Greystone GT Track Guide – Silverstone

Greystone GT Senior Driver, Tim Mullen

The Home of British Motor Racing and the venue for the first Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix in 1950; Silverstone is not only steeped in history, but is also renowned by racers the world over for its challenging, high-speed layout. It’s also the location for our first Supercar Trackday of 2019 on May 1. If you’ve never been, here’s some advice from Greystone GT Senior Driver– and British GT Champion racing driver – Tim Mullen on how to make the most of your time on-track.

Turn 1 – Abbey

One of the fastest corners in the UK and scene of many spectacular first-turn battles at the British Grand Prix since the circuit was revised in 2010. Approaching from high speed, position your car to the left hand side and brake in a straight line look ahead for your braking point. Brake lightly and avoid upsetting the balance of the car. At the turn-in point, steer smoothly and apply a small amount of balanced (constant) throttle to the apex. From the apex onwards, start to accelerate smoothly. Don’t run too wide on the exit because…

Turn 2 – Farm

…is already upon you. Looking well ahead from Abbey and spotting the apex, smoothly ease off the throttle on entry, before smoothly increasing throttle again from mid-corner onwards. This will keep the car stable. Don’t run out too far on the right as it will significantly compromise your entire corner strategy for the next section.

Turns 3-4-5 – Village/Loop/Aintree

The slowest section of the lap, but also one of the most demanding. Treat it as one section, as your strategy through one corner will affect how you tackle the next. Brake hard and brake late, positioning yourself as far left as possible. Trail-braking helps you to brake later and retain greater control on entry. This is a tight corner so be patient before applying the throttle, allow the car to complete the main part of the turn before accelerating smoothly.

Get as far right as you can, then brake firmly for the left-handed ‘Loop’ while keeping an eye on your apex. Avoiding trail-braking here and exit smoothly using all available track space on the right as this will optimise your entry for Turn 5 – Aintree – which should require no braking. Concentrate on achieving a good exit onto the long Wellington Straight.

Turn 6 – Brooklands

The Wellington straight is long, so you have plenty of time to think about your braking point. You can use trail-braking here. Look for a late apex, and only use three quarters of the available track width on the exit of to ensure that the entry to Turn 7 isn’t compromised.

Turn 7 – Luffield

A long corner that seems to last forever, treat it as two corners in one. A bit of entry trail-braking will help you hit the first apex, then let the car run a metre or two wide. Don’t apply the throttle too early as this can cause understeer (front of car losing grip). Patience is key as you aim for a second apex. Once you hit the second apex, accelerate smoothly towards Woodcote and the long straight that follows.

Turn 8 – Woodcote

One of the fastest corners on the track and more of a kink actually. At the start of the day you should apply the brakes on entry, but as you build confidence you will find that braking isn’t required for this corner in most cars in good conditions. When you do brake, do so lightly and smoothly as this is a high-speed corner. Release the brakes before you turn to avoid destabilising the car. The apex is hidden behind the barrier on the inside, making it difficult to see the exit so be careful as it will take a few laps to feel comfortable at this corner. After turning into the corner, apply a light balanced throttle to the apex then accelerate out of the corner.

Turn 9 – Copse

The old first corner; the close proximity of the barrier on the inside means the entry is completely blind. This makes it one of the most important turns in terms of preparation. Lining up on the left side, brake early and smoothly releasing the brake fully before turning in. As this is another high-speed corner – you guessed it – smooth throttle application is required. You’ll probably take longer to feel comfortable here than at any other corner. Don’t worry; we’ve all been there.

Turns 10-14 – Maggots/Becketts/Chapel

One of the greatest sequences of corners anywhere in the world. Lewis Hamilton even said so himself! Naturally, it’s a huge challenge. Build yourself up gradually through here as the turns are interlinked, meaning your exit from one has a direct bearing on how you enter the next. Approach on the right and turn in to the left-handed Turn 10. Don’t brake until you’ve straightened-up and are heading for the apex, and then it should be a light and smooth process. Release the brakes and turn right into 11, which will already be upon you. Don’t use more than three quarters the track on exit, but don’t worry about getting fully over to the right on the approach to Turn 12; it’s not possible without scrubbing off way too much speed. A light application of the brakes is necessary for Turn 12, and you should again release smoothly before turn-in to prevent destabilising the car. After the apex and don’t allow the car to run further than half-way across the track as will ruin your entry to the right-hander that follows. Provided your entry position for Turn 13 (about three-quarters of the way to the left) is good and your throttle application is smooth, you can use all the track on exit and accelerate through Turn 14 - Chapel - and onto the Hangar Straight, being careful not to run too wide as it is easy to end up on the grass on the exit.

