Bedford Autodrome Saturday 17th March 2012.

I'm looking at this date as I can use it as a test for my Vincy before Spa, presently it's £149.00 but I can see that going up so be quick if you fancy an open pit day at one of the best GT tracks in the UK.

Easy track link here.

Sign-on: from 07:30
Drivers briefing: 08:40
Sighting laps: 09:00, open-pitlane from 09:30
Lunch: varies (normally 12 till 1pm)
End: 17:00, or light-fail off season
Static 101 dB, drive by 87.5 dB

Let the good time roll Spin

1. CC.
2. MrsCC (tbc)
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4.
5.

Can you put me down as a maybe for this please

I do a 5 day scotland drive in April and with the the costs of getting the new cams fitted and the Apexi PFC I might not be able to afford any new tyres or repairs after a track day

Saying that I could maybe come in the clio.....Or the V6.... Or the van

Yes please!

Might have considered this too, but just looking at the site and the db limits - my car has zero chance of passing

Measured 107.9db at Donington even on the sighting laps, but may come to watch/scrounge some passenger laps

Yep, I'm more than likely.

I can actually see the price fall in January. Perhaps Alfatim could comment on easytracks pricing tactics?!

Steve, unless you get a trackday exhaust or the best muffler the world has ever seen, you will not meet the noise restrictions on ANY uk track!

I realise that Dan, but I can't see me persuing special parts for 3 or 4 trackdays a year - one of which is Spa where no such restriction exists AND i get to roar through the dartford tunnel

Doubt you would get past Northampton without being heard in Bedford . She drowned the noise of the Boeings at Donny! Might join you to scrounge a few rides though...

Yep, I can see your point, changing exhausts is a bit of a faff, but with the cheap as chips stainless exhausts for sale of late it's got to be an option?

Keep your earthquake inducing pipe on for tunnel runs! My favourite is the Shoreham tunnel on the A27 near my folks place in Sussex. Looks like the tellytubbies house but is a good half mile

My God... I'm going to finally get to meet Barbz before Spa

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Steve what about a tail pipe baffle, Dan bought a couple for brands but he didn't need them as his MR2 pasted the noise test, they do work and they're only £15-17 squid.

Joe, they wouldn't lower at least the 10db Steve would need though would they? Typically from what I've seen they lower up to 5? Hence my comment about the worlds best baffle!

It's a hard one to be honest, Little Dan's MR2 really blurbals but the noise was noticeably quieter after fitting these tail pipe baffles, he didn't need them in the end but at least he's got them for Bedford.

I think for less then £20 it's worth a purchase and noise test tbh.

Agreed, got to be worth a shot for less than £20. Can always pass it on if it doesn't work. Damn sight less hassle than swapping exhausts.

Over to you Steve

Here you go Steve

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Removable-Db-K...=item336a50222f

Joe, do you reckon we can do it on Sat, 11th Feb? It's novice day but will be run with an Open Pit Lane format. It's for £115 so nearly £50 cheaper

http://www.clubmsv.co.uk/car-home/event-details.aspx?productid=1148

I would be up for the one in Feb

£109 on their website this morning - weather might be though. Mind you, could be in March.....

I've got some mods to do on my car so I don't think I'll have them done in time Dean

It was good to see you Sunday btw so thanks for coming along If you do come along to Bedford in March I promise you'll get a passenger ride in my Vincy which is way quicker then anything that was at Brands this Sunday

Go on.... you know you want to do it

Although it's only £15, it works out very much more expensive if i'm black-flagged - i have doubts about a baffle dropping it 15db (and that was in sighting laps)!!

rather than risk it or change the exhaust i'll come and watch. Thanks for the advice though, much appreciated

It was good to see you there too. I will not miss an opportunity to get a passenger ride in your Vinci so I will be there for sure

its on my door step...

how can i say no

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. Marco20vt
7.
8.
9.
10.

Also, any one else up for stopping for a bite to eat at my resturant??

The bite to eat sounds good (although I'm currently hungry).

Could well come up to spectate...

Tim

Marco I'm sure MrsCC, Jake and myself will be up for a meal so here's another list for the evening meal

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. Marco20vt
7.
8.
9.
10.


Meal at Marco's restaurant.

1. CC
2. Mrs CC & Jake.
3.
4.
5.

Nice one

why dont you borrow a quieter exhaust for the day and just change it back afterwards proccy. I know joe has a few sitting in unit if you ask nicely

Too much pishing about, did think about that

faster than the Ginetta? Id like to see the battle

Forgot about the Ginetta yep, I reckon mine is quicker in a straight line, unsure on the twisties in the dry though

Mind if I put this up on mr2oc?

