In case you missed the MGoT article in the October Safety Fast! here it is again.

Photos by  Derek Partridge  www.inmotionimages.co.uk

 

Steve writes: The day finally arrived, the day many had been waiting for, the day MGs on Track visited Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit! Judging by the smiles on the drivers faces after going out on this superb track, you would have thought it was a free day at the local brewery… There was a full array of MGs, spread out over the full 2.5 mile GP circuit and when back in the pits, every driver appeared to be holding an exciting conversation on the ‘new found’ GP track. I think it will certainly be a circuit to visit again in 2015.

It was great to see our president and founder, Dave Livingstone on track, having travelled some 300 miles to be there along with one of our other founder members Stu Dickens. Stu now tells us about the circuit he has waited so long to try…!

 

Stu\'s account: It was a tough decision booking this Lotus on Track invitation day, double the price of a typical MGoT track-day and also midweek. I fought off the temptation to book for weeks and was only expecting to see a few diehards prepared to splash the cash, but once it was clear we would have more than a good showing of MG’s and would have a virtually full session I just could not resist it. The morning started bright, the forecast was ominous though, a dry morning but wet afternoon, still we were hopeful for a few dry sessions to feel our way around the unfamiliar GP section,  I can honestly say for the first time in ages I was feeling a ‘little nervous’(well butterflies at least!)   Sign on went smoothly, the cars prepped for the first session, a show of hands at the briefing identified those of us who hadn’t driven the GP circuit, it was the majority which made me feel a little easier, we would all be learning together. And so at 09:20 our first session began, as per usual behind the safety car for the first 3 laps to make sure we all had a feeling for the circuit before the wild horses were unleashed. First impressions at this steady pace was good, it was a long way around with lots of new challenges (corners) to get right. The safety car peeled in and we were released, picking up speed along the Brabham straight and diving into Paddock Hill Bend (one of the bends on my ‘dream’ circuit if I could make one), through the compression and up to Druids which is heavy on the wheel with the power steering off, then back on the juice to the Graham Hill left hander and onto Cooper.  Now remember to turn LEFT at Surtees!  This is a real tricky corner for the lower power (Sub 200hp MG’s), you need to keep your momentum up and carry speed onto the climb and straight going down to Pilgrims Drop but there is little run off on the right of Surtees and it would be so easy to overcook it here. Picking up speed you pass under the famous bridge down Hawthorn Hill and into the very fast Hawthorn Bend, braking hard for Westfield and then winding the power back on to negotiate Dingle Dell and the approach to a blind adverse camber Dingle Dell corner. A short spurt and down to 2nd for Stirlings bend and then the hammer down and you’re back onto the Indy circuit at Clearways and into the Clarke Curve before winding it up for the Brabham straight again.  

 

What a circuit!   Brands Hatch GP is right up there with the best. If you get the chance you really must drive this amazing GP circuit