Track Day fun in an old car! MGB tackles Castle Combe. How will it perform?

I joined Tim of ‪@CambrianClassicsLtd‬ in his mildly-modified MGB as we did an MG Car Club track day at Castle Combe. My first time, but what fun it proved to be! Definitely not my last visit to a race track. Tim's MGB has been bored out to 2-litres, has Lotus pistons and kicks out about 120bhp. A few handling mods ensure it is a LOT of fun on track. #trackday #classiccars #mg
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[@Shane_Marsh]

The sound of a B series thrashing round an old track is sublime 👌 and the keys are trying to pull themselves out 🤣

[@charliemansonUK]

I noticed the key fob lean-o-meter was working well 😂

[@nekite1]

The angle of the dangle on the bunch of keys in the dashboard gives you an idea of how hard the car is cornering.

[@HubNut]

I was seriously impressed with the Michelin tyres, and it was hard to keep myself in the seat when Tim was driving!

[@michaeltutty1540]

Which Michelin tyres are on the car? I am running Michelin Discovery tyres in a 295/65R15 94H on my old Volvo 240. I have yet to hear tyre squeal no matter how hard I push the almost stock car. Besides the Made In England tyres the only other upgrade is to the shocks/struts. Monroe Sensatrack all around.

[@CambrianClassicsLtd]

​@@michaeltutty1540185/70 14 energy savers. Nothing flash

[@GoldenCroc]

​​@@michaeltutty1540 295/65/15 you say? Wow, those are some monster mudders you got on that 240! 😉 (I take it you meant 195s?)

[@chrisbradley1192]

I also noticed the keys were making an excellent g-force meter.

[@eddiestevenson-kaatsch6306]

You were certainly getting much better towards the end, Ian. Once you get into the rhythm, you can float the car along, pretty much in an unstable setup most of the time. I've never tried left-foot braking, but I gather you can dial out understeer using it. I used to love four-wheel drifting right on the limit, tremendous fun, although not always the fastest lap. Well done you two. Great video.

[@tug1345]

Is it just me or is the A series and B series 2 of the nicest sounding 4 cylinder engines, I know there are others as nice , but listening to this it does sound good

[@Canalsman]

Absolutely! They've got bags of character, they're hugely tunable, and very forgiving. Two of the best British engines ever made!

[@Banom7a]

that siamesed exhaust really does something

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Nice crisp Fiat 8v Twin-Cam with an ANSA exhaust..... perfectamundo !

[@peterriggall8409]

That is what motor racing used to be about. I have no interest in other forms where the cars are totally devoid of similarities to what is driven on the road apart from looking a little like them. It has become a game of whoever has the most money wins. This was great fun to watch. Thanks Tim and Mr. Hubnut.

[@peterclarke1535]

owned my 1969 mgb roadster for 37 years and still enjoy driving around in the B, no radio, just like hearing the engine,

[@VirtualGuth]

It was obvious that you were having a great deal of fun. I especially enjoyed the laps with the roof down though it's a shame that Tim did not get to enjoy more of those himself. You are very fortunate to have a friend like him. Thanks for sharing.

[@frglee]

First rate video, Ian, thank you. One of your best, and imo, certainly one of the times KZbin can thrash tv for entertainment value and interesting content. Something that if it was on Saturday afternoon telly, millions would watch and enjoy.

[@philhealey449]

What an Instructor! A constant metered delivery of clear, modulated guidance.

[@HubNut]

He was superb. I struggle with instruction sometimes but he was patient, clear and unflustered. Annoyed I failed to record my session with him!

[@paulbennell3313]

Just my kind of MG! Looks bone standard but can seriously upset any boy racers you encounter! That engine is an absolute hammer! That looked indecently good fun!

[@CambrianClassicsLtd]

Thank you!

[@anthonystevens8683]

Another top video Ian and Tim. The brake issue might not be so much of an issue. From feedback many years ago track days are notorious for highlighting brake knock off where due to the higher speed cornering conditions the callipers and pads move leaving a wider pad to disc clearance and hence extra pedal travel. With the extra heat in the pads/discs causing brake fade this can feel like that there is a brake problem. It looks like you both had an epic day out in the MG. Many thanks for sharing. I'm more than happy to be corrected if I'm wrong and apologies of course if I am.

[@garage6346]

Next: a short where Ian says "8 MPG in a MG MGB GT V8" ten times in a row 😁

[@markwoodgate6279]

Great video, thanks!! really good fun.

