Tracks best suited to MX5 (or other slower cars)
Discussion
Finally finished my MX5 track car build and eager to get out and using it as intended. However, I've only driven a few circuits before (Donington, Bedford, Castle Combe) and there is such a wide range of options out there. I know that the MX5 is great fun around corners, but appreciate it isnt the fastest thing in a straight line.
Any tracks better suited to the MX5's characteristics? Any to avoid?
I'm based near Cambridge, so not too far from a good number of places.
Was thinking Snetterton, Mallory, Rockingham, Brands, Cadwell in addition to Bedford and Donington.
Any tracks better suited to the MX5's characteristics? Any to avoid?
I'm based near Cambridge, so not too far from a good number of places.
Was thinking Snetterton, Mallory, Rockingham, Brands, Cadwell in addition to Bedford and Donington.
Well, that was great fun.
First time at Mallory and what initially looks like a basic (and boring?!) circuit soon shows how tricky it is to master.
The car performed faultlessly and soaked up everything I threw at it. Aside from some rather smokey brakes after the first session (bedding in the new pads), it just went and went and went.
Had fun overtaking a few people - especially when I got the hang of Gerrards and was getting 85-90mph around there.
One thing the day did highlight though - I need more power! It was great through the bends and could keep up or go quicker than a lot of things, but as soon as we got to the end of the corners there wasn't much more to come and I'd get left behind. This afternoon has been a google session on FI....
Next up track wise is a day at Silverstone - the full circuit. Got a great deal otherwise I think the track is too big for the Mazda, however, I'm sure it'll be fun nonetheless.
First time at Mallory and what initially looks like a basic (and boring?!) circuit soon shows how tricky it is to master.
The car performed faultlessly and soaked up everything I threw at it. Aside from some rather smokey brakes after the first session (bedding in the new pads), it just went and went and went.
Had fun overtaking a few people - especially when I got the hang of Gerrards and was getting 85-90mph around there.
One thing the day did highlight though - I need more power! It was great through the bends and could keep up or go quicker than a lot of things, but as soon as we got to the end of the corners there wasn't much more to come and I'd get left behind. This afternoon has been a google session on FI....
Next up track wise is a day at Silverstone - the full circuit. Got a great deal otherwise I think the track is too big for the Mazda, however, I'm sure it'll be fun nonetheless.
While I agree that there is more fun to be had in the corners than blatting down straights (Which can be fun as my run at VMax last year in my other car proved), the frustration I had from Tuesday at Mallory was that I was all over people in the corners - where you are not supposed to overtake people, but by the straights they powered away, so I would catch up and be held up again in the next corner. Making it tough to string a good lap together. Then you back off to get some space and end up with other traffic, etc..
The car has track tyres, coilovers and has had the geo-done, so its well set up and the only thing I might look at is thicker ARBs and checking the bushes for wear - if they're loose/knackered then I might replace with uprated stuff.
The car has track tyres, coilovers and has had the geo-done, so its well set up and the only thing I might look at is thicker ARBs and checking the bushes for wear - if they're loose/knackered then I might replace with uprated stuff.
I havent driven Cadwell, but it is definitely on my list. As I've said, I've got Silverstone in the diary for end of July, but nothing booked for August or September yet (probably limiting to one session a month for now). Cadwell could well be an option in August if I can find a good deal/date that works.
An update to this thread. Had a fantastic day at Silverstone yesterday at the Gold Track event. I'll happily admit being a little intimidated by the exotica on display (Enzo, P1, Koenigsegg, GT3 RS 4.0, Radicals, etc.. ) but my humble little mazda was still able to deliver on the fun factor.
A few issues with over heating, but nothing a hole cutter and turning the heating on couldnt fix (although a new, considerably thicker rad has been ordered as the old one was well past it's best).
Anyways - said new holes in the front bumper made for a perfect bumper shot mounting point for my HD camera. Quite happy with the results.
Vid 1 - me driving - very busy, skip to 6:40 for some Enzo "chasing" - http://youtu.be/pvMSXXU9ckw
Vid 2 - my dad driving - a lot less traffic - http://youtu.be/tsX80kety_U
Enjoy!
A few issues with over heating, but nothing a hole cutter and turning the heating on couldnt fix (although a new, considerably thicker rad has been ordered as the old one was well past it's best).
Anyways - said new holes in the front bumper made for a perfect bumper shot mounting point for my HD camera. Quite happy with the results.
Vid 1 - me driving - very busy, skip to 6:40 for some Enzo "chasing" - http://youtu.be/pvMSXXU9ckw
Vid 2 - my dad driving - a lot less traffic - http://youtu.be/tsX80kety_U
Enjoy!
Edited by skibum on Wednesday 30th July 11:58
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff