Our friends at Focussed Events have just released another Donington Park GP open pit lane track day on the Full Grand Prix Circuit on Monday 18th July. If we can get 10 members to put their names down in the next few days we can claim the BKCC 10% discount which means that we will all pay £117 each.
We have until close of play on Wednesday 22nd June to secure this so BE QUICK and put your names down below.
YES please
Yes please! Great circuit. Hope we get the numbers.
+1.
Friend of mine, Jeff (now joined the forum as Stantman), wants to go too with his Westfield.
We're not going to get the discount this time - only a few spaces left. I've booked direct
Adrian
That happened last time. Once the tickets ran out then suddenly there was a load more available (at a higher price!). Hopefully we'll still get a good deal.
I have 10 places on hold with FE at £130 until tomorrow night so as long as we can get 10 our places are guaranteed at that price.
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
Jeff Williams
4 so far - any more anyone?
I'll have one! just spotted the post.
Just to correct my last post I have 10 on hold at £130 less our 10% discount so that means £117 each if we can get the 10 required. I have also opened it up to our friends at WSCC and BPMC to help get the numbers up as we only have 24 hours left to take the allocation.
:-[ Im away then, which is rubbish because I'd love to go there.
so whats happening, do we have enough? ::)
At the moment we have 4, will email the other clubs tonight and post again later.
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
Jeff Williams
Marlborocar
Any more anyone? At £117 for a full Grand Prix Circuit its an absolute bargain.
Ken,
I have not heard back from Gemma so dont know if I'm there or not. Looks like you can add my name too. I've got a £149 credit note with them.
Adrian
If i'm not too late then count me in too.
Are we able to invite friends and their cars? I've got a mate that lives in Portsmouth with an Exige and he may well be interested.
Cool, get him to stick his down as we need 10 :)
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 23, June, 2011, 09:07:56 AM
If i'm not too late then count me in too.
Are we able to invite friends and their cars? I've got a mate that lives in Portsmouth with an Exige and he may well be interested.
Right, all sorted with Neil White the General Manager at Focused Events. We still need 10 but the 7 that are down so far need to book at the agreed price of £117.00 with Focused Events ASAP. To book please ring Focused Events on 0845 0267272 quoting Bristol Kit Car Club as agreed between Neil White and myself.
Unfortunately I am unable to go due to lack of annual leave so I need someone who is going to take charge of this thread and on the day. As part of the BKCC deal the organiser gets a free pit garage so whoever steps forward to take charge of this will get a free pit garage worth £25 to fit 2 cars on the day.
We still need to fill the 10 so please spread the word to friends, neighbours fellow car clubs etc. I am still waiting to hear back from BPMC and WSCC but at this price it is a bargain for a circuit as good as this.
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
Jeff Williams
Marlborocar
Grin a lot
Grin a lots mate
Please let me know who wants to take charge (did I mention there is a free pit garage to the organiser?) and round up the rest to make sure we have the 10 required.
I don't mind being Dad for this one.
OK Grin, please can you PM me your real name and I will let Niel at FE know.
Please can you and your mate book tomorrow, take charge of the rest and fill the other 3 places. I will let you know when I get a response from the other clubs. In the meantime feel free to open it up to others to fill the 10 places.
I already have a pit garage booked as part of my credit note. I've got a mate coming from Bristol with his Clio 172 Cup. Perhaps he could be another booking?
Adrian
I have booked at the agreed price this morning.
My mate Adam will be coming too with his Caterham (and has booked).
So as far as I can see we have:
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
RobP's Mate
Jeff Williams
Marlborocar
Marlborocar's Mate
Grin a lot
Grin a lots mate (TBC)
So we just need 1 or 2 more people? Any takers out there? It'll be fun! Go on you know you want to...
I have booked today at the agreed price with teh very helpful Jemma.
