09/01/2008 22:12:49 Gary&BVZ :D At last a chance to try BVZ with lots of space around ..And no cameras. Anyone else going to join Me and Dee on the 16th Feb ???? Bedford is super fast with lots of run off room if you happen to need it :eek: .. Yippeeee .... Hope I am not on my own amongst all them Lotii ?? Gary ...

10/01/2008 08:53:18 Jonny Boy Hi Gary & BVZ I booked last night, so hopefull I will see you on the 16th. John

10/01/2008 09:50:25 Stu My car goes back in to PTP on the 21st Jan to get this dam oil leak problem sorted out once and for all hopefully. It may be a complete engine rebuild again so I'm not sure if I will have it back, and if it has been rebuilt, run in for bedford. If it doesnt require a rebuild i may well do it if its back in time and there are spaces left:) Stu:D

10/01/2008 10:41:27 Jonny Boy Best get that Circuit Guide out if it is on the 4.2 mile GT circuit, If my memory serves me right I think it has about 18 corners per lap. [FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]John[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]

10/01/2008 15:52:17 Dave [quote=Jonny Boy]Best get that Circuit Guide out if it is on the 4.2 mile GT circuit, If my memory serves me right I think it has about 18 corners per lap. [FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]John[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/quote]Hi John, yes you are right - over 4 miles and definitely a few laps to learn all the corners :) And Gary's right to - probably the safest circuit in the country in terms of run-off and lack of barriers/gravel traps. Though I have to admit to finding the only gravel trap on the circuit in my first day there - some years ago I hasten to add! I will go on 16th Feb also as long as my car's engine is run in and I've managed to get a rolling road run done to check the fuelling. I picked the car up from Techspeed today and have just completed the first eighty miles at <3000 revs driving home. The very first 1.9 MGF ;)

10/01/2008 16:09:58 Jonny Boy Hi Dave You could have put this one in & added the extra 100cc :D :D to make it a nice round number, Just think of added value to car. [URL="http://www.motorsportads.co.uk/car-parts/engines/13638.html"]http://www.motorsportads.co.uk/car-parts/engines/13638.html[/URL] John

10/01/2008 17:43:44 GSG [b]Zr[/b] Hi Do you think I can take my ZR van its not quite a two seater sports car as described in the LOT site? Regards Richard

10/01/2008 20:32:49 Dave [quote=GSG]Hi Do you think I can take my ZR van its not quite a two seater sports car as described in the LOT site? Regards Richard[/quote]Hi Richard It's probably best to email [EMAIL="Paul@lotus-on-track.com"]Paul@lotus-on-track.com[/EMAIL] to check.

10/01/2008 20:34:24 Dave [quote=Jonny Boy]Hi Dave You could have put this one in & added the extra 100cc :D :D to make it a nice round number, Just think of added value to car. [URL="http://www.motorsportads.co.uk/car-parts/engines/13638.html"]http://www.motorsportads.co.uk/car-parts/engines/13638.html[/URL] John[/quote]Ah, but that extra 100cc is a :eek: more pennies. Plus mine will run on standard MEMS!

15/01/2008 08:34:52 fishert [b]Hoping to[/b] I'm hoping to make this as its a great challenging circuit - it goes on for ever. The car is in the process of a big brake upgrade, so it will be a good place to try it out!! Its generally not a big issue being open pit lane as there is normally very little waiting time to get out on track, especially if they don't manage to sell all the places, also its big enough not to tangle with the fast boys.

31/01/2008 09:01:48 Stu So who's actually booked to go ? As far as I can see it's Gary&BVZ Jonny Boy Dave? GSG ? Fishert? Stu (just booked) :)

31/01/2008 11:14:48 Gary&BVZ [b]Pleased you can join us.[/b] Hi Stu ..Pleased to see you have your car back and I presume you have had the oil leak cured ...Now you are entered we are almost guaranteed a dry track..:D We are booked in at the Wyboston T/lodge for the Friday night .. Maybe others will be there..