Turn 15 – Stowe

One of the world’s most famous corners. Having had a breather and relaxed your hands down the Hangar Straight, brake hard in a straight line initially and then ease off the pedal to help settle the car before turning in off the brakes. There’s a late apex so don’t turn in too soon. Once into the turning process, use some light throttle to retain stability and then start looking towards the exit, which is visible as soon as you arrive at the apex. Looking ahead, as always, will help you judge your steering and throttle levels on exit.

Turns 16-18 – Vale/Club

Turn 16 is the biggest stop on the track with a downhill entry making it even trickier, while the complexity of the double-right at Vale means you should treat this as one sequence. On the approach stay right and brake hard. If your car is equipped with ABS, this could be triggered by the sheer number of bumps here. Some trail-braking will help the turn-in, and be careful of your entry speed to prevent running wide which will compromise your entry to Turn 17. A short-shift between Turns 16 and 17 will help settle the car and you shouldn’t need to brake again for the remainder of the lap. Instead, ease off the power as you head into 17 and turn in then accelerate smoothly on exit. There is negative camber at Turn 18, and this can cause understeer on entry and oversteer on exit. Look ahead and spot your turning point as early as possible. Ease off the throttle and turn into the corner before accelerating smoothly towards the exit. The exit to T18 can be hazardous, it has been known for drivers to lose concentration and control of their cars resulting in a spin. Maintain concentration! Once safely on the final straight, straighten the steering wheel as soon as possible and head for the Start/Finish line.

For more information on Greystone GT or to reserve your spot at Silverstone, please visit https://www.greystonegt.com/book-now.

Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit

Greystone GT Racecar Experience

We don’t just do Supercar Trackdays; we do racing cars too…

For most of us, getting onto a racetrack in a supercar is the culmination of a life’s ambition; the moment when years of peering in from the other side of the fence suddenly become just a memory.

Since Greystone GT was established, we’ve seen the smiles on the faces of hundreds of enthusiastic trackday drivers as they peel back into the pits after their first run through Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps, Donington Park’s plunging Craner Curves or Goodwood’s daunting Madgwick corner.

The stunning McLaren 570S GT4 has featured at most Greystone GT events

But sometimes you feel ready for something a little more adventurous. Sometimes that urge to climb behind the wheel of a thoroughbred racing car is just too much to ignore.

Of course, a GT racer is pretty much the ultimate thrill and for many of our more experienced Greystone GT Supercar Trackday customers, it’s a desire that does come up frequently as they aim to push their limits that bit further.

That’s where Greystone GT Racecar Experience comes in. Our experienced staff have over 20 years’ experience in the motorsport industry and in that time we’ve established an extensive network of contacts in GT racing.

Working with our partners and colleagues, we can source a racing car to suit you when the time comes.

Over the past 24 months we have sourced top-quality GT4 machinery from a number of prestigious brands; each one thrilling customers on-track. And best of all; you don’t even need a competition licence.

Race-winning Audi R8 LMS GT4 made its first Greystone GT appearance in 2018

So what will it be for you? Perhaps the carbon-chassis McLaren 570S GT4 with its mid-engined layout, the ultra-successful Audi R8 LMS GT4 that’s been racking up victories in the 24H Series?

Maybe it’s the front-engined all-English Ginetta G55 GT4 with its brutish looks or the iconic Ferrari 488 Challenge; one of the most-popular Ferrari single-make racers of all time.

Perhaps it’s something else altogether, but whatever it is, Greystone GT’s team can find the perfect racing car for your Trackday.

With a dedicated technical team looking after the running of each car, you needn’t worry about reliability, and with experienced professional instructors on-hand during the day – and available for one-on-one driver coaching sessions – you will make the absolute most out of your Racecar Experience.

Expect to see the Ginetta G55 at every 2019 Greystone GT event

Of course, racing cars; and GT racing cars especially, are rarely thought of as cheap, and we understand this. But with Racecar Experience’s innovative pairing scheme, it could cost considerably less than you’d imagine.

Simply, you’re paired with another like-minded GT enthusiast for the day, enabling costs to be split 50:50 for the whole day. Best of all is that you’ll still get as much time on-track as you would with a dedicated car to yourself.

If you’re looking for that first step into GT racing, a thrilling ride or even just an exploratory outing, Greystone Racecar Experience is the ideal way to put yourself onto the next stage of the track-driving ladder.

Make The Most Of Your Trackday - Five Step Guide

If you’re planning to join us in 2019 at one of our ultimate supercar track days in the UK or Europe, or are just taking your initial steps towards taking part in your first on-track experience, you’re probably already counting down the days.

While you’re bound to be excited, if you’re not blessed with years of track day experience, there are certain things you need to consider before you venture on-track. Our handy five-step guide should help you feel more organised and confident.

