IAM Skills day
I.A.M. Skills day - Croft Circuit - 02.09.2011
Two of the SAM members took part in the IAM Skills Day at Croft on Friday 2nd September. This meant an early start as signing on opened at a very bleary eyed 8a.m. We met at Washington Services just after 7, and despite one minor U-turn incident we arrived at the circuit in good time. The weather was ideal, overcast but bright and with very little wind.
Facilities and organisation were excellent, and the mandatory safety briefing even included a break for coffee/tea. Very civilised. While we were calming nerves over breakfast the instructors were briefed. The instructors were then assigned on a ratio of 2 attendees per instructor. A quick briefing/introduction and we were off to bring the cars through to the pit lane.
Keen to get on track? What gave you that idea?
Alongside our cars (my Saab and Iains Mini JCW) thanks to a deal between Fiat and the IAM we also had the opportunity to take a Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo Giulietta out on circuit, a feature that proved popular in the morning session.
The day started slowly, with all drivers being introduced to the layout of the course, braking and observation points, and suitable lines through the corners. Slowly the pace increased as people became familiar with the circuit and how their vehicles were performing. The range of vehicles being used was extensive, with some performance metal (Ford RS Focus, BMW 740 etc), comfortable cruisers (Range Rovers) and 4x4 (Kia Sportage) sharing trackspace with family saloons and hatchbacks (Skoda, Saab, Kia Picanto etc). The day is intended to develop driver skills and familiarity with vehicle capabilities, and despite the difference in performance the sessions are very well managed and drivers well mannered, with no one feeling pressured to keep up with others. Overtaking is only permitted in designated areas, and not at all through corners, allowing drivers to concentrate on their lines without worrying about being overtaken.
Team SAM on track (there should be an award for the shiniest team vehicles, we would have won it easily)
Track time is evenly split, with a half hour break for refreshments half way through the morning. I think all were glad of the break, especially the instructors. The sessions on track seemed to go past very quickly and by the end of the morning both Iain and myself were considerably faster around the track than at the start, and much more aware of what our respective vehicles were capable of and how to get the best from them.
Thanks must go to the organising staff for the hard work that must go into making the day so enjoyable and run smoothly, the instructors for their patience, understanding, tuition and bravery, and to the lovely lady running the catering who kept us fed and watered throughout the day. Would I do it again? Definitely. How far is it to Silverstone?