i had passed this on for the club mag but with one thing and another it was kind of lost - so as they say better late than never.
This was my view of what id class as a beltin' day out -
Donington Track Day Aug 2012
As far as i'm aware an 'unsilenced' day at any track is rare, so when i saw this listed in 'Meets and events i thought a trip over was in order.
Listed as a Classic bike event (so i think thats anything pre '95) saw a good mix of bikes ranging from Nortons, Triumphs and Vincents in the Brit corner to H**** 750 fours in race trim, CBX's, Suzuki GS / GSX's and 750 kettles, Yamaha LC's, TZ's, OWO1s and Exups and of course Kawasaki Zeds / GPZ and a ZZR in the Jap corner...... oh and a handfull of Ducatis, the odd BMW and a Moto Morini from the European quarter.
Being a track day, anyone there has the freedom of walking around the paddock area or watching the 'group' from the pit wall. Its at this point you realise just what a 'No noise limit' day is, the sound of a big four (or triple) on a virtually open pipe howling down the back straight before going down the box for the Melbourne Loop is something you'd just have to hear!!
Talking of the Melbourne Loop i believe it was Eddie Lawson who once described it as "a parking lot" if you've seen it or been round it you'll know why but to the best of my knowledge there were no mishaps that day - or anywhere around the track.
At the pit wall your able to see them exit Goddards with most passing the wall on full song before going heavy on the brakes to enter Redgate - brilliant.... but some ear plugs wouldn't have gone amiss at times!!
In the garages, some of which were hives of activity as adjustments and even rebuilds took place, there was plenty to cast the eye over. The Segale Kawa being one, a lovely piece of engineering as was the Piper Kawa which was on a trial outing pre Manx but unfortunately retired early in the day due to engine failure - suspected 'dropped valve'
Other Zeds i caught were Zordeds Z1000, J.Wilsons Z650/ GPZ (which despite a cracked cylnder head didnt stop him showing how an old Zed can really move) 750 and 1100 ELRs and the Moriwaki all of which were well turned out bikes in both looks and performance. Sorry if i missed out anyone who was there.
All in, it was a great day out, the sun shone and everyone seemed quite relaxed and able to enjoy the day.
I believe next years 'No noise limit day' is already being planned, if it happens do yerself a favour and go, even as a spectator, you wont be dissapointed!
Sanderz
