Driving tests

[Beige Belgian]

Hi,

Gonna enter my R4 in some driving tests in a couple of weeks, should be fun. Anyone pushed their R4 much in this way? Will be mainly in 1st gear, and 2nd plus lots of reversing.

Is it best to use the handbrake?
How much body roll do we have (does it then spin or topple over!)?
Will it spin round (donut) on the handbrake if the ground is slippy enough?
Any other tips!??

Matt

 

[malcolm]

I've always thought a R4 would be great in a grass autotest (but haven't tried one).

Traction could be a problem (they are light). It's the LH side wheel that spins so possibly a sack of potatoes in the passenger footwell might give you an unfair advantage.

If you manage to roll one I'll get Ian Stanbury to send you a free CD for achievement. I've never managed it and have tried hard enough around the farm.

Handbrake is very handy for the tighter turns (assuming you have the GTL - on the early cars the handbrake is on the front wheels so isn't so good for spinning the car round unless you are reversing - then it's great). Keep the power on when you use the handbrake for extra speed. Tarmac is slippy enough for handbrake turns.

Best to find a space and practice a bit. I reckon a R4 would be very effective. Let us know how you get on.

 

[John Doe]

I have some experience with wet grass, I had some fun on an old football stadium, accelerated up to 40km/h, pulled the handbrake and with little work on steering wheel I turned for 180 degrees Easy and fun too

 

[Beige Belgian]

Thanks for tips, not had any chance to practice, that the problem living in London. So we will see.

Hope it will slide well (like the picture next to John Doe's name!?!) and my memory works (half the skill in driving tests). Most of the other cars competing are pre war Frazer Nash's (as its there car clubs tests), with them having no diff and sliding easily don't think the R4 will be a worry to them!

The handbrake on my GTL is pretty good and I will let you know how I get on after next Saturdays tests.

cheers

Matt

 

[Beige Belgian]

I done the tests in the R4 and the car was good. It didn't win, but performed well enough. I tried the handbrake, and found to be of use going into a turn, it would slide out a bit making the turn easier. It was tricky keeping the slide on though. It didn't get stuck at all (unlike some others) and using 2nd gear cut down on the wheelspin. I enjoyed it, thanks for the tips. Couple of pictures below of moi and the competition

PS Finally works!

 

[Beige Belgian]

Finally worked out how to show pictures!

edited to add.....No I haven't.