Practice @ Castle Combe... [Archive] - Ducati Sporting Club UK

Tonio600

03-May-2005, 11:23

Hi guys,

Am I wrong or there is no way to ride on the track before the next DD round ?
I had a look on uktrackdays.co.uk and there isn't anything about this track.
Also I contacted the circuit, and here is their answer:

Hi Antoine

Sorry we do not hold testing for motorbikes but we do have a motorcycle
track day on Wed 18th May and this is open to road bikes only and bikes
must be silenced to 105 dba and have the original factory exhaust. Day
is run in conjunction with Fowlers of Bristol and day is run in
sessions of normally 6 groups of 12 bikes in each group with each sessions
going out on track for up to 10 mins at a time. We will also have
instructors here so they can provide advice and some tuition and they will
also provide briefings and sighting laps if you require. You must wear
either one or two piece leathers which zip together. Day is run from
9am-5pm.

Hope this helps you but if you have any other questions then please
contact me again or if you wish to book cost is £125 for the day.

Regards

It means I will discover the track on Saturday the 4th for the timed practice (or untimed practice if we are lucky...). I guess the top ten is far far away for me :(:(:(

Mark

03-May-2005, 11:28

Tonio, I don't think you'll be the only person effected by this. Combe is more known for car racing than bikes. I don't know anyone whose done a trackday there. I used to live fairly close by as well.

Tonio600

03-May-2005, 11:32

ok Flanks. So I won't be the only racer lost there ;)

03-May-2005, 11:33

There's a few who have done the track before. Fil2, Ali, Rattler, Pheonix and Max and myself are doing the track day there on the 18th of this month to see which way it goes and to figure out how to get around the chicanes. I've just checked their website (http://www.castlecomberacingschool.co.uk/ccframe.htm) and the 18th is fully booked. They do have other dates before the race weekend though.

We are all a bit concerned about the noise limits and requirement for the bike to comply with MOT standards - I don't think any of us have come up with a cunning plan for this yet. We definitely need to though.

Any thoughts people?

[Edited on 3-5-2005 by TP]

Tonio600

03-May-2005, 11:39

I think I won't be allowed to ride there with my rat's race bike, even if I do paint my fairings... :(

[Edité le 3-5-2005 par Tonio600]

fil2

03-May-2005, 11:41

Originally posted by TP
There's a few who have done the track before. Fil2, Ali, Rattler, Pheonix and Max and myself are doing the track day there on the 18th of this month to see which way it goes and to figure out how to get around the chicanes. I've just checked their website (http://www.castlecomberacingschool.co.uk/ccframe.htm) and the 18th is fully booked. They do have other dates before the race weekend though.

We are all a bit concerned about the noise limits and requirement for the bike to comply with MOT standards - I don't think any of us have come up with a cunning plan for this yet. We definitely need to though.

Any thoughts people?

[Edited on 3-5-2005 by TP]

I have not done the track before.!!!!...plan take standard exhaust incase dd bike fails noise test...as for MOT standard i cannot see how they will enforce that....have given thought to taking two bikes.? but ideally want to run DD bike for gearing etc...........

Phil

[Edited on 3-5-2005 by fil2]

antonye

03-May-2005, 11:42

Dodgy "e" mark sticker and a bolt-on db-noise killer both from ebay?

eg:
http://search.ebay.co.uk/bsau_W0QQsojsZ1QQfromZR40
http://search.ebay.co.uk/db-killer_W0QQsojsZ1QQfromZR40

03-May-2005, 11:44

Originally posted by fil2
I have not done the track before.!!!!...plan take standard exhaust incase dd bike fails noise test...as for MOT standard i cannot see how they will enforce that....have given thought to taking two bikes.? but ideally want to run DD bike for gearing etc...........

Phil

[Edited on 3-5-2005 by fil2]

Sorry mate, I didn't mean to suggest that you had - I guess I worded it poorly. I meant to say that a few people have done it before, a few of the guys have raced there previously. But the names I listed haven't and we are going for the track day so we know which way it goes etc ...

