curious bystander
CCCUK Member
Drifting your Corvette
Calendar Event: 12 Apr
You may have read about a "driving day" in the October edition of Vette News when some members had the chance to drive their Corvettes to the max in safe conditions and learn a lot too. On the planning front, this was a joint venture between David Smitheram and myself. David & I have been discussing the possibility of trying another type of event aimed at both fun and learning. He has, using his contacts, set up a discount for members only at a "drift day" at Oulton Park in Cheshire. Before you say "No way!!", read what he has to say below and watch the videos via the links provided.
If you do want to give it a go, please make your own arrangements on the the number below and email me [markfceaton {at} gmail.com] to confirm so we can liaise with the organisers, monitor interest in this event and possible future ones. Please note a helmet is required. If you don't own such an item, one can be hired at the venue for £10 or so [please mention when calling]. Here is what Dave has written regarding the event:
A recent topic cropped up on the CCCUK forum called "why did you buy your Corvette?" It produced some fascinating answers but surprisingly not one person mentioned rear wheel drive as a factor yet I am pretty certain that if Corvettes were "wrong wheel drive", they wouldn't have the same appeal. Rear wheel drive has many well known dynamic advantages but for me, they are just more fun. Call me childish, but feeling a car steer from the rear is part of the joy of driving for me. BUT, big, powerful V8,crowded roads and a lack of driving godliness do not make for a happy mix. So, how do we learn to control that potentially lively rear end and produce beautifully controlled powerslides [intentional or otherwise]? The handling day at North Weald airfield back in the summer was enjoyed by all who attended with new skills learnt but left a desire for more
I mentioned to the group a brilliant drift day that I had taken part in at Oulton Park, Cheshire, in a previously owned BMW a few years back. Constructed of purpose-built polished and wetted concrete, two separate courses are driven at slow speeds [1st and 2nd gear only] with the intention of joining together [transitioning] a series of corners. The slick surface results in virtually no wear to tyres or components of stone chipping of precious paintwork although a jet wash is needed afterwards.
Forget about images of tyre shredding, clouds of smoke and "yoofs" in lairy Japanese turbo nutter cars - these special days are just not like that. They are the perfect opportunity to learn, practice and enjoy the art of getting your Corvette sideways, maintaining a slide and then bringing the car back "under control"
Friday 12th April is the first Oulton Park drift day of 2019, one of just a few days available throughout the year. The MSV website mentions this is a day for "drivers with drift experience" but what they actually mean is that it is not a day for selfish drivers who waste time. Basically, if you spin [and everyone does], you just drive normally for a few corners and then attempt to drift again. That way, you don't hold up anyone behind you. Professional drifters will not do this event - it is very much about practice and fun and I can't recommend it enough for beginners. Your confidence levels will soar and you will learn skills that will help your safety in wet or wintry conditions. The day will sell out therefore we have reserved 10 place to give you a chance of booking by March. The day is usually priced at £135 but we have arranged a 10% discount by quoting "CCCUK" or "the Classic Corvette Club" when booking over the phone on 0843 453 3000 NB you can't get the discount online
Here are some videos of me driving circuit number 1
and circuit number 2 [with mistakes at the end!]:
I look forward to seeing you there.
Regards, David Smitheram
This is very much on a first come - first served basis, so if you want to be a part of it, please engage a forward gear and give it some throttle asap!
Cheers,
Mark
Mark Eaton
Last edited by Invetterate on Thu 27 Dec 18 13:10; edited 2 times in total. [4 %]
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'99 C5 A4 Coupe
Fishy Dave
Club Member
Thu 27 Dec 18 16:58
Re: Drifting your Corvette