Hi All,
Having recently attended a Track day with my Alpine (XKR232A) I thought that I would post a short report for your information, and perhaps inspire and encourage other members to give it a go.
Track days are organized events usually held at motor sport circuits such as Silverstone or Brands Hatch or sometimes held at Airfields. In my experience they are very professionally planned with a structured programme for the day that includes safety briefings, basic instruction on circuit driving, and advice on appropriate vehicle checks that should be carried out before taking to the track. Driving instruction from accredited motor sport instructors is also available.
The whole point of these days is to give car enthusiasts the opportunity to stretch the legs of their pride and joy and also improve their general driving skills. The aim is to do this in a safe, controlled and enjoyable way.
My recent track day was at Castle combe race circuit, which is just near Chippenham in Wiltshire. I opted for a morning only session so arrived at the track bright and early, the ‘signing on’ formalities and safety briefings were carried out in the track café whilst breakfast was served. This was followed by loan of crash helmets (if required) and noise level checks on the cars (road based cars are always well within the limits) then drivers were invited to carry out siting laps (this is where you follow an experienced driver around the circuit at a moderate speed so that you have an idea of where the corners are etc) Once the siting laps have been completed you are then free to do as many laps as you want. The organisers advise you to do 5-8 laps then come in to the pits to check the car and give the driver a small break (it is amazing how arduous it can be) Its probably worth mentioning that any dangerous or reckless driving will lead to you being excluded. You should also be aware that although 30 cars were booked in for the morning session the organisers only allow a maximum of 15 cars on the track at ant one time this means that the track doesn’t get overcrowded (in reality there was on average 6-8 cars on track at the one time)
My Alpine is a series 3 with the Holbay conversion and it performed very well on the track even though it was the second oldest car participating (there was a 1959 Austin Healey frog eye sprite) It was by no means the slowest. It was a pleasure to drive my car on the track and, only having driven my car on the public roads before, I was surprised how well it handled and how fast it was. I shall definatly be making this a regular event in the life of my Alpine as it was so much fun.
You may be surprised to learn that the whole thing cost less than £100.00
I would be interested to hear your views on the above so please post you reply’s. If there is enough interest I would be happy to organise an Alpine only event and maybe include a pub lunch or barbeque etc etc.
Regards Mick. (6797)

Nice one Mick, sounds like you had a great day! I preffer moving events myself & always try and do a few charity runs each year, although shows are good events for meeting people and spares. put me down as a definite maybe!

Please add me to any list of track day candidates. Regards Glenn B

Hi Glenn,
I've not really had much interest with this, its a shame really as my car "came alive" on the track and i'm sure others would have a great time.
I will definatly be booking some more more Castle combe days next year for myself and your welcome to join me (I see that your quite nearby in Windsor so perhaps we could meet up and drive the cars to the circuit together)
Thanks for the reply, Mick.

It might even give me a reason to get my race car MOT'd and join you, a couple of years back I was a regular at Nort Weald (M11) on sprint days

Hi.

I'm just down the road from Castle Combe just outside of Trowbridge. Put me down as a possible.

I did one of the Classics Tours that ended up at Castle It was good fun.

count me in, i'm game as soon as I get the sills welded back up :(

Count me in,as long as Tigers are welcome .Sounds like a good day out,better than just parking up,would be rude not to burn some rubber