The Pocket Money Track Car
Discussion
Hello Pistonheads.
I’ve loved reading this section of the internet iver the past few years. I love the variety of vehicles and interests, approaches and ideas. Absolutely love reading through and watching the development of things. So I thought I may well contribute. My approach here is to have as much fun as possible, whilst simultaneously trying to part with as little money as possible. Everything here will be DIY d and lashed up on a driveway, no fancy workshops here, mostly because I m too tight!
Like all of us I end up scrolling through sales sites looking for something that in theory would be good fun and within budget. But when your budget is sweet FA, nothing ever comes up. In addition, when you ve already got project cars coming out of your ears, what s the logic in getting another one? Other than to rub the wife up the wrong way!
I’d had a great little NA MX5 a few years ago, but unfortunately an oil pump failure wrote off a motor, then a snapped cam cap killed the replacement off and it got split out.
I think that it’s the most fun I‘ve ever had on 4 wheels as crazy as that may sound, despite it being low powered and me being far too big for it! I ve had much more powerful things than that car, but for local backroads it was an absolute blast! I loved that car, but they were climbing in price which sucked. My first little one arrived in early 2024 and I found myself super limited on free time. So the array of projects just got to much. I kept an eye out every now and again for something cheap and fun, but it just wasn t really there. With such limited time I Liked the idea of a track day car, nothing crazy, but just something I could bash around a track. I am between Brands and Lydden so it s crazy not to take advantage of them!
Quite a few 1*2s popped up, track prepared which I loved the idea of, but as another car, at such strong money, I just couldn t get approval on it (from myself that is!). I also liked the E36/46, but again, prices climbing puts them out of my range. Then one night I sat in the sofa and chucked my phone down, for some reason a gumtree opened on the home page, I never use gumtree but installed the app to get some scrap metal cleared out. Much to my surprise there was a super well priced NBFL MX5 showing as a local ad. It was crazy well priced so thought I d chuck a message over.
Much to my surprise I got a reply the next morning saying yes it s still available I d mentioned my old NA and how I was keen for another and he seemed eager for it to go to someone who had previously owned an MX5, Which was great! I m always super sceptical with car sales, it honestly took me 9 months to replace my daily, and I m even more sceptical with gumtree because it seems to be plagued with plonkers, but a legible advert and decent photos made me feel comfortable enough to agree to a purchase and send a deposit over and I d agreed to go over and collect the following weekend.
Luckily the car was only 40 minutes down the road. We d planed a day out upon collecting the car in the local town, somewhere we ve never been before. The seller was an absolute gent. Moved some vehicles so we could park on the drive upon collection, put some fuel in and given it a wash. It s always nice when you buy from someone so sound.
Here it is as I arrived.
The seller took me for a drive and as I suspected, it was great fun! He showed me through all of the paperwork he had and it was clear to see he had taken great car of the car, however a two car house and him working from home meant it was an expense that he no longer needed. Very sound guy who has previously owned a TT6 and had a Fantec sim setup, always nice to buy from a fellow enthusiast.
We popped down into the town, had a walk around the local castle and got some lunch in a former fire station which was nice. Here it is with the mum wagon.
Things always seem crazy busy at the moment, so it was actually a few days before I properly looked at the car. It has its areas of crust and a few scrapes, sills seem ok as does the chassis legs which is a reassurance. I ve always been put off of the NB because of the cat, I like the idea of an early NA as it doesn t need the cat, but it s a silly reason not to buy an NB. In comparison to my NA which I loved, the NB seems oddly more civilised, much easier to live with perhaps. Slightly more refined than the NA. However I think I do prefer the visuals of the NA. The only thing I am struggling with is the seating position. I think previously I had floor mounted buckets, these heated seats are so thick it seems to sit me very high.
Obligatory first fill up photo.
The big old boy fits!
Ran it for a night out with the wife which went down better than expected! It s lost among normal sized vehicles.
I was very pleased with the car, I ve owned a few (in excess of 100) and I am keen to hold onto this one. I always chop and change in the hope for something better, but fingers crossed I ll stick it out for a while with this one.
The car isn t completely stock. It has a few bits and pieces.
Ebiach springs - initially I dismissed these and thought I d chuck coilovers on straight away, but I am very impressed with these. Much better than the coilovers on my NA.
Stainless dual exit exhaust with sports cat - some scumbag stole the cat at the station during the previous owners time with the car. Most cost effective option was to chuck a sports cat in it. Exhaust sounds great, not too overbearing and the twin exit looks nice in my opinion. There is a heat shield rattle going on down there which I will have to address at some point. No EML due to the car which is also a bonus.
Rota Grid Vs with Toyo TR1s - Love a set of rotas, always think the grids look good on on almost everything. Offset isn t crazy so no rubbing or scrubbing which is great. I had a set of TR1s on a GSI corsa many, many years ago and wasn t too impressed with them, but I have been happy enough with these, decent enough grub in most conditions for day to day driving. Need to get the wheels sealed because they re actually in very good condition!