:(

There was some noise testing done on the bikes at Cadwell on Sunday, does anyone know exactly how they did that test (distance from cans, revs, angle etc) and what the readings came out as?

dickieducati

03-May-2005, 11:46

well noe of them could have been over 105 otherwise they would have been excluded from racing

fil2

03-May-2005, 11:47

Originally posted by antonye
Dodgy "e" mark sticker and a bolt-on db-noise killer both from ebay?

eg:
http://search.ebay.co.uk/bsau_W0QQsojsZ1QQfromZR40
http://search.ebay.co.uk/db-killer_W0QQsojsZ1QQfromZR40

do they advise " road legal " cans only at castle coombe or is it noise test restricted, not wether the can is legal or not.?

Phil

ps..dont want to ring them again..cos she is sooooooooooo helpfull NOT

[Edited on 3-5-2005 by fil2]

antonye

03-May-2005, 12:00

From my track experience at Castle Combe, albeit in a Subaru Impreza, they do a drive-by noise test and if you exceed the limit you'll not be allowed on the track. They never checked the cars over other than that, but I guess as most arrived by road they probably weren't that bothered.
Yes, one guy did fail and he wasn't allowed out.

I'd go with the noise killer and fake sticker to back it up. I'm sure they're only concerned over the noise given the current happenings with the circuit, and if they're seen to be doing their job with noise testing then that's good enough to keep the local council happy.

Track fairings might raise some eyebrows, so it might be worth peeling the number stickers off to make it less obvious? Remember that this is a trackday run by a bike company, so they really don't want a load of loony racers ****ing their customers off!

Mr_S

03-May-2005, 12:05

For trackdays...

It's noise restricted and incredibly tight on the testing, every bike is tested and the circuits monitored at a few points (Quarry being one IIRC). They can be closed down on the day if the noise level is exceeded, so although they want you to get out and ride, they're very keen on the test.

e-markings are irrelevant, but a dB killer would probably help a lot.

As for MoT standard, I've seen many race bikes at trackdays there, and if they're at ACU spec, I can't see them being turned away.

Mr_S

03-May-2005, 12:07

Another thing from my previous TD's their is they don't run groups of the novice / fast / inters type, but put a mix out on the circuit.

This may have changed recently though.

fil2

03-May-2005, 12:11

Originally posted by Mr_S
For trackdays...

It's noise restricted and incredibly tight on the testing, every bike is tested and the circuits monitored at a few points (Quarry being one IIRC). They can be closed down on the day if the noise level is exceeded, so although they want you to get out and ride, they're very keen on the test.

e-markings are irrelevant, but a dB killer would probably help a lot.

As for MoT standard, I've seen many race bikes at trackdays there, and if they're at ACU spec, I can't see them being turned away.

thanks for the feedback.

Phil

dickieducati

03-May-2005, 12:14

all DD bikes should be under 105 so i dont see it being a problem

phoenix n max

03-May-2005, 12:21

I'm not doing the track day at Castle Combe so race day will be my first time even seeing the track let alone riding it.
I'm taking some decibel killers for my Sil's just to be on the safe side.

dickieducati

03-May-2005, 12:24

Originally posted by phoenix n max
I'm taking some decibel killers for my Sil's just to be on the safe side.

why? you wont need them.

phoenix n max

03-May-2005, 12:27

The Sil's i've got are supposed to be 105db and as they are not new I just want to make sure I don't fall foul of the rules and end up not racing (as if) for the sake of £20. :)

antonye

03-May-2005, 12:28

Racing will not be as bad as the trackday - I think it's even classified as a "noisy day" so you should be fine.

105dB is pretty damn loud, and you will fall foul of the DD rules if it's over that anyway.

