GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Hawaii-Five-O on 11 July 2013, 15:28
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Who will ever take their GTI on a track day? Be honest.
My answer is never ever!
If I did a track day I'd wanna do it in something sorted like a Caterham 7 or an Ariel Atom. Save the wear and tear on my pride and joy :smiley:
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Me, I'd never dream of it. Tracks are for track-day cars and suitable sports cars!
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Seems highly unlikely.
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I think you'd be surprised, Neil and Hurdy track their mk6's amongst others and a fair few others track their GTI's.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=18.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=18.0)
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Probably never; and definitely not within the Warranty period!
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Probably never; and definitely not within the Warranty period!
Surely that would be the best time to do it?
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I've had mine on track. Knockhill and the Nurburgring.
Knockhill was a bit crap to be honest. Too many folks with cars that didn't care.
Nurburgring was much, much better. Whole variety of machinery and drivers means there's actually a pretty good discipline as no one wants to get in an accident.
On both the GTI made a decent account of itself. My set up was a standard Mk6 GTI with DSG running stock everything bar a remap, 17 inch Monza's and Michelin Pilot Sport 3s. Brakes held up for around 3/4 of a lap on the 'ring after which I started getting pretty bad vibration from the discs which had warped. By far the brakes are the weakest link on the standard car.
Granted most folks would change the pads (at least) before going on track. But I didn't and this was my experience.
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If I could afford to not give a toss about a 30k car then I would. Unfortunately I do care, and therefore no I would never take it onto a track. Besides the risk of some bellend hitting me thinking their Lewis Hamilton it would be just as likely that I thought I am Lewis Hamilton and take a trip into the barriers! Also, tyres are so expensive I'd do a set in one day!
So it comes down to money for me therefore no!
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You can do track days without pushing on at 100% and your tyres (and car) can come through relatively unscathed.
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If I could afford to not give a toss about a 30k car then I would. Unfortunately I do care, and therefore no I would never take it onto a track. Besides the risk of some bellend hitting me thinking their Lewis Hamilton it would be just as likely that I thought I am Lewis Hamilton and take a trip into the barriers! Also, tyres are so expensive I'd do a set in one day!
So it comes down to money for me therefore no!
++1. Unless your minted, no way. I couldn't enjoy it (drive it like a rental :evil:) knowing I'm nailing my own car!
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No need really, I will be just seeking out some of the best driving roads I know.. Equally as much fun !
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I've come across this on a few forums. Folks seem to think that if they take their car on track then it will automatically be written off/ abused beyond use.
Your fate on a track day is pretty much down to your choosing. If you get all giddy-headed and floor it without knowing a) the track, b) your car, or c) yourself then you are an accident waiting to happen (and the good news is if you don't know all three of the above then you won't have to wait very long :whistle: :evil:)
If however you come at the event with a bit of caution and sensibility, you'll love it. You don't have to get all screechy with your tyres, and you don't need to be blasting any leader boards. But the chance to get out and give your car some beans in a safe and controlled (and legal) environment is not to be missed.
And thirdly, a few folks often say they'd rather do a track day in something like a Caterham or an Elise. That's great, but the difficulty is you've just thrown a new, unfamiliar vehicle into the equation. Of all the cars I've ever taken around a track, the most enjoyable have been my own because I've been familiar with the vehicle and able to push myself and the car just a little bit deeper.
In short, go on and have some fun! Be careful and you'll be safe. Sit back and you'll miss out!
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IMHO would thoroughly recommend a track outing. As noted above, it doesn't have to mean you rag yr car stupid. Take it easy, get a feel for the lines, and gradually build up yr pace. Great environment to get practice at driving fast and smooth and to build up to the grip limits in the corners, in a safe environment.
A 'club' track event is often a better idea than a more 'open to all' or 'hot hatch' style event that most tracks operate. Eg. At Knockhill there are regular Subaru club meets (very few actual Scoobs to be honest) and they are attended by a pretty sensible group.
And if you are down south in 'Englandshire' :smiley: you are so spoilt for choice with tracks within 2-4 hours, it would be rude not. Insurance for these events is pretty readily available and can often be an add on to yr existing policy, and on the better organised events you are likely to come away thinking 'don't think I will bother with insurance next time'.
Sure the mk7 GTI aint an Elise or a Caterfield, but will still be lots of fun.