If any one knows of a trailer I could borrow for teh day that would be great.
cheers :D :D
Another of my friends has booked. Just to confirm
MarlboroCar (Adrian Tillin - Spire GTR - garage already booked)
Mate 1 (Andrew Lowe - Clio 172)
Mate 2 (Steve Roberts - Spire GTR)
Adrian
Quote from: stantman on 24, June, 2011, 02:50:50 PM
I have booked today at the agreed price with teh very helpful Jemma.
If any one knows of a trailer I could borrow for teh day that would be great.
cheers :D :D
Just to confirm, this is Jeff Williams who is already on the list (not another new addition).
Just booked and paid for myself, David. Game on! :P
I booked this afternoon and the lady on the phone reckoned that there are about 12 from BKCC that have paid. Thanks everyone for the quick payments; my reckoning is (in no particular order):
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
RobP's Mate (Adam)
Jeff Williams
Marlborocar
Marlborocar's Mate (Andrew)
Marlborocar's Mate (Steve)
Grin a lot
Stantman
Craig (WSCC)
At minimum its 11, at best its 12 now so all sorted and we're a go-er. I'll have a think about timings/meetings in a couple of weeks, we can expect confirmations and details a week or 2 before the event.
My mate has not got back to me so I am assuming that he's not coming. So if anyone wants the second space in my pit garage then its first come first served.
If anyone else wants to come it might not be too late, just give the company (Focussed Events) a call, quote the BKCC deal agreed with Neil White and hand over £117.
cheers ken but just on returning from france with cotswold lads may b next time
Happy to see that this is all now sorted and that you are all getting maximum value from your BKCC membership.
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 24, June, 2011, 07:12:52 PM
I booked this afternoon and the lady on the phone reckoned that there are about 12 from BKCC that have paid. Thanks everyone for the quick payments; my reckoning is (in no particular order):
Tickious
Dave H
RobP
RobP's Mate (Adam)
Jeff Williams
Marlborocar
Marlborocar's Mate (Andrew)
Marlborocar's Mate (Steve)
Grin a lot
Stantman
Craig (WSCC)
My mate has not got back to me so I am assuming that he's not coming. So if anyone wants the second space in my pit garage then its first come first served.
Yes please for the second place in the pit garage! ;) ;) 8)
P.S. Jeff Williams and Stantman are the same person
I asked about a garage, and the nice lady said that they'd put a few aside for us as part of the group booking. 8)
booked. what we doing for hotels etc... Ken, same again?
Also will need garage space, is there any spare with the club?
Quote from: David H on 27, June, 2011, 11:30:50 AM
Also will need garage space, is there any spare with the club?
Garage? You've got a tintop with a roof and heater. Park outside. :D :P ;D
Sorry, forgot how heavy your car is. You'll be changing brake pads every hour! ;) :D ;D :P
very good!!! :P :P :P :P :P
nice and warm ;D
If people want to stay over the night before then we could attempt a group booking. The other option is a convoy at rude-o-clock. I think I'd prefer to stay over; any other takers or plans?
We stayed at a nice B&B in Castle Donington last time we went. Could stay the same place again although the drive was very steep=smokey clutch. :-[
Remember, a few of us are bringing trailers so where ever we stay will need some room in the car park.
Staying over the evening before was nice. I fancy that again
So staying over:
Grin+1
RobP
Dave
Do you think the place you stayed last time will be ok for car park space etc?
Any other takers?
I've been in Oz for nearly 3 weeks so looking forward to a few days at home. I'll travel up on the morning
Adrian
I'm up for getting there the evening before, what about here. Should be ok for carparking spaces http://www.premierinn.com/en/checkHotel/EASPTI/east-midlands-airport (http://www.premierinn.com/en/checkHotel/EASPTI/east-midlands-airport)
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 27, June, 2011, 10:46:32 PM
So staying over:
Grin+1
RobP
Dave
Do you think the place you stayed last time will be ok for car park space etc?
Any other takers?
