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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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I have recently purchased an MX5 as a second car with the aim of getting into track days. I have never been on a track day before, only one of those supercar experiences and a half day drifting day.
I am located in Reading and ideally looking for taster sessions or a novice day to get started. Is there any that you would recommend? Abingdon and Bedford are not too far away, I am tempted by the next Bedford Taster session on Saturday 9th June, this is only 20 minutes on track, would this be enough for my first time out? Currently getting the car ‘track ready’ with new discs, pads, tyres, cg lock etc.
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playalistic
1,529 posts
33 months
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Take a half day novice session at Bedford. I think you'll find the 20 mins almost pointless as you will be over and done with before you know what has hit you.
General advice is to get some tuition which is offered in 20 minute sessions as you will be driving on track as you do on the road until you are taught otherwise.
Overall, don't panic. The novice days especially are managed well and a great way to get your first taste.
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nsa
881 posts
97 months
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It's as easy as falling off a log. Just put one of the Novice Xs on the back of your car when you start, and people will help you out by giving you a wide berth, not expecting you to see them straight away. Try to make sure your car isn't going to break, and drive well within your limits.
Agreed 20 minutes is a waste. Do a full or half day. Bedford is great because it has endless run-off. I have never seen anybody hit anything at that circuit.
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mattnoss
82 posts
53 months
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Another vote for Bedford here , its a nice long track with a good mix of corners , plenty of run off and loads of space to let faster cars by or overtake slower cars . Good place to start if you havnt done it before
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silverthorn2151
3,559 posts
48 months
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I agree that the tasters are a waste of time for someone in your position.
Brands also have novice sessions but I don't think it's an ideal circuit for that.Bedford is on the other hand allowing you to develop awareness of surroundings easier and in relative safety.
Relax into it, have fun, don't try and prove anything and avoid the first 30 mins of ANY trackday!
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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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Thanks for the advice, off to look for some dates at Bedford now.
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HorneyMX5
878 posts
19 months
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Combe is a good Localish circuit. I'm down there on the 25th doing a trackday in my 5. There's an MX5 meet @ Peacock Farm in Bracknell tonight if you want to come along and chat trackdays. I do quite a few although mostly in my MKII Golf track car but it's in bits at the moment.
Nick
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motco
4,749 posts
115 months
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Abingdon track days run by Motorsport Events are pretty good, especially for a beginner because they run them well and chuck off any idiots before they can do any harm. Loads of run-off and some decent corners. It's better than a lot of airfield days because it uses a lot of the perimeter road and relies less on coned layouts on the main runways.
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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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motco said: Abingdon track days run by Motorsport Events are pretty good, especially for a beginner because they run them well and chuck off any idiots before they can do any harm. Loads of run-off and some decent corners. It's better than a lot of airfield days because it uses a lot of the perimeter road and relies less on coned layouts on the main runways. Just taken a look at their website and they seem to have lots of tracks not too far from me. Think I will definitely look to get booked onto one of these, as Bedford didnt seem to have too many suitable dates that I could attend.
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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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HorneyMX5 said: Combe is a good Localish circuit. I'm down there on the 25th doing a trackday in my 5. There's an MX5 meet @ Peacock Farm in Bracknell tonight if you want to come along and chat trackdays. I do quite a few although mostly in my MKII Golf track car but it's in bits at the moment.
Nick I may well attend, what time are you usually down there?
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HorneyMX5
878 posts
19 months
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It starts at 7:30pm but I'll be there from about 6:45 as I go straight from work (Newbury). If you come I'll be the chap in a red T-shirt with galsses and I have a green MKI V-Spec with yellow sidelights.
Nick
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Stephanie Plum
1,831 posts
80 months
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Mazda on Track maybe? 
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bikerstu
95 posts
14 months
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I do all my days with MSV!
They tend to be really friendly and well run, the only time i had any issue i found an orange in the pitlane and he helped me out. I've done car and bike days with them and race in their bike series, love it!
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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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bikerstu said: I do all my days with MSV!
They tend to be really friendly and well run, the only time i had any issue i found an orange in the pitlane and he helped me out. I've done car and bike days with them and race in their bike series, love it! Never found a helpful orange before! Is that a typo or something I am not aware of! Think I am going to book on to the novice evening at Bedford on 5th July.
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wilbo83
Original Poster
572 posts
34 months
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Did a taster session at Bedford on Saturday and loved it! Will definitely get back there soon. Can see the benefit of firmer suspension and bucket seats though, I was all sliding all over the seat!
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bikerstu
95 posts
14 months
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had a chat with the oranges at Snett and Brands and they were ok. Have come across a few "interesting2 oranges as well tho lol!
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