Please do Vinny

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. David Thomas (Mavric 2.4 owner tbc)
7.
8.
9.
10.

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. David Thomas (Mavric 2.4 owner tbc)
7. Johnnybravoturbo
8.
9.
10.

Cheers Joe! I will be there, subject to you working your magic on my car, and me getting used to the lovely light clutch

.....Oh and the power

What have I done to be excluded from the list

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan (tbc)
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. David Thomas (Mavric 2.4 owner tbc)
7. Johnnybravoturbo
8. HoveDan
9.
10.

Good to see you've joined Dave

Your Coupe will be more then ready for Bedford, all being well it'll be a fun day with some high powered Coupes on track

Not have 400+ bhp

Ahhh, that Tilton twin plate brings back vivid memories

Be nice to see it after many year and meet the new owner of course.

Dont forget to use FCCUK specific code for 10% off. Price will rise nearer the date, its still at 'Early booking' price. Its dearer than Feb dates as March is considered as 'in season' so circuits charge more.

Haha sign of the times when 350 ponies is the second lowest powered coop on the list!

Although, I'll be sure to wave to all you high boost heros as I pass you by after your clutches, gearboxes, cooling systems or driver ability (choose all that apply from the list!) break

Nah x2 back to y'all

Oh boy! Let battle commence....

I'll be there to take the pictures; not going to break my Coupe on the track this time, but I'll have a dustpan and brush ready to pick up the bits

Dan touche mate

Tim I've held off booking as I was going to ask you what the code is for the discount?

Hehe I couldn't help the WUM in me just came out.

Anyway, enough of the in house competition. What of our MR2 owning friends? I hear they got owned at Brands, and whimpered about they'd be better in the dry. Hmm, and we wouldn't?! Given my "entry level" 350 pony coop would have been comfortably the biggest power coop running at Brands if I'd made it, wonder what they'll make of our 400 and 500 plus ponies stretching their legs?

I think they'd need a 2 lap head start in a 1 lap race

:stirring: smiley is needed for times like this?

Pmsl

To be fair if its a dry day the MR2's should do a lot better but they'll need a lot more horses to match our Coupes.

I'll check their website later to see what's going on over there.

It'll be a fun day either way as long as not to many people caused sessions to be stopped, our biggest problem Sunday was the amount of people spinning off, yes the track was very wet but some guys and girls (yes U MrsCC) were driving just too fast for the conditions.

Bedford will be a good test day for Spa, I'll be running a slightly different setup and new exhaust so it'll be a tinkering day for me.

Their post for the Bedford day is here

Be nice to see it after many year and meet the new owner of course.



Thanks Barbz, It will be good to meet some new friendly faces

I just hope I can do the car justice

http://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1110887#Post1110887

HTH

Just take it by the scruff of its neck n'show who's boss

After losing it towards the bridge at Donny at over 120 mph sideways with you nearest the impact i will let you show me how its done this time Barbz.
Btw that off road incident pulled my rear spring clean out the mounting.Was resting on the exhaust.

I bet you Fiat guys have to say that a lot

I like all the TALK of big power though, it makes for entertaining reading while im bored at work

I reckon I could have pushed my mr2 quite a bit more to be honest but it still wouldn't of been a match for you're coupes..... My clio would have though

My absence was due to me having my children with me that weekend. The car was ready, willing and definitely able!
Fact is my 20vt is one of the most regularly tracked coupes (at least once a month), and I always drive to and home from the track, and it's not let me down.

I've just popped over to the mr2oc forum to check on the interest in the Bedford day.

After I translated found it (trackdaze?! I mean, that's well kool innit?), I saw no action worthy of noting. Still, I suppose you MR2 guys are used to that too

15 all Vinny

:stirring: smiley

Yup most of the mr2 guys don't seem to be interested in tracking their cars for some reason but its quality not quantity I guess

I dunno where the 'trackdaze' thing came to be honest... I'm with you on that one dude

Got a couple of guys from the TSS and ROC interested and I'll be posting on the mr2 championships forum too once the new year is here

If nothing else at least my car will be there so you have something nice to look at for a change

Pmsl

I've booked this now using the FCCUK code.

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. Barbz
6. David Thomas (Mavric 2.4 owner tbc)
7. Johnnybravoturbo
8. HoveDan
9.
10.

