johns

Cal, I'd agree with Jools in many ways. Although it's a Scooby, a standard bug-eye WRX is probably not the car for you, as you would want to change a few things almost immediately, like brakes, exhaust, springs etc. If you still want to do track stuff (and why ever not ), then you are really looking for something with something like the AP aftermarket brakes, or the Brembo's fitted to the new-age STi's, as even the Subaru 4 pots with uprated discs/pads/lines/fluids etc will not be up to the job on a hot dry track event. It's much cheaper to buy (and insure) a car with the performance built in, than to buy a slightly cheaper model, and to replace lots of bits on it (though you can do this over time it must be said, and with 2nd hand parts). In your position, I would be tempted to look for a late classic STi/Type-R with a few well sorted mods (exhaust/brakes/re-map for UK fuel etc). Don't worry too much about track use etc, as the car are generally up to it, as long as they haven't been abused/neglected. Alternatively, look out for an earlier bug-eye STI - you can get 2001 JDM ones for about 14k upwards, which although wouldn't come with a warranty, does come with big brakes, firmer suspension, very strong 6 speed gearbox, so would save you having to spend a few K on an earlier car to upgrade it. I could imagine that you could even get a higher mileage UK spec STi for about 16 - 17k, which comes with tracker, mapped for UK fuel, remainder of 3 year extendable warranty, 10k/yearly servicing etc., and cheaper insurance (though still group 20). These cars were 25 - 28k new, and have gone through their big depreciation phase, and are likely to only drop by 3k - 4k over a 3 - 4 year period (based on the current premiums for 99/00 STi's which are still around 12 - 14k for good examples). Interest rates are reasonably low at the moment, so you could quite a good deal on finance at a fixed rate for 4 years say, so the extra interest payments aren't too much of a penalty. One things I would ask you to bear in mind are the fuel costs, especially if you drive the car hard. You would probably still get 20mpg out of your Honda, even when pushed hard, and probably 25mpg average. In the Impreza, you are probably looking at 18 - 20mpg average, and 12 - 15 if you do a lot of hard driving. If you are doing a reasonable number of miles in a year (say 12 - 15k), then the fuel costs soon add up. OK if you do a lot of motorway/steady speed driving, as you can get 25 - 30mpg as long as you keep the speeds sensible, but you don't want to overstretch yourself to get the car you want, only to find out you can't afford to run it as much as you want John

Loads of mods is an understatement !

It's an event at the AECC in Aberdeen on Sunday 17th October. It's like a proper motor show, execpt that the exhibits are made up of classic cars, modern sports cars, plus a few from dealers etc. Theres things like skid car training available on the day (last year it was free!!). Last year over 5,000 people visited the show. You can get your cars into the site (it's under cover) on the Saturday (recommended), where you can polish/clean to your heart's content, and not have to worry about driving early on the Sunday morning (especially if you have been on the beers the night before ) Each person putting their car on display gets two free entry tickets (worth £5 each). Last year we attracted a big crowd at times, wathing videos of Imprezas being driven around tracks/Nurburgring etc. Cars must be in the arena no later than 9am on the Sunday morning (leaving the car on the Saturday afternoon is recommended - there is more than adequate security in place), and you'll be there until baout 4:30/5pm. It's normally a great day out, with enough to see and do for most car enthusiasts. Sadly, I'll be out of the country on the day, but have arranged our stand in advance for up to 8 cars, and I'm sure that Ken/Marc/Sarah etc can cope with the set-up on the Saturday/Sunday John

Sorry Jacqui - misread your post. We had 45 places available in the club shop which sold out in just over a week. We've got a couple more who booked up by sending me an e-mail, followed quickly by a cheque, so we are probably looking at around 50 cars taking part. Should mean the track never gets too quiet, and plenty cars for taking passengers out. Cheers John

Yes, and thanks for volunteering your car to be on display Actually, we are looking for a few more cars, so if anyone is interested in putting their car on display (you get free entry tickets to the event), then please either post up here, or send me an e-mail please John

There are currently minus 7 places available, as we have a reserve list of 7 people at the moment! Track Insurance - you'll have to arrange this yourself I'm afraid, as we can no longer get the group buy on track insurance that we used to. John

Tim, sorry for the late notice. I was off Monday, and didn't get a chance to post up earlier. John

Reminder that this is being held tonight (as always), as the Old Mill on the South Deeside Road, from 7:30pm onwards. Hope to see you all there. John

I think there are a few slots. I'd give Willie an e-mail quickly. Cheers John

This event is all sold out now. If anyone else wants to go, then I'm afraid they'll have to go on the reserve list. Just send me an e-mail to john@sidc.co.uk with KH Reserve list in the title, and I'll add you to the list in the order that e-mails are received, and let you know if a place becomes available.. Cheers John

Now fully subscribed John

Just had a call form Knockhill - this evenings session has been cancelled. Partly due to very bad weather forecast, and partly due to numbers booked on it. Regards John

This event has now been cancelled John

Wasn't it an ROV Technician ?

john@sidc.co.uk please

Nice to get a mention in today's P&J as well

Just a reminder - there's only a couple of spaces left for this track event. If you do wish to take part, then I'd book up today. John

CT, Jool said on Sunday that he could well be on a flight back to Denmark today. I'll try and phone to see where he is. Cheers John

Well done guys

Looking forward to it. Been on my special karting diet or curry, beers and lots of pies, to give me that extra stability around the corners that extra body mass gives

The ADMC days are normally excellent value and fun, and you can end up sharing the track with lots of Rally and Race car (and the guys aren't there to pootle around and look good ) Expect lots of sideways Mk 2 Escorts, Peugeot 205s etc at every corner. Very entertaining! Perhaps not ideal for a first timer with a road car, but great fun, even if you just go along to watch. John

Oh, and just a reminder to send me an e-mail with the following: Name, Make of Car, Model of Car, Car Registration Number, Colour of car once you have booked, instead of just the day before. I'll be on holiday prior to this event, so won't have as much time to chase everyone for their details. Thanks in advance. John

Just to say that thanks to Cam, the event is now available to buy in the club shop AGM Track Event - click here to book up!! Members only £45, non-members only £50 (these appear on the 2nd page). Book quickly to avoid disappointment. Cheers John

I won't be able to make it, but I'm sure quite a few from here will pop along, say hello, and take you up on any free tea, coffee and biscuits Hope the day and the launch goes well. John

The only one I would use for track day specific insurance are Egger Lawson (Competition Car Insurance) on 0115 941 5255. They are based in Nottingham, and are very good. If you do have the misfortune to need their services (ie suffer damage on a track event), then their customer service is 2nd to none, and they'll approve repairs very quickly after getting the estimate etc.