I just got this email from David, who just bought a practice car to put in some extra seat time, and yesterday there was a track day at Brands Hatch for series entrants, arranged by one of the series suppliers.

in his words:

I figured I needed as much practice as I could muster and the new car needed a shakedown, so off we went. Me, the team boss and mechanic (son and father), a mate who has 40 years racing and training experience, and another good friend who is a car nut but had never driven a track.

I don’t know what the form is in the US, but over here (for insurance purposes) the cars have to start the day with sighting laps. All the cars must do two laps over the start/finish line (plus in/out laps, of course) in a crocodile behind the safety car. It starts slowly and builds up speed to gain track familiarity.

We put Graham, our virgin driver, in the car. Well, it’s the safest time – regulated speed, no overtaking - what could possibly go wrong? He’s near the back of the crocodile, with about 15 identical cars in front of him. Sunny weather, dry but green track.

He leaves the pits, turns right into paddock hill bend and the car understeers. Cue a bit of panic and some over-correction. He puts the car into the gravel trap and rolls it three times. The new car has done about 400 yards and he’s damned near destroyed it.

The only injury is a stiff neck, and he didn’t hit anybody else. He will pick up the repair bill

Thanks for the photos and story David!