Lakeside Breakfast Laps - Sat 14 Feb 2015

[Mr R 360]

Hope so.
I could see how much he was checking his mirrors though. Can't help but think that that was costing him some concentration.

I saw the same behaviour while I was stuck behind him for several laps, then he would flog down the straight to try and get away only to have me on his bumper at the exit of Karrussel.

If he put his ego aside and just followed the rules this wouldn't have happened. Someone's up your klacker - Move over to the left and back off slightly to allow the quicker car past.

Secondly, there should be no reason for traction & stability control to be turned of at Happy Laps. This is not a Sprint or Time Attack and it's certainly not a race. So there is no reason that you must stay in front of someone at all costs.
You should be driving at a rough maximum of 8/10ths (within car & driver capabilities) with TC & SC turned on as a safety net, should you make a mistake.

If we continue to have people crash like this, it will wreck this good thing we have in more ways than one. Those of you that remember the BMW that crashed just past the Bus Stop, after which we were forced to drive at heavily reduced speed and had very tight witches hat set up. Anyone who hit a cone was kicked off, likewise for anyone who was seen driving at higher speeds.

I don't know about the rest of you but when something like this happens and it has ended our run early, I believe the person responsible should pay for everyone's Happy Laps fee.

Sorry for waffling on but some facts need to be disclosed for the rest of our members that did not witness these events. Also at no stage can a following car cause the leading car to crash, unless the leading car is doing the wrong thing and doesn't have the skill set to pull it off.

[Wolfman101]

Oh fair enough. Seems you saw him doing something I didn't. I wasn't there long, obviously.

[thanos]

hi there, first post here - I know unusual but seeing as I met some of you on the day I thought I'd chime in and say hi (yeah, I was in the yellow Clio RS).

Firstly I came just to see what it was all about and really appreciate being able to participate. Other then what happened to my mate I thought it was a really good morning with a great group of people. if you'd have a french car in your midst, I'd been keen as to come along again.

I reckon everyone for the most part is seeing eye to eye on how to drive; Mr R 360 I'd agree with your points. I think it's fair to pull up members for incorrect behaviour, but alot of it comes down to inexperience not ego. It was my first time at an event like this so by all means let me know if I did something wrong.

And this is the case I think with my mate. He NEVER mentioned feeling pressured and was really sorry for ruining the rest of the day for everyone. He'll learn from it and has learnt from it. Just this new user's two cents.

[seangti]

Perhaps first timers should be strongly encouraged to passenger with some of the more experienced participants for 5-10 mins so they get a gist of the event and track layout. Would also help quite a few in learning the lines, gear choice and reasonable braking points, which will make it much safer for all. Granted at such an event there will be a wide gap in driving experience and ability, even moreso than the variety of cars that attend.

[thanos]

Yeah definately. although I have done some track work and training days, it was my first time at lakeside and doing happy laps with such a variety of vehicles.

I reckon having a run with someone more experienced would have been a benefit.

[seangti]

Plus it's more sociable and welcoming of new participants.

[Water Boy]

You guys are very lucky to have access to Happy Laps.

A while ago I did a few laps in the trusty van! I coped a bit of flack for being slow...
Just remember its happy laps. Its there for some spirited driving! No need for PB's or late braking.

[Water Boy]

Also does anyone know any groups/forum doing Happy laps weekend of 28/1?
Ill be in Brisbane and keen to join!

[seangti]

Jump on the QR website and look at the calendar. I went to the BRZ/86 day a couple of weeks back, QR will typically provide contact details to reach the organiser and ask to join.

when there is great disparity in pace than it becomes dangerous and frustrating. For safety sake, some parity is required, I have a vague feeling I did the happy laps when your van was out, in no way to be disrespectful or discouraging to others with slower cars, there was an undue increase in risk as cars would back up behind for 3/4's of the lap.

[Wolfman101]

There is an all day BMW one that you can register for in 2 Fridays time. PM me if keen.