Track Cars chat

[Chris_Blue]

Having used both my DS3s and and my VW R round Silverstone and Brands Hatch, am getting the bug. Am still rubbish.
Overtook a dozen or so last time out, only because the R was prob most powerful out there bar the modded RS4 (Which lapped me lol)

And taking the VW R round the track with no track day insurance makes me sweat... not worth it every car show visit. Just odd occasion

So -have bought myself a very used (LOL) 2001 Renaultsport 16v 2.0litre Clio 172, for spinning around the track for the next 6-12 months as DS3 Dsport Petrols are still a little out of my price range (£3k ive got to spend)
Can always use the Clio to trade in or sell on, as plan is still to get a DS3 DSport

Looking forward to cleaning up the paintwork, and engine bay, add a few mods (Sports cat, .. already has a s/steel exhaust..leads, lights, decals oil filter, induction etc etc)
Will also use it for bootsales i reckon, and the odd long trip to save VW R mileage

If youve had a 172 any advice?

Anyone track a DS3 a lot?

Anyone else with a specific Track car? - what you got and what you done :-)

[BenS]

Ahh I love RS Clios, prefer the Meganes though As for tracking, only ever hired. Would like to do a rally course sometime soon.

My advice is turbo the shit out of it lol

[Chris_Blue]

Ahh I love RS Clios
My advice is turbo the shit out of it lol

Ha! Nah- will just per modify a little bit- sticking a Turbo in is a PITA from what i hear
Probly drive it into the ground to be fair

If i get 10k miles over 2 years I'll be happy

Brand new they quote 0-60mph at 7.3 seconds- similar to the THP (Think things wud start fallin off)

[mjogreen]

Very nice! Love the Clio 172's. Can't say I have much by way of advice though.

I really want a track car. As soon as I qualify and get my well needed pay rise, I'll be getting something to play with!

[Chris_Blue]

Say hi to Clio- my Tracker

172 is home and on the drive
Might be there a while, have a fair few things to do- so will be SORN most of winter

May well go for a track day round March at Brands maybe Thruxton, or deffo BHP show at Lydden May 1st

Any recommendations what colur decals (And I'm gonna plaster it) will go with Silver
Thinking Blue :redface:

[BenS]

Pics pics pics!! But yeah blue and silver is a nice combo

[Chris_Blue]

Not sure pics of an old banger is worth it tbh lol
Its a 2.0 litre, with a sports exhaust, and ....oh..... that rumble driving along. Fab.
Nice drive too, altho a bit low for everyday use, itll be good for the track

Anyone heard of lowering springs that have an adjustable base? - will have a look over weekend
Coilovers on front, adjustables springs on rear

Wife fancies torqoise (Whoever you spell it) as contrasting colour. Wheels and decals

[cyclone]

The rear spring adjusters are normal with coil overs for cars like that and DS3's also. Nothing to raise an eyebrow about.

[Czar]

So you have purchased a car which will mainly see track use, first things first, get yourself fit, if not fit already, once a vehicle has been prepared for track use, the weak link is not so much mechanical or electrical failure, it is driver fatigue, I see this all over the world, and my answer to those who ask, is, get fit first, the track day sessions maybe short, that said, you will find it hard work to drive consistently quick lap after lap, enjoying your time on track, if you lack concentration from fatigue, a fit healthy body goes a very long way to prolonged concentration.

I see so many novices turn up to track events, who are pumped up on adrenalin, who make so many mistakes, from adrenalin fuelled exuberance, it's not about trying to be the fastest on track, it's all about smooth consistency, and consistency comes from concentration, and prolonged concentration, comes from being in good shape, (cardio) and eating healthy, keeping calm and breathing in a relaxed manner will give you the smooth calm flow through the corners, pretty much anyone can drive quickly in a straight line, however, it's the corners which sort the consistently quick from the over zealous aggressive drivers, who push their cars to not only beyond the cornering ability of their "Race" prepared car, but their own talentless driving ability.

You can purchase a quick car, yet you can't purchase talent. !!!

The car, make it as safe as possible, primarily forget how fast, and make sure it is fitted with enough track dedicated braking performance, again time after time, I see so many cars fail, due to poor brakes, wheels/tyres, have a set to take with you to the track day event, that are track dedicated, this will add to your experience, and teach you valuable lessons, on just how important suspension geometry differs from street tyres and pressures, to those needed for track fun. !!

Once you have a very safe car, and purchased your track equipment, EG; tyre inflater, pressure gauge, fuel jug, to bring your fuel from the last service station to the track, always run the car on as little fuel needed/calculated for the track laps to be achieved in the session time, a typical (UK) gallon of petrol weighs 6.3 lbs etc etc etc.

Then you can have fun, and hope you started with the basics, in the form of adding lightness. !!

Below is a Renault Clio 172 on track with a very over zealous aggressive driver, learn from his mistakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJz2efnfBlA

[Dangerousfish]

On the fitness front I think Czar is telling you to keep drinking your "apple juice" Chris ;o)

[Jamie@SPTuning]

Czar...Is that you in the Ultima?

[Czar]

Czar...Is that you in the Ultima?

No, if it were me, that buzzing Clio wouldn't have me in his sights, whoever is driving that Ultima GTR, is either a novice, unsure of his ability or indeed the cars ability, or, has not had any professional suspension geometry set up on the Ultima.

[Chris_Blue]

My idea is let everyone start in front of me, let them shoot off, then i chase. Doubt i will chase many down in the Clio

As for joining a gym- no, loli will stick to several 20min sessions. Only a learner you know... just a bit of fun

Not doing full harness, recaros , and roll cage. Its a Clio....

Still, start slow n see where i end up. A little easier in a powerful car. Overtook about 10 at silverstone, altho RS4 lapped me

Nice vid, bit old

[Dangerousfish]

Done anything in the way of weight reduction yet Chris? Back seats out, spare tyre removed?

[mjogreen]

Glass out and replaced with perspex?