I'm not playing footy that weekend now, might come and watch/blag a ride or two

Is it possible to just spectate?

Best hook up with someone on here, there is very limited room in 'Paddock' / Live track access, but you can leave your car in the main carpark and blag a lift over. No charge for watching.

Sorry guys, i'll have to give this one a miss, too much on at the mo'

I'm in

I willbe spectating

Little Dan has informed me that 3x MR2 owners have confirmed and paid.

Totally forgot that it's missus' birthday that weekend so I am out.

I'm coming to watch now!!

You're welcome to a passenger ride mate

Thanks mate!
I may... Infact I will be on that!!

I may track the 147 GTA

Can work lend you anything or the day

Haha I think no... Lol
But I doubt Sam will let me borrow her GTA for the day lol

Gents my cars still dead and until i get funds for a new clutch i cant take it to Fleas to get the fuelling checked.
Might be pressed to attend this.

social event open now too as this is not that far away!!

So who have we got?

Shame some members have dropped out

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. David Thomas
6. HoveDan
7.
8.
9.
10.

2 or 3 from the Mr2 forum have booked.

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. David Thomas
6. HoveDan
7. deannn_20VT (missus says yes, just need to check with my bos on Mon that I'll be off on the day).
8.
9.
10.

As its the day before my 21st birthday...(honest) I will pop along, as a spectator only though.

Right, I am definatelly off on that day so I'll be there 100%.

Joe, how flexible these guys are in terms of price? It is £179 at the moment and that's a bit pricey for me. Any chance of paying the original price at all?

Just to confirm - I am attending

Joe - I am looking forward to a passenger ride in your coop

You and me both!!

Did you put in the FCCUK code for the 15% reduction?

Nope, the code gives 10% reduction wich is good anyway. What I did was I got in touch with alfatim and he has sorted me out. I am so looking forward to this.

Excellent

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. David Thomas (tbc)
6. HoveDan (tbc)
7. deannn_20VT.
8.
9.
10.

Anyone else?

I'll probably be coming to watch

you coming down Friday night ping pong??

we are having a few drinks and a giggle before hand!!

Tracking

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. David Thomas (tbc)
6. HoveDan (tbc)
6. deannn_20VT.
7. Alfanutter laugh
8.
9.
10.

Watching

1. Marco
2. Mario
3. ping pong Begbie
4. Coupedummy
5. Proccy
5. simonz30??

I won't be making this one I'm afraid, have kids and have a mothers day visit planned as my mother will be coming out of hospital after her op by this weekend

Also, the sump on the 20vt has to be changed

Be ready for Spa, and then plenty of summer action!

I won't be spectating for this either, there's a Midlands meet so I'll be there instead

Pair of GWARS.

A week away and maybe 20 hrs of work including building a new a exhaust ahead of me

Looks like I'm working this Sunday!

I didn't see your name on the participants list?

:marco:

I wont be able to make it either my fuel line is shafted im waiting on a new one.

I won't be there either, unfortunately it looks like the turbo (or worse) has had it on mine

Dan im hosting drinks and food the night before and coming to watch.
Due to work and a map correction needed on my car i cant track it.

other wise i would!!!

But im still going to be there!!!

unlike 2 i no..

Ouch sorry to hear that, has the beast been used in anger yet?

Ouch sorry to hear that, has the beast been used in anger yet?

Thanks mate, I must admit I am pretty gutted after having already spent a fair bit. Leighton checked the map last Saturday and confirmed all was well from that side of things, following that I got to give it a bit of a blast (which was NICE!) Then had to poor in 1.5 litres of oil for the 120 mile journey home...not nice.

I guess if the turbo has had it then I will just have to see this as an opportunity to fit something better, by better I of course mean massive

maybe time for the New GTX units mate?

see what power thjis can make with a big bad boy blower on it

Your present turbo can be rebuilt but if you fancy a change the GTX is the way to go but you'll need a remap.

My present turbo can be rebuilt....have a word with Leighton mate as he says it cant.

Dave to copy someone post push the quick quote button and it'll automatically add it to your reply

Anyway your turbo, which spins down nicely when you switch your engine off, this would indicate no bearing damage so I've been informed that a service kit can be installed and no more smoky turbo or excessive oil usage

I love the positive atitude, much needed with these cars. Rather than crying over a blown turbo, you look onwards and upwards for an even bigger one!

