An airfield. Need I add anything else? Huge flat expanses of run off (although you'll be picking grass out of your car for the following weeks if you leave the tarmac), wide track width, flat.
Since there was no timing at this event the car was set up to oversteer wildly for sheer entertainment value. 22 clicks on the rear shockers please.....This guide was written with reference to a 2.0 190bhp Westfield SEi with a Tran-X box (five speed, long first ratio). The weather was sunny and warm.
Being a track day there is no start procedure, just wander out onto the track when directed and get used to the layout.
From the pits - medium sized straight where you can get it into 4th (just) but it's probably easier just to redline in 3rd (100+mph when up to speed). There's a very nasty bump just before the braking area so keep an eye on it for the first few laps. Mid 2nd for the first right hander, it's a tighter exit than you would expect so beware.
Out of the first corner, up into third just before a slight right hand kink that's easily taken flat. Then into the braking area and down to 2nd for a little left hand kink which immediately turns into a hard right. This was taken in low 2nd (watch for the change in tarmac on the exit).
The track then slims width-wise, you may get into 3rd or just redline 2nd on the short straight before coming to the most fun corner on the track. Down to 2nd for this right hander and just throw the car in, stomp on the power and have a bit of fun.
Short shift to 3rd just before the chicane, no need to really brake for it. Once out of the chicane you're into the fast right hander by the pits, accelerate all the way round but watch out for lift-off oversteer at this speed (but why lift? :) ).
Quick times are not known as we're not allowed to time! The tarmac has a lot of grip but also a tendency to change it's grip depending on the angle that you're attacking it. This results in quite a snappy car when changing from one section of the airfield to another. However, it's a day of practice so who cares about spinning! :)
