Car Limits (UK) / XF V8 Hot Lap
#1
03-03-2016, 01:33 PM
Car Limits (UK) / XF V8 Hot Lap
Hello All,
I've been meaning to share this for a while now, so here it is! A video of the hot lap is included.
Last November I went on a "CarLimits activity day". This is a UK based company that has use of an airfield, and you can go along and safely push your car to the limit in a series of exercises without fear of hitting something or someone. I went for the large group day (£50), and I'm likely to head back for the more involved 2/4 person day.
I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes to drive in a spirited manner off the beaten path, or who does intend to track their car. You go out for each exercise/circuit on your own, and there really is sod all to hit. You learn a lot about your car. Actually there was some damage done there... Lots of pride was ruined!
The day was great, the organisers knowledgeable and the other participants all friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone there is learning (and usually a novice), some people are return customers, most aren't. We started with a the high speed bend, two smaller circuits, then the combination of all 3 - which is the hot lap I've got a video of.
Cars I saw there: Toyota GT86, M3 CSL, M3 (E90 I believe), Caterham Superlight, Clio, 'new' Mini, couple of RX-5s, a couple of scoobies & evos. A gorgeous old restored Ford Escort (restored in race spec) topped it off.
My time was spent in Sport with Trac DSC (was not brave enough for full off!). There was a bit of rain, which made things more exciting with the TC much reduced! After a particularly harsh takeoff I pretty much wheelspan to 90mph, had to slow for a corner. The car is shockingly capable considering it is not the XFR spec, the only real concern being the body roll. The grip, handling and planted feel is awesome.
So without further ado, the hot lap! This is the "full" circuit, standing start to a standing finish - it is a dashcam, not a GoPro, so apologies for the terrible sound quality
doesn't do the car justice (if the video doesn't show below, please reload the page).
I know it'll probably be asked, so I may as well cover it - yes it is safe to track a modern car. You will incur a level of additional wear if you do so regularly, especially so if you do not take sensible precautions or don't keep your regular vehicle care up to scratch.
Top tips, from research and word of mouth:
Simon
I've been meaning to share this for a while now, so here it is! A video of the hot lap is included.
Last November I went on a "CarLimits activity day". This is a UK based company that has use of an airfield, and you can go along and safely push your car to the limit in a series of exercises without fear of hitting something or someone. I went for the large group day (£50), and I'm likely to head back for the more involved 2/4 person day.
I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes to drive in a spirited manner off the beaten path, or who does intend to track their car. You go out for each exercise/circuit on your own, and there really is sod all to hit. You learn a lot about your car. Actually there was some damage done there... Lots of pride was ruined!
The day was great, the organisers knowledgeable and the other participants all friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone there is learning (and usually a novice), some people are return customers, most aren't. We started with a the high speed bend, two smaller circuits, then the combination of all 3 - which is the hot lap I've got a video of.
Cars I saw there: Toyota GT86, M3 CSL, M3 (E90 I believe), Caterham Superlight, Clio, 'new' Mini, couple of RX-5s, a couple of scoobies & evos. A gorgeous old restored Ford Escort (restored in race spec) topped it off.
My time was spent in Sport with Trac DSC (was not brave enough for full off!). There was a bit of rain, which made things more exciting with the TC much reduced! After a particularly harsh takeoff I pretty much wheelspan to 90mph, had to slow for a corner. The car is shockingly capable considering it is not the XFR spec, the only real concern being the body roll. The grip, handling and planted feel is awesome.
So without further ado, the hot lap! This is the "full" circuit, standing start to a standing finish - it is a dashcam, not a GoPro, so apologies for the terrible sound quality
doesn't do the car justice (if the video doesn't show below, please reload the page).I know it'll probably be asked, so I may as well cover it - yes it is safe to track a modern car. You will incur a level of additional wear if you do so regularly, especially so if you do not take sensible precautions or don't keep your regular vehicle care up to scratch.
Top tips, from research and word of mouth:
- Check your oil and ensure it is topped up, cornering causes it to slosh around. Low oil is bad in these circumstances.
- Let your car rest between laps, on IDLE not off. This lets it cool more effectively and let oil circulate.
- Similarly, try to avoid hot days.
- Don't thrash a cold started car.
- If tracking often get your car serviced more regularly, certainly oil will get muckier faster. Don't forget the diff/tranny which Jaguar don't formally advise you service...
- Your tyres and brakes will suffer excessive wear. Bring spares of the former if you can. Add a bit of extra air to avoid tyres popping off of rims in slides.
- You probably need special track day insurance.
- Lots of great guides on websites and youtube about this. Most people at events are friendly and helpful.
Simon
Last edited by molotov369; 03-03-2016 at 01:36 PM.