My first Donington GP experience!

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

After getting the MOT done on the MegaS2000 on Tuesday afternoon, I foolishly decided the best way to get my eye back in was to do a track day 😂. 

 

Nabbing a cancellation with Open Track at Wednesday lunchtime for the same evening at Donington, I rang Howden to get my insurance sorted. My annual cover includes 5 free track days, and takes just a few minutes to get sorted (fab service as always!).

 

After lunch I swapped my out my cat for the decat pipe, checked fluids, torque  settings, and pressures, chucked some tools in the boot plus spare wheels/tyres in the youngests mighty Corsa before we headed to Donington. 

 

In my excitement, I'd not realised until the driver briefing that I'd booked the full GP circuit...  Only then did the realisation set in that I was facing a track layout I'd never used in a car I'd not driven at all for 4 months on tyres I've never used before (Nankang AR1's).... On top of that, local members John, Hedley, Tony, Glynn and Ben had all come along to watch, so no pressure 😂

 

During my last Donington track day in mid 2024, I was black flagged for noise (hitting a beautiful sounding 103.5db under the gantry vs the 98db limit!) and knew it was induction noise from the ITB's.... recently I'd picked up a PX600 airbox to help with this so fitted it in the paddock while we were waiting for the driver briefing.

 

 

When test fitting, the airbox is a very "snug" fit under the bonnet so despite trying various adaptors, I can't run any of my filters.... as I will only run it on track I'm currently investigating fitting a 100mm turbo mesh, watch this space... I'll also be playing around with the fitment as the bottom of the ITG backplate doesn't quite fit the Pipercross airbox meaning a bit of duct tape is needed (it's securely and works, but isn't pretty 😂).

 

After the sighting laps, I took to the track with my youngest riding shotgun managing a leisurely 2m01s fastest lap. Thankfully nothing fell off and all the temps were good. The weather was amazing and we had loads of stunning cars on track, including Radical, GT3RS, Ferrari, M4, M3, M5 etc.

 

I am by no means an experienced track driver (having only done Donington National 4 times) but I have been steadily improving my lap times on each visit. Last year on the National circuit I'd managed to get down to 1m21.0 (1m23.1 with a passenger), so knew I was well off my normal pace (with the 30 seconds "rule of thumb" added for the Melbourne loop).

 

My 2024 National personal best on 185/60 R888R and 235/45 Kumho V70a tyres:

 

 

My next passenger run saw me down to sub 2 minutes but knew I hadn't got rid of the rustiness quite yet.

 

Ben shared with me his GP layout laptimes from 2024 in his R1 engined MNR (1m54) and Michael messaged me to say he'd managed a 1m54.5 with a passenger in his Hyabusa powered MK Indy.

 

While the MegaS2000 is a lot heavier than Ben's or Michael's bike engined cars, I've always managed to be competitive with them over a lap of Donny, so knew I could push on a bit more.

 

Now a bit more focused with confidence in the tyres building, I went for a solo run to try and explore the cars limits a bit more. Finally it was starting to click and I could push on, getting to the limit of grip. I pulled back in with a big grin!!

 

Racechrono showed me that despite a bit of traffic I'd hit a 1m52.5 and that if I'd strung together all the fastest sectors I'd have been at 1m51.7.

 

 

On this solo run, I'd been playing with a Fiesta ST race car. Chatting to the driver (Aaron Lali) in the paddock afterwards, this slick shod 200+bhp car is a class winner in the Modified Ford Championship and he was using the laps as testing. He was really sending it on track, so I'm not sure he was overly impressed that a fat old bloke managed to catch and pass him 😂

 

 

On our final passenger run, we managed to catch, pass, and then pull away from the MacG Racing MK Indy (running a 2.0 Zetec on ITB's). Race drivers Josh Tomlinson and Johnny Macgregor were sharing their race team prepped car, so with a passenger onboard I needed all of the extra 70 ish bhp of the Honda as we had no advantage in the corners.

