Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

[Mike]

A recently new Sportster builder suggested it might be a good idea for a number of Marlin owners to gather for a Track Day where the intention would be to test your own car, to become comfortable with it at speed, whilst at the same time be with other Marlin cars so that comparisons could be made, and help and advice passed around if anyone felt they had particular concerns, or issues.
The intention is not to race, but to test your cars capabilities at speed and gain confidence with it.

Would anyone be interested in a Marlin Track Test day?

If so, please advise where you are, and how far you would be willing to travel?
It may be that we try to organise more than one location - depending on numbers of course.
At this stage I have no idea of a likely cost - but guess it will depend on numbers and what circuit.

Has anyone done a track day with their Marlin?

I'll let this run for a couple of months to see what the level of interest is and review mid September.

Mike

[CosworthCabrioLee]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

hi Mike it was a regular thing we did at donnington and elvington back in the day, I would be willing to do one and be prepared t
o travel. Elvington is a great track and reasonable price with the added benefit of York air museum

[chris_cussen]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

I would like to, but only if it was within about 100 miles of Wincanton

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Obviously I am up for it, based near Peterborough, but prepared to travel and so too will be Ian Papworth, based near Nuneaton.

Anyone else interested?

[greyV8pete]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Went on one at Landow (S Wales) quite a few years ago, that was organised by Marlin! Best thing I ever did as it was a great way to find what the car could do. Only a small track but great for a first time track day.

One or two heads up. Check what insurance cover you have / can get for such a "non competitive" event. You need a full face crash helmet for an open car. (Look for SNELL rating). I seem to remember that I had to join the Marlin Racing club to enter (approx £90 back then for the day). Sort out any cooling problems before the event! Sustained right foot generates a lot more heat than normal road driving. Don't look at your tyre wear afterwards Peter.

[Happy_Dave]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

I would like to suggest castle combe circuit near Bristol for this event. Easy access from motorway network and having driven and been driven around the circuit I can confirm its appeal. Long straights to test speed or to cool down on and open readable corners that offer fantastic opportunities to explore your car's handling without fear of incident. Great facilities and I believe the option of camping within the circuit. I think several members will have driven this circuit as part of a charity event in the past if additional reviews would be useful.

To sum up its like driving to the limit on your favorite fast a road without oncoming traffic and risk of incident.

[peter.crowther4]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

I'd be up for this. Based in East Yorkshire Elvington would be great but I would travel up to 150 miles so Donnington would be OK. Cadwell would be fabulous but can be expensive. There is also a short track at Gainsborough similar to Elvington. Let me know when the thread has run its course. Ama way from the 21st Sept for two weeks and at Goodwood Revival weekend of the 14th Sept.

Pete C

[greyV8pete]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Just found this link for track day specific insurance in an old KK mag.

https://www.moris.co.uk

Worth a bookmark for future reference! Peter.

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

There have been several expressions of interest, albeit from members all around the country, so I thought I'd present some more information, and see what the response is?

My brief research suggests it will be easier/cheaper to book a track day through a specialist track day company, rather than direct with a circuit (unless we can get significant numbers interested?).

In Lincolnshire, where, curiously I live, and have received the most initial interest, there are several circuits - Cadwell Park being the best known, but Elvington, and one I'd never heard of, Blyton near Gainsborough, is supposed to be a good circuit for "newbies".

As an example of a track day specialist I found Javelin:

http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/

The cost of these days in the winter months is less than £100 - I do not know how much this will increase by in the Spring/Summer months?

Lincolnshire Interest
I have received at least 6 positive responses from members in and around Lincolnshire, so will pursue this first.

Is there anyone else interested in a possible Lincs track day?

I note two possible below - Lee, and Pete Crowther.
Others who have expressed a personal interst direct to me are:
Malcom Horn +1
Ian papworth
Myself

So at least half a dozen.

If this does happen, is there anyone else who would like to join in?

Mike

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

I have contacted Blyton Park near Gainsborough, Lincs, about organising an event direct with them, rather than through a Track day specialist, and received the response below,

Quote:

Hi Mike,

We do have a regular Marlin visitor which comes with a group from the Huddersfield Motor Club. Rather than having a full track day , we could organize a track –taster day for your members which would help to keep costs down and be less intimidating than joining in a full track day . I would recommend that a taster day would include provision of a qualified instructor, medical cover in the form of a first responder and a limit to the cars on track to around five at once. We have run these very successfully for the Lincs branch of Porsche Club GB. This would have to take place on a weekday ( Friday’s seem to be best) and would cost circa £100 per head depending on the total numbers.

If you can call me, we can discuss the options further , but thanks for your enquiry and I hope to talk to you soon.

Very best

Richard Usher www.blytonpark.co.uk 01427 628922

Unquote

I have also spoken to Richard Usher (who is the owner of the track) and it would appear this type of circuit would suit novice track day drivers better than some of the better known circuits as they tend to have armco barriers etc, whwereas this cicuit has plenty of corners, but non where you would hit anything at all if your speed exceeded your skill!

Also as Richard owns the circuit he is quite willing to tailor the day to whoever wants to use it. Based on my conversation, we have the option of a medic - its not compulsory, and the option of an instructor.

Based on 8-10 members with a maximum of 5 cars on the circuit at any one time - the circuit is approx 1 mile long - he suggests with a medic and an instructor the cost would be around £100 each for an 8 hour day. He would also be happy to run a half day event to reduce costs if that was the preference?

Or it could be half a dayDoes any one have any other information about other sites?

Lee
You mention below these days were common some years ago, and werre held at Elvington? Do you have any recent experience/idea of what's on offer and at what cost?

Am I being fair to suggest that the going rate seems to be £100/day - the question is what do you get in "your day"?

What thoughts anyone?

[mark westbrookwhite]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

As a boring old fart who prefers to cruise I will be the one at the back but it does sound fun so count me in. PS. It depends on the day but I am sure my son would be up for it (He is a teacher so week days can be a problem).

[chris_cussen]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Currently needing a new engine

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Sorry to hear that ,what happened? Is this any good - item 270840040373 on e bay.

[chris_cussen]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

Warped head following blown head gasket and hydraulic lock! I've got a replacement (Ford 2.0l DOHC 8V) to fit but its fuel injected and not on carbs like the current engine so I've got to fit a high pressure fuel pump, new ECU and engine bay wiring loom. I've got the wiring loom and ECU, but the loom includes lots of ancillary stuff like the ABS controller so I am trying to work out which bits to remove and which bits to keep. Also I am just finishing a mega-garden project so I haven't had much spare time.

[fredsajs]

Re: Marlin Track Test Day To Contrast & Compare Member Cars

another oldy says a great idea. Count me in. East Sussex area.