Did The Knockhill Driver Experience

[scotsman]

I did the 25 laps Driver Experience at KH this week and had a great day. First time on a track for me.

After I arrived I went out with Jamie and did a first lap without him commenting, then we did another couple laps with suggestions and advice from him. After that we swapped over and he did 2 laps - one showing the right way to do it (and without thrashing my car too much) and the other the wrong way (braking too late, turning in late, power on too soon, etc). We then swapped back and I did 5 laps, came in to let the brakes rest, then back out, and repeat for the next 40 odd minutes.

Whilst I enjoyed the session I was a bit underwhelmed. I guess my expectations were wrong as I was expecting a thrill that didn't arrive. I've done the rally course at KH and that was superb - lots of sideways action, fighting the car, etc - but going round the track - driving smoothly - was a bit bland in comparrison. Probably be different if I was in a RWD machine but my subaru (305 bhp, etc) was a bit safe and forgiving. The sensation of speed wasn't really great and I was pushing on (100+ in the straights and pushing it in the corners).

So, still really enjoyed the day but perhaps not as good as I had built it up to be in my head. I think going slower with lots of car movement and sideways action, as in the Rally Experience, is more my cup of tea.

Towards the end of the session though I started to get a very strange noise coming from the engine when on full boost (pedal to the floor) and when the revs were 5k+.

No engine warning lights came on and if I went up the revs and speed on part throttle then the noise didn’t come back – so only on full throttle and full boost and higher up the rev range. Any idea what might be the cause? Sounded like a metallic rattle noise. Turbo?

Interestingly on the way home (it was still happening) I switched the map to the lower boost map and even on full throttle the noise didn't come on (apart from one little sign off it once at 6k revs). Putting it back on the higher boost map caused it to come back again.

Cheers

Richard.

[sti pretender]

Know what you mean about being a bit underwhelmed, but a smooth fairly empty track isn't quite the same as a track day. Is more fun being on track with more cars having to watch your mirrors and lines. Also you start to try to brake later, carry more speed and corner harder.

Also try the track in the pouring rain gets the adrenalin going when the backed steps out unexpectedly.

Sorry can't help with what the rattle is, last metal rattle I had was exhaust heatshield at full power, but that was on a sport.

[scotsman]

Yes, pity it was a dry day as having some scary moments would have been fun

[scotsman]

Are there any PC driving games out there that feature Knockhill?

Edit - just found that rfactor has one you can download.

Edited September 25, 2008 by Scotsman