Time Attack @ Donnington 6/4/08

[aztecbandit1]

2inch of snow here at the moment :o

[lee_iceman]

Same here Chris, but the roads look clear.

See you in a bit :)

[aztecbandit1]

Thought i'd just say a big thanks to Dave for a great day out really enjoyed it mate :D

Will post some pic's up when they finish uploading as i took over 200 :D

[Dave-Ellen]

Few pics from Time Attack at Donnington.

I’d like to thank Lee,Chris,Elliot & his mate for their help and company throughtout the day.

Weather was not good going up. I left home at 4.30am with the car on Toyo R888’s (road legal track day tyres for dry or a bit wet) and front brakes needing bedding in.

All went well til just past Luton when the forecast snow came and visibility and traction were equally poor.

I had to be there for 7am so pressed on as you do…………

First pic shows my front number plate encrusted in ice…………

Having got the car stripped out (well boot emptied) car passed scrutineering without a hitch………..major conflab on my American fireproof suit but was allowed on which was good news (Tony from Fensport had sent his FIA approved suit down just in case)

Lee was allowed in as passenger for the first untimed practice. Track was still wet and very slippery. Lee had done Donnington (in a Ford Transit) so was able to talk me round (I’d not done this track before). Car felt OK but was sliding at redgate but al in all not bad. Was not embarrassed on the straights.

Before the untimed practice we had a look at the other club challenge cars and as ever felt humbled my 352 bhp was the lowest there in the F/I class bar maybe a Sierra 4 * 4. Car was running on standard suspension as well…………

Never mind………..

Went out and did 6/7 laps which felt quite good with all 70 club challenge cars possibly out it was quite crowded and I did not get one full clear lap. Not moaning as it was the same for everyone.

When I stopped to make sure all was OK there was smoke pouring from my rear brakes (standard IS350) I went out and did 2 slow laps to cool them down. Time for that session was 1:35 and I was not last ……yippeeeeeeeee

Second session was quite good. Despite having a Traction Control on/off button it still stayed on which was a bit of a bummer.

Whilst not condusive to good times on each lap the IS350 was wagging its tail at Redgate,the old hairpin,shwanze(sic) curves ,goddards exiting the hairpin as well was a bit sideways. I need coilovers and the TOM’s LSD if I’m to progress. Power wise I’m quite happy (got the manifolds which should give another 25/30)………

Did a 1:34 for final session but did not make the final………….3 PRO class drivers were only 4 seconds in front of me which was good to see

[Gord]

Well done Dave, had a very late night with lots of stella, so was not going to be able to make it mate :D

Ps, whats the red Audi, next to yours in the pits ??

[aztecbandit1]

Sorry not Dave but it was an RS4 with a standard A4 bodyshell matey if i remember? :D

[Monster-Mat]

sounds like you had a good day, shame about the weather, but im sure after a few more trips out you will get more comfortable with the car.

[Gord]

Sorry not Dave but it was an RS4 with a standard A4 bodyshell matey if i remember? :D

Thought it might be the S4, but rs4 are nice toooooo :D

[aztecbandit1]

Some of my pic's got loads so here's a start

Dave in Action

and again

and again

and agan :D

Outside the garage

More action.

inside the garage

30inch wheels rear 28inch front

Who's that behind you Dave???

outside again looking very nice B)

Will post some more up later if i get chance :D

[sparkystav]

Some good pics, seems like you had a good day,

What time did the Alpine car get lol

Stav

[Scorps01]

Well done Dave despite the awful weather :D

[Dave-Ellen]

Aside from the first session track was fine (dry throughout)

Most enjoyable..........

will put some in car stuff up tomorrow.............

[aztecbandit1]

Some more pic's :D

Man and Machine :D

:D

[Ellz]

Just got in :( what a drive home bloomin slow all the way. Like to thank Dave/chris and Lee for a good day could have left the snow in germany though hey boys LoL.

Drifting on the saturday was pretty impressive me and mate were helping out a guy called Declan running an old soarer he got through to last 16 but then had snow tyres on front and all went down hill, really nice guy like all the drift crowd cant thank him enough for letting us help out. Heavy rain made the first few rounds very interesting LOL

Went to some organised rav on saturday night for about 10 mins and left as was massive chav fest got to bed at 11 ish in car in field.......woke up to frozen windows all round and veryveryvery cold extremties, as it had snowed everywhere.

Met Dave Chris and Lee at a very cold but sunny donnington pit lane. With a few bits more added to the car (Rear brake pads/discs + lines all round, coilovers and maybe manifold) Dave could get into mid pack in the club class and thats a bloomin good effort considering some of the cars are running 650+bhp 4 wheel drive backed by some big names (this is still in club class).

Dave gave a stonking effort as we found out by the rear brakes smoking as he entered the pit in practise.

Me and mate stayed up till half way through the Pro final and cos of bad conditions loads of people where coming off and taking forever to sort out so left.

The club class winner was the green and white scooby with what we thought the main condenders (Evo and skyline in our pit garage) finishing down the pack due to rubbish weather, finals where put back 25 mins due to crazy snow storm.

All in all great weekend cant wait for the next one although it is all the way up in scooooooootland.

I'll post up pics later on when ive had a rest.

[sparkystav]

Awesome!! I want one!

Put a trailer on back and tow the Lex to the Nurburgring.

Stav

[Dave-Ellen]

some nice pics Chris

[aztecbandit1]

Thanks Dave i took loads and was very impressed with your IS350 its a lovely car mate :D

[Dave-Ellen]

few in car videos............