First track action in the 620S

[andy tims]

I grabbed the afternoon session at a track day at Goodwood on Thursday, the first since getting my 620S & wow what an eye opener.

1) The car is going to be a real challenge to properly master. I had my first spin on track in something like 15 years. Having developed a braking technique of very hard & very late (with an ABS safety net) I failed to recalibrate enough & locked a wheel on the turn in to Madgewick (turn 1) and the car spun in an instant. With rear wheel slides, I'd back myself to catch most times, but this was instant. I was lucky not to hit anything. Didn't have my GoPro on at the time, more's the pity.

2) With Aero screen in place, at speed I just can't hear the engine revs. I've always timed my up changes based on engine note, but had to keep looking at the rev counter. Far from ideal, so I'm getting the sequential shift lights that hopefully, I'll see in my peripheral vision fitted. I'm also going to have to wear ear plugs, or I'll soon be deaf.

The day was very poorly attended. I overtook almost everything and certainly didn't have to let anyone through. Here is a short highlights vid for your perusal

https://youtu.be/FpEmFkba1WM

Constructive criticism very welcome.

Remote mic to be used in future due to the wind noise. I had a foam cover on the camera, but it was clearly not up to the job.

[rockmastermike]

is that vintage car with modern tech or a modern car made to look vintage? Looks like a hell of a lot of fun to throw around that's for sure

[mattcantwin]

Great footage, beautiful day; you make passing look effortless.

[TSD]

is that vintage car with modern tech or a modern car made to look vintage? Looks like a hell of a lot of fun to throw around that's for sure

It’s kind of like the Cobra after Caroll Shelby. Caterham acquired the rights to build and develop the Lotus Super Seven from Colin Chapman in 1973. I’m sure it’s a lot of new tech, and still a handful to drive!

[rockmastermike]

is that vintage car with modern tech or a modern car made to look vintage? Looks like a hell of a lot of fun to throw around that's for sure

It’s kind of like the Cobra after Caroll Shelby. Caterham acquired the rights to build and develop the Lotus Super Seven from Colin Chapman in 1973. I’m sure it’s a lot of new tech, and still a handful to drive!

Gotcha, thanks

[andy tims]

is that vintage car with modern tech or a modern car made to look vintage? Looks like a hell of a lot of fun to throw around that's for sure

It’s kind of like the Cobra after Caroll Shelby. Caterham acquired the rights to build and develop the Lotus Super Seven from Colin Chapman in 1973. I’m sure it’s a lot of new tech, and still a handful to drive!

The Caterham company is 50 years old this year and the basic design of the Seven is largely unchanged. Mine has LED lights, a supercharger and a limited slip diff, but no ABS, no servo assistance on the brakes, no PAS and very definitely no driver aids whatsoever.

[unsub073]

I've been waiting for you to post this one. I really enjoy your track day video's. So far, what is the biggest difference between this one and the Lotus you had?

[Erratic101]

I wanted a Caterham before watching this! Lol. Now I really want one. Great lines, great driving. I’ve worn earplugs on my motorcycles for the past 20yrs. Highly recommend that. It’ll quiet down all the wind noise and you’ll be able to hear your engine again.

[andy tims]

I've been waiting for you to post this one. I really enjoy your track day video's. So far, what is the biggest difference between this one and the Lotus you had?

Cheers.

The acceleration is mental 0-60 in 2.79s vs 3.3 for the Exige. You have to be very careful with hard acceleration in the lower gears to have the steering wheel straight. The lack of ABS is going to necessitate a change in my braking technique.

[andy tims]

I wanted a Caterham before watching this! Lol. Now I really want one. Great lines, great driving. I’ve worn earplugs on my motorcycles for the past 20yrs. Highly recommend that. It’ll quiet down all the wind noise and you’ll be able to hear your engine again.

Thanks

I also wear earplugs whilst riding and will in the car on track from now on. Not sure I’ll hear the engine revs though, but I’ll find out next Monday at Cadwell Park.

[93 Turbo]

Great footage Andy, passing a lot of cars that most you believe to be faster...

[andy tims]

Cheers. Check out the 2nd Track Day video for much more overtaking.