Novice looking to start in the South - advice welcome
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.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?Nick
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.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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