56 replies to this topic

[techieboy]

at least we'll be expecting to have to shuffle backwards and forwards to make the turn.

We are?

I'm reliably informed, by another Europa blue driver with previous experience of the Speedcat, that there is a tight near 180 degree corner on the boat that we need to drive around to get back off the thing. All well and good you say but, the VX can't make it round it one go, it takes a little reversing mid bend to get around it. Obviously, everyone is keen to get off so normal saloons/hatches are right up your backside and don't expect us to stop, reverse a bit and then go.

We should probably all meet up at the docks and make sure they board us all together and give us some room - safety in numbers and all that.

[techieboy]

Good job you grabbed that space this morning, Martin. It's all booked out now. By my count, there's now 8 VX/Speedsters there for the day. Shoud be good fun.

[VIX]

safety in numbers and all that.

[Mozo]

I'd be up for meeting up enroute with any Bedford/MK VX's? Drive down in convoy, although wouldnt be offended if you did want a silver spoiling your europa blue trip! Just got told off my manager that he stuggled with the bend in his Vaux Zaffira, so should be fun

[MartinS]

Been on a fastcat with the vx 4 times, assume its the same sort of boat. Fairly tight for opening the doors (we generally hopped over them). You also drive in one way and out the same door so you have to do a 180 turn at the top and each time before, I couldnt do it in one sweep. My car wasnt lowered then so not sure how much difference that makes to boarding but all in, should be interesting!! Blue Europas on tour , 'twice' in 2 weeks, looking forward to it. Glad theres more vxers, should be fun. Martin s ps Matt, cheques on its way.

[Sutol]

at least we'll be expecting to have to shuffle backwards and forwards to make the turn.

We are?

I'm reliably informed, by another Europa blue driver with previous experience of the Speedcat, that there is a tight near 180 degree corner on the boat that we need to drive around to get back off the thing. All well and good you say but, the VX can't make it round it one go, it takes a little reversing mid bend to get around it. Obviously, everyone is keen to get off so normal saloons/hatches are right up your backside and don't expect us to stop, reverse a bit and then go.

We should probably all meet up at the docks and make sure they board us all together and give us some room - safety in numbers and all that.

If you're talking about Speedferries then you might think about paying the extra and getting their Premium class. This will get you on and off first and no nasty bends. You will also get comfier seats, a newspaper, a coffee and a danish thrown in.

edit/ wish i was going with you, full report on the circuit please when you get back.

Edited by Sutol, 28 August 2008 - 02:54 PM.

[techieboy]

ps Matt, cheques on its way.

Thanks Martin, cheque received safe and sound.

I dropped Paul Bradford an email last night and he's updated the attendees list with your details on one of my bookings. So, you're official now.

[Mozo]

Why is it so hard to get an insuracne qoute from this track... (If it was Abbeyville wouldnt be an issue) Its really annoying because i really dont want to risk it with my current run of luck with the VX.

[techieboy]

Probably because it's brand new and we'll be the first real trackday there since they redesigned and resurfaced it. I honestly wouldn't worry too much about insurance. There's nothing to hit by the look of it - other than a couple of gravel traps. Just make sure you've got decent European breakdown cover and regular road insurance for Europe. LoT days are really well run and people rarely drive like total twats so it's unlikely you'll run into problems.

[Mozo]

Thanks for that... I managed to get a quote later on today for £150 with excess of £950... which seems really steep (compared to a quick quote for Abbevillle with MORIS is around £75). Feel slightly more inclined to take the "risk!"

[VIX]

Foolishly I just checked the weather forecast for Clastres:
http://www.accuweath...2...ES&metric=1
NB. Next Friday night feels like 1 degree C!!

[Sutol]

Found this which i thought would be of interest to you

Clicky

Hope your steering rack's working well Matt

[techieboy]

Found this which i thought would be of interest to you

Clicky

Hope your steering rack's working well Matt

Nice find, Chris.

I had a look when the Clastres venue was first announced and could only find a load of drift videos based on the old airfield.

Bloody happy I went for the quick rack option, looks like it might get a workout on some of those hairpins and tight corners.

[techieboy]

Bloody good job we decided on the ferry by the looks of it, gentlemen. If that fire on the tunnel really did take nearly 18 hours to extinguish (and it's apparently still 800˚C in the tunnel) there could well still be carnage on channel crossing this time next week.

[Dynamo]

I'm taking speedferries too. I'm on the 7am boat, so will arrive a little late at the track. I've never had any real problems with the turning circle around the tight bends on the boat...but my car does scrape a little sometimes when getting on the boat. Just take it very slowly when getting on/off the boat and you'll be fine.

[VIX]

Unfortunately I have decided not to go to Clastres because of the gearbox problem. I have emailed Paul at LoT to try and reallocate my place if anyone wants it. Just hope I can now get the car sorted for Abbeville. Steve

[MartinS]

Sorry you cant come vix, finger crossed you'll be at Abbeville. Looking at that track, I better getting working out my upper arms!! Martin s

[PaulCP]

Wish i was going to Clastres but 20th is the start of my hols Martin, if you think that either Clastres or Abbeville is twisty you really must try Ecuyers next time around. I almost had difficulty lifting my beer afterwards

[Dynamo]

Yes - Ecuyers is top. It's a good track with nothing to hit. Just one gravel trap to avoid...and it can be a little muddy if you go off track. When it's cold there are two streams of water that run over the track that can freeze .... Certainly made it interesting last time I was there; as part of a "controlled track clearing exercise" I enjoyed getting it as sideways as possible over the ice....obviously I was just trying to help the LOT guys who were out sweeping the track My new 888s arrived today, so I will be see you all at Clastres.

Edited by Dynamo, 16 September 2008 - 09:11 PM.

[The Knobs]

Ditto to what Paul said, Ecureys was great fun. Poor old man was aching a bit after though. Hopefully next year there will be a double header with Ecureys and Clastres. Definately booking up for Clastres in November seeing as i cant make the one next week. Have a nice holiday in Bournemouth Paul.