Although I left RAF Marham last year, they have continued the legacy of the Charity Track Day weekends - the next one is planned for 14th and 15th April 2007.
They have grown in popularity since the first one and attract everything from classic cars of relatively modest performance to Ferrari Enzos, Porsche Carrera GTs and Lamborghinis, and all shades between. Bikers have progressively thinned out in number to make it not worthwhile to run sessions for bikes, so all of the sessions for the whole weekend are for cars, and you should have a minimum of 6 x 30 minute sessions of actual track time available on each day.
For those who have been before, you know the drill, although sadly, as I am not based there any longer, I can't offer overnight accommodation and cheap beer as part of the deal, but it still represents either a day or whole weekend of sheer fun on the track.
For those who have not been before, the event has a marvellous common sense approach, a safe environment, and a proper "club" atmosphere to it, and represents the best value track day you'll find anywhere, with every penny of your entry fee going to very worthwhile charities
The track uses a combination of the airfield's main runway and taxiways resulting in a track that is around 4 miles long consisting of wide, smooth tarmac and concrete with lots of safe run offs – there will be approx 1 mile of the main runway in use with many sweeping curves and chicanes along the taxiways to link it all together.
Both days will run from around 9am to 4pm, split into 30-minute sessions. All the necessary facilities, such as toilets, catering, drinks, marshalling, medical and fire cover to support the event will be on hand, and RAF Marham’s gliding club will be operating for air experience flights.
You will need a helmet, normal seat belts as a minimum, and a fire extinguisher that will need to be secured in the car (that doesn't mean a plumbed in system). Race suits are not needed, but natural fibre clothing with full sleeves and legs is to be encouraged. Cars must be road legal with a current MOT or, if a race vehicle, licensed for a current MSA series. There are no exhaust noise level restrictions for the event. Sharing a car is OK (i.e. alternating drivers between sessions) and drivers are allowed to carry one passenger, but they must also comply with regard to helmet, clothing etc and be over 16 years of age.
The entry fee is per car entered, not per driver but all drivers and passengers will need to sign a disclaimer. Spectating is not a possibility, but individuals coming to "assist" someone who is driving as a helper/mechanic is possible. The reason for this is quite simple - the event insurance premiums and Health & Safety requirements go through the roof astronomically otherwise, so by restricting it to participants and assistants, it makes the event manageable, safer, more relaxed and enjoyable and importantly keeps the cost down to you.
The price is £60 per day or £100 for the whole weekend with every penny going to charity. RAF Marham are expecting a high number of participants, so it is advisable to get your name down early and confirmed - once they have all attendees’ details, payment information will be posted and prior payment is highly recommended to speed up the overall process. RAF Marham is a front line operational RAF station and as such, any operational commitments on the 14th or 15th April would lead to the day or weekend being cancelled. Whilst this is very unlikely, if it occurs, then prior notice will be given and any money paid up front would be fully reimbursed.
For security reasons, details of every person entering the station, including all passengers, must be provided in advance. To this end, the following details of drivers and assistants/helpers are needed by 16 Mar 07. The details required are listed below and will be held in the strictest of confidence:
Full Name
Address
Contact Telephone Number
Contact E-mail address.
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Passport No. (if possible)
Car make, model and registration of the car taking part, plus any additional cars brought by assistants/helpers and those of the towing vehicle if the car is trailered to the event)
Anyone arriving on the day that has not submitted their details will not be allowed entry to the Station. Details submitted after 16 March will not be guaranteed a place.
I am happy to co-ordinate on behalf of CA members, so for those interested, please can you send them to me by PM, and I will colllate and submit them to RAF Marham in the format they want.
Don't forget it's all for charity and is massively enjoyable!
MG Mark