Quote from: tickious on 28, June, 2011, 08:16:50 PM
I'm up for getting there the evening before, what about here. Should be ok for carparking spaces http://www.premierinn.com/en/checkHotel/EASPTI/east-midlands-airport (http://www.premierinn.com/en/checkHotel/EASPTI/east-midlands-airport)
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 27, June, 2011, 10:46:32 PM
So staying over:
Grin+1
RobP
Dave
Tickious
Tickious's mate Stew vx220 booked today.
Any thoughts on the premier inn?
Do you think the place you stayed last time will be ok for car park space etc?
Any other takers?
Any thoughts on the rooms, I'm just guessing they don't become cheaper and more available the later we leave it. Anyone got the details for the B&B?
Ken might know. I'm happy with that place as a venue if everyone else is
Have you got the details Ken?
It's World Touring Cars at Donington the day before we go. Shouldn't think it'll be an issue for us as far as accommodation is concerned as most people will leave the area on Sunday.
Dont forget it's quite a steep drive to that B+B and my clutch was smoking too by the top. Also trailers can bottom out on the road at the start of the climb.
(http://s1.postimage.org/2asw9f3pg/IMAG0472.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/2asw9f3pg/)
Nice place though and a great host. Mention a block booking and I'm sure you will get a discount.
It seems that it's a toss up between the premier inn and the clutch burning B&B. Overnighters are:
Grin +1
Dave H
RobP
Tickious
Tickious' Mate
I reckon that 3 twin rooms might be good, a natural division might be Rob & Dave with grin & tickious with their respective guests.
If there's no complaints I suggest we go ahead with that plan. It'd be wise to get this sorted this week so that we can book by Friday. As always, other accom options/plans greatfully received!
What about camping! Could be fun!
I potentially have a couple of guys coming from work too to act as ballast in my car. Therefore may sort accom. via them.
As I don't know or like the suspicious sound of the "Bottom Out" B&B :o everyone's talking about,
me n Stew have just booked the Premier Inn, £56 per room, so pretty cheap if you don't mind sharing :-*
Quote from: 'The Gaffer' on 01, July, 2011, 12:07:38 AM
Dont forget it's quite a steep drive to that B+B and my clutch was smoking too by the top. Also trailers can bottom out on the road at the start of the climb.
(http://s1.postimage.org/2asw9f3pg/IMAG0472.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/2asw9f3pg/)
Nice place though and a great host. Mention a block booking and I'm sure you will get a discount.
:D
Sorry but missed this lot as per normal for me!!
Am interested in going up the night before what is teh final verdict on accomodation?
Also as I am driving up what time is everyone heading out from Bristol?
Cheers
Another mates just booked a place too. He's bringing his Atom :)
Passenger ride here I come! :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAkUvVV9lrw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAkUvVV9lrw#)
As far as accommodation goes we've got 2 people booked into the Premier Inn. I'm still considering the camping option on the basis that it'll be fun and its only 5mins from the track.
Marlborocar is driving up Monday morning and I think the start is around 0830 so I assume he'll be leaving 0530 ish but i'm sure he'll come along and let you know soon enough.
Any other takers for overnight accommodation? Premier Inn, Camping, Other? Some contenders here:
http://globaltrips.lastminute.com/trips/hotellist/listInternal?pTxId=539898&startIndex=0&checkInDate=2011-07-17&checkOutDate=2011-07-18&hotelMaxReturnPerPage=25&guestCounts=2&guestCodes=ADULT&configId=S72722479&city=castle+donington&numRooms=1&intcmp=home1_hotels&path=hotels&mappingName= (http://globaltrips.lastminute.com/trips/hotellist/listInternal?pTxId=539898&startIndex=0&checkInDate=2011-07-17&checkOutDate=2011-07-18&hotelMaxReturnPerPage=25&guestCounts=2&guestCodes=ADULT&configId=S72722479&city=castle+donington&numRooms=1&intcmp=home1_hotels&path=hotels&mappingName=)
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 08, July, 2011, 08:55:39 PM
As far as accommodation goes we've got 2 people booked into the Premier Inn. I'm still considering the camping option on the basis that it'll be fun and its only 5mins from the track.