31/01/2008 11:32:23 Stu I'll be driving up in the morning ! Getting up early and on a Saturday too !!:rolleyes:

31/01/2008 19:34:31 fishert [b]decision time?[/b] will decide this w/end if its going to be feasible to enter, as the brake conversion is progressing with a few hiccups. Looking at Lotus on Track website there are 11 spaces left. So will keep an eye on this over the w/end.

31/01/2008 19:43:14 Dave I've recently heard that Bedford are being very strict about their 87dB drive by noise limit. They are not giving anyone second chances - fail it once and your day's over. :eek:

31/01/2008 21:00:58 Stu [quote=Dave]I've recently heard that Bedford are being very strict about their 87dB drive by noise limit. They are not giving anyone second chances - fail it once and your day's over. :eek:[/quote] Yea i saw that, i would think most will be ok as its drive by, but if they are going to not give people a chance they are going to quickly loose a lot of business espically as its hard to test that yourself before you arrive.. Stu

31/01/2008 21:12:17 Dave Agreed - drive-by is not so bad for most of us. I suspect that, as with all circuits, they are struggling to hold back the ever-growing tide of complaints from local residents and demands from local councils. There's not much they can do about it. Look at the Goodwood and Castle Combe situations - max 10 to 12 cars at a time.

03/02/2008 15:10:10 Dave I've just picked up this press release by MSV: For immediate release: Friday, 1 February 2008 Noise Levels at Bedford Autodrome This release is to clarify the situation regarding noise limits at Bedford Autodrome. In the past there have been some occurrences of cars operating without fully respecting the limits and more stringent measures are now being taken to ensure compliance. It is important that Bedford Autodrome operates not just in compliance with its planning permission limits but also to minimise any disturbance in the local community. Noise can travel a long way, particularly in certain climatic conditions. The noise limits at Bedford Autodrome will remain unchanged at 101dB(A) static (measured 0.5m from the exhaust at a 45’ angle at ¾ maximum revs) and 87.5 dB(A) drive-by at 20 metres. To minimise the audibility of cars on just the particularly sensitive Easter Monday and August Bank Holiday Monday, we are introducing a new static limit of 96 dB(A) and a drive-by noise limit of 82.5 dB(A) on these two days. Standard mass produced road cars without special exhaust systems will comfortably pass these limits. Low volume cars (eg Caterhams) and those with variable exhausts like Ferrari 360/430s, will probably not. The limit on the number of cars allowed on the GT circuit at any one time has now been reduced to 40 cars from previously 50 cars. The number of cars allowed to take part on any single track day on the GT circuit will remain at 100. We have experienced too many examples of cars exceeding the noise drive-by limit and then drivers modifying the exhausts to quieten them if they get caught. This causes unnecessary noise breaches so we are now operating a ‘one strike and you’re out’ rule. This effectively means that if your car exceeds the drive-by limit, the driver will be black flagged and that car will not be allowed to take any further part in the track day. If your car can be made quiet enough to comply with the limits, then please do it before you start the track day. If any owners wish to test their cars before a track day we are happy to accommodate this, by arrangement, free of charge. You must not generate any significant tyre squeal. The sound carries a long way and can cause annoyance. Deliberate prolonged drifting is prohibited. Any car that creates excessive tyre squeal will be black flagged and given one warning. A second occurrence will mean termination of activity. Tyre types and pressures make a huge difference to tyre squeal. In general, the closer to a slick racing tyre the less the tyre squeal. When choosing tyres for track days please do consider these points. Following recent discussions on various websites and forums, we feel it is important to make the following points: The noise meters are calibrated every day. The noise picked up from each drive-by meter is shown on screens. Every time the noise limit is exceeded, the system automatically prints out details of the violation onto a report sheet. These report sheets have to be provided to the local council. We have reviewed our own procedures and increased our staff levels on track days in order to increase the policing of the noise limits. We now have extra staff constantly watching the noise meter screens, extra staff in the pitlane and at various points around the circuit. On each and every violation, the staff watching the screens immediately communicate the details (by radio) to the track staff. The offending car is then black flagged. If it is clear that the meter was triggered by a group of cars passing at the same time, this can then be logged onto the print out and no further action taken. In order to avoid disappointment, we strongly suggest that drivers wishing to take part in a track day at Bedford Autodrome make sure their car is well under the 87.5 dB(A) drive-by limit before they arrive at the venue. Whether we like it or not, limiting the noise from vehicles at all UK circuits is increasingly becoming a priority. We are spending a considerable amount of time, money and resource in understanding the issues, training staff, and of course liaising with the local councils. We ask that clients bringing their cars and motorcycles to any of our venues act responsibly by making them as quiet as possible before they arrive. Jonathan Palmer CEO MotorSport Vision

