Whipping the CLK round Bedford

[peppernick]

My Bank holiday weekend started with a rendevous with Durgesh and his 997 Turbo at Jonathan Palmer's playground.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1008.jpg


Not many CLK350s are destined for such a life, but since this one landed on my hands, it will be used as intended, or more appropriately, as I intend it :D

I had the only Merc at Bedford today ....... no surprise. Even the attendant at the fuel pump said he hadn't seen a three pointed star gracing the Palmer race grounds since he started working there 7 months ago.

The CLK350 is fast enough to excite, yet slow enough to frustrate. More straight line grunt is desired, but I shall continue to resist the temptation of a 55, or even a 63! Cliche had it that a Mercedes and fast corners don't normally mix well, but I was surprised by how well my CLK tackled the bends. In fact, it was actually very good! The H&R springs and the fatter tyres definitely helped; probably also helped by the lighter V6 up front and the very 'civilised' power delivery. The stopping power of the Brembos was a major advantage, as I could brake as late as 50-70 yards forward of the 'BRAKE' signs dotted around the curcuit, consistently, and without any brake fade.

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It was truely a superb day out. Today's meeting was organised by Motorsportvision (part of Jonathan Palmer Sport (http://www.palmersport.com/)); and as such, the event was very well executed. Extremely professional but not the cheapest around at £225 for the day. However, the high price of the event saw a more selective group of attendants, less prangs, and some top notch machines.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1022.jpg

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The Bedford Autodrome is still one of the best tracks to learn your track driving. Plenty of run off and good spread of technical portions, long straights and fast sweepers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1017.jpg

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Can be hard on the tyres though. The rubber didn't just wear out, it melted :eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1031.jpg

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The Falken FK-452s I have on the car are absolutely brilliant! Not only did they grip, they also let go very progressively. I found it very easy to place the car where I wanted it even at times when a slight sideway 'drift' was incoporated into the forward motion. Thoroughly recommend them.


At 5pm, the chequered flag fell. I burned 95 litres of fuel today, front tyres probably need replacing, but left the Autodrome with a big grin, knowing that before the end of the month (http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=4179), I shall be doing it all over again :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/BedfordTrackDay1032.jpg

[Black Sabbath]

Good write up there Nick,looks like a good time was had by all :cool: :cool:

[BMW330d]

Have yet to go to Bedfor Nick but it looks like you had a good day. Did anybody have any issues with noise?

[Mah_c180]

Excellent write up as usual, glad you enjoyed it guys

PS. new rubber is needed at the moment

[TOO 4NOY]

nice write up nick. your car really stands out. seems like u had alot of fun in it. but damn its expensive for a few hours of fun. but im guessing its well worth it at the end.

[peppernick]

Did anybody have any issues with noise?
No one failed the noise test, but they are very strict in enforcing the regulation.

My CLK tipped the dB scale at 76dB :rolleyes: .............

[Amuro]

Glad you guys had good time today. So from now on not only the ring then..Nick ;) Enjoy your spa tomorrow k.

[mystic sport]

I wouldn't mind doing bedford one day, looks fun Nick. Those 452s really are very decent huh?

[Moe]

Looks like you had fun, the Porsche looks amazing and Nick you really made the clk individual

[Ali]

It was a fun day out, and I can really vouch for Nick's CLK eating up the corners!!! :)

On the other hand, I've renamed Durg's turbo to Super Glue! :)

[robinh20mrv]

I would love to do this but i dont think the miltech system on mine would let me play :(

[XKaLiBaR]

looks like an awesome day :) some familiar car faces ther. was RDG 4 Csl with slicks ther?
oh my god, im away again on the 24th!! i wish i could of come :(

[BMW JAY84]

Awesome write up Nick and it looks like you had a good day out :) Ouch on the tyres and amount of fuel though :(

[scorcher]

Would love to do one of these in the summertime (when I can be allowed a day off daddy duty) :)

[SpeedTrap]

Looks like you had a fantastic time. Enjoy the spa you can take out those thai girls from under your seats now:)

[Raj]

Looks like a great day bro. Really wish I could have been there.

[plowy]

Nick, Who was the day run by and what was the cost,??

[mystic sport]

Nick, Who was the day run by and what was the cost,??

Here ya go Magoo :p


It was truely a superb day out. Today's meeting was organised by Motorsportvision (part of Jonathan Palmer Sport (http://www.palmersport.com/)); and as such, the event was very well executed. Extremely professional but not the cheapest around at £225 for the day. However, the high price of the event saw a more selective group of attendants, less prangs, and some top notch machines.

[ADAMOD]

Excellent pics nick, you never fail to keep us all informed of the exciting stuff.

[plowy]

Here ya go Magoo :p

Sorry sir......:(

[Doc Matt]

I love Bedford, glad u all had a great day :)

[peppernick]

Ouch on the tyres and amount of fuel though :(
That's why I buy Falken tyres. Use them and chuck them. They are more than good enough to do the job on track days like these.

You never know how much you engine is capable of drinking unleaded until you track it ...... lol ........ 8.5MPG from my 3.5L. A CLK63 will probably do 2MPG :D

[Jazz]

:D Looks like a great day out

[ShaanK]

looks like an awesome day out. Do you have a 2nd set of tyres for the track or were those the ones you use on the road normally?

[peppernick]

looks like an awesome day out. Do you have a 2nd set of tyres for the track or were those the ones you use on the road normally?
I'm not that hardcore ;) ......... whatever that works on the road will go on the track, including the car, and driver aptitude! :D