Marlborocar is driving up Monday morning and I think the start is around 0830 so I assume he'll be leaving 0530 ish but i'm sure he'll come along and let you know soon enough.
Any other takers for overnight accommodation? Premier Inn, Camping, Other? Some contenders here:
http://globaltrips.lastminute.com/trips/hotellist/listInternal?pTxId=539898&startIndex=0&checkInDate=2011-07-17&checkOutDate=2011-07-18&hotelMaxReturnPerPage=25&guestCounts=2&guestCodes=ADULT&configId=S72722479&city=castle+donington&numRooms=1&intcmp=home1_hotels&path=hotels&mappingName= (http://globaltrips.lastminute.com/trips/hotellist/listInternal?pTxId=539898&startIndex=0&checkInDate=2011-07-17&checkOutDate=2011-07-18&hotelMaxReturnPerPage=25&guestCounts=2&guestCodes=ADULT&configId=S72722479&city=castle+donington&numRooms=1&intcmp=home1_hotels&path=hotels&mappingName=)
Back from the week's bike ride to Ireland and back. Excellent trip but will stick to kit cars from now on!!! I am driving up on Monday 18th morning. I will be leaving Thornbury at 6am
Adrian
Hi I'm down to do the Donnington event on Monday (Craig from the WSCC club). Just been looking at the weather forcast and it looks wet for Monday :(
I'm after a bit of tyre advise from those with a bit more track experience than me. I have a set of Yokahama AO49's and also Toyo Proxy T1R as road tyres. If it's wet would you advise sticking with the Toyo's rather than the track focused Yoko's. Sadly I can't transport both sets of wheels to Donnington...
Also, I will be going straight to the event on the day as I have relatives in Leicester who I will stay with on the Sunday night.
Looking forward to it and to meeting you all
Cheers
Craig
I'd use the A049s but you must get some heat in them. Problem is Donington is not a nice circuit in the wet. Being next to an airport means the surface has a fine film of aviation fuel.
Anyway, it'll be dry, don't worry! :D ;D ;)
Quote from: crag on 13, July, 2011, 09:51:26 AM
Sadly I can't transport both sets of wheels to Donnington...
I assume you have a Westfield. If so, yes you can take two sets of wheels. I take a set of slicks and strap them to the rear roll bar. Gets some funny looks on the motorway!
Six of us are staying overnight near the circuit. We have a spare twin room available for £50-55. My friend Adam has booked it. Need to cancel it today but if anyone wants somewhere speak now or forever hold your peace.
I reckon we're looking at passing showers over the weekend so although it may not rain Monday we might end up with a damp track and a film of aviation fuel; magic!
My money's on it being dry though...
Hi Guys
Well done to Darren Minty (Grin a lot) is organising this and getting the BKCC/WSCC contingent up together. I spoke with Neil at Focussed Events today and there is still 1 place that he has requested we fill if possible at the same price of £117. Although we have 10 booked and the price is not affected, Adrian Tillin (Marlborocar) used a credit he had with FE and they did not make the connection to the BKCC so still have 1 place left open for us.
If you know of anyone who would like a bargain £117 as opposed to £165 now on the website please get them to book quoting BKCC or Ken Robson to get the price. I will also open this up to other clubs to fill the last place so first one in gets the deal.
Have a great day, I will start a seperate link but we can do it all again on the 22nd August as they have just released this date and I have reserved 10 places.
Cheers Ken
Quote from: crag on 13, July, 2011, 09:51:26 AM
Hi I'm down to do the Donnington event on Monday (Craig from the WSCC club). Just been looking at the weather forcast and it looks wet for Monday :(
I'm after a bit of tyre advise from those with a bit more track experience than me. I have a set of Yokahama AO49's and also Toyo Proxy T1R as road tyres. If it's wet would you advise sticking with the Toyo's rather than the track focused Yoko's. Sadly I can't transport both sets of wheels to Donnington...
Also, I will be going straight to the event on the day as I have relatives in Leicester who I will stay with on the Sunday night.