[@daniellee9015]

Absaloutly brilliant video Ian what a brilliant car ,💟👍

[@stuartjones8238]

Wow! You're in my neck of the woods!! Spent my childhood at Castle Combe, my Uncle participated in the local FF1600 championship, won it four times over the 80's and 90's!....these days his son's have taken up the mantle! He's also been an instructor himself (he took an Aryton Senna around when he visited back in the late 80's). So many a Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday watching the racing and walking around that paddock viewing other competitors!! I've cycled around here loads of times on various charity cycle runs! My Grand Parent's ashes are spread over the starting Grid's Pole Position (the joys of my Uncle knowing the owner and grabbing the keys on a couple of occasions!! Living 8 miles away I often here the cars go around on a race weekend or open day!! Great Video! Love a "B" as well, such a great example.

[@Ju1ian10001]

That B series sounds fantastic, Maybe time to get a track day car Ian (that little 106 would of made a great tack car lol)

[@andrewhaines3259]

Bourton on the Water is a great place! Motor museum, model village and pottery, as well as generally pleasant surroundings! Hope the Hubnut channel continues to grow in the new year! All the best everyone!

[@Canalsman]

Great video. I love the MGB so it's tremendous to see one doing so well on the track. The steel wheels and hub caps look so good on the B. Just a glorious car. Thanks for filming it. Hopefully more to come in the future...

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Yes the steel wheels are lovely but wires might cool the brakes more !

[@michaeltutty1540]

What a fantastic day for both Tim and you, Ian. That little B was fantastic. Love the sound of it. The track looks like a lot of fun. Really wish i could be there to run the old Volvo 240 estate. Many of the turns remind me of the on ramps to the Highway 400, out equivalent to your M highways. Other drivers just won't accelerate through the corners. So annoying. Keep up the great work and enjoy.

[@terencehawkes3933]

I could see you improving drastically as you were going round. Well done!

[@jaggass]

I know you can't tune a B Series engine like an A Series but Tim has done a good job on his MGB. It would be less stable in a Morris TC Coupe without suspension upgrades

[@saxon-mt5by]

But just as much fun, or maybe even more!

[@charliemansonUK]

That looked like a good lads day out, a destresser like no other👍

[@RWBHere]

Lovely. I always liked the MG A and MG B models. And even a Midget can be fun. Thanks, Ian and Tim.

[@pedward1313]

Excellent video, Ian; absolutely thrilling!

[@dwarfshortage244]

Nice work! Car sounds awesome.

[@hunty28]

Took my XKR to Mallory last summer for my first track day in my own car - great fun but brakes couldn’t cope. Took it to Castle Combe with Jag Enthusiasts Club in May with better brakes and it was fantastic. MGs on Track go to various venues including the amazing Cadwell Park - well worth a session there Ian. Track days are a great day out👍

[@ianparking]

A day like this one is definitely on my bucket list Looked like you two had lots of fun I reckon Ellythe 2cv would be lots and lots of fun round there!

[@bobfennell3717]

A great video Ian that brought back happy memories of track days on the Castle Combe circuit. I, too, would recommend the experience to everyone if they possibly can, but if they can't, then viewing this is a good substitute for actually being there. Well done.

[@lawrence5117]

Great video, thanks Ian and Tim.

[@graemew7001]

I do like the short shift of that gearbox and you aren't half right about the suspenaion being soft for track use but then if it's more used for the road then I'd be keeping it that way. I saw you're video on this car and on the open road it must be a hoot to drive, a very well built car by Tim.

[@fulwell1]

Some lovely noises there - those cars seem to absolutely love a bit of a thrashing!

[@TMxl-w5t]

Great fun 😁😁... I used to race Auto Cross, in a 1500 Ford Anglia when I was 16/17 many many years ago, take out all the glass, and weld in a roll bar, and off we went, finding places to race became a real problem, and finished the club off in the end. Cheers

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great video Ian and Tim, that B Series does love to rev and rev and a good idea to split the cost and share the track day a epic video. Next Hubnut Social incorporating a track day 😂

[@MrOvershoot]

Used to be my very local track i.e. 10 minutes away. I thrashed the shite out of my 1966 MG Midget (Very not standard ) round there for 100's of laps in the late 80's and early 90's Happy days 😁 Looks like you two had a blast as well ☺

[@send2mc]

I haven't been on a track for far too long. You've reminded how much fun it is.