07/02/2008 20:04:37 Gary&BVZ [b]3 take on 97 ...[/b] I see from Daves postings that the max No of cars on a GP circuit track day is 100 .. And only 40 cars ??? out at a time ... Who else is going from MGoT ...I have Gary ,Johny Boy and Stu ... How will we hold up against the Lotii and Porsche boys ... Only 5 places available when I last looked ... Anyone else out there wanting to try their luck on a super fast circuit ???

09/02/2008 13:26:14 fishert [b]just paid up[/b] Finally booked a place with 2 places left, not quite sorted out the bigger brakes, but hopefully will be done in time. Hope the weather stays like it is today

14/02/2008 11:04:11 Stu Right Lads n lasses;) As far as i can see it's just the following going this Saturday Gary&BVZ Jonny Boy Fishert Stu I haven't been to Bedford before so don't know how big the garages are but i assume we can get at least a couple of cars in each so the first two there try to grab a couple of adjacent garages.. I am leaving home at 6am so should be there 730-745.. Looks likes my sun dance is working, fingers crossed !! See you Saturdays all ,Dont forget to bring both parts of your licences where applicable.. Stu:D

14/02/2008 11:39:35 Steve Hill You'll be lucky to get a garage at Bedford, there aren't any! :) Pray for fine weather! You'll really enjoy the circuit though, quite unique, long and technical. Have a great day! ;)

14/02/2008 12:04:48 Stu Wot no Garages !!:eek: Thermals it is then...looks like its going to be a fresh start !!;) Stu

14/02/2008 12:49:16 norman I hope it's not windy. Wide open spaces may mean that thermals are a pre-requisite. [IMG]http://www.law-family.org.uk/gallery2/albums/mg/i0001.jpg[/IMG]

14/02/2008 12:57:27 Gary&BVZ I think there are some garages at Bedford .. I seem to remember cars using them and storing my kit in them when we did the MGoT evening event in July 2006 ...

14/02/2008 13:47:36 fishert [b]garages[/b] the last time I was there, you could not park in the garages but you could put your stuff in there out the way. Also I recall there was a free supply of hot drinks thanks to Lotus chaps. Will definately be wrapping up warm seen as though its on one of those exposed open old airfield sites!! Also when parking up, I found no-one uses the same parking space twice, seem to move around a bit as people come & go onto the track.

14/02/2008 17:47:58 Dave It looks like I won't be able to join you all on Saturday. So, I hope you all have a great day. Here's the list I have Stu: [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]John Binczyk[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]Garry Dawson[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]Doug Bond[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]Colin Reynolds[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]Ray Willsher[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]David Womack[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]James Doherty[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] Tamsin Fisher Stu Dickens

14/02/2008 20:42:27 Gary&BVZ [b]Wyboston T/Lodge[/b] Any one else staying at the Wyboston T/Lodge Friday ???? I will be arriving about 17.00 if the M25 and A1M isnt snarled up by incompetant and brainless drivers ...:( Looking at the road reports , the day isnt going right unless there are major holdups and 3 lanes closed ... Hope to make it to Bedford and see you all on Saturday ...Gary ...:)

