A return visit to Spa-Francorchamps in a Caterham - 2018

[Croc]

 

[Croc]

Like my past experiences with Spa the GPS logger hates the Spa mountains and the data just did not work again. So just video of two sessions from Sunday with no overlay of data.

 

Somewhere on one of those videos is what happens at Raidillon if you miss the second apex at Eau Rouge and you do not lift….

 

Sunday session 2

 

 

 

 

Sunday session 3

 

 

 

 

I finished the two days with 475 miles on the clock after starting with 5. I think that’s respectable.

 

 

Sadly, I cannot make their July track date which is Spa and Zaandvoort. So no chance of going back until this time next year.

 

Instead I have days at Donington and Silverstone planned for early May and Brands Hatch booked for October. Still chewing on whether I want to do Anglesey for a weekend in August.

 

One day I may get someone off this forum to join me.

 

For those people light in their loafers and need a car with a roof to protect their delicate hair, then RSR Spa also rents cars. Renault Clios, Meganes and Porkers. But I will warn you – the Sevens are quicker!

[Certified Lotus]

Great write up Mike and bravo for all the photos! Fantastic experience driving some of the great European tracks.

[JohnCh]

That was a great pre-F1 coffee read! Given the starting mileage, I'm curious if you noticed any difference with the engine by end of day?

 

-John

[Alfonse]

Thanks for sharing! That looks like fun, fun, fun!

[FE07]

Absolutely, freaking awesome. On my bucket list. Thanks Mike.

 

Jim A.

[xcarguy]

Man, I got a nose bleed just looking at the elevation changes in the photos. Great write up, Mike.:hurray:

[wemtd]

Beautiful pictures!

Did you bring Amos along to make you look good?

[Croc]

Given the starting mileage, I'm curious if you noticed any difference with the engine by end of day?

 

 

Definitely did. It was much perkier in response and happy to rev out. It felt tight early on and added 7mph top speed by the end of the two days. Made a difference to my lap times too.

 

The 420R was a wonderful package. A great spec for a road/track mix. Not too powerful that it is no fun on the road and enough power to make merry with other cars on track.

[xcarguy]

Passing another BAT renter spun out who entertainingly was called Shane!

 

 

 

. . . Really :toetap05:

[Slonie]

Loved this writeup and your photos! Spa looks amazing, and what better way to see the sights?

[Croc]

. . . Really :toetap05:

 

Yes really. I so much laughed... :rofl:

[rnr]

One day I may get someone off this forum to join me.

 

Thanks for the great writeup. I hope to do Spa next year.

[Croc]

Photo links now repaired. Shout out to JohnCh for helping to diagnose the problem and what the obvious fix was. Thanks John! :cheers:

[JohnCh]

Mazda had a hand in this too, I'm just glad it's fixed. Oh, and if you really want to say thank you, as per the other thread ship the RS to my house :jester:

 

-John

[Blokko]

Great write-up, Mike.

 

As someone who has attended BaT days in the UK (Donny and Anglesey) in my own 7, I can echo everything that Mike has said about them.

 

I'm back in the UK mid May for a couple of weeks, but one of those weeks I'm working in London and the other week I've promised to take the wife to the Lake District for a holiday - so no chance of me doing a track day this time round :-(

[Croc]

HI Steve - I am running Donington on May 7 and Silverstone on May 10 and in between in London working. Are you around?

[Blokko]

Hi Mike. Checking my calendar it looks like we will miss each other. I will be in London from 29 May for 4 days.

 

I've also got a trip to NYC lined up - but unfortunately this will be when you are in the UK!