Looking forward to it and to meeting you all
Cheers
Craig
Take AO48s. The T1Rs are not a lot better unless your car is heavy. i've used both. AO48s all the way for me
I was told that I'd get an email receipt, but haven't yet. Has anyone else?
Also me n stew will be setting off about 8pm from Trowbridge, what time are the other overnighters leaving?
Yeah I had an email the other day/week. not so much a receipt but some instructions/guidance really.
Yep, me too. Got an email confirmation a couple of weeks ago with a pdf attached with a form to fill in and sign. These forms are available on the day if you forget it. I'd contact Focused Events if you have not received anything just to make sure all is OK and you're in.
I'm planning to leave Bristol about 6ish on Sunday evening.
Darren, what's the score with pit garages? Can I share yours?
Yeah we can be garage buddies! I might call them tomorrow to check how many we've been allocated but sure it'll be fine. May need somewhere dry on the day!!!
You can get 4 cars in those garages - they are huge.
Quote from: 'The Gaffer' on 15, July, 2011, 04:59:18 PM
You can get 4 cars in those garages - they are huge.
More like two cars, Phil. Each one is in fact two garages. Luckily last time we went both garages we booked were side by side.
Quote from: robp on 15, July, 2011, 06:50:27 PM
Quote from: 'The Gaffer' on 15, July, 2011, 04:59:18 PM
You can get 4 cars in those garages - they are huge.
More like two cars, Phil. Each one is in fact two garages. Luckily last time we went both garages we booked were side by side.
Ah, I thought they were being a bit generous :D
Just setting off, praying for sun! :o
.This hotel air con is nearly as loud as my car. You have to choose awake coz you're too hot, or the AC noise. :-\
Awesome day!!!
Mixed bag of weather but all in we were really lucky as there was plenty of track time. The event was well run as usual. There was a serious level of car there from Radicals to a V8 E30 M3 to a GTR.
Really pleased with the M3. A few adjustments to the geo and a change to 18inch alloys made all the difference. The car went like a train and was handling so well, especially for a 1.5 tonne family car!
Thanks again to the patient member of BKCC driving his VX. I forgot we weren't racing and got quite close. He was good humoured though and we were all fine. Apologies again!
Just to let everyone know... he does a very good vinyl wrap. His own car completed in carbon. I will be asking him to do my roof soon!
Piccy of the M giving it stink
(http://s2.postimage.org/27rjwwbvo/ALX_1695.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/27rjwwbvo/)
(http://s2.postimage.org/27rvhnrc4/ALX_1802.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/27rvhnrc4/)
Great pics mate, glad the car went well :)
Anyone else get any pics?
My good lady wife took stacks of pictures, I'll post them when I get home at the weekend.
A great day, slightly slippy to start but the track soon dried out and it was great. The efforts sorting out the cooling and fuelling of my car seemed to pay off; minimal overheating and no misfiring/other weird behaviour. The first full day of good behaviour.
Now I need to investigate some geometry setting up since I span more times than I care to remember. Clearly it was the car's fault not mine...
Thanks to KrazyKen for giving us the chance and everyone for making it so friendly and enjoyable.
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 18, July, 2011, 10:57:56 PM
My good lady wife took stacks of pictures, I'll post them
When I get home at the weekend.
Excellent.
Quote from: Grin-a-lot on 18, July, 2011, 10:57:56 PM
Now I need to investigate some geometry setting up since I span more times than I care to remember. Clearly it was the car's fault not mine...
Haha, give Dave a ring at Track Developments, he will sort you out - with preferential rates too :)
A second vote here for Dave. I took my Westfield into him as soon as I got it and it's handling really well. No spin outs yesterday, just the odd squeaky bum moment mainly down to lack of talent!! ;D
Great day yesterday, good to meet you all - I have some pictures my brother took which I will post later.
I had another great day at Donington. Fab circuit. I was a little worried about the weather when we got up in the morning but the circuit was dry in a hour. Thanks for the ride in the M3, Dave. Nice job you've done there.