PREPARE YOUR CAR

You may think your car is track-ready, especially if you’ve bought it specifically for track use, but is it? If this is your first time on-track with your vehicle, can you be sure? Take away the guesswork by checking there is sufficient tread depth on your tyres to give you grip all day long; examining the brake discs and pads for wear, ensuring your fluids are topped-up and checking for any potential defects before you head off. If you’re not mechanically minded, book in for a dealer service and have any potential problem areas sorted. While expert technicians are on-hand at every Greystone GT event to offer basic technical assistance, track day operators are not responsible for the track-worthiness of your car. Be aware that the ever-present circuit marshals are in constant contact with race control and will report any behaviour (yours or your car’s) on-track that they deem hazardous to others – with noise levels a particular bone of contention*. The last thing you want is to have your track day cut short – and your money wasted – because of a basic fluid leak or cracked exhaust that could have been easily fixed beforehand. And don’t forget to fill her up; there’s nothing worse than bringing out the red flags because you’ve run out of fuel.

*Greystone GT Supercar Track Days operate with the highest noise-level allowance possible at each UK circuit visited.

REMOVE UNWANTED WEIGHT

You’ve got the car and naturally, you want to maximise performance. The lighter your car, the better feel you’ll get through the twists and turns and the higher your exit speed; all adding up to more confidence and faster, more consistent laps. There is a more practical side to it though. The sheer forces involved with cornering will send any loose items flying around your car. CDs, SatNavs, phone cradles and even that half-eaten chocolate bar you were saving for later will all have to come out. Get rid of what you can at home, and lose the essential extras, such as your spare wheel and tool kit when you’re at the circuit. Most track day operators will be able to offer a secure space to keep your belongings safe.

INSURE YOUR CAR

Nobody heads to a track day planning to leave with a damaged car, but it’s always best to be prepared for any eventuality, hence the dreaded question of insurance. It’s boring and it’s likely to cost you a little more, but it is recommended. essential. If you’ve bought your car especially for track-day use, chances are you’ve already investigated the range of insurance options available, but if your vehicle of choice is regularly used on the road, it’s important to read your policy to check whether you’re covered on-track. Due to the high standards we hold our events to, some insurers will include track driving at Greystone GT events as part of your policy. For those of you who are not already covered, specialists such as Reis Motorsport Insurance have years of experience behind them and can help set up a cost-effective package that puts your mind at ease. You may wish to consider personal insurance as well, for additional peace of mind.

KIT TO BRING

Don’t worry; nobody’s going to have you shelling out thousands of pounds on state-of-the-art HANS restraints, fireproof overalls or lightweight racing boots. Track days are far less restrictive than motorsport test days, usually because the bulk of the machinery on track will be of the road-going variety. Comfortable shoes are advised, as are racing gloves if you suffer from sweaty palms, while you’ll usually be asked to have your arms and legs covered and flip-flops are a big no-no. One non-negotiable, however, is a helmet. If you don’t own one, a range of Stilo helmets and intercom kits – essential if you’re booking in-car tuition or taking passengers out – are available for purchase via the Greystone GT store, but make sure they’re the right size. An ill-fitting helmet is neither comfortable, nor safe.

RESEARCH THE TRACK

Much easier than it used to be, thanks to the huge number of resources online, many of which are free. Examine the circuit map, clock the radius of each corner, store in your memory the size and type of run-off. Search any number of onboard laps on YouTube, though the most useful ones will be those recorded in vehicles most similar to yours and with speed and gear readings overlayed. Try a racing game that features the track you’re coming to next and practice in the most relevant vehicles you can find. Better still, purchase a steering wheel-and-pedals set and try and calibrate it to match the same amount of lock on your track-day car for a more immersive and accurate experience.

AND FINALLY…

While all of this provides excellent preparation, none of it is a substitute for the real thing. Take it at your own pace, try not to feel intimidated by other drivers or their cars, and perhaps consider hiring a professional instructor in advance or on the day, who will give you the guidance and encouragement you need to build your confidence, track-craft and speed.

Above all, have fun.

Introducing the Greystone GT Club

Since our establishment in 2017, we’ve set out to provide the ultimate in owner supercar track day experiences.

We do that by keeping our numbers down, selecting our circuits and staff extremely carefully and giving you a relaxed atmosphere in which to unwind when you fancy a break from the action. That means as much track time as you can possibly handle and a friendly, nurturing atmosphere with like-minded supercar owners and a team of professional race instructors on-hand to offer expert guidance and tuition*.

We’ve leant on all the experience gained over 15 years of working in motorsport and with supercars to come up with our golden recipe and have been delighted with how much you’ve enjoyed our events in the UK and Europe so far.

The 2019 season will be our biggest year to date with four Greystone GT Supercar Track Days held at the majestic Donington Park, historic Goodwood Motor Circuit and the iconic Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps (Date TBC) grand prix venues. And we want put even more focus on you and your Track Day experience. Here’s how: 

Join us in 2019

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

We don’t see Track Day experiences from an ‘us-and-you’ perspective. We never have. You’re not customers to us; you’re more than that.

