Trackday report: Brands Hatch Jan 22 2005

[swaffs]

A bit of a risky time to book trackdays, I had been watching the weather for days before and it could have been anything from snow blizzards to glorious sunshine...

Getting up at 5 AM, it turned out to be lovely clear skies, consequently it was very cold. I managed to pile my tools and track fairing onto the bike and headed to Brands.

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/IMG_0155.jpg

Whilst I was wrapped up nice and warm, I found that if I went over about 50mph the wing mirrors and visor started to freeze !! I don't know what the temp was.
Eventually I got to the M25 and discovered it had been shut !!!
After dragging myself through back roads and Orpington town centre (spotting several van's / trailers on the way looking much more fustrated than me) I got to Brands.

The usual hustle and bustle ensued whilst I tried to get my track seat fitted ready for the 7:30-08:00 check in and 8:30 safety brief.

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/IMG_0159.jpg

Because I couldn't find my photocard half of the license, I had to miss the first session, so they could call the DVLA for me.
But looking at the track:

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/cold-track.jpg

I was quite happy to sit this one out, especially after the Snetterton incident.
My friend Mark was at his first trackday and gingerly rolled up for the first session of the day.

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/morning-grid.jpg

Turns out he had nothing to worry about and was probably the fastest rider from that session.

I went out at 10:00 and really enjoyed it, the track had thawed a little and I decided to just cruise round almost and just get a feel for the track.
https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/morning.jpg

G & Ste turned up shortly afterwards, soon to be followed by My wife and kids, and then Fazed, Wave, and Cliff/
Later on Funky Monk (BCF noob from work) came down.

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/lunch1.jpg

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/lunch2.jpg

There were very few 'offs' the only reall issue was a guy that was spewing oil all over the track, and it took two laps before anyone could get him to stop.
https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/oil1.jpg
https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/Brands-220105-Track_report/oil2.jpg

G an I had a little play with the suspension setup after the machanic with focused events suggested I didn't waste my money on him as I wouldn't be pushing the bike hard enough to get the true benefit from the tweaking. We decided to go with the recomendations in Ride magazine for track setup:

Front:
Preload: Two lines showing
Compression: One turn out from full in
Rebound: 3/4 Turn out from full in
Tyre pressure: 32

Rear:
Preload: Position 3
Compression: Half turn out from full in
Rebound: One Turn out from full in
Tyre pressure: 32

What a difference that made !! the bike was much firmer and flickable. I found the front lifting a bit under power, but once I adjusted my seating position (sitting forward) that was sorted.

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/swaffsCBR-1.jpg

I asked an instructor for some guidance after lunch as I wanted to see his lines and that helped also. the rest of the day was fantastic, and I got faster and faster throughout the day.
Ste did some lap timing for me towards the end of the day and I was pretty consistently doing 1:10 laps with the fastest being 1:08

https://www.swaffs.co.uk/images/swaffsCBR-2.jpg


Bring on the Pace day on 5 March. (I need new tyres now so will get some race scrubs for that day)

G took some great photo's, a selection of which are here:

Swaffs.

(Thanks to those that came along. )
____________________
Swaffs Photography |
BCF vinyl stickers
"Look not back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around you in awareness."

[hustler]

Swaffs nice report Looks like you had a bloody great time! Great photos and very cool.
____________________
As I said to that guy with the crutches and full camouflage gear, you can hide but you can't run.

[Korn]

Looks fun

Sorry we couldn't make it, we got hopelessly lost trying to fulfill our mission to ride to Brands via only country B roads
____________________
3516 Miles, 11 Countries

[Jon]

How did you find Paddock Hill Bend? Looks like a bit of getting used to.

[Wave2k]

At least we know the time to beat on the Paceday is 1.08
____________________
Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

[Going2fast]

Excellent Report
Also what camera is that? Lovely pictures, may be worth getting them printed and framed
____________________
Passed My Test 15/03/05
BikePics Profile ||| 96' RVF 400 ||| 01' CBR 600 F Sport ||| 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 Delivered 23/06/09
/-\ndy

[swaffs]

[Funky Monk]

Great photos, and report Swaffs . FRESH as a polar bears ball-sack first-thing, eh!

I turned up late (15:30), and the sun was no longer shining. That said the sound just made me smile on arriving in the paddock... .....If it's too loud, yer too old!

My smile however was of minute proportion once I saw Mark and Swaffs in there garage.

I managed to get some photos of them in the final 2 sessions, approaching Clearways, and a little video. Swaffs will check them out in the next 2 days or so.....

[ash t]

Looked like a great day..and those Photos, theyre brilliant!!
____________________
When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[EuropeanNC30R...]

That track looks bloody cold! Glad you had a good time.