In September 2006 I attended the Circuit Days event at Mallory Park, a circuit I had not driven before. Although only a small
circuit (1.35 miles) there are challenging aspects, not least, just how fast are you prepared to enter Gerrards?
The day was run on an open pit lane basis and although there were a large number of Caterhams there, the vast majority
were from the Caterham Graduates Race Series and they were practising for the following day's racing. This made for an
interesting trackday.
One of the advantages of OPL trackdays is the facility to go out and get a few laps in whenever you like and hence there is
less pressure to be ready for your slot on a sessioned trackday. As a result, you tend to drive more track miles and I managed
around 150 miles. (Please note that the photos marked with an asterisk below are courtesy of
Performance Art ).
One of the more bizarre things was that entry to the paddock is along the circuit via a gate at Shaws. Therefore the paddock is
only accessible before and after racing and at pre-determined times.
On the left of the gate at Shaws is an area dedicated to famous British racing drivers and some manufacturers/teams. This
is well worth a visit for some nostalgia.
