BRANDS HATCH revisited

I've gone on a bit about how much of a rush it is, and how much sheer joy you can get out of pushing your ability—and that of your car's—farther than you ever could on a public road. On this second outing, I decided I was going to set a slightly different set of objectives. Fun was still the big priority, but this time I was determined to test myself and the car even harder...
 

trackday format

I again went to Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, not only because it's close and well-organised (again, through Motorsport Vision) but because they were running a clever new format that allows cars of similar abilities to run in their own, alternating half-hour sessions. Basically, faster sports cars ran together during one session, then they left the track and allowed the more sedate machinery to whip around as fast as they could. The result: putting cars of similar abilities together meant we could lap on the racing line far more consistently—crucial for a enjoyable, flowing lap. Faster cars didn't get slowed up, and slower cars (like mine) didn't have to constantly move off the racing line to let the more powerful ones through. If more trackdays were like this, I'd bet they would become very popular with a wider and equally enthusiastic audience.
 

the people

The most remarkable thing about the day is how friendly, chatty, helpful and enthusiastic everyone was. From the organisers to the participants, there was just a good vibe in and around the pit area. It goes a long way to feeling pretty comfortable on the track, where mutual respect is really important to having a fun, drama-free experience.
 

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