GolfGTIforum.co.uk
General => General discussion => Topic started by: Horney on 20 May 2009, 20:33
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Someone mentioned it in another thread so I thought I would post up and see what folks thoughts were.
Nick
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I would love to do a track day !
All depends on costs really :sad:
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Well the MKV boys could always subsidise us lower mortals?
Pricing is a tough one and I'm not Mr Wealthy so it's an issue for me as well mate. It depends what people want really. A full on day at Brands or Silverstone is going to costs big money unless we can get 60 people paid up front. Somewhere liek the Hyanes test circuit should be doable for around £50 each for a full day. But that's a sprint circuit and is more a kart circuit where only one car can be on track at a time. It's fun though cause you time each run and can come up with a leader board and classes.
nick
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£50 would be OK. I want to squeeze the ponies out of the GTD so all my spare cash will be going on it.
Can't wait to sell the Frontera and get it !
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an evening session or 1/2 day could be the way to go, it would be better on a proper circuit though.
yeah lets see the mk5 boys out on a track other than santa pod :laugh: (wooden spoon in hand)
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£50 would be OK. I want to squeeze the ponies out of the GTD so all my spare cash will be going on it.
Can't wait to sell the Frontera and get it !
:D Looking forward to the Diesel then Jay!
I realised this evening that my 8v is untaxed from start of month sitting in the garage, need to get a jiggy on with it as I want it taxed, tested and running sweet.
Track day would be good Nick, what about insurance side of things?
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Well this is the Haynes circuit.
http://www.haynesmotormuseum.com/commercial-services/other-services/test-circuit-hire.html
I don't understanding the pricing though. It says £900 for a group day then £80 per extra car which sounds wrong. Pretty sure it's £900 for up to 20 cars or something. I'll ring them tomorrow and find out.
Nick
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an evening session or 1/2 day could be the way to go, it would be better on a proper circuit though.
I think that's a great option if we only end up with 10 people interested as we can just book ourselves on a session and have a blast.
If we get a load more it would be cool to have a day just for us.
Nick
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more than 10 would be excellent but a bit optimistic i feel. hope im proved wrong!
maybe plan it for 2 or 3 months time to gather interest?
http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=5153
that looks like a good one, the day would suit the mk2's
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more than 10 would be excellent but a bit optimistic i feel. hope im proved wrong!
maybe plan it for 2 or 3 months time to gather interest?
http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=5153
that looks like a good one, the day would suit the mk2's
You may well be right. Last time I helped organise one of these at Haynes was with the mini club and mini people seem more keen to give tracking a go. We were over subscribed for the day in the end and had to be brutal with who could and couldn't go. I'll have to see if I can find the feature of the day we had done in minimag. Was a right laugh.
That retro rides night sounds awesome and I've got that day off work................for me and Lizzie's wedding anni. No chance of getting to that one, ha ha.
nick
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Cool to see my suggestion might turn into a reality :cool:
How feasable would it be to have it more central?
I think somerset would be a bit far for us Yorkshire-folk!
Somewhere like silverstone would be ideal :smiley:
Location-wise anyway
I know it's one of the more expensive ones :sad:
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Mallory park?
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I was just chucking in haynes as an example. Places like Mallory and Silverstone are going to be £200+ just for a normal day where we all turn up.
Nick
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:D Looking forward to the Diesel then Jay!
You knowz it ! :grin: Waiting for vwdiesels.net to come back on so I can start reading all the stuff that's on there !!
1 bloke on another forum rekons he's got 130bhp with only a few mods... :shocked: not bad from a stock 80bhp !
[/hijack]
I don't know of any tracks to add to the equation... What's DH think? *prods*
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OI! Pish orf, I is composing, after a busy evening gardening. :tongue:
Much as I laud the idea of a GolfGTI track day, I think the biggest practical issue that you're going to come up against is the commercial outfits like BHP, Mazda on Track etc etc. These boys have excellent relationships with most of the tracks around the UK and you're going to go into something in what is effectively quite a crowded market. Even trying to make sure you break even will be a challenge. There's a well established group of nuts on the Isle of Wight, who've done a number of track days around the UK, which have been very successful, but they've just folded down their systems and told everyone to join Mazda on Track - cheaper and very well organised.
I know how hard it is, as I'm part of a heap of people who go to track days organised by one guy. I've been doing them for over two years. He is wealthy-enough that he can put down the cash for the day once he's canvassed for interest and then hope enough people from his list do pay and show up to drive. So far it's worked, but there are quite a number on the list who actively recruit people to keep the numbers up.
