Lakeside Breakfast Laps - Sat 14 Feb 2015

[Wolfman101]

I've been to several track and training days, and happy to pass on anything useful to anyone who might want to know.

[Wolfman101]

Clay, thanks for the pm...I already got that one. Not really seeing in there aby info about signing up? I already replied expressing my interest...

[Wolfman101]

And sorry, that sounded bad. Not saying I should be a teacher or anything. Just trying to justify why I said it might be worthwhile for someone to sit in with me and get a feel of how things are, if no one else is available or whatever.

[jgribben]

Perhaps first timers should be strongly encouraged to passenger with some of the more experienced participants for 5-10 mins so they get a gist of the event and track layout. Would also help quite a few in learning the lines, gear choice and reasonable braking points, which will make it much safer for all. Granted at such an event there will be a wide gap in driving experience and ability, even moreso than the variety of cars that attend.

I would always be happy to get some tips for more experience but it was my first time too. And as most of you know because you passed me I was taking it nice a chill. Punching it when I felt comfortable and moving out of the way when I didn't. I don't think inexperience is the issue the issue is not realising your limits and being progressive in your approach to finding them not just throwing yourself in full throttle.
Different people I guess.

[jgribben]

To add to that. I am keen to get some pointers and some training so I'll actively ask next happy laps and get a ride along.

Watching my go pro video I was cringing, wrong gears braking too early etc. felt fast in the drivers seat just obviously could be a lot better

Thanks again to clay and QR for inviting us was a blast and I'm itching for the next one. So get a move on gav.

[tigger73]

...or they could at the very least watch some of the many happy laps videos that get posted up here and on youtube.

I think if you did that and then went for a couple of hot laps with a more experienced driver, you'd be in a reasonable position to go out at 7/10ths.

[blackers10]

my 2 cents.. what kind of person goes 10/10ths on a road they have NEVER driven on...

the first time I did a test and tune at willowbank my friend who had done a few took me for a drive around the track to show me where to go and what happens etc then we lined up and got on with the show. the staff told me nothing (I never asked at that stage but had watched 10000000 videos and tv and been to countless drag events so understood it all.

unfortunately just spectating you see how many people just don't even know what is going on and try and stage with their rear wheels. do stupid big skids and nearly clean up the staff or the wall.

some of the "blame" should also fall on the heads of the staff running the briefing and maybe they need to take the noobs to the side and give them a more never done this before specific brief to make sure they know how it runs and what they should or shouldn't do.

[team_v]

my 2 cents.. what kind of person goes 10/10ths on a road they have NEVER driven on...

the first time I did a test and tune at willowbank my friend who had done a few took me for a drive around the track to show me where to go and what happens etc then we lined up and got on with the show. the staff told me nothing (I never asked at that stage but had watched 10000000 videos and tv and been to countless drag events so understood it all.

unfortunately just spectating you see how many people just don't even know what is going on and try and stage with their rear wheels. do stupid big skids and nearly clean up the staff or the wall.

some of the "blame" should also fall on the heads of the staff running the briefing and maybe they need to take the noobs to the side and give them a more never done this before specific brief to make sure they know how it runs and what they should or shouldn't do.

To be fair to QR staff, it is happy laps and nothing more which is made very clear to everyone in the briefing.
We make many notes that it is not a race and just a fun drive within reason and for people who want to go all out they should move to sprints or time-attack.

We should all be trying our best to keep these events going because its harder and harder each year for QLD Raceways to offer them and no other racetracks in the rest of the country even allow the happy laps style event we get access to.

[tigger73]

We should all be trying our best to keep these events going because its harder and harder each year for QLD Raceways to offer them and no other racetracks in the rest of the country even allow the happy laps style event we get access to.

I don't think you guys know how good you've got it up there. I've tried a number of times to get access to a track for a "happy laps" style event down here (SA) and every time I get told it has to be a CAMS sanctioned event, everyone has to have safety gear and they only hire the track out for a full day.

So if we were to run an event we'd be up for a couple of hundred $ a head and that doesn't include any breakfast/catering. Payment would have to be made up front so someone has to stump up the cash and hope that people come along (otherwise they'll get the track to themselves for the day!)

Anyway I hope you guys realise what a good thing you've got going up there and you should definitely look to put things in place to make sure you can enjoy it into the future... though understand it's a bit out of your hands and really down to QR in the end.

[grandturismo]

Lakeside Breakfast Laps - Sat 14 Feb 2015

I couldn't agree more with that post Clay, these Happy Lap events are a fantastic way to learn how to drive on a track, so be very grateful and very respectful that you have this opportunity. There always seems to be some more experienced drivers at these events, so if you are a newbie or are keen to learn 'proper' lines follow one of these cars at a safe distance. Ask questions, don't be shy.

The 3-5 laps riding shotgun is a great idea for a newcomer. Safety is so important at Lakeside guys. Be considerate and do what you can to keep the great reputation the VW Watercooled group has with the staff at QR and Lakeside.

Relieved to hear the mishap was just some panel damage

[nat225]

I couldn't agree more with that post Clay, these Happy Lap events are a fantastic way to learn how to drive on a track, so be very grateful and very respectful that you have this opportunity. There always seems to be some more experienced drivers at these events, so if you are a newbie or are keen to learn 'proper' lines follow one of these cars at a safe distance. Ask questions, don't be shy.

The 3-5 laps riding shotgun is a great idea for a newcomer. Safety is so important at Lakeside guys. Be considerate and do what you can to keep the great reputation the VW Watercooled group has with the staff at QR and Lakeside.

Relieved to hear the mishap was just some panel damage

agreed! without vwwatercooled Happy Laps, below would probably never be achieved using da black Holf Ghay Taee Eee

[TTS20]

Its worth entering the track last if you are new. Then you can go at your own pace and warm your tyres without faster cars up your rear. If your a faster car you also get to climb through the whole pack of cars which is fun too. Id be happy to take a newbie passenger just so they can at least learn the track before they jump in for themselves. Ive done defensive driving courses but I dont consider myself any kind of teacher.

[THE_EGG]

Wow looks like the fan got hit at this one. Maybe not too bad that I couldn't make it.

Regarding the strong possibility of the new driver rule having them ride shotgun with a HL vet I think that is a great idea. I'd say 3-5 laps is an ideal amount. Besides the first lap is generally very slow as we try to get everyone out on the track safely. I also think maybe an extended briefing would be a good idea for new drivers as well (e.g. emphasising not to push too hard and also to allow people to pass safely if they are following).

I remember my first HL at the beginning of 2012 I thought it was actually quite daunting, however taking it easy and following/watching peoples' lines helped. I do think a couple of laps riding shotgun would have been a good idea at the time too, anyways. The main issue I think comes down to people's ego. This is happy laps so letting people past should be a non-issue, even if a slower car is on your tail.



I'd be happy for someone to ride shotgun in mine, as long as you don't mind being in a frenchie (my engine is half German though! )

[Wolfman101]

We miss you, Egg.

[TTS20]

Here's a video. Cars start at 2:40 None of the accident though. When i got behind the Clio was when we started to come in