As above.. weather is killing me this year, should have been at cadwell on Monday but didn't even bother turning up, 3rd TD this year with shitty weather. Considering jumping on a plane, can anyone give me the run down on what goes on..how to plan etc? Also reviews on good/bad companies and a rough cost also. And what to tell the Mrs?
Either go with big company that will be quite full but less price, no limits, or small company that will have fewer on track but more expensive, like pacedayz. Only one most avoid is focussed events, although I know a few on here like them. Had a good experience with redline trackdays who sit in the middle of both in price and riders
Couldn’t fault Redline or Pacedayz, both excellent. I’ve been with No limits and Focused Events and they’re both much of a muchness, both got their own issues but that being said I’d happily use them again.
Few things to know. Bike normally ships a few days before and comes back a few days after Often, you can waste a whole day on drop off/pick up as its nit always reliable Bike, stands, warmers, small tool kit, folding chair, riding kit and holiday kit can be put in the stillage. Spare tyres can be worked in depending on the rest of your kit Some bikes are better with their screens taken off Day one can be a bit of a rush, but as you have days it’s worth remembering it’s not the end of the world to miss a session or two Fuel is on site only, tends to be cash, you can’t take fuel containers but take a jug (or share with a mate) No nose testing Remember keys (or hide them in your kit) Euro plug needed, and worth taking an extension in case the garages are full before you get there! Euro insurance is needed to include repatriation or you won’t get on. This adds about £50 iirc to the cost (some take annual if they do a few trips) If not taking tyres, make sure yours are new: ime Euro tracks seem more abrasive. Or it could be that you have lots of session where uk you often lose session with red flags or weather... If you can, go with mates, share hire car (you will need something for most) and banter
Ave costs, £650 Track time, bike transport and B&B £150 return flight £350 new tyres £60-90 bike fuel £100 per day food and beer £30-50 travel ins. Other cost considerations. Fuel costs for bike drop off and collection Hire van costs for 2 days Airport parking Hire car costs Bike service before the event Tyre change cost
This is optimistic. NL are typically the weekend before and collect the weekend after. FE take a lot longer, typically 10 days before and collect ten days after the event. Not an issue in the winter, but if you only have one bike and plan to do TD's in the UK, then something to be aware of.
How come you say people avoid Focused? I've done 1 euro event with them earlier this year to Almeria and couldn't fault it at all, had an amazing time, organisation was very good, nothing lost or damaged. I've got nothing to compare them to but not sure how anything could have really been better! We've booked Portimao with them later this year as well. My 4 day trip to Spain cost about £1500 in total to give you an idea of costs.
Personal experience limited and quite a few years ago, but it was terrible. Organisation, policing groups and the usual condescending bollocking at briefing and lunchtime. Also they do not use stillages for eurotrips. I wouldn’t book with them, probably That’s why I said some (like Nelson) find them fine and have used happily over and over
This has the danger of becoming yet another FE bashing thread. The old ops manager was a lazy bellend, he left a few years ago, Neil (the new guy) is very good at his job and runs the days like clockwork and does his best to police the riders. Unfortunately, because (IMO) places like Almeria are so competitively priced they do/can attract a certain element,which can be a problematic. I would probably go with NL as first choice out of the two, however I would not dogmatically not go with FE, just because of a group mindset, or because of something that happened in ancient times. Kev (the owner and biggest liability IMO) is, and probably always will be a bit of a tool and under no circumstances will you ever get a refund (credit note yes) refund no. Been with them loads now and probably going again in sept for the 3 day exclusive.
UK track days are in a bit of a hiatus, FE only did a few in the UK this year, Silverstone only doing direct sales and bloody expensive at that! I believe UK days are just ran as a gateway drug to get riders interested in euro events. The organisers all say the same about the UK days. Shit weather, too much grief re' noise from both track officials and riders. Bellend, daytripper wannabes and too many red flags. Euros all the way!
It's frustrating really, I do like the bigger open circuits like Silverstone and donnington and my bike suits it better, but some of the oulton/cadwell tracks are quite good fun and unique so it's always a draw. Anyone had some time at Spa? My old work races ford Mustangs there, makes every other circuit look like play group.
What options are available to take your own van with kit Places like Belgium, France, Spain etc. Can you pre book individual days and just turn up like we do at UK circuits
I’ve used FE twice with no issues. We were booked to go with them again but they cocked it up and changed the dates after we had booked everything . Because of the change of date we couldn’t go and to give them credit where it’s due they refunded everything including flights, hire car etc. Because of how they handled this I’d use them again. Also the now use stillages.
A company called BikersDays are the prime movers at Spa. Good English spoken. Spa is VERY popular and gets booked up months in advance. It’s great! www.bikersdays.com
