[Londoner]

Hello gents,

Looks like there might be a bit of interest in a group track day! As this will potentially be the first track excursion for most, I'd humbly suggest sticking with the "UKs safest track" - Bedford Autodrome. It's situated on a converted aerodrome, meaning there are no Armco barriers etc to wrap your car around, and if you misjudge you harmlessly run off onto acres of grass.

For those who've never been - the day works in 30 minute segments where you alternate between track and observation lounge. You don't have to get back on track every 30 minutes, if you're an old man like me, who's shattered after a couple of half an hour runs. You can just chill and watch with a coffee in hand, until you're ready to go back out.

It really is a great day out, there's also a very decent cafe/canteen there, that does nice breakfast and lunch options.

Insurance is optional, and most at Bedford (including me) don't seem to bother with it, but for piece of mind, it's of course no bad thing.

Covid pretty much wiped out a lot of the UKs track day schedules, so events seem to get booked up fairly quickly at the moment. There is currently only one available day at Bedford that's just popped up in the last few days - Monday 11th October. It's £159. Anyone interested?

https://car.msvtrackdays.com/Calendar

[winther1]

Missed it last time so would be up for it. Hopefully it won't be pouring rain. I'm on their reserve list for an earlier date, but not sure how likely it is to get a spot.
Can't remember if I asked you last time, but is the MPPSK noise level above their allowed db?
I will be running BM3 stage 2 by then so should be fun!

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by winther1

Missed it last time so would be up for it. Hopefully it won't be pouring rain. I'm on their reserve list for an earlier date, but not sure how likely it is to get a spot.
Can't remember if I asked you last time, but is the MPPSK noise level above their allowed db?
I will be running BM3 stage 2 by then so should be fun!

Excellent, and let's hope so!

RE MPPSK db levels. You get tested when you arrive (although I ehem forgot to switch into sport so the result was comfort noise levels) however there's also a decibel device somewhere on the track. I do of course drive the whole day in sport + and have had absolutely no issues, so can only assume we're ok, even in sport and sport +.

Does your new DP make the car louder than the standard MPPSK? To be fair they're really supportive on this. There were a couple of guys who were over the max db last time I went, however they still let them drive and simply showed them where the db meter was on the track, and told them to not rev hard when they were passing it!

[winther1]

Originally Posted by Londoner

Excellent, and let's hope so!

RE MPPSK db levels. You get tested when you arrive (although I ehem forgot to switch into sport so the result was comfort noise levels) however there's also a decibel device somewhere on the track. I do of course drive the whole day in sport + and have had absolutely no issues, so can only assume we're ok, even in sport and sport +.

Does your new DP make the car louder than the standard MPPSK? To be fair they're really supportive on this. There were a couple of guys who were over the max db last time I went, however they still let them drive and simply showed them where the db meter was on the track, and told them to not rev hard when they were passing it!

That's good to know - would be a shame having to do the track day in comfort mode!
It's significantly louder with the downpipe so hope they will be forgiving

[Londoner]

I reckon you'll be fine in sport mode, maybe just having to lift off WOT as you pass the meter, if they pull you.

Will be very interesting to see how a B58 stage 2 performs in the real world. You'll probably leave us for dust and leave me itching for a remap.

[winther1]

Originally Posted by Londoner

I reckon you'll be fine in sport mode, maybe just having to lift off WOT as you pass the meter, if they pull you.

Will be very interesting to see how a B58 stage 2 performs in the real world. You'll probably leave us for dust and leave me itching for a remap.

Well, let's see how my PS4/G29 skills will translate in the real world
Are you allowed to overtake and race other drivers? I'm happy about the lack of barriers but will probably be worried about other drivers getting too close

[jenshb]

The thing I like about the BMW GB CC track day is that you are not allowed to race others or time your laps. You are allowed to overtake, but only on the straights, not in the corners. On both track days I've been to, people have adhered to these rules, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable because there's no drama and noone got black or red flags. Don't know MSV's rules however...

