BenHampton

That's a good sign, Chilled. Being able to drive on autopilot (as such) makes a lot of difference.

Before I get flamed to a crisp, I mean its much easier to drive the Ring without having to use too much of your concentration just knowing whether its a long, fast left hander or slow, blind right hander. You can concentrate on getting the line right and looking out for other cars, coaches, bikes, wandering deer, etc.

And while GT4 doesn't give the climbs, gradients and depressions of the Ring, it is practically picture perfect for the track layout. Very much worthwhile getting it into your head beforehand.

chilled

In the summer, the track was wierd in my head. Although that sounds strange to say it. Basically, after about 1/3 the way around, I'd kind of forget where I was and if I consciously tried to remember the next corner, I couldn't. However because i'd done 60/70 laps on GT4 if I didn't try to remember, a vaguely passable line would come automatically. Very strange. As it is I can now visualise to Bergwerk in my head on the ring.

GT4 teaches you line and corner order, but doesn't teach you entry/exit speeds, gears or braking points.

Kobe

last year was just about staying on the track.. and learning the general direction, I hope to get some better lines this time around..

this does not mean faster

sportyking

Useful, I see your car is 03.

Honda Warranty comes with full AA European cover and Honda say that is anywhere. I cannot see the AA risking such a lucrative contract for the sake of a couple of mishaps/breakdowns at the Ring.

Is your car still under the warranty? I paid up for the full seven years when I bought my latest car and the European cover remains for that period.

I assume the ring organisers will not allow Broken down vehicles to be left to wait for recovery, so they will probably tow you off anyway, and of course charge, then the foreign AA will take over.

Useful

Yep, My S is still under warranty. It's actually registered March 2004.
However, The AA DEFINITELY excluded the ring in their T&Cs:
theAA European Cover T&Cs
[QUOTE=theAA]
SECTION 1
Roadside Assistance and Emergency Repair
What we will cover
We will arrange emergency help for you and cover costs for:

Emergency roadside repair or towage to a local repairer
Please note: all costs met under this Section form part of the relevant overall claim limit as shown above
What we will not cover
Any costs for garage labour.
Any costs for replacement part, tyres, body glass, fuel, lubricants or other fluids, keys or other materials.
Any costs for a locksmith, body glass, tyre or other specialist. If we consider that their services are needed, we will seek to arrange this on your behalf, but will not pay for the cost of the call out nor any repair.
Any costs for non-emergency repairs such as radios, CD players and heated rear windows.
Any non-essential repairs, damage to paintwork or other cosmetic repairs, or air conditioning or climate control faults which do not affect the mobility or security of your vehicle nor render it unsafe to drive.
Any costs resulting from failure to maintain or service the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
Any costs incurred because you are not carrying a spare set of vehicle keys or other vehicle access device, (where a spare set of keys or second vehicle access device is supplied by the manufacturer), and a legal and serviceable spare wheel(s) and tyre(s), or an 'instant mobility system' (where this is supplied with the vehicle).
Any costs covered under your vehicle's warranty.
[B]Any costs incurred where the vehicle is overloaded, used in rallying, off-road driving or in the N

Useful

Although reading it, it might just mean for the ArmCo damage...

dws2000

I've been away for a week. Have I missed anything on this thread? I suspect not, other than increased excitement levels

BenHampton

Naw, you've not missed much, David. As usual.

Despite this being my 10th or 11th trip to the Ring, I'm still ridiculously excited about it!

Nice to think that SBC and I will be at the Ring in exactly a month!

dws2000

The only thing that took my mind off the Ring trip last week was the fact that I was skiing. I only thought about my car and the ring 6 times that holiday. So skiing is the partial cure to ringfever.

Are we nearly there yet? No prizes for guessing that I am not skiing anymore

Ben you have PM with details of my new motor and my fiancee apart from that all other details are the same including my mug shot

rralston

Talking about the track - I've played GT4 a few times, probably 6 laps in total and it does clearly break up into 3 sections.

I've got down to 8min 30 in a Tuscan with no driver aids, although it understeers like a bitch on the game - nothing like real life!

Some ot the TVR guys reckon that after a couple of laps, you end up sitting really high in your seat so you can see over the crests!