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JAGUAR
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Please Note that all the pictures on this site are copyright and may not be used for any purpose without the owners permission!
TRACK & TEST DAYS
Over the last few years track days have become increasingly popular for both cars & bikes. It all makes perfect sense with increasingly powerfull vehicles, and their drivers/riders keen to test the limits of Man/Woman & machine!
On many Track days there will be a vast selection of different vehicles. With a great differential in skill and speed. It is worth bearing this in mind!
It is all great fun and highly recomended, far better than risking life, limb, and driving licence on the road. (& even more importantly other peoples lives). It is also the perfect oppertunity to try out a few adjustments to make your vehicle perform at its peak.
It is essential however to prepare for the day! Failure to do this may cut short your fun, and cost a lot more in hard cash than you had bargained for!
One vital thing you must prepare yourself for, is the fact that the car/bike may not return home in the same condition that it left! If you can't accept that, best not go! There is also a chance that you may get injured.
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Pic1 Expensive day out for this Porsche driver! Pic2 It is worth bearing in mind that if you arrive at the circuit in the car you will be driving on track, you will have to remove all of the loose contents before hitting the circuit.
To get the best out of the day, and minimise the risks you have to realise that You, the engine, brakes, steering, tyres etc will probably be working way beyond the paramaters that they were designed to. Of course it depends a great deal on the type, condition, and age of vehicle and your level of experience.
You would be well advised to talk to other people that have taken similar vehicles on track days, as the advice will vary somewhat.
LOTUS
My Esprit S3 at Castle Coombe 2003
A couple of years ago I took my Lotus Esprit to Castle Coombe. I checked the condition of the brake pads, caliper seals, discs and fluid. I also changed the engine oil and filter, using a genuine Lotus filter and good quality oil. I also over filled the sump to avoid starvation when cornering fast.
I also generally checked around underneath to make sure that nothing was obviously worn or likely to fail, including the cooling system.
The car performed faultlessley! It handled well, not a hint of brake fade etc. I was also delighted to find that its performance was more than a match for all the modern Lotus's! It was tipping it down in the morning, and warm and dry in the afternoon, and only one car passed me all day wet or dry!
One has to bear in mind that although it was 20 years old, it is a high performance sports car, that is designed for fast driving.
JAGUAR
Simon Newbury at the wheel of my spare XJS at a Mallory Park Track day 2003.
Apart from changing the rear shocks and springs, nothing much was done or checked before the day out. Despite this being a relatively high performance roadster, most Jaguars were designed for a compromise between comfort handling and economy. The car had a recent MOT and used regularily on the road.
After taking the car out for a fast 15 minute session, it was Simon's turn. After a few laps gradually building up speed he hit the brakes and not a lot happened. After pumping the peddle a few times he just managed to slow it enough to avoid a nasty accident!
Jaguar brakes are generally quite adequate for all types of driving, but especially for track days and racing they need fresh performance brake fluid, and healthy seals in the calipers and master cylinder. (Brake fluid should be changed at regular intervals to avoid boiling due to water contamination) Uprated pad material will also help if you are pushing hard!
TO BE CONTINUED!!