[@WrenchingWench]

Loved this! I've wanted to do a track day for years in either the Scirocco or Abarth but I've always been terrified of either binning it or getting in everyone's way. I've been to one track day with my old work when I was an apprentice before I'd passed my test, so I was only a passenger. We only managed 3 laps before the car's alternator packed up!

[@HubNut]

Both valid concerns, but the instructors are worth paying for, and it isn't that hard to stay out of people's way. Tracks are very wide!

[@TheStobb50]

In the early 70s, a friend of mine, did a track day at brands Hatch in a bog, standard Austin A35 then drove it all the way back to Sunderland

[@christineayres7199]

Nice day for it , I will have to take my old Colt to a track day now ive fitted the new shocks and springs lol it handles like a go kart anyway glad you had fun 😀

[@Zeem4]

Now you've said that, I want to take my Mk1 Focus to a track day. It also handles like a go kart.

[@HubNut]

You'd be surprised how a car that handles really well on the road feels like a wallowy barge on track. So much fun though! I once did a track day in a Mazda 323F 1.5 and was probably having more fun than the Evo drivers.

[@christineayres7199]

@@Zeem4 I used to have a 2litre Ghia Focus they were really good round corners 👍

[@rolandgrant8669]

What a brilliant video, Ian. Thank you to you and Tim and his superb car. I will now start thinking about how I myself can get hold of an MGB modified in the way Tim has done his..very envious. R

[@jeremytoms5163]

Just think, Ian,Tim and Lewis getting an old car for track days etc between them. It’s a way of making it even more affordable if there’s three of you sharing costs. After all, you both fully enjoyed that day .

[@petroldrinker]

Really sweet sounding engine. The handling looks very balanced.

[@ClassicMGB]

Thanks for the shout out too!

[@tonychapman6417]

That's made my morning. Very well done, Ian and Tim! Great video.🙂👍

[@martinneumann7783]

Oh, this was huge fun! My computer desk was vibrating very well... 💥😃💥

[@AB-ku4my]

I used to marshal at Castle Combe, mostly at Tower Out, before the chickens(chicanes) were installed to slow the entry into Tower In, thus reducing the scrambles to the bank on the outside. It's not the quickest track, but some of the wriggles make it a great car control learning circuit. Regarding moving your hands Ian, you had your wrists inboard of the steering wheel rim. You want to try to keep your forearms and wrists straight, or failing that your elbows just outboard of the rim. It improves the grip immensly and you drive from the shoulders thus keeping your hands still. However, it's been a while since my racing days ended and I'm jealous, so I'm allowed to be picky. Haha.

[@HubNut]

Cheers. The biggest issue was trying to keep a good grip and keep myself in the seat! Can see why bucket seats and harnesses are so common...

[@Agrajak]

Love the disc wheels. My ‘62 had them, the B was designed from the outset to have them and not wires.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

The first 500 62 MGBs ALL had wire wheels

[@michaeltutty1540]

Years ago a neighbour had 2 MGB GTs. The 65 was set up for racing. He ran Minilite wheels in that. His 69 was a daily driver no matter the weather. Quite the sight to see an MGB GT with winter tyres all around and mounted to wire wheels. Never got stuck, though

[@Agrajak]

@@jeffhildreth9244 interesting, i didn't know that. I read Pinifarina preferred the simplicity of the disc wheel on the B design.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@Agrajak In addition the wire wheels were chromed. Later wire wheels were painted as stock and chrome were "accessories" and an upgrade. The 62 also had some other rare features such as the thin chromed strip around the portion of the dash that housed the gauges. And supposedly the iorst 100 had an engine defect, they were recalled and the dealer made a modification and stamped an "S" on the engine tag.. which stood for "serviced". I sold my 64 two years ago , now have a 63, time for a 62. I have a friend that has 3 of them all early 62. NFS.

[@TheStwat]

What a superb video. Very enjoyable.

[@pentagrammotorsport]

You might want to buy a set of Sparco (or similar) gloves. Grip on the wheel will help with your hand placement. That looked like it was a whole bunch of fun and the car seemed to hold up really well. A few little chirps of tyre on that roof-off session, you were definitely leaning on it nice and hard.

[@stewartturner814]

You and Tim should do a race in that lovely MGB 😊

[@jamesdecross1035]

That was a really enjoyable episode - a bit like watching Mark Evans in 'A Racing Car is Born'.

[@nigelh4617]

That looked like a belter of a day.

[@jamescoe764]

Nice video. Looks like you both had a good day with a great little car

[@GoldenCroc]

Looks like a nice day out, to say the least!