 

Having a look at Racechrono in the paddock, we had managed to get down to 1m53.1 (optimal of 1m52.4) with a passenger. Not bad at all!

 

 

We had run out of time at this point so wasn't able to get any more laps in. 

 

On reflection, I'm sure I'll be able to dip below a 1m50 with a bit more practice. Goddards was a corner I never felt I'd quite mastered (it's a weird off camber job) and I was a huge 6mph below my best at the apex of Craners (you need big cahoonas turning left at 100mph!!). I was also still short shifting a little on Wheatcroft to keep the noise down, and I'd left all the tools, tyreweld, compressor, and spares in the boot.

 

I'd also forgotten to remove the Westfield umbrella 😂

 

 

The new AR1's were very impressive with a nice progressive break away at the limit. The extra front grip of the 205's over the R888R 185's was noticeable on the exit from Coppice where the LSD tends to give a bit of push when unleashing the power in 3rd or 4th. It was also evident through Craners, where I had a more positive front end making it easier to pull the car left to straighten up for braking into the Old Hairpin but I do need to push harder there.

 

The 235 rears worked well too, excellent grip but progressive break away at the limit. Once I was used to them, they felt almost as good as the Kumho V70 but didnt overheat after a few laps.

 

A few photos of the day:

 

Catching the MacG Racing Indy (Josh Tomlinson at the wheel)...

 

Off to build a gap!

 

Hunting down the Fiesta.

 

Through the Foggy esses.

 

Found an apex 😂

 

An absolutely brilliant few hours and the car was faultless despite the hot weather.

 

A load of us will the doing the Open Track evening at Donington (National circuit this time) on the 1st September if anyone wants to join us! 

[joolz]

Superb times Rob. Makes me look quite pedestrian!

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

2 hours ago, joolz said:

Superb times Rob. Makes me look quite pedestrian!

 

Thanks, it's the mighty Honda covering up for my lack of talent!

 

Considering it's a heavy engine and box and it has never had any chassis set up work since it was built 11 years ago (it's even running the original AVO shocks!) it does pretty well on track. 

 

All I've ever done is tweak the ride height to suit the different diameter wheels/tyres and send it 😂

 

 

 

 

[joolz]

Well whatever it is you are or are not doing is working!  (natural talent?    )

 

Have you had your car on the dyno since doing the last round of work on the engine and if so what was the differences between previous spec and now ? (throttle bodies?)

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

5 hours ago, joolz said:

Well whatever it is you are or are not doing is working!  (natural talent?    )

 

Have you had your car on the dyno since doing the last round of work on the engine and if so what was the differences between previous spec and now ? (throttle bodies?)

 

Definitely not talent, probably more to do with an under developed fear gland! 😂

 

No, it's not been on the dyno since fitting the throttle bodies, I installed the factory developed Omex map which works a treat. Obviously it's a bit more powerful but the throttle response is the main improvement, with the lightweight flywheel it punches very hard in gear but keeps the flexibility it always had.

 

 

[Burgerbob]

I was chatting with Dave last time I did a Donington evening. I prefer the national circuit and was heaving a grumble why he only does the GP circuit now. He explained that the main reason is the national circuit is used more for racing, therefore on track days you get more wanna be racing drivers and teams testing and practising. He gets a better mix of road cars on the GP circuit. 

 

The last evening session I did there a month or so ago also had no red flags. Unheard of at Donington, but perhaps in part due to his very open moan at people's behaviour of donuts in the pit lane and dealing in garage 14!!!

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

1 hour ago, Burgerbob said:

I was chatting with Dave last time I did a Donington evening. I prefer the national circuit and was heaving a grumble why he only does the GP circuit now. He explained that the main reason is the national circuit is used more for racing, therefore on track days you get more wanna be racing drivers and teams testing and practising. He gets a better mix of road cars on the GP circuit. 

 

The last evening session I did there a month or so ago also had no red flags. Unheard of at Donington, but perhaps in part due to his very open moan at people's behaviour of donuts in the pit lane and dealing in garage 14!!!