Starting another group like that without a wealthy sponsor who will front the payments to the track owners would be a huge challenge, especially past the first event or two, when initial enthusiasm has died back a bit.
Also it's amazing how many people will come over all hot and horny about the idea and then vanish like April snow when the cash is requested (which needs to be in advance) - it is my opinion that this would be a MAJOR issue on this forum, as it's not packed full of wealthy, professional enthusiasts, the majority of members are young, very enthusiastic, but on a painfully tight budget. Luxuries like a £150-200 track day are the first to get bumped.
Haynes, I've done a couple of times and although it might suit folks on here, it's tiny and you won't get much track time. It is VERY funny though, especially for onlookers. You're also not suppose to time on it, either. As an initial punt it might well be a goer, especially if you could organise something (albeit on a smaller scale) like the first couple of years of VanWest, which was held there. There is a field behind the track, where people could camp, but if you're going to be playing on the track the day after you would need to be EXTREMELY sensible about alcohol.
Here's a vid from my last session at Haynes on Ewetube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bucP80Bw9TM)
Most tracks include the necessary insurance in the price, so as the organiser you're only paying one price.
If you need 60 people in a group DRIVING to make a full-day event, you'll need probably AT LEAST three or four times that many who sign up initially.
Just my tuppence worth.
Nick, if you want help/support/etc in this don't hesitate to tap me up.
</voice of reason>
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Diamond, scanned your reply the mate.
I would have thought we'd all just agree to meet up at a pre-organised track day
Just say 5-10 of us that would all be like 'yeah, i'll see you there!' kind of thing
Not book a track especially :)
Another suggestion-
Angelsey-
http://www.trackdays.co.uk/tracks/anglesey.htm ?
:)
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anglesey, the easily accessable local circuit :grin: :laugh: :tongue:
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A bunch of people from here turning up at an event someone else is running makes a lot of sense. Paul86S2 goes to various days at airfields, which are cheap, but if it were me I'd rather go off and do a UK circuit I've not done before. Probably not Brands Hatch though - Cadwell's supposed to be fantastically technical, which suits me.
The other alternative is to head out to the 'ring for a long weekend - now that's a proper adventure and there's no pressure to spend a certain amount of time on track... (yes, I know CGTI already do a 'ring trip, but so what?)
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anglesey, the easily accessable local circuit :grin: :laugh: :tongue:
OMFG I just realised where it is! :grin: :grin: :grin:
Maybe not eh! :laugh:
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anglesey, the easily accessable local circuit :grin: :laugh: :tongue:
OMFG I just realised where it is! :grin: :grin: :grin:
Maybe not eh! :laugh:
:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: d'oh
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A bunch of people from here turning up at an event someone else is running makes a lot of sense. Paul86S2 goes to various days at airfields, which are cheap, but if it were me I'd rather go off and do a UK circuit I've not done before. Probably not Brands Hatch though - Cadwell's supposed to be fantastically technical, which suits me.
The other alternative is to head out to the 'ring for a long weekend - now that's a proper adventure and there's no pressure to spend a certain amount of time on track... (yes, I know CGTI already do a 'ring trip, but so what?)
I'd love to go to the 'ring!
Cadwell would be good!
More central location too :smiley: , even more central than Angelsey :lipsrsealed:
I'd definately enjoy a technical circuit a lot more too
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I had a funny feeling a lonmg reply was in the pipeline DH.
I think you've summed up exactly what I was trying to suggest. Certainly us having a track to ourselves all day is no goer due to funds, but a few of us meeting up at an already organised event (other than things like Action Days at COmbe) is a great idea.
I do love the idea of renting Haynes for a day though. It's a brilliant laugh, can camp onsite the night before and it's perfect for a real mix of folks and cars to come along. No pressure and all you can hit is the scenery with no chance of taking someone elses car out. I've done 2 days at Haynes and the 1st was my first ever "track experience". I think for a 1st event of this kind for the forum it could be an ideal introduction.
FOr those dedicated trackers amongst us it maybe a bit small and tame though.