Rattler

03-May-2005, 12:56

[/quote]

There was some noise testing done on the bikes at Cadwell on Sunday, does anyone know exactly how they did that test (distance from cans, revs, angle etc) and what the readings came out as? [/quote]

I was tested, but only as much as holding the bike at 6K whilst they measured the noise output from the cans. I reckon I must have passed though, but couldn't really see what they were doing, as I was sitting on the bugga.

Others might of had a better view?

I'm also a bit concerned about getting a "qualifying" bike out onto CC on the 18th. I'm gonna try and fit the standard cans to the monnie, but if I can, I'll take the ZX in standard trim too, so at least I'll have been out on the track.

Would rather take the Monnie though (as Fil says) for setup etc....

I think we need a definitive answer on this, I'm gonna try to call them this pm to get a response - I'll probably get the standard response though.....

Has anyone been on any of these days? Are there race bikes out there? People have raced there before and must have faced the same issues? Might try New Era too??

Tim

Tim

fil2

03-May-2005, 13:03

it seems as though race bikes are ok as long as they dont exceed noise levels which as mentioned are the same as desmo due anyway.

I may give thought to removing race numbers for the day , other than that im taking dd bike.

phil

phoenix n max

03-May-2005, 13:08

[Edited on 4-5-2005 by phoenix n max]

Rattler

03-May-2005, 13:09

Originally posted by fil2
it seems as though race bikes are ok as long as they dont exceed noise levels which as mentioned are the same as desmo due anyway.

I may give thought to removing race numbers for the day , other than that im taking dd bike.

phil

Nice one mate - do you know for a fact that "race bikes are OK"?

As for not making it look like a race bike, I could take the fairing and seat unit off, but I can't be ****d really. If its as you say and that I could go out with the bike as I raced it, then we're sorted.

Tim

fil2

03-May-2005, 13:12

As for MoT standard, I've seen many race bikes at trackdays there, and if they're at ACU spec, I can't see them being turned away.

as quoted above..........

i really cant see them turning away track or race bike if they are within the noise regs, its just not pheasible. I dont think we will ever get a definitive answer..im taking mine as it is.........

Phil

Tonio600

03-May-2005, 13:12

Message original : TP
I've just checked their website (http://www.castlecomberacingschool.co.uk/ccframe.htm) and the 18th is fully booked. They do have other dates before the race weekend though.

I don't think so...

Motor Cycle Track Days

Wed 20 Apr 2005 - Space Available
Wed 04 May 2005 - Space Available
Wed 18 May 2005 - Fully Booked
Wed 08 Jun 2005 - Space Available
Wed 22 Jun 2005 - Space Available
Wed 06 Jul 2005 - Space Available
Wed 20 Jul 2005 - Space Available
Wed 10 Aug 2005 - Space Available
Wed 24 Aug 2005 - Space Available
Wed 07 Sep 2005 - Space Available
Wed 21 Sep 2005 - Space Available
Wed 05 Oct 2005 - Space Available

tetol

03-May-2005, 13:19

my bike at cadwell was noise tested at 87db i might have misheard but i thought the tester said he was suprised how quiet all the bikes were

03-May-2005, 13:21

Sorry Tonio, I guess tomorrow is their only date not full before raceday.

:(

So the ACU don't hold a practice day there?

03-May-2005, 13:22

Originally posted by tetol
my bike at cadwell was noise tested at 87db i might have misheard but i thought the tester said he was suprised how quiet all the bikes were

What cans etc have you got?

I don't think we met (maybe we did and my head is up my **** again ...) but which bike/number were you?

Tonio600

03-May-2005, 13:25

Message original : TP
Sorry Tonio, I guess tomorrow is their only date not full before raceday.

:(

:( too.

Message original : TP
So the ACU don't hold a practice day there?

I don't think so. Nevermind, I will test my quick learning abilities on Saturday morning :D

[Edité le 3-5-2005 par Tonio600]

tetol

03-May-2005, 13:30

orange monster tp its got mhp 2 into 1 but its fairly new so the packing should still be good.