Got my slicks on the car mid morning and started having some proper fun. I've had these tyres for a couple of years and they've lasted well although they're in the twilight of their life. Must sort out some fresh ones before my next trackday. Really happy with how the Westfield was running with new dampers.
I had loads of track time. Open pitlane was great and I never waited more than a minute to get out on track. Like the Focused Events days; well organised, minimal faffing about and loads of track time.
Lots of interesting cars were at the event. My favourite was an orange BMW E30 with a LS1 V8.
Really disappointed I didn't get to Donnington yesterday. My wife's broken toe was operated on today. So far I've spent 11 hours at Frenchay since midnight Sunday. Some good news - she's on the mend.
Adrian
Adrian
Sorry to hear the news but glad to hear that your wife is on the mend now. Your last chance to do Donington at a bargain price this year is on Mon 22nd August, please see the other thread for details.
May be able to do that but due in Brisbane again that week
Quote from: MarlboroCar on 19, July, 2011, 07:54:49 PM
Really disappointed I didn't get to Donnington yesterday. My wife's broken toe was operated on today. So far I've spent 11 hours at Frenchay since midnight Sunday. Some good news - she's on the mend.
Adrian
Good news things are on the mend, all the best to your wife.
http://thumbsnap.com/5VMoQoM9 (http://thumbsnap.com/5VMoQoM9)
chasing dave (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRZz_vcSEYg#ws)
spin off (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpVgCLZwHdo#ws)
Black flagged again :(
oops.
One of the red flags on Monday was down to me. Very sorry to everyone out on the circuit at the time. My engine stopped on the exit from the chicane and wouldn't re-start. Once I had been towed back to the pits I discovered there was no power to the fuel pump. I managed to lash up a direct feed and was back out on the track again soon.
I managed to have a look at the car last night and finally discovered what has caused the problem. My car has an inertia switch which cuts the power to the fuel pump in the event of a crash. Inside a recess is a ball bearing that completes a circuit to the fuel pump. If the ball bearing leaves the recess through heavy G-force loading or the switch (and the car it's attached to) rolling or inverting, a magnet in the top of the inertia switch grabs the ball bearing mid-air, the circuit is broken and the fuel pump gets no power. The switch has a button. I just pressed it and everything was working again. This is what it looks like....
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii231/bobpuk/inertia.jpg)
It cut out going across a rumble strip at the chicane. Don't remember particularly big shakes but must have been enough to upset inertia switch. I understand some Sprint and Hillclimb cars usually do not fit the inertia switch as pulling big G forces or having a slight visit to the scenery it cuts the fuel. Thought of removing it myself but it's there as a safety feature so it'll stay for now.
any photos of the day?
Here's my £20 bullet camera video of my less than excellent cornering technique.
Donington Park Trackday 18 Jul 11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YjGii8jVFo#ws)
Still, goes to show I was trying hard I guess!
Here's one where me and the apex actually met!
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5954113314_baa302e2ee_z.jpg)
fair play Grin!
Excellent vid Grin, I think we should change your name to 'Spin Doctor' :) :) Seriously, fair play, that is quite a daunting circuit and you pushed your car hard.
Glad there was nothing serious Rob :)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5963278589_c1ae1bff35_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5963833154_1c97968a83_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5963831892_5603d17e74_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5963273625_bc5af70d26_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5963271969_4d49272e8d_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5963827642_81a3691788_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5963269179_113f6613e2_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5963822122_d7614e72fe_z.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5963820228_52774f5c76_z.jpg)
the 4th one has a very nice background, but Dave H looks guilty on his shots, like he's just been black flagged or something :)
My passenger laps in an Atom
Dave and the Atom.. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPgol--Vio#ws)
I do a bit of plane and Dave H spotting @ 10.30, the yellow kit does really well until he locks up at the hairpin.
That looks like one quick car, smooth drive too :)
With all this talf of Black Flags & Red Flags there must be some Black Award nominations in there somewhere. Either post on here or PM me, all will be revealed at the AGM in December, it will be our secret until then.