Anyone got any tips for me? I have been on the main sites and picked up a lot of information. Any info on Cooper S's lapping the Ring? Looking to get over there in September. So hitting the PS2 GT4 for practice.

 

Have a read around on www.mini2.com they have at least one 'ring trip report on their site. May be more since I last had a read over there.

 

Have a look at www.northloop.co.uk Some info there as well that might help.

 

I had a couple of laps in a cooper over there last weekend. It seemed a pretty capable car.

To be honest if its your first visit the car is somewhat irrelevant. Infact I would say its much safer to learn in a lesser powered car. It stops you from putting yourself in harms way too quickly.

Gary

 

That www.mini2.com site is a bit weird. There is actually a poll at the moment for sexual preference. lol

Very funny, dont get me wrong, but probably just some pillow bitter on the pull........ oh sh%£ i drive my wifes Cooper S sometimes.

Maybe I could become "the quickest gay in the village"

 

You beat me to it.

Agree with Gary's comments - the car is irrelevant. Something not overpowered and with a good safety margin is best. Gives you more scope to start learning the Ring.

Thinking of doing the hire car option next time. That way I get some laps under my belt and don't wear out my tyres/brakes etc


Chris

 

Good thinking Hammoc ..... Oh and you were very safe considering it was your first trip matey....

Gary

 

Can people really learn the Ring on a computer game

Add in real traffic, adrenalin, g forces and doubt... Can't be the same surley?

F

 

Also add in damage in real world driving *pokes at GT4 and frowns*

James

 

^^ True, but at least knowing the rough layout and whats coming up next might help a bit

 

I think GT4 probably knocks 20 laps off the learning time. Thats the bit where you have no idea which way the track goes. GT4 at least gives you that knowledge. Anything else you take from it will only put you in danger me thinks.


Gary

 

I am currently learning the track on GT4, I agree, all you will learn is the left and rights of the track. I have heard however one thing you never get on GT4 is the up's and downs of the track, they feel x10 more exagerated in real life.

I plan to just enjoy myself and do maybe 4 laps, 3 just taking it very easy and getting the feel of the track and car. Then give it a little more stick on the fourth run. I am also getting a half day of tuition next month.

Any idea of a target time for an average ish driver in a Cooper S?

 

Dont even think about times mate. After 4 laps you will still be trying to work out why you're being overtaken by 1.0 ltr Polo's and such like.

To give an idea of times my 205 with 130 bhp has lapped in 8mins 52secs. A clio cup is capable of the same and a bit more. Your S would be a sub 9 minute car also. These are all irrelevant to you though as you wont get anywhere near it. Just enjoy yourself and keep safe.

Gary

ps I havent seen you registered on northloop's forum yet

 

Who was driving your Pug when you got 8:52 Gary

F

 

I tucked in behind a scoob and followed in its wake until I got so bored I just had to overtake and finish the lap off. I think it was sort of Cheery red (rust coloured) from memory.

Gary

Oh and my lap times can be substantiated unlike others where its just hearsay

http://www.asylummedialtd.com/205gti/8mins52.wmv

 

Just looked at video, nice driving what pug and spec is it?

 

Just a humble little 8 valve 130BHP 205GTi . Stripped and caged but other than that close to std spec.

The old girl does me proud and upsets a few. Much more fun overtaking stuff in that then in a 250 odd BHP car.


Gary

 

Yeah - that is a good vid ! You can tell the only movement in your car is the tyres -lol. That thing handles like a beast !

 

Oh dont worry the car moves around a bit. The tyres are A539 Yoko's so budget performance tyres. Its a bitch under braking on the downhill sections, the rear end locks up and wants to overtake me. The front understeers like a pig. However it doesnt lift off oversteer so I can chuck it in and let it sort itself out.
As said many times before, excellent fun for the money.


Gary