[@dennisrobinson7587]

That engine sounds so sweet.

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Another enjoyable video great track action well done 👍👍

[@MattBrownbill]

Instructors do such a good job!

[@HubNut]

They don't always. I had one who kept hitting me around the head with his clipboard... This one was superb.

[@MattBrownbill]

@@HubNut cripes! 😭

[@twocvbloke]

Now imagine doing this if Elly had a 720cc upgrade... :D

[@bentullett6068]

Body rolling, lots of body rolling will occur.

[@michaeltutty1540]

​@@bentullett6068 Funny thing is that the incredible body roll does not seem to have a negative effect. If it really does hurt the handling, imagine what it would be like with a different suspension set up.

[@HubNut]

They do corner better when stiffer, which is why the racing 2CVs are so low. They can keep up with the Minis in the bends.

[@miked2662]

That instructor was A tier! Wow

[@HubNut]

He was superb. I was wary of instruction but he spoke consistently and clearly and grasped our levels very quickly indeed.

[@miked2662]

@@HubNut His clear communication is what caught me, good stuff.

[@tony-yp6qk]

Nice car another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍

[@mickduggan9666]

It's funny how improving your confidence makes the tires squeal more audibly. :)

[@shauntvr4312]

Very nice video thanks

[@shauntvr4312]

Used to go to that track when I was a kid with my dad

[@tonyridal8499]

There we are - a role for myrtle: track day car - sort of a Hubnut version of Up'n'Down's Tracktiva...

[@BokorRider]

tweaked B & A series do rev I had a 1098cc with a mk2 cooper head.& a 275 cam 7000rpm all the time (Citroen GSA (or GS) rev counter)....that was great almost making me want to buy another MGB !

[@hectorshouse7348]

You definitely need one on the fleet…go for it…yay😄

[@HubNut]

Tim is trying to persuade me that I need a B...

[@hectorshouse7348]

@@HubNuthaha, I like Tims attitude😃

[@smoothmicra]

Some brilliant footage of the back of two blokes heads.

[@HubNut]

Sadly there isn't very much to attach a camera to in an MGB.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Bloody awesome video boys. Loved every minute

[@PaddyWV]

Alfa Romeo looked pretty. What a delightful day.

[@HubNut]

That was hotted up with a 75 engine. Him and his friend in a Duratec MGB had loads of fun.

[@2760ade]

That looked like just too much fun!! The tuition was good as well, especially for only twenty quid! I'd never remember that barrage of instructions though - memory like the proverbial sieve.🙄

[@oxulucozcan4923]

simply no one can underestimate the "slow car fast" on a track. have the huge fun and dont look back guys! cheers :) edit: I dont care how they look; driving gloves are cool. and a necessity when tracking a wooden steering wheel. bring them with you next time!

[@HubNut]

Not sure this was such a slow car! She's brisk.

[@tristanpage6805]

Great progress.

[@grahamcockerill2406]

Such fun mate. Aussie Graham.

[@enpeemac]

Never truly realized MGB's could be this good! As an aside, given that most of us aren't totally averse to seeing the occasional more modern car on the channel, any chance of a review of (Tims?) Volvo V70 at some point?

[@HubNut]

The XC70 would take some prepping! It's very much a family wagon...

[@enpeemac]

@@HubNut Of course, I should've clocked it's an XC! Anyway, we're well overdue some 5 cylinder action on the channel and if all else fails and you're ever back in Northants, I've got a 1st gen XC60 D5 here you can have a play with - same as the XC70 only less cool!

[@runoflife87]

Now, that's the way to understand the song called "Dead man's curve".

[@pizzalover3]

Looks like awesome fun. Nice driving too 😁 Road test of xc70 d5 coming up? 😉

[@paulgoldsworthy5971]

Well done. Ian. Tim

[@-sargntclashroyaleandmore-491]

Track days are the way to go especially at Combe. I've seen the disasters that happen at the Action Days when you mix brash drivers with sensible drivers who don't want to go as fast as possible.

[@HubNut]

Yes, there have been some horrible incidents at Castle Combe.

[@ClassicMGB]

Great video Ian!

[@HubNut]

Cheers for the clips!

[@tug1345]

Listening to Ian and Tim talking about the brakes getting hot, for track days would a set of different wheels be any better, the ones that's on the car look great but look restricted in terms of how much air can get to the brakes

[@HubNut]

Brakes will always get hot during a track session, but the offside was noticeably hotter than the nearside. Would be a shame if the steelies and hubcaps had to be ditched.