 

I've overly done 5 track days at Donington and not seen much silliness.... mind you, I always sit out the first 20 mins to let the "popcorn remap" brigade get the adrenaline out of their systems by throwing their cars into the gravel 😂

[Flying Carrot Steve]

19 hours ago, Rob Hunter - Club Secretary said:

 "popcorn remap" brigade 

 

 

 

You're gonna have to explain that one to me please Rob 😂

[Flying Carrot Steve]

20 hours ago, Burgerbob said:

 and dealing in garage 14!!!

 

Do you mean cars or drugs? Do people really deal drugs on track days? 😂

[Naranja_Al]

All happens in the East Midlands @Flying Carrot Steve.

 

It really is the place to be and to be seen! 🤣

[Burgerbob]

1 hour ago, Flying Carrot Steve said:

 

Do you mean cars or drugs? Do people really deal drugs on track days? 😂

 

It's a bit of read, but this is what it's like in the east mids!  To be fair to open track, I've done 2 evenings at Donington after this, and it's been great. Literally no red flags on the last one. 

 

 

 

 

Donington evenings for the remainder of 2025

Good afternoon.

After taking this morning to consider my email I thought I would drop you all a line regarding last night at Donington Park, and also in general the attitude of some drivers towards other drivers on track and the Opentrack staff.

This email is being done without the aid of Ai so it may be blunt and contain spelling mistakes in parts but I am sure you will all see my point.

Track days are fun, they have been and always will be a fun way to explore your limits and that of your car, no one is standing in the pits looking for the next Lewis Hamilton trust me I would of been spotted years ago as everyone knows a Vito van is always the fastest vehicle.

Joking aside last night and indeed some other past evenings at Donington have seen some truly shocking behaviour both on track and in the paddock area.

We have had people doing Doughnuts in the pit lane ... Yes thats right Doughnuts in the pit lane at the end of the night. People selling and others smoking Dope in the garages, groups of drivers changing wrist bands, people with fake driving licences or even claiming to of lost it only to find out when we check DVLA that they have actually been banned, the list could go on and on.

Now this behaviour does not happen at other circuits we visit, so why Donington ? Well everyone has a theory, maybe it is because we have larger group bookings where large groups of friends attend on Mass with maybe 4 or 5 drivers trying to share one car and impress their  mates. But whatever the reason is, it must stop.

Last night in particular was shocking, I gave up counting the Red flags. One just 47 seconds after a re-start. I do wonder how some people managed to make it to the circuit up the Motorway alive let along home again. Simply put things have to change at Donington Park as I will not allow the minority of drivers to spoil it for everyone else. Not only do you put yourself at risk but also other drivers, speed is fantastic and we all love it, but if you have been sitting in the pits for 10 minutes do not expect the slick tyres that offered great grip last time you were out to be back up to working temperature for two or three laps, not just 1/2 a lap. 

Moving on at Donington we have 10 evenings left this year : ( If I can cope ) 

So from now on at every evening for the remainder of 2025 there will be a mandatory drivers briefing in the pit lane at 17:10 a wrist band will also be issued for this drivers briefing, with out it you do not go on track.

If you miss sighting laps you will have to sign an extra indemnity form before going on track.

Should you get ONE BLACK FLAG for poor driving standards that will be the end of your night. ( I will make the decision not Circuit staff ) 

Should you cause ONE RED FLAG due to poor / careless driving that will be the end of your night.

I am sorry if this seams "harsh" but before there is an incident that costs an innocent party Financial loss / Car damage / Physical damage  / the list is endless this has to stop.

If you or your group do not feel that you wish to play by the rules there are plenty of other Organisers that I am sure will take your money. 

Apart from that please all have a great weekend.

Dave.

