Japfest 2014 tickets/passes & track sessions

[Mrs HollowPoint]

Sat watching the Japfest facebook page. Nice pic just popped up

 

[zboyglos]

I got in at 8 30 without any real delays this morning, but I heard the M4 had an incident which would have affected those coming from that direction.
Had two good sessions with hardly any rain, sun was shining as well. Shame they put the Z club up the end on a (potentially) muddy field.

 

[johnymd]

Just got back from a great day at japfest. Ques were pretty bad and I nearly missed the first track session. Weather was as forecast with very little rain and a fair bit of sunshine. It never rained for more than 5mins and only a couple of times. Only had one wet session and that was due to a heavy 2 min downpour just before we went out.

All in all a great day. I learnt my lesson a long time ago to stay home when there is a chance of rain and I'm glad I stick to it.

 

[pmac]

Bbc weather for castle Combe says "heavy rain will clear post dawn, leavening sunshine and blustery showers" it looks like this will continue for most of the day. Winds won't strengthen untill late in the day.[/QUOTE]

And thats just what happened.
Johny and Racer were out in all three Z sessions.
Bob and me were too so little time to chat with them.
Ist session was all dry. Bob drove his 2+2 with me as passenger.
2nd session was a little damp in places. I drove my slicktop with some badly needed "tuition" from Bob. Cold trackday tyres on a slightly damp track was interesting.
For the 3rd session the track was wet and Bob drove my slicktop with me as passenger.
Several people had "offs" in the greasy conditions.
We learnt a lot in the 3 sessions some of which will help us later in the summer when we both do TOTB

Club display area location was appalling..
Getting to the track and back was silly. How is a single track road ever going to cope with busy two way traffic and thousands on pedestrians.
Is been a fair few years since I last went to Japfest at Combe And will probably be a few more before I go again

 

[richiep]

Looks like I should've made the effort to get up and brave the wet trips to and from and the queue - seeing as a Hakosuka was there! Guess that was the KGC10 that was imported a few months back.

I'll make up for it with Japfest 2 in August.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Good to hear that it was ok. What I've noticed about weather forecasts is that they report on the negative more than the positive. So they tend to tell you when it is going to rain rather than when it is not!

However I can understand folks from a long way off in nice shiny cars being put-off. I was never attending because I've grown out of Japfest. It's just an age thing, 5 hrs round trip, too many people and too much bling. The track sessions can be good fun but the briefings, noise testing and queuing to go on track take an age!

Donington last week and Spa next week

 

[richiep]

That point about the club display area location should make it back to the organisers. It looked **** on paper - sounds like it lived up to it in real life.

Still, missed a bloody Hakosuka.

 

[pmac]

Still, missed a bloody Hakosuka.

Dont worry... I did too cos I have no idea what it is.... and dont bother enlightening me Im not that bothered

It's just an age thing, 5 hrs round trip, too many people and too much bling. The track sessions can be good fun but the briefings, noise testing and queuing to go on track take an age!

Travelodges are cheap n cheerful and good enough for a one night stay.. Under £30 if you get in early. I cant drive that far and back in a day in my rough edged mota.
Noise test was quick and efficient. Likewise signing on and briefing.

 

[richiep]

Dont worry... I did too cos I have no idea what it is.... and dont bother enlightening me Im not that bothered

Don't worry Pete, it's just me and my still (barely) youthful propensity to go all giddy and over-excited about certain cars, in this case the old Skyline as pictured by Johny above.

 

[zedboy]

Great day....We'll worth the long trip down. I know I'm a sad do but it was great seeing the top gear boys there. Made my day!!!

 

[zedboy]

Weather should never put you off. Great day.....great cars....great people

 

[Hinch]

My first time this year and you're right....... great people and lots of Z's!

The sun did come out and I guess we were lucky that the field didn't turn to mud. Castle Combe is only down the road for me so it's an easy call to go no matter what the weather.......

Met some great people today - hope you all had a good time.

The post from Facebook by Mrs HollowPoint is my 240 - all dried off and tucked away - time for a beer!

Thanks to everyone in the Club for arranging everything.

Hinch.

 

[johnymd]

It doesn't take long to do the pre track stuff. I arrived at nearly 10:30 and still made the 10:42 session. The "drive by" briefing helped. Nearly didn't go at all after a bad banging from the rear end when I set off in the morning. I replaced a worn prop joint Friday night so ended up driving back home Saturday morning and crawling around under the back of the car to check it all over. Turned out to be a rear tyre. I filled the car to the brim with fuel Friday night and the tyre sat in a puddle of petrol that had leaked out. It took the 170 mile trip to the track to sort the tyre out. The drag racing today will probably finish the tyre off anyway.

Unfortunately I didn't spend much time at the club stand as it was so far away from the pit lane.

 

[racer]

Yep we had a great day, nice cars and nice girls .
A bit of a poor turnout for the older Zeds which was a shame. Loads of 350 guys there, fair play to you boys for making the effort. .
Driving standards on the track seemed to be generally very good, with only the odd numpty not using his mirrors.

 

[martinmac]

Sounds like it was a great day aprt from one unfortunate incident. Lots of pics and vids on here.


http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/77756-japfest-castle-combe-10th-may-2014-updated/page__st__560

 

[RichZ]

Was a good day not that much rain, nice people and some very nice cars.

I want to post some pics but my attachment screen tells me it fails ever time I try. Any ideas anyone?

 

[280REZ]

Was my 1st Japfest so not sure what to expect - Up from London so stayed in Melksham overnight Friday. Got caught in the massive traffic jam but parked up by 10:30. Plenty of Z's on display and a nich bunch of people. Was a bit of rain but clouds were moving quickly.
Would go again but would stay overnight Friday's since it becomes a long day !
Overall Julie & I enjoyed it.