Just got back from Plans after doing there driver training / Stig challenge thingy. What a top day! Money permitting, this is one thing i think all VX owners should do, especially if your into track days.
The instruction was absolutely first class and i learnt more with a couple of hours of good instruction than what i had previously learnt in over a year of road and track day use with the vx. That said, i still managed to go off at the infamous 'follow-through' where the Stig had his big off in the kooooonnnnigggggsigggg and i nearly did literally follow through
, after doing a 360 at just under 100mph myself and Andy (instructor) both would of probably benefited from an anal evacuation of sorts. Fortunately, most of the rotating was carried out on the tarmac with only the final part of the pirouette being on the grass, so was able to run through the gravel and continue on track.
The car was absolutely brilliant as well. Part of Andy's reasoning for the spin, other than my inability behind the wheel, was that he hadn't anticipated how bloody fast the thing would go on the short straight from the hammer-head to the follow-through, so the recomended lift off point as agreed on the sighting laps was a little bit late. However, as the morning progressed it became apparent that the main reason for the spin was my feeling and understanding of weight transfer and balance of the car all of which was explained and demonstrated very clearly as the morning progressed.
They also fitted the car with some very impressive data logging equipment the results of which were explained in great detail after the track sessions. They were even able to overlay the plots from my laps with the plots from my business partners laps in his S1 Audi Exige, which was really interesting to see how the different driving techniques alter the speeds through the various corners. This info shows so clearly where further improvments can be made, so if i get the opportunity to go again i will hopefully be able to set some faster lap times. (when Nitrons are fitted)
In summary, big
to all at Plans especially Andy and Graham for an extreemly well organised a well structured morning in a fantastic facility with some top notch tuition. Highly recommended to everyone.
Alex's Vxt has a bit more than stock, 300bhp AFAIK, on oem suspension though, this all could become a bit embarrassing 
oh and before you ask.....
The dog did a 3.46...
not bad for a westie.......
Regards
wayne @pro alloy