03-May-2005, 13:42

Originally posted by tetol
orange monster tp its got mhp 2 into 1 but its fairly new so the packing should still be good.

Are you Paul Mugridge then? Did you race in the SoT on Sat?

tetol

03-May-2005, 13:46

yes thats right tp saturday in the sot certainly helped for sunday

antonye

03-May-2005, 14:32

Don't forget guys - decibels are a logarithmic scale, so a 1dB increase is a 50% increase in noise, so a 2dB increase is a double of the noise.

It takes quite a lot to go from 98dB to 105db!!

03-May-2005, 14:43

Originally posted by tetol
yes thats right tp saturday in the sot certainly helped for sunday

Ahhhh ... the penny drops.

You got some good starts on Saturday - I need to work on those!

Mr_S

03-May-2005, 14:58

Originally posted by antonye
Don't forget guys - decibels are a logarithmic scale, so a 1dB increase is a 50% increase in noise, so a 2dB increase is a double of the noise.

It takes quite a lot to go from 98dB to 105db!!

3dB is a doubling of the sound pressure level ;)

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/dB.html

Oh picky me...

btw, for those that can't get there before the race I may have some scanned track notes, but without the last chicane before Camp

antonye

03-May-2005, 15:50

Originally posted by Mr_S
3dB is a doubling of the sound pressure level ;)

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/dB.html

Oh picky me...

Pedant ;)

Mr_S

03-May-2005, 16:34

Yes, but here's a little gift to appease the mind

http://www.chathamclose.com/pics/castle%20combe.doc

paynep

03-May-2005, 18:26

I've booked the last place on the 18th this morning :D

Emma (?) said that the info pack would be out in a day or so, so hopefully we'll know what the score is.

Oh, and I'm borrowing a friends road-legal CBR400, just in case eyebrows are raised at the DD bike

Rattler

03-May-2005, 18:38

Originally posted by paynep
I've booked the last place on the 18th this morning :D

Emma (?) said that the info pack would be out in a day or so, so hopefully we'll know what the score is.

Oh, and I'm borrowing a friends road-legal CBR400, just in case eyebrows are raised at the DD bike

I've got my details somewhere, but they're still unclear from taking a race-bike perspective.

If I remember (and I'll check) they state that the bike must be MOT'able - a race bike wouldn't - so is this just to ensure that the noise levels are as per the standard can(s)? Or are they being very strict with this? I'm lucky enough to have a road bike that I can take, but would much rather take the Monnie as practice time is what I'm lacking at the mo' .

Tim

the old man

03-May-2005, 20:37

Mine also tested at 87db - Leo Vinchi cans like TP. Test was done at 6K rpm with the tester approx 3 feet and 45 degree to the end can.

I sneeked a peek at the guys clip board and all the ones I saw were in the 87 - 91 db range so I would be very surprised if any DD racer had problems with a 105db limit.

Rally

07-May-2005, 22:32

I did a car track day at CC on Friday. Mine was one of 6 cars that failed the noise test (which is the same 105 dBa @ .5m 45deg). Noise is a funny thing as my car didn't sound any louder than others that passed. But I do know that my car is quieter than any of my bikes... If you're doing a trackday before the DD round then have a backup plan to quieten it down some how.

skidlids

07-May-2005, 22:38

I was talking to my mate Simon Knowlson at Silverstone today, he will be testing on the 18th at Castle Combe a place where he often tests and as he said they have there own funny way of noise testing there and anything with a race can is likely to fail, which is what I was posting a month or so ago.
So best of luck you have been warned.
Sadly it will mean Simon is unlikely to be out on his Ex Xaus DFX 748RS but will probably be the quickest guy there aboard his R1 so I hope to get the afternoon off and come along and watch.

07-May-2005, 23:05

Mark is riding our bike there, and has been bamboozled into bringing a bit of gear with him, just in case anyone really gets into noise probs (wadding etc)
However, he does say dont rely on him - as he could be late as doing zausts for customers in the workshop........