Still hypercar performance for relative peanuts

My Coupe is in Surgery with Dr Flea, might not make saturday, having a little trouble with the dustbin size turbo

However I have total faith so I will see you all there

Tracking

1. CC.
2. MrsCC
3. Little Dan
4. Vinny (tbc)
5. deannn_20VT.
6. Alfanutter
7.
8.
9.

Watching

1. Marco
2. Mario
3. ping pong Begbie
4. Coupedummy
5. simonz30??
6. Antz28

any other's??

Joe, how are you getting on with your coop? BTW, is my coop going to be the only 16VT on the track? I am starting to feel the pressure not to the be slowest of the lot being factory 190bhp only... Anyway, can't wait to give it a run on this track!

Dean don't worry mate, you won't be the lowest bhp Coupe there as my Vincy isn't ready so we're just running the 2.4.

But watch out, it's only 8bhp lower then yours so I'll be pushing you round the bends if not over/under taking you

Joe what a shame your vinci isn't ready

Only 8bhp less than my 16VT? I better fit that mbc quickly:P Should be a good race between you and I. Oh, by the way. I won't let you overtake me

im sorry but after seeing this...

i dont think your going to have a choice....



its like when Mario gets hold of a farm animal... it WILL happen...

yeah, bu that was MrsCC not Joe.

That was definitely joe...I was in the car

Right, in that case I better get myself ready for this. Any tips?

I'm a fair driver Dean but I'll push you if you hold me up

Looks like rain for Saturday morning with bright spells in the afternoon, fingers crossed for it just being dry.

Looking at the BBC weather this morning, it says no say, although there could be isolated showers, but didn't look anywhere near Bedford, more likely to hit the west side of the country.

Definitely not as Mrs CC doesn't share Joe's manners. She'd have gone straight over that Fezza

Great pic that. Last year at Spa that was getting even. Do you have any plans to get ahead this year Joe?

Good! This means that MR2 boys won't have any excuses should they get outraced again:P

and smile while doing it.

As for plans this year, not much, a couple of teeks to help spool up and a nice new exhaust with a seperate screamer pipe for the waste gate

Ok I'm packed and leaving work early on a Friday... whoop

see you soon

Time to get some sleep. See you guys tomorrow

We all had a fun filled day at Bedford yesterday, I've a new name for Jack, from now on he's called 'No fear Jack' after giving his 16vt a thrashing along with his front tyres and brakes

Day started off very wet so we pretty much torque steered everywhere but after lunch the track dried and we were soon hitting 120-125mph down the back straight.

Track wasn't busy at all so we all got loads of laps in.

Moment of the day has to go to the poor 944 driver who made rather heavy contact with the barrier, looks like an expensive repair



Mr2 having a little spin



Jack's front tyres in the afternoon, we quit after this.



This sounded



MrsCC's 2.4



Chap in the blue overalls was testing a new engine, he's racing in the Mr2 championship.

I had a couple of moments trying to get the 2.4 to stop, tyre smoke and Jake having a brown trouser moment.

I also went out with Jack in the morning and we spun in fine style leaving us up the back with no damage, MrsCC went out with him a couple of times and to quote her words "Jack is mental"

Looks like an awesome day out.

100% agree with Joe - it was an awesome day! It was good to meet you again and spend a day together racing

I didn't know what to expect from my 16VT but now I know that I can trust the old girl as she didn't let me down.

It's such a shame about the front tyres. Basically, they got destroyed as soon as it got dry and I could push it much harder in chicanes and over the kerbs. Oh well, it's all about the fun

BTW, tyres are not only thing which got destroyed - definitely wishbones need changing, tie rods, tre and exhaust is blowing (that's what was making that hisssss sound Jake). Funny thing is - MOT expires on 30th March I got some work to do.

For those who are looking for good and cheap set of brakes - EBC Blue Stuff & MTEC grooved and drilled did worked for me really well (all for under £140 for the 16VT). Only brake fluid started to give up and it was the ATE Blue thingy - not so great.

Joe - thanks for the tips on how to improve my race line and eventually how to go quicker round the track

Jake - thanks for being an awesome co-pilot and I hope that you did enjoy the adrenaline kicks as much as I did (you know what I mean) Next time I will brake even later so get ready

MrsCC - thanks for your comments re my driving skills and sorry for being mental

And finally, please do send me some pics guys: jacksndj@yahoo.co.uk

Jack

Trackside Images have now listed our pics.

Clicky click

I must fit a lower seat, lol

Haha, I am too tall with the helmet on too. I should have bought non sunroof coop

MrsCC's car looks