Another  July has been and almost gone and with it goes another track day at our regular haunt of Llandow in South Wales. It all starts on the Thursday evening when Dutton owners from all over the country begin to head for South Wales. Contrary to popular myth it is not that far and readily accessible off the M4. Most folks being able to drive down after work. Some like us fitting in tea at a pub on the way. We usually arrange to meet up at a services but due to having to wait to collect the food for the Friday evening BBQ I was running late and rang to say I would meet the others at the pub. Instead I found them half way along the M50 on the hard shoulder. No major panic just Dave Hudd running out of petrol, again, and this was before even getting on the track! 

After a rather damp journey we arrived at Llandow camp site which is just around the corner from the circuit and took the opportunity of pitching the tents in between the showers. At least this year we got the tents up before dark which was an improvement on last year. Some folks had opted for a near by Bed & Breakfast as they did not fancy camping. So if a dislike for camping has been your excuse for not coming out to play I am afraid it is no longer valid!!

After a brief natter and a tin to settle the mind it was off to bed ready for the following day. On Friday we rose early and visited the local transport café for a proper breakfast before going to the circuit for 9:00am. The morning started with a briefing and a walk around the circuit so every one was familiar with the layout. It was then time for those who had not been to a track day and or Llandow to drive the circuit behind a pace car which turned out to be me. A couple of gentle laps and then an increase in the pace until we were all circulating at a good pace but not flat out. Back to the pits and it was arranged that we would run an open pit lane all day with a maximum of ten cars on the track at any one time. This gives everyone plenty of space and the opportunity to go out as often as they want with no restriction of time slots.

 The morning gave us the opportunity of driving on a wet track which is a very worthwhile experience, teaching you what the wet limits of the car are and how much standing water effects the grip levels. Everybody had fun and although a few people wandered off onto the grass there were no serious incidents with every body respecting everybody else’s need for space.

 Lunch was available in the canteen with a good variety of drinks, sandwiches, hot pasties and sausage rolls. In fact the canteen was open all day allowing for a drink and or snack between bursts on the track.

 During the afternoon the weather cleared and we had a dry track for most of the afternoon session. Everybody said how good the day was and we already have people putting their name down for next year which will be on Friday the 1^st of July 2005.

If you are interested contact our secretary Mike Solloway, deposits are being taken at £20 with the cost of the day expected to be between £70 & £80 depending on numbers and price increases.

 The evening was spent back on the camp site around the BBQ discussing the differences between the various cars and everybody working out what could be done to improve their cars. Llandow is an excellent opportunity to try out your car in a safe environment with a collective knowledge around to discuss any niggles and hopefully sort out any queries you have about the car.