70 replies to this topic

[peteslag]

I took my brave pills and decided to share my experience crashing at Donington. Hopefully this video will serve to guide those who are new to track days in what not to do!

 

I always spend time learning a new circuit and building my confidence and ability gradually as the day goes on. At Donington I broke this rule and paid a heavy price. After only about 20 laps learning the circuit I decided to chase after another VX. Couple this with the fact that the car was under steering like a slippery eel that day it was particularly idiotic.

 

I hasten to add that this is my old car. The damage was confined to the front right clam, it only cost about £500 to put right. To be honest the financial cost paled into insignificance compared to being towed into the paddock with a smashed up car. I was "that arse hole" that got every one red flagged. Ultimate embarrassment. Any way, here it is:

 

https://www.youtube....e=youtube_gdata

[jonnyboy]

You werent expecting that to hit there were you?! 

 

The silver one in front is your car now isnt it? 

[bunsenburner]

Shame you made it all the way to the tyres! I wrote my car off at Donington too (not the VX but the Compact). These are always the best lessons to learn from.

[peteslag]

You werent expecting that to hit there were you?! 

 

The silver one in front is your car now isnt it? 

 

If you can't beat your enemy, OWN IT!

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

That Car was jinxt

[peteslag]

Shame you made it all the way to the tyres! I wrote my car off at Donington too (not the VX but the Compact). These are always the best lessons to learn from.

 

That was my first ever spin on a track (hopefully the last), when the spin started I was sure that I wouldn't reach the tyres. The grass was soaking wet so it just kept going.

[GeorgeBC]

Jeeez screeching tyres, understeer city and its dry.

 

Unlucky Pete

[peteslag]

That Car was jinxt

 

Yes, I rebuilt it and had it resprayed then some one drove into it a month later. Their insurance paid for a very expensive repair and respray then it was destroyed by an arsonist (who went on to destroy another car and a post office).

[bunsenburner]

Old Hairpin has claimed many victims. You are by no means alone.

[peteslag]

Jeeez screeching tyres, understeer city and its dry.

 

Unlucky Pete

 I'm not sure sure luck played a part. The car gave me plenty of warning that something wasn't quite right with the front end. Oddly enough I did another track day at Bedford after the repair and it didn't under steer at all. Maybe the crash bent something back into place!

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

It's amazing how different tracks can alter a cars behaviour

[rob999]

Who was in the silver VX Pete? Definitely unlucky with the wet grass.

[peteslag]

It was a guy called ryan. nice bloke.

[Baron Von Scubadaddy]

That moment of realisation......................

 

It's not nice is it !

 

hope it wasn't to bad on the car 

[Captain Vimes]

It's one of the only tracks I've spun at too. And I've done it in the vx and a BMW. Here at 11.46 (no barrier contact fortunately). Donington Park 12th Oct 2013 - VX220:

[scw02102]

Unlucky mate, least the damage isnt going to cost too much This is the main reason I dont track too scared as I would get to carried away

[SteveA]

It was a pretty minor off, just a shame the grass was so wet as you would have been fine on a normal day. Your technique is good but we all make mistakes sometimes.

Edited by SteveA, 05 February 2015 - 09:10 PM.

[hairy]

Well done for sharing Pete. It's only from generosity from people like you that we all learn.

[peteslag]

Just for the record, this happened well over a year a go and it was my previous vx.

[GiGo]

A unhappy ending but couldn't help but laugh; you looked calm and relaxed until you looked to your right and then "oh sh*t, oh sh*t, oh sh*t".  You seemed to remain very calm through the spin!