Latest news from CAT Driver Training
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Hello & Welcome to our Autumn/Winter 2019 Newsletter
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As Winter kicks in we continue to welcome customers from the full spectrum of our specialist training areas.
Race customers use the winter to develop their competitive edge, ready for the start of the new season.
A track day is to be enjoyed whatever the weather, so focus on at and over grip limit technique seems to be more popular than usual.
Roadcraft development in any conditions for both individuals and our motor industry clients is always top of the objectives list.
Our busiest year yet - and that's a statement we seem to say each year - as we come to the end of our 15th year delivering CAT's highly respected brand of training services, Certificate number 5400 was issued at the weekend. It seems like only yesterday we presented Ian Fraser with our celebratory 5000th client bottle of champagne - it was the 28th February!
As always, we thank each and every one of our you for your continued support - we wouldn't be here without you. |
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Train in world-class facilities
Millbrook Proving Ground, the home of CATDT HQ, continues to be an outlier in the motor industry, launching a new purpose-built Autonomous Village. The 6,300 sq.ft facility consists of six workshops designed to support self-driving vehicle development and testing at every stage. So whilst enjoying the outstanding circuits on offer during training, you might also spot a self-driving vehicle being tested on the facilities.
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CATDT C1 Update
Race of Remembrance
If you follow our Facebook page, you may have seen some highlights from the Race of Remembrance at the start of the month. Our small but mighty C1 along with Colin, David, Phil and Neil took part in the 12-hour endurance race at the very wet and windy Anglesey Circuit.
Despite suffering some setbacks, which included a spin that saw David get well and truly stuck in the mud, the team were able to finish the race 4th in class. Well done all!!!
The race was secondary to the emotive and memorable Remembrance Service, which was held halfway through the race. It was our honour to take part in and support an event with such heart.
To find out more about the event visit http://www.raceofremembrance.com/.
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Join the CATDTC1 Team
The provisional C1 Racing Club calendar has been released for 2020 with the 24 hour Silverstone race is over the May Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May 2020. Jo will be away for this one, so the CATDT team may be in need of a team manager – if you’re interested and willing to go without sleep – please make contact!
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Motorsport UK moving headquarters
Motorsport UK has announced plans to move its headquarters to Motorsport Resort, Bicester Motion. The more central location will make the new offices more accessible to the wider UK Motorsport Network.
Future plans include the use of new track facilities to organise testing, training and sprint meets. The move follows Motorsport UK's rebrand, marking their commitment to do more to promote the sport at all levels.
Read more here. |
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Autosport International Show
9th–12th Jan 2020The annual show will once again take place at the NEC. It is highly likely that Colin and Paul will attend the trade only Autosport Engineering Show on Thursday 9th January. If you are planning on attending and fancy catching up over coffee, please get in touch.
The doors open to the public on Sat 11th and Sun 12th Jan. With show features including the Autosport Live Stage, Live Action Arena and the Revving Red Carpet, the event is not to be missed by any self-respecting petrolhead. Early Bird tickets are currently available to be purchased here. |
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A smash to look forward to!
You may have noticed there have been more images of our clients and their cars on our social media channels this year. To support a charity of your choice, a donation of £5 has been being made by CAT into this sealed Terramundi Pot for every client photo at the end of your training course. Some of you have also been generously adding your own donations as well.
On Monday 23rd December, all participating client names will be put into the draw. The name that is pulled out will be contacted and they will decide which charity is the beneficial recipient.
The draw will be carried out as a live post on Facebook. The smashing of the pot will be recorded for you to watch and the winning clients announcement on their chosen charity.
Thank you for your support with this initiative and we can’t wait for 23rd December – keep your eyes on our social media activity to watch the action as it happens!
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Introducing the CATDT Mug Collection ☕
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It’s only been 15 years in the waiting but here, at last, we bring you the first in the CAT mug collection!
Clients will start to enjoy their training refreshments in these unique beauties from next month, with the launch of the rest of the collection early in the new year.
Available to purchase for £9 plus postage, contact Lynne or Jo if you can’t wait for your training course to get your hands on one, two or all three!
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The 2020 Car Club Calendar is now live and ready for bookings. CLICK HERE to view the calendar.
If you would like to get one of the dates organised for your club or friends, contact Jo or Lynne to secure your chosen date.
