UK Caterham Track Day - Brands Hatch GP Circuit

[Croc]

Following on from here

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12153-Caterham-at-Brands-Hatch&highlight=Donington

 

 

The latest installment in my quest to drive the great tracks of UK and Europe. This time was the Brands Hatch GP circuit. Last October I had tried the shorter Brands Hatch Indy circuit on a track day and thought it was promising. That was nothing - the GP circuit is sensational fun.

 

Unfortunately, some dickhead developer created a whole village of idiots next to the Brands Circuit. As a result, use of the GP circuit is quite limited and heavily noise restricted - 95db for my day. But when you get the opportunity you take it.

 

The full GP circuit is the same as the one followed by F1 before it ceased using Brands Hatch and migrated to Silverstone for safety reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

The track map and video just do not convey how much elevation change happens on this circuit. The video flattens things out tremendously. It also does not convey the bumpiness of the circuit. I was destroyed by the end of the day - lots of bruising next day.

 

However, I don't care - it is epic! Its old school style of track. It forces you to think. It requires a big brassy set hanging between the legs. It requires bravery. It challenges better than nearly everything except Spa, Mt Panorama, or Nurburgring. Definitely high on the must try ticket.

 

This is probably the worst track for the Mazda 5 speed gearbox that comes with the current version of the Caterhams. Its a 3-4 gear track only. Only use 1-2 entering or leaving pits. No need for 5th gear. IF there was ever a case for a 6th gear box, it comes on this track.

 

So here is the track video. Makes it look slow. So consider the elevation meter. Look at how my hands work the wheel. See how much I physically move around in the car from the bumps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

September sees me at Angelsey. October sees me hopefully back at Donington and for my first time at Cadwell Park. Who wants to join me?

Edited October 27, 2019 by Croc

[bbursey]

I’ve been able to race with BARC at Anglesey, Donnington and Brands Hatch Indy - all in an MX-5, but dying to find a rental Caterham to use there. Enjoy making your rounds!

[Croc]

Look up Boss Caterham rentals. They go to Brands, Silverstone and Donington.

 

http://www.boss-racing.co.uk

 

Bookatrack still has 2-3 Caterhams for rent as well. I was participating in a Bookatrack track day.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 28, 2019 by Croc

[xcarguy]

Momentum track. Great vid, Mike. Thanks for sharing....I’m jealous. :driving:

[Croc]