, but that sounds likely for even £5000 worth of cover, as I'm afraid it's not cheap. Who was that quote with and what was the level of cover? You can find more in our [URL="http://www.mgs-on-track.com/faq"]FAQs[/URL].

06/03/2007 23:28:39 nigel castell [b]insurance[/b] Hi David, you could try Lancaster or the other well known one is either HIC or hci:confused: . Regards Nige!

07/03/2007 06:35:07 Tim OUr FAQ page gives a bit of info [url]http://www.mgs-on-track.com/faq[/url] £97 seems OK, just check to make sure you understand the limitations of the policy. You could try: Competition Car Insurance [URL="http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/"] http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk [/URL] Tel:[URL="javascript:void(0)"] 0115 941 5255[/URL] MOtorSport Race&Rally Insurance Services [URL="http://www.moris.co.uk/"] http://www.moris.co.uk[/URL] Tel:[URL="javascript:void(0)"] 020 7709 9559[/URL]

07/03/2007 07:49:00 Stu It might be worth checking these people out [URL="http://www.eggerlawson.co.uk/"]http://www.eggerlawson.co.uk/[/URL] Xpower are running a trackday of their own at CC in July and it looks they might have got a good deal with these people.. Circa £60 Here's a link to the xpower thread [URL="http://forums.xpowerforums.com/showthread.php?t=36179"]http://forums.xpowerforums.com/showthread.php?t=36179[/URL] You obviously need to discuss it with the insurers to make sure the cover is all you want but it's worth a try Stu