Nick
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Oh and DH, I spot some switch blanks in that video, tut tut. That's a good 10grams right there! :grin:
nick
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mmmmmmm
polo ( or its possible replacement ( audi estate) or golf or replacement ( t4 )
yep, count me in for Haynes track action :grin:
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great idea, im interested :smiley:
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Oh and DH, I spot some switch blanks in that video, tut tut. That's a good 10grams right there! :grin:
Never mind the switch blanks, you've missed out the fact that there's still a radio/MD headunit and speakers fitted to it :tongue:
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I just assumed they'd already gone so didn't notice, ha ha.
nick
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A bunch of people from here turning up at an event someone else is running makes a lot of sense. Paul86S2 goes to various days at airfields, which are cheap, but if it were me I'd rather go off and do a UK circuit I've not done before. Probably not Brands Hatch though - Cadwell's supposed to be fantastically technical, which suits me.
The other alternative is to head out to the 'ring for a long weekend - now that's a proper adventure and there's no pressure to spend a certain amount of time on track... (yes, I know CGTI already do a 'ring trip, but so what?)
I would poo myself incase I broke down, same as Chuff I guess! :D
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Does your car break down all the time?
If not then what are you worrying about?
ADAC recovery membership for all EU is under £100 for a year for your family and replaces AA/RAC cover, adding the rest of Europe on, for not much more.
I don't understand why people get The Fear on them about driving on the continent :sad:
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Does your car break down all the time?
If not then what are you worrying about?
ADAC recovery membership for all EU is under £100 for a year for your family and replaces AA/RAC cover, adding the rest of Europe on, for not much more.
I don't understand why people get The Fear on them about driving on the continent :sad:
No it does not due to being parked up in my garage and not used :tongue:. Not had it long so I am not sure of it's reliability. However, once I get things moving I will be getting it overhauled so should be spot on. BUT, it is a old car and they do and can go wrong even if looked after, lots of old parts on these that can fail if nt caught. I am sure you will disagree though DH. :grin:
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No, but if you're going anywhere near a track one would rather presume you're going to check your car over very carefully and replace any items necessary anyway, right?
If not, then you need to think very carefully about what you're proposing to do - any track action is a big ask on any car and the consequences of component failure are pretty serious.
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sparkrford is all good for titing about, will go there again will have a disposable vhauxhall omega or somethign else disposable with plenty of poke and rwd.
most mk2's are more than capable of 1000 mile stamp with no issues motorways don't breack stufff anyway. my syncro was thrown in at the deep end and din't miss a beat.
enigne conversion finaly finished about 1 in the morning. later in morning has trackign setup goes to it first trackday for inital testing. then goes for MOT ......... not that much later on week and a bit i think it gets driven to nurburing and back home. after been properly tested sadly it didn't quite pass the test as it was dirty and needs to be retested as soon as funds allow :smiley:
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I know it wouldn't be long but dont Brands do a short amount of time for about £25 (lathough it may be too short...) But you can do it all on the day of the Prept meet and go there after
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i would be up for it. is there a track we can have a big meet and then those that want to race around the track can do that, those that dont want to can just their car parked with the others?
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bedford aerodrome is pretty good, don`t know about prices but my other half`s cousin works there as an instructor and was going to get me some discount if i wanted to sort a track day out, mentioned it in another section here(cough mk5) and the thread got took over by someone more "knowledgable" so good luck nick and give them a ring for prices.
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Some cool feedback cheers guys.
I think the main points being raised are location and costs.
I'm certainly leaning towards trying to arrange something at Haynes as a first attempt and combine it with a night of camping and maybe a little GolfGTI.co.uk show and shine with some awards etc.
If that is a success then think bigger and bolder for a 2nd Trackday.
nick
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Good idea Nick! Would be up for something like this for sure
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Good idea Nick! Would be up for something like this for sure
What with it being approximately 30 seconds away from Yo-ville there's no surprise! :tongue:
Early autumn gig, is it, Nick (prices at Sparkford are cheaper out of season IIRC)?
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Yeah I was thinking about then butmore due to the fact that it gives people time to arange being there and coughing up the deposit.
Nick
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Yeah I was thinking about then butmore due to the fact that it gives people time to arange being there and coughing up the deposit.
Nick
and fettling their ride :wink:
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bedfords not a bad shout, you cant get more central!
i would have thought everywhere will have a carpark good enough for the spectators and their polishers
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Good idea Nick! Would be up for something like this for sure
What with it being approximately 30 seconds away from Yo-ville there's no surprise! :tongue:
You know us somersetians dont like to venture too far away!! :P
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Good idea Nick! Would be up for something like this for sure
What with it being approximately 30 seconds away from Yo-ville there's no surprise! :tongue:
You know us somersetians dont like to venture too far away!! :P
not to mention those from devon and cornwall! :D i dont mind travelling if its going to be a big thing with camping, etc.