17/02/2008 08:31:05 Stu I think i have now thawed out after yesterday.. I found Bedford a rather strange featureless track although the GT circuit is very fast for sure.. I only stayed until lunch time as my new lady was struggling to stay in the seat with the standard belts as she is only 5ft and quite petite.. so now i have to get those harnesses fitted that i've had for 6 months !! :D Nice to see you all again, a great start to the MGOT calendar !! Stu:)

17/02/2008 09:06:45 Dave Hi Stu, Yes, it takes at least half a day to learn the GT circuit, so I guess you weren't able to capitalise on your investment! Was everyone OK with the drive by noise limit? I wish I could have been with you all - my grandson's birthday party had higher priority - according to my wife :p Dave

17/02/2008 15:30:11 Gary&BVZ Hi Dave ..Well after 24 hrs we have just about thawed out ...It was bitterly cold and all wifes , girlfriends , and supporters will be calling in their Browny points and rain checks soon ..They all deserve a medal ... One of our ZR 160s failed the noise test on arrival but was allowed on after fitting some additional sound reducing material ... I was told it was wire wool stuffed into the tail pipe . It loked very chic ..:eek: I enjoy the Bedford circuits but found the GP a bit long and too many tight corners .. I think I prefer the one we used in July2006 ... My most embarrasing moment ???? Getting a Black Flag waved at me ... What was that for ??? The mind plays games ...Cant be noise ,can it ???? OK so I out braked that last corner and the tyres sounded off ...Not that bad thought ... So pulled into the pits to be told by the Marshall that my friend Derek had arrived and asked them to call me in so he could hitch a ride ...:p I wont forget that experience for a long time ... See you at Silverstone ....

17/02/2008 18:35:48 fishert [b]cold[/b] It was a cold day, but at least it was dry from the start and not having to contend with early morning damp/dew track. It is a long circuit but there a good mixture of fast flowing corners & tight/hairpins with a very long straight and some shorter straights. I got black flagged after about 10mins of the first outing, thinking oh no I've failed the drive by noise even though on the static test on arrival it registered quite a low reading compared to other venues. But was black flagged in error. The car went well, and the big brakes worked a treat with being able to brake later then previously and not overcook in the process. One Exige driver came up to us inquisitive as to how we managed to overtake him & then pull away through the corners, but I think he wasn't the most quickest of exige drivers. James was also harassing quite a few elises as well. We managed 3 goes each for approx 20mins each time. Only had to queue once in the pits for a couple of minutes to wait for someone to come as there was the full quota of cars on the track at any one time. Left about 3.30 as we had used all the fuel and then it was a long drive home after a satisfying day behind the wheel.

04/12/2008 21:41:54 Kev Hello everyone, I just registered and was emailing Dave over the last few days for some advice on track days (thanks for all the help). I'm looking to get a ZR 160 early next year and was thinking its a good idea to come along not to drive, but to soak up the atmosphere and have a chat with you guys. If its possible, would it be ok if some of you would take me on some passenger laps? Is it a case of just turning up, hiring a helmet and looking around the pits? I also grasped I would need some (extra) warm clothes! I'll now trawl through the forums and have a good read.. Thanks guys, Kevin Spencer

04/12/2008 22:37:10 terryfranks [b]blue flame[/b] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Hi every one[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]New to the forum and my first car track day: but I have done a few bike track days. Anyone know if my blue flame exhaust will pass the noise test? Its road legal and will pass the MOT not problem.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Terry[/SIZE][/FONT]

05/12/2008 07:50:52 Tim [quote=terryfranks][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Hi every one[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]New to the forum and my first car track day: but I have done a few bike track days. Anyone know if my blue flame exhaust will pass the noise test? Its road legal and will pass the MOT not problem.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Terry[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote] I can't say specifically but if you'd like to find out you can hire a noise meter from book-a-track for a tenner. Just log on to their website and visit the shop. You probably know this but a static noise test is measured at 1metre from the tile pipe at 45 degree, at 3/4 max RPM. (It's very rare for an F to fail but it is still worth checking to avoid disappointment.) Tim