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We’re updating members of the CAT Fleet and will be saying goodbye to the faithful BMW 330D at the end of the month. A loyal and hardworking member of the team, she is ready to move to her next adventure. A few of you have mentioned you’re interested in buying her - please contact Jo for details if you are – but you’ll need to be quick!
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Not yet ready to show herself to you, this is a tease to get you guessing. CAT decals are scheduled for Friday – then she’ll officially become part of the CAT Fleet. Can you tell what she is?
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Driving Psychology
Always striving to deliver the best driver training available, Paul & Colin spent two days in September continuing to develop their own knowledge. As coaches, building on their understanding of Driver Psychology and Behaviour with Dr Lisa Dorn, was an opportunity they relished.Dr Lisa Dorn is an Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University and Founder and Research Director for DriverMetrics, a Cranfield University spin-out company to exploit her research in the design of online driver assessments and driver safety interventions.
You can find out more about Colin and Paul's credentials and qualifications here on our Teams Page. |
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Highway Code Motorway Update
Highway Code rule 258 has been updated to provide details about red ‘X’ signs on motorways.
Legislation is still being formulated, but it could soon see a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three driving licence points for driving in a closed lane, which is signified by a red X sign on overhead screens.
READ MORE |
MOT Changes
Defects will be classed differently using the following categories:
- Dangerous - Direct risk to road safety or the environment. Results in a Fail.
- Major - Could affect safety or the environment. Results in a Fail.
- Minor - No effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory - Could have an effect in future.
- Pass - Meets the current legal standards.
The following new items will also now be included in the test:
- Underinflated tyres
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
- Brake pad warning lights and if brake pads or discs are missing
- Reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009
- Headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 (if they have them)
- Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018
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Speed Limiters To Be Mandatory
New EU Safety Regulations will make Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems mandatory in all new cars from 2022. It is hoped that the new technology will vastly improve road safety and prevent a fifth of road accidents.
Other soon to be mandatory safety systems include a black box data recorder for incident reporting, as well as sensors/cameras to detect driver drowsiness.
READ MORE
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Furthering Your Knowledge
Everything you need to know about advancing your driving on the road, track and race circuit in one place! Colin's blog has now been running for many years with a core objective to be a complete driving resource. Here are some of the latest topics covered:
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🎁 The ultimate driving Christmas gift 🎁
Forget Winter ... Christmas is coming! Give the gift your loved one will never forget. Personal driver coaching & development from the CATDT experts.
Choose from a tailored Driving Course Gift Pack or a Voucher to go towards a course of the recipients choosing. Whether you have a petrolhead in mind or are planning to forward this email to your other half as a massive hint, your gift will be tailored to meet their personal driving objectives. A unique experience for your lucky someone.
Get in touch with Jo or Lynne to find out more and chat through your budget and options.
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If one of our CATDT Driving Gifts doesn't fit the bill, don't fret. We've created a Christmas gift guide for car lovers to give you some inspiration.
We've included some really unique ideas, many of which are quirky finds from independent businesses. So whether your budget is £10 or £2000 - we have you covered.
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Globally recognised for our engineered driver training
Out of the worldwide options available, we were honoured to be chosen by the highly professional team of technicians and engineers from Jordan - King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) - Test & Evaluation Centre, to develop their engineering vehicle evaluation & test skills.
KADDB is a centre of engineering excellence and Jordan’s premier organisation providing optimal and best-value solutions for defense and security organisations.
Over the 5 day period 22nd-26th October 2019 at Millbrook Proving Ground, Colin & Paul developed the team in the following evaluation technique areas: test & evaluation driving; steering; braking; acceleration & engine performance; cross country & off road; and ride comfort.
An honour & pleasure to work with a dedicated team of enthusiastic professionals.
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CATDTC1 24hr Endurance Race Highlights
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As this year approaches its end, it seems fitting to reflect upon our first endurance adventure of the season at Silverstone. This video really sums up the highs and lows of the race. If you haven't caught it on our social media, here it is.
Created by our friend Matt at Track Toys, including pictures taken by our CATDTC1 teammate Nic.
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Copyright © 2019 CAT Driver Training Ltd
Registered Office Address: 50 Lincroft, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0HT | Company Number: 4974797
VAT Registration No: 933 4781 09
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