Hi everyone.
I have done my trackday at Castle Combe. And what an excellent day!
I arrived just before 8am as was requested by CC.
After signing on I had the car sound tested - 80DB which was tested at 1/2 metre from the exhaust at 4500rpm static.
I then attended the drivers briefing at 8.30am. I learnt that 25% of all U.K circuit accidents happen at Quarry corner!
The organisers had all of us split into 3 groups, I was in group 1 which included 3 scoobys, a Lotus Exige (10 plate) and a Cayman
which was very fast running R888s.
When I arrived the track was damp/greasy and the sky was grey and dull but no rain! I was hoping and praying for some sun!
Group 1 were first out on track at 9am, the track was still damp in patches more so in some areas so I was cautious until the tyres came up to temperature and I got a feel for the car.
On my 3rd lap I had a bit of a twitch moment over a particularly wet patch entering Quarry, 100mph plus cold rear tyres! Nothing came of it thankfully!
I also found through the ESSES I just couldn't put any power down and found carrying speed fairly difficult through them, I must admit I did think to myself if it carries on like this the day may be a disappointment!
How wrong was I!
After the other groups went out and the track and air temps began to rise a dry line emerged then the entire track did.
The MG came alive, I was able to brake later and later and lean on it more and more through the corners, the brakes I found to be very good as my confidence in the car rose.
After the second session I noticed I had lost some braking performance from the top of the pedal, but this remained the same throughout the rest of the day thankfully, however the front discs were starting to show signs of overheating, I had rings appearing on the discs whic increased throughout the day BUT this did not affect the braking power at all, no vibration or juddering just the same consistent good power!
Whilst we were in our group sessions I did find there wasn't any cars I could play with, but this did allow me to learn the car better!
By about 10.30ish we went to open pit lane and I had chance to play with more cars then, some cars I caught up with and overtook were =
* Lotus Elise S1
* MG ZR160 - stripped out aswell
* BMW M3 E46
* Various other 3 series in differant states of tune and engine
* Lancer EVO VI Tommi Makinen - this was one I was surprised about! I caught him up over 4-5 laps and overtook (naughtily) under braking into Tower, I then stayed in front for 3 laps, he then passed me but didnt pull a gap of anymore than 2 transits up until the chequered flag! I later learnt I know the owner! Hello Phil if you ever read this!
There were various caterhams etc there, but they were in a different league to the rest of us!
I had noticed in the paddock there was another MG ZS 180, and it belongs to Gillian Goldsmith who is an instructor and race driver!
Gillian couldnt speak highly enough of the car, commenting on Thruxton using them as the race school cars because they are so good!
The ZS180 is definitely a car for those in the know.
Gillian also asked if I had ever had any tuition on track before to which I haven't, and said she would come out with me to give me a few pointers for free! Fellow MG owners!
We managed to be allowed out, we shouldnt have been really as the track was closing for lunch shortly! but she knew the Marshalls!
So a big thankyou to Gillian who was very nice and helpful.
After lunch I was out for a few more sessions before the front brakes called time! I had reduced the front pads back to the backing plates!
I must say tho, right up until the end they were consistent and strong! the front pads and discs had only 300 miles on them! now I need new ones! more on that one soon.....
I absolutely loved the day, I was out almost solidly from 9am till 2pm, and the car was truly great, I was one of the fastest along the back of the circuit through the ESSES + OLD PADDOCK BEND + HAMMERDOWN + TOWER where the MGs excellent high speed direction changeing and stability where impeccable, the car is ever so neutral and very grippy allowing you to do what you want with it!
I found that I was heel and toeing the car absolutly naturally the pedals are very well spaced for it (something I doubted on the road).
This also contributed to the demise of my brakes due to how late this allowed me to brake!
The video below is me entering Quarry and the following straight