Track Day Novice - Anyone Looking For A Contributor?

Track Day Novice - Anyone Looking For A Contributor?

Author
Discussion

Luke Skylarker

Original Poster:

8 posts

91 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
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Hi, having had a few track days, I suspect that I may have caught the bug.
I'm never going to be the next James Hunt, but I'd quite like to have an opportunity to join some like minded people, contributing towards a track car, so that I can have a reasonably affordable few days here and there.
In my mind? Probably an MX5 or similar, for fun; nothing more.
I'm based in Wiltshire and happy to go to reasonable distances for track days. Who knows, if I find I'm not too much of a 'pudding', I'd probably like to have a bash at the Ring, but that's probably some way off!
So, if you're looking for somebody to help spread the cost, perhaps you might be willing to give me a shout?
Aged 56 3/4, reasonably financially stable, not known to cause too many accidents and have a surprisingly clean driving licence.

fat80b

2,277 posts

221 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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I'd just get an MX5 for yourself - I would have thought owning your own is preferable to sharing costs with others - that way you can choose when to spend the money and there are no disagreements to be had.

The cost can be minimal. Cars can be picked up for almost nothing.

I have an MX5 that I use for Autosolos and trackdays and keep it on the road.
Tax, MOT and Insurance, less than £500 per year.
Tyres - Either new ones if I'm feeling flush or just buy a set of wheels on ebay with tyres already fitted for ~£80

Track days can be had for £89 in the winter and the only cost on top of that is fuel.

Splitting that in half isn't worth the grief imho. If you do want to share it with someone, then get them to contribute as a one off. Far easier.
Bob

Luke Skylarker

Original Poster:

8 posts

91 months

Monday 19th September 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for that - much appreciated. It's extremely helpful to get some views.
That's where I started my thinking, but being fairly useless with spanners and stuff, along with all the general protocol as you begin to have a go, I just feel that I'd be best starting off by chipping in for someone else who knows what they're doing, before taking the whole plunge.
A bit like sailing; they reckon people like me buy a boat and use it for 2 weeks year 1, 1 week year 2, then sell it! I don't want to be in that position.
If it all begins to take good shape then I'd move onto something solo. I do a fair bit of clay/game shooting and it was the same there really - now I'm happy to go and inflict damage on my own!

C70R

17,596 posts

104 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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Kind of agree with what the other guy said, to be honest. I share a track car with one of my closest mates, and it works out fine because we're both relaxed enough that the ongoing challenges/costs aren't a major concern. However, that comes from having known each other for a long time, and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing this kind of thing with a complete stranger.

CABC

5,577 posts

101 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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you could try Javelin's MX5s at £400 per day. that's quite cheap when you just turn up and go, no running costs apart from extra fuel.
if you liked it then buy a simple car yourself (mx5, clio etc). after that you may het more serious, but that's another chapter.
sharing with strangers will most likely go wrong.

Luke Skylarker

Original Poster:

8 posts

91 months

Monday 19th September 2016
quotequote all
Really appreciate the feedback from you all - I can see where you're coming from; it could easily go pear shaped.
I have my own MX5 but it's fairly new and probably best left on the road, although it is in my thinking once I've worked out how to get settled into the whole thing and the car's become less precious, with a few dings and more miles on the clock.
While it's pricey, the day rental model sounds sensible to kick off with.
This is exactly what these forums are for - to get advice from people who actually know what they're talking about. Thanks to you all; you've been a great help.

roddo

569 posts

195 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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If you already have a mx5 check out Mazda-on-track

Similar cars, likeminded people and you can hire mx5's

Tell them RODDO sent you

QBee

20,984 posts

144 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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Start going on MX5 events, or use the participant lists on Javelin track days and book when you see lots of MX5s. Make friends and enjoy track days together.

That's what I did with my TVR, and I have made more friends in the last three years than in the previous 30.

rallycross

12,792 posts

237 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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I'd be up for sharing my track car, its an MG ZS 180 2004, its a fairly standard road car at the moment but an ideal cheap track car - quick enough and good handling to have fun at places like Castle Combe, Abbingdon, Brands.

Car is insured by me, looking for 1 or 2 more people to share with me (for small contribution) not precious about the car just keen to do a few more track days next year with shared costs.

PM me to get in touch.

Luke Skylarker

Original Poster:

8 posts

91 months

Thursday 22nd September 2016
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Thanks Roddo & Qbee - much appreciated; I've sent you a response Rallycross.

It's all very helpful and I'll keep compiling the information.