Skid Pan at Thruxton

The second event of the season was cracking and held over 3 sessions across 2 days. We had sole use of the Thruxton Skid Pan circuit, and for the practice sessions, we used the Thruxton cars.

We had the use of Thruxton’s FWD Mini and RWD Jaguar F Type on the first day and on the second day we had the FWD Mini and a RWD Toyota GT86 (This was an actual “Top Gear” car on loan to Thruxton).

This was a great experience with the different styles of car. But the highlight of the day’s was being able to take out your own car on the skid Pan to learn the characteristics of it in those slippery conditions (Taking your own car out wasn’t compulsory).

Club Event Host Katie talks about her experience across the 3 cars…

Mini

The mini for me was the surprise of the day, an absolute riot on circuit. I really was not expecting to have so much fun drifting a FWD Mini.

Jaguar F Type

Lovely car, managed to drift it quite well but there was a lot of chat about slow throttle response with it effecting a few members.

Toyota GT86

Now this is a car set up for the job, running a new set of winter tyres enable this car to hold a drift for longer and at higher speeds than the Jag. It really shows how much of an improvement can be had with the right tyres. 

Club Cars on the list…

  • Alpina B5
  • Alpine A110
  • Aston Martin DB9 Volante
  • Audi S3
  • Audi RS3
  • BMW M135i
  • BMW M235i Cab
  • BMW M2 Comp
  • BMW M3 E92
  • BMW M3
  • BMW M3 Comp
  • BMW M4 Convertible
  • BMW M4
  • BMW M4 Comp
  • BMW 435dM
  • Hyundai i30n Performance
  • Lotus Exige LF1
  • Lotus Elise S2
  • Lotus Elise S3
  • Nissan GTR 
  • Porsche 991 GTS
  • Porsche Macan Turbo

To sum up the event, it was an epic day with lots of fun and banter between members. But with the added bonus that you come away knowing a little bit of what might help you if you unfortunately get into a skid/slide out on the road.

Thanks to everyone that took part, Stu Waite & Kate L for organising the event and Club photographer Michael Guy for getting some cracking shots in between his own time on circuit.

Gallery by Michael Guy Photography