[@LightBranches]

@@HubNutthat is really odd...were the brakes pulling to one side?

[@HubNut]

Not that we really noticed. Suspect a sticky piston on one side just wasn't fully releasing and caused more pedal travel when you nexf applied the brake.

[@deanodrives4966]

Great video! Will we be seeing you on more track days now? I love Combe, I've driven it a few times in a car but I've mainly done bike days there and going over Avon Rise into Quarry is a very weird feeling. It's actually harder on 4 wheels I find

[@HubNut]

Hope so! It's addictive...

[@grayfool]

Good times.

[@micheltebraake7915]

Watch out! Motorsports can be very addictive!

[@Beechams1042]

I'd love to see what a HubNut track car would look like! Myrtle....?

[@dallesamllhals9161]

Yup! key rings ARE scary.

[@helge.]

That was a fun video!

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I never knew a B series could be so good. Tim must have done a really nice job of building that. I would be interested to know what went wrong with the brakes?

[@HubNut]

I do hope to report back on the brakes. Tim suspects a sticky piston which failed to release the brake properly (causing the extra heat) and then absorbed some pedal pressure when we reapplied (because the fluid had been sucked back from the piston).

[@raymondrichardson6061]

That B is glorious. Check out those gear changes. Where is 50 yrs progress.

[@HubNut]

Gearbox is a fair bit younger. It's a Type 9 out of a Sierra I think.

[@andrewhaines3259]

What happens if you do trash your car? Do you just limp off with your tail between your legs and try and salvage as many bits off the track as possible? I take it you insure for track days?

[@HubNut]

Track insurance is optional, but Tim did opt for it. If you smash it up, they will collect you and clear up, but I suspect you'll be invoiced for the service...

[@Jam3sA]

I'm surprised that the hub caps were left on for track work. Was there no risk of them escaping, or didn't the scrutineers mind?

[@HubNut]

I did ask Tim that but he was quite sure they were going to stay put.

[@markstott6091]

2'02" ... A B Series "loves to rev"? Is Tim some kind of magician?

[@HubNut]

Pretty much, though he's following the experience of others. Lotus pistons, bored out to 2 litres, mildly breathed on.

[@jonnycando]

Always wanted an MGB….now not love nor money can get a good one. The US ones had the same proclivities as the UK ones….

[@lesklower7281]

A different kind of video good one Hubnut and in proper MGs not those wannabe MGs from China less said about the better a variety of MGs and a couple of sports cars from other makes good fun and doesn't Tims slightly moderfied MGB sound so good and the five speed gearbox very tasty

[@2tone209]

AY UP MR HUBNUT

[@GSimpsonOAM]

Ah yes. One has to watch the fuel consumption and not run out. My FIAT did 8.5 L/100km (33mpg) to and from the track and 25 L/100km on the track...(11mpg)

[@HubNut]

A few failed to heed the warning from the organisers...

[@GSimpsonOAM]

@@HubNut Looking forward to trying out my latest project on the track. Rover 220 turbo coupe

[@HubNut]

There was one at this meet. It sounded incredible and was very quick.

[@10rGreenninja]

OK I have to ask WHY did you not have the roof down????

[@HubNut]

Better aero. 😉 It was bloody cold in the morning too. Hadn't experienced cold for weeks!

[@thenotanclan]

Mild mannered man with beard AND HELMET rags old roadster :)

[@ianjoyce5120]

I'm sorry did I miss the high speed wiper test?

[@HubNut]

Thankfully not required! Classic wipers are often rubbish at speed...

[@realnutteruk1]

👍

[@bentullett6068]

Next take a brave pill and take Elly on a track day. I can picture the body rolling in the corners and tyre squeel.

[@HubNut]

She's done a few sprints already, and a couple of hillclimbs.

[@leeallen1407]

I want to do a track day now with my £995 1998 rover 400 414 SLi

[@HubNut]

Would 100% recommend it. Ideal car for it

[@peterericson890]

No more tinkering ? ¨Where are this channel going ? Is it museum visits and random meeting with other you tubers ?

[@HubNut]

This channel has always reflected the bewildering randomness of wherever my life happens to be at any given time, whether thanks recommissioning an Invacar or hurtling around New Zealand in some old Ford barge. Tinkering will return but there just isn't much happening at the moment, while other things have come to the fore (mostly driven by the weather).

[@peterericson890]

@@HubNut I know , you told us some times..... . been following the channel since the start . But you can wish at least