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

1 hour ago, Flying Carrot Steve said:

 

 

You're gonna have to explain that one to me please Rob 😂

 

Popcorn remap - a remap bought for approximately £15 quid off highly reputable Facebook marketplace sellers... they are generally installed on body kitted 1 litre Corsas, Fiestas, Polos etc that appear in groups after dark in a Tesco car park....... there they sit, bouncing off the rev limiter making "sporty popping noises" until either, young ladies flock around them, or more likely their Ebay rods separate from the Temu pistons in spectacular fashion 😂

[Flying Carrot Steve]

52 minutes ago, Burgerbob said:

 

It's a bit of read, but this is what it's like in the east mids!  To be fair to open track, I've done 2 evenings at Donington after this, and it's been great. Literally no red flags on the last one. 

 

 

 

 

Donington evenings for the remainder of 2025

Good afternoon.

After taking this morning to consider my email I thought I would drop you all a line regarding last night at Donington Park, and also in general the attitude of some drivers towards other drivers on track and the Opentrack staff.

This email is being done without the aid of Ai so it may be blunt and contain spelling mistakes in parts but I am sure you will all see my point.

Track days are fun, they have been and always will be a fun way to explore your limits and that of your car, no one is standing in the pits looking for the next Lewis Hamilton trust me I would of been spotted years ago as everyone knows a Vito van is always the fastest vehicle.

Joking aside last night and indeed some other past evenings at Donington have seen some truly shocking behaviour both on track and in the paddock area.

We have had people doing Doughnuts in the pit lane ... Yes thats right Doughnuts in the pit lane at the end of the night. People selling and others smoking Dope in the garages, groups of drivers changing wrist bands, people with fake driving licences or even claiming to of lost it only to find out when we check DVLA that they have actually been banned, the list could go on and on.

Now this behaviour does not happen at other circuits we visit, so why Donington ? Well everyone has a theory, maybe it is because we have larger group bookings where large groups of friends attend on Mass with maybe 4 or 5 drivers trying to share one car and impress their  mates. But whatever the reason is, it must stop.

Last night in particular was shocking, I gave up counting the Red flags. One just 47 seconds after a re-start. I do wonder how some people managed to make it to the circuit up the Motorway alive let along home again. Simply put things have to change at Donington Park as I will not allow the minority of drivers to spoil it for everyone else. Not only do you put yourself at risk but also other drivers, speed is fantastic and we all love it, but if you have been sitting in the pits for 10 minutes do not expect the slick tyres that offered great grip last time you were out to be back up to working temperature for two or three laps, not just 1/2 a lap. 

Moving on at Donington we have 10 evenings left this year : ( If I can cope ) 

So from now on at every evening for the remainder of 2025 there will be a mandatory drivers briefing in the pit lane at 17:10 a wrist band will also be issued for this drivers briefing, with out it you do not go on track.

If you miss sighting laps you will have to sign an extra indemnity form before going on track.

Should you get ONE BLACK FLAG for poor driving standards that will be the end of your night. ( I will make the decision not Circuit staff ) 

Should you cause ONE RED FLAG due to poor / careless driving that will be the end of your night.

I am sorry if this seams "harsh" but before there is an incident that costs an innocent party Financial loss / Car damage / Physical damage  / the list is endless this has to stop.

If you or your group do not feel that you wish to play by the rules there are plenty of other Organisers that I am sure will take your money. 

Apart from that please all have a great weekend.

Dave.

 

 

Sounds totally fair enough to me. People can and have been seriously injured or even killed on track days. We witnessed a horrific incident at Castle Combe in the last few years by some lunatic driving way too quick for his skill level, nearly killed himself and his girlfriend in the passenger seat. Worst track day accident I've ever seen. Can't have idiots behaving like that in something as lethal as a car. 

[Flying Carrot Steve]

10 minutes ago, Rob Hunter - Club Secretary said:

 

Popcorn remap - a remap bought for approximately £15 quid off highly reputable Facebook marketplace sellers... they are generally installed on body kitted 1 litre Corsas, Fiestas, Polos etc that appear in groups after dark in a Tesco car park....... there they sit, bouncing off the rev limiter making "sporty popping noises" until either, young ladies flock around them, or more likely their Ebay rods separate from the Temu pistons in spectacular fashion 😂

 

 

That's brilliant 🤣🤣🤣