You’re our friends and colleagues, and our greatest ambassadors and advocates. We want to show you our appreciation by keeping you at the very heart of what we do, hence the Greystone GT Club.

Membership of the Greystone GT Club is quick and straightforward and comes with a range of benefits.

Members receive reduced entry fees to the Silverstone, Donington and Goodwood Track Days, allowing you to put your full focus on preparing for the events, whether that means extra fettling of your Supercar or a bit of line and brake-point honing on YouTube.

You’ll be better-prepared than ever before to tackle the high-speed sweeps, undulations and thrills of these three incredible circuits and achieve your targets for the day. 

You’ll also receive some stylish limited-edition Greystone GT teamwear; currently unavailable for purchase on the open market. 

All this creates a saving of up to £150 against non-member prices for those attending all three UK Track Days. And if that’s not tempting enough for you…

Join all three UK events for the greatest savings & benefits

TRIPLE EVENT MEMBERSHIP

 Triple UK event membership gives you entry to our Silverstone, Donington and Goodwood Track Days for one easy booking, plus complementary access to each event for a guest, meaning a saving of up to £735 for members.

It’s a perfect way to head into the new year, knowing that your supercar has been secured on three unforgettable track days on circuits that have played host to legendary names like Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Lotus, Senna, Clark, Schumacher and Hamilton.

So why wait? Get in touch now by phone or email and see how our team can help you make the most of your Supercar Track Day season with Greystone GT. We can’t wait to see you trackside.

*See booking page for instructor costs.

Welcome to 2019 - Calendar Released

The time has come to announce the first of our 2019 Greystone GT supercar trackdays. They are:

• Silverstone GP – May 1st 2019 (Provisional date TBC soon)

• Donington Park GP – June 25th 2019

• Goodwood – August 5th 2019

So why do we think these tracks are perfect for your McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lamborghini or other supercar? Read on…

Silverstone joins Greystone GT calendar for first time in 2019

Silverstone - May 1st 2019

We’re thrilled to add the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit to our calendar for the first time in 2019. Silverstone is, quite simply, The Home of British Motor Racing and is iconic for so many reasons. The host venue of the first World Championship Formula 1 race in 1950, everyone who’s anyone has raced there, from Fangio, Moss, Clark, Stewart, Lauda, Prost and Senna through to modern-day greats like Schumacher, Hamilton and Alonso. Not only is it an iconic track, but being built to modern Formula 1 standard, runoff is plentiful, and with numbers strictly limited, you’re virtually guaranteed a wide-open circuit free from slower traffic, so you can feel free to let your confidence levels grow at your own pace and push for those extra few tenths when you feel ready.

Four supercars taking on Redgate Corner at our 2018 Donington Park Greystone GT trackday

Donington Park - 25th June 2019

A special circuit for Greystone GT; it was the scene of our first supercar trackday in 2017 and was chosen for its quality in all areas. With a swooping 2.5-mile layout, a location in central England and its history of hosting top-level motor racing including Formula 1, MotoGP, DTM and European Le Mans Series, Donington remains one of the most popular circuits in Europe. Surprisingly, there are few opportunities to bring your supercar to Donington Park, so we are delighted to offer this venue for the third consecutive year in 2019. There’s very little to compare with plunging through the Craner Curves for the first time, and the nature of the circuit is perfectly-suited to testing the limits of your supercar. East Midlands Airport is next door and it’s less than two hours from most of the UK’s major cities.

Goodwood returns to our calendar in 2019 by popular demand. Here’s an image from our 2017 event

Goodwood - 5th August 2019

A real ‘bucket list’ track, Goodwood Motor Circuit returns to our line-up by popular demand in 2019. Set in the picturesque South Downs National Park, Goodwood is the most evocative circuit in the UK and plays host to just two race meetings a year; the globally-renowned Revival and Members’ Meetings. Race entries are by invitation only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive on its swooping 2.4-mile layout. Our supercar trackday takes place in August, which means you’re virtually guaranteed fantastic weather for this visit to the circuit. With incredible modern facilities on-site (all designed to look like they were installed in period), an on-site aerodrome that includes the world’s only Spitfire Academy, and legendary corners like Lavant, St Mary’s and Madgwick, this really is unmissable.

Best of all, Greystone supercar trackdays are all run to the maximum noise limit provided by each circuit and we keep our numbers deliberately low to give you more quality track time and to allow us to focus on your needs as closely as possible.

We’re not done with our schedule either. A second batch of supercar trackdays will be announced later with some of Europe’s most sought-after circuits set to feature.

In the meantime Bookings are open now for the above events and you can become a Greystone GT Club member to take advantage of a range of benefits and special advanced rates. Or you can contact us if you have any other questions.