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Right Haynes is £900 for the day. If we get twenty confirmed that's £45 each, 10 it's £90 each. You get the idea. We can camp the night before and have a show an shine area for those who want to spectate.
Friday 25th and 26th September are free as is 2nd/3rd October.
To book it it's £900 up front though.
Nick
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you offering nick? haha
so whats the deal, do we take it in turns going round? timed? would be a good laugh if its timed!
though if you only get up to 2nd gear the rod changers among us might be crunching away lol
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I don't think you're allowed to time it but I'm sure we can sort something out on the sly.
So do folks think this is a goer? I'm gonna call them again and find out if we can do a sunday and camp the sat night as that probably works out easier for folks getting there.
Nick
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Looks like Haynes it is then eh?
Something central would have been nice to maybe get a few more people from the north involved...
Maybe next time
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i'll go for it at £45
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What about tagging onto an already organised day ?
ust make it more of a golfgti track day meet , maybe get some of the non trackers down to spectate have a bit of a BBQ or something , means were not having to pay up front for a group session , maybe some organisors would give a discount for an already organised day , to fill places as such ?
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Done haynes in my scoobie would be up for going again in a golf, keevil airfield near chippenham do some good priced track days, may be worth looking at.
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Don't take deposits - that way madness lies - you need to ask for money twice.
The cost of the day has to be paid up front by the organiser, the cost of the day has to be paid up front by the attendees. Simple. It needs to go into a specific bank account. If the cost of the track is covered by the attendees, then if you charge a nominal entrance fee for spectators it would be possible to cover third party liability insurance, which may be needed if we're there overnight.
Is there a GolfGTI bank account already established, or would we need something like that? I'm happy to be a 'responsible adult' (signatory) alongside one other, if needed. I *have* run motor sport clubs before (and if this turns into one of them I have a load of useful resources).
Just a suggestion - all the money handling (and requirements around it) needs to be done up front and crystal.
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Don't take deposits - that way madness lies - you need to ask for money twice.
The cost of the day has to be paid up front by the organiser, the cost of the day has to be paid up front by the attendees. Simple. It needs to go into a specific bank account. If the cost of the track is covered by the attendees, then if you charge a nominal entrance fee for spectators it would be possible to cover third party liability insurance, which may be needed if we're there overnight.
Is there a GolfGTI bank account already established, or would we need something like that? I'm happy to be a 'responsible adult' (signatory) alongside one other, if needed. I *have* run motor sport clubs before (and if this turns into one of them I have a load of useful resources).
Just a suggestion - all the money handling (and requirements around it) needs to be done up front and crystal.
Full agree with all of that mate. Will check with Haynes re Insurance for the over night stay.
Chippenham sounds interesting as well, I'll look into that.
Nick
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Group/Event Booking £900
Low Season - September - February
First Vehicle
Half Day £60.00
Full Day £80.00
Per Additional Vehicle
Half Day £40.00
Full Day £50.00
Group/Event Booking £750
900 then more per car?
prices plus vat too.
what's the 750 bit?
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I rang them up becuase that made no sense to me. They confirmed it's £900 Total for a group day with no restriction on numbers but 20 is probably the max otherwise people get little track time.
NIck
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Although not sure about the VAT bit. I'll double check.
Nick
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id be interested if you got 20 people, if its £90 then you can do a proper circuit for not much more and would effectively get more track time on an open pit lane and would put less wear on the drivetrain, go faster and generally be better!
but for £45 it would be a good day
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id be interested if you got 20 people, if its £90 then you can do a proper circuit for not much more and would effectively get more track time on an open pit lane and would put less wear on the drivetrain, go faster and generally be better!
but for £45 it would be a good day
That's the plan although it maybe more like £50 each for the day.
I do agree with you on the proper trackday bit but I think this will pull in more numbers as it's a bit safer (as only one car at a time) and cheaper. People whop've never done track days or have a car they're happy to rag round on it's own but not in a group will more likely stump up for this and enjoy it.
Hopefully they'll then be hooked and we can go bigger and better for the next one!
Nothings confirmed though and I'm going to have a look at the Chippenham stuff someone else mentioned.
Nick
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another one to maybe investigate is abingdon airfield?
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Bedford autodrome looks a good track!
Nice and central too :)
Price I saw was £120 which isn't toooooo bad I don't think :cool:
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I've had a look and at Abingdon and that's going to work out about £120 each if we just join up with a standard event organised by a trackday company.
Circuit hire is something mental like £6K!!!!!!!
Nick
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Added a poll here:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=117484.0
Nick