[g9icy]

Do I have to tell my insurance company? I'm assuming my insurance is completely invalid on the track, hence the specific insurance, which I'd likely get as it's my daily How much would it be (roughly)?

Not 100% in as of yet, got a lot of family stuff around October so might have to wait a bit until I know what's happening.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by jenshb

The thing I like about the BMW GB CC track day is that you are not allowed to race others or time your laps. You are allowed to overtake, but only on the straights, not in the corners. On both track days I've been to, people have adhered to these rules, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable because there's no drama and noone got black or red flags. Don't know MSV's rules however...

Exactly the same at MSV. Makes for a safe and fun day.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by g9icy

Do I have to tell my insurance company? I'm assuming my insurance is completely invalid on the track, hence the specific insurance, which I'd likely get as it's my daily How much would it be (roughly)?

Not 100% in as of yet, got a lot of family stuff around October so might have to wait a bit until I know what's happening.

As you're on private land you don't have to tell your insurance. Track day insurance seems to be quite variable in cost, but for our sort of cars it's generally around £100-150 for the day, although you can get some cheaper 5 day bundles.

https://trackday.moris.co.uk/track-d...cars-under-40k

Hope you can make it!

[dizzy619]

Bedford can be reasonably hard on pads. definitely worth considering getting a better set for the day at the very least upfront... or after 3 or 4 fast laps your OEM pads will be done.
A few of us on here are Bedford veterans.(I live in bedford).
Any questions just ask.

[Samuaw]

Has the Bedford rules changed?
Thought it was open pit lane meaning you can go out however long and whenever you feel like- and not defined by 30 mins sessions.

(though 30 mins on and 30 mins off regardless is actually very sensible to let the car cool down between sprints)

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by Samuaw

Has the Bedford rules changed?
Thought it was open pit lane meaning you can go out however long and whenever you feel like- and not defined by 30 mins sessions.

(though 30 mins on and 30 mins off regardless is actually very sensible to let the car cool down between sprints)

There are different events with different rules as I understand it. Both my days there have been as per above, and agreed, it works well.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by dizzy619

Bedford can be reasonably hard on pads. definitely worth considering getting a better set for the day at the very least upfront... or after 3 or 4 fast laps your OEM pads will be done.
A few of us on here are Bedford veterans.(I live in bedford).
Any questions just ask.

My OEM M sport pads were fine, although did get a bit of fade periodically, but were ok again after a cool down period. To be honest I still haven't changed them since, maybe I should before October!

Are you free on the 11th?

[Techno 9000]

Apart from brake fade, watch out for wearing your pads down very quickly. One track day (some years ago) I did found me leaving with a wafer thin (Mintex 1144 IIRC) pad at the end. The sheer quantity of black brake dust should be a clear warning....
Make sure you have at least half a pad at the start of the day if you are going to use them hard.

[Alpina 91]

I am booked in for the 11th of October.:

[cramsnik]

Can you pay to spectate? I'd like to come and have a look but neither myself nor the car are fit for chucking around!

[dizzy619]

Originally Posted by cramsnik

Can you pay to spectate? I'd like to come and have a look but neither myself nor the car are fit for chucking around!

yes you can get on to spectate..they might allow passengers from different households by then..£10

[TouringPleb]

Would be interesting taking my E Class 220cdi Estate around a track

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

Would be interesting taking my E Class 220cdi Estate around a track

Do it! I was somewhat surprised to see some interesting cars on the track last time!

I've just booked a spot - roll on the 11th Oct!

[G50]

Always wanted to do Bedford, but sold my track car recently and not sure the 540i will be anywhere near as fun.
It seems DSC off no longer means off like it did on the F30, and you can really feel it braking the rear wheels even on the road when there is absolutely no need for it to intervene.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by G50

Always wanted to do Bedford, but sold my track car recently and not sure the 540i will be anywhere near as fun.
It seems DSC off no longer means off like it did on the F30, and you can really feel it braking the rear wheels even on the road when there is absolutely no need for it to intervene.

Interesting. I wonder if the new G20 M340i is the same.