C

phoenix n max

07-May-2005, 23:18

It will be interesting the see what happens on the 18th.

ali

08-May-2005, 00:22

I'll be taking my 900SL with standard exhausts unless I can find a way of getting a 900 r/h exhaust on the 600. I'd rather know the track than risk having untimed practice as my first time on circuit.... :(

domski

08-May-2005, 00:42

It's just a big roundabout :ninja:

JasonBoswell

25-Mar-2007, 22:53

25-Mar-2007, 23:02

Resurected an old thread...ah those were the days, eh chaps? When it was all new for everyone on the grid?

Anyhow, still is new for a few of us...

questions about Castle Combe:

1) did anyone take their DD bike on one of their track days? Did it pass the noise test? Did it pass the MOT test?

2) Motorcycle Folly are running a track day there on the 23/4 - seems that they can get 4 groups out, rather than 6 . Anyone done a Folly day at CC - is it the practice day of choice for budding DDer's??

Cheers all

Yeah a lot of us went. We had fil2 with his bike suspended in a tree to replace one of the fork legs. Ali tried to kill people on the straight by shooting the baffle out of the back of one of his cans :D

There was no MOT test, they knew we were race bikes. The noise test was MUCH stricter than it is on raceday. They tested at 3/4 revs and nearly hed the SPM shoved inside the can! My DD bike with the Leo Vince cans passed fine.

The 620's seemed to go fine and the 675's were the ones that seemed to struggle the most. I'd suggest you get your hands on some DB killers if you plan on doing a track day.

phoenix n max

25-Mar-2007, 23:09

Just make sure the paint sprayer does not think he's gotta 'tag' your bike on race day - My carbon cans were ruined last year and I still can't get the bloody great green streak off them on one side. - Grrr !

Rattler

25-Mar-2007, 23:23

I've got a pair of DB killers you can borrow for the trackday.
You'll have to drill a couple of holes in the cans though!!1
Tim

skidlids

26-Mar-2007, 09:43

Resurected an old thread...ah those were the days, eh chaps? When it was all new for everyone on the grid?

Anyhow, still is new for a few of us...

questions about Castle Combe:

1) did anyone take their DD bike on one of their track days? Did it pass the noise test? Did it pass the MOT test?

2) Motorcycle Folly are running a track day there on the 23/4 - seems that they can get 4 groups out, rather than 6 . Anyone done a Folly day at CC - is it the practice day of choice for budding DDer's??

Cheers all

I'll be looking at doing a trackday at Castle Combe some time this season, hopefully before our round there.
I was up at Silverstone yesterday talking to my mates Rob Jones and Simon Knowlson who will both be instructing at CC this year.
I told Simon I'll bring a spare DD bike along so he can have a go.

JasonBoswell

27-Mar-2007, 00:26

I'll be looking at doing a trackday at Castle Combe some time this season, hopefully before our round there.
I was up at Silverstone yesterday talking to my mates Rob Jones and Simon Knowlson who will both be instructing at CC this year.
I told Simon I'll bring a spare DD bike along so he can have a go.

Cool. Any interest in the Folly-organised TD, or the track-organised ones?

Might be good to get a bunch of us there.

Griff 64

27-Mar-2007, 00:59

http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/showthread.php?t=41086

Jason, if you check out my Castle Combe race report from last season you will find some info on my experience of the trackdays run by the circuit there.

Probably one of the most enjoyable days of the year from a weather and social aspect.

NBs996

27-Mar-2007, 07:34

I'm looking at July 18th for a track day at combe.
Never done a track day there, just jumped straight into the racing - which is of course why I didn't win!
Will have to have a word with mr Luigi about some zorst killers cos mine won't pass the way they do the test... at Oulton the dd bike was reading 105db @ 5000rpm so won't stand a chance @ ¾ revs.