Misc - got a wonky plate holder that I ll swap out I think, clear side repeaters all round and I think that s about it.
With a little one it s very difficult to find the use for the car to be honest, but I continue to try. I ll run it to work on the rare occasion I don t have to pick the little one up on the way home. However I have just bought a suitable seat for this so hopefully it ll get some more use. Other than that it s taken me and the wife out for movies and dinners as and when possible. It s certainly a different drive to the daily dad wagon, but both enjoyable in their own right.
Future plans for the car is to get it booked into a track day. Not sure where or when as the weather is going to only get wetter and wetter at this time of the year. With one of them under its belt I will then have an idea of what needs doing. I managed to source an original cat for the car, which I wanted as a just incase come emissions time of year. Seller also had an underbody brace that I nabbed so I ll have to get that fitted. Main aim is to just drive it and have fun!
Please excuse any cack thread/image layout!
I’ve loved reading this section of the internet iver the past few years. I love the variety of vehicles and interests, approaches and ideas. Absolutely love reading through and watching the development of things. So I thought I may well contribute. My approach here is to have as much fun as possible, whilst simultaneously trying to part with as little money as possible. Everything here will be DIY d and lashed up on a driveway, no fancy workshops here, mostly because I m too tight!
Like all of us I end up scrolling through sales sites looking for something that in theory would be good fun and within budget. But when your budget is sweet FA, nothing ever comes up. In addition, when you ve already got project cars coming out of your ears, what s the logic in getting another one? Other than to rub the wife up the wrong way!
I’d had a great little NA MX5 a few years ago, but unfortunately an oil pump failure wrote off a motor, then a snapped cam cap killed the replacement off and it got split out.
I think that it’s the most fun I‘ve ever had on 4 wheels as crazy as that may sound, despite it being low powered and me being far too big for it! I ve had much more powerful things than that car, but for local backroads it was an absolute blast! I loved that car, but they were climbing in price which sucked. My first little one arrived in early 2024 and I found myself super limited on free time. So the array of projects just got to much. I kept an eye out every now and again for something cheap and fun, but it just wasn t really there. With such limited time I Liked the idea of a track day car, nothing crazy, but just something I could bash around a track. I am between Brands and Lydden so it s crazy not to take advantage of them!
Quite a few 1*2s popped up, track prepared which I loved the idea of, but as another car, at such strong money, I just couldn t get approval on it (from myself that is!). I also liked the E36/46, but again, prices climbing puts them out of my range. Then one night I sat in the sofa and chucked my phone down, for some reason a gumtree opened on the home page, I never use gumtree but installed the app to get some scrap metal cleared out. Much to my surprise there was a super well priced NBFL MX5 showing as a local ad. It was crazy well priced so thought I d chuck a message over.
Much to my surprise I got a reply the next morning saying yes it s still available I d mentioned my old NA and how I was keen for another and he seemed eager for it to go to someone who had previously owned an MX5, Which was great! I m always super sceptical with car sales, it honestly took me 9 months to replace my daily, and I m even more sceptical with gumtree because it seems to be plagued with plonkers, but a legible advert and decent photos made me feel comfortable enough to agree to a purchase and send a deposit over and I d agreed to go over and collect the following weekend.
Luckily the car was only 40 minutes down the road. We d planed a day out upon collecting the car in the local town, somewhere we ve never been before. The seller was an absolute gent. Moved some vehicles so we could park on the drive upon collection, put some fuel in and given it a wash. It s always nice when you buy from someone so sound.
Here it is as I arrived.
The seller took me for a drive and as I suspected, it was great fun! He showed me through all of the paperwork he had and it was clear to see he had taken great car of the car, however a two car house and him working from home meant it was an expense that he no longer needed. Very sound guy who has previously owned a TT6 and had a Fantec sim setup, always nice to buy from a fellow enthusiast.
We popped down into the town, had a walk around the local castle and got some lunch in a former fire station which was nice. Here it is with the mum wagon.
Things always seem crazy busy at the moment, so it was actually a few days before I properly looked at the car. It has its areas of crust and a few scrapes, sills seem ok as does the chassis legs which is a reassurance. I ve always been put off of the NB because of the cat, I like the idea of an early NA as it doesn t need the cat, but it s a silly reason not to buy an NB. In comparison to my NA which I loved, the NB seems oddly more civilised, much easier to live with perhaps. Slightly more refined than the NA. However I think I do prefer the visuals of the NA. The only thing I am struggling with is the seating position. I think previously I had floor mounted buckets, these heated seats are so thick it seems to sit me very high.
Obligatory first fill up photo.
The big old boy fits!
Ran it for a night out with the wife which went down better than expected! It s lost among normal sized vehicles.
I was very pleased with the car, I ve owned a few (in excess of 100) and I am keen to hold onto this one. I always chop and change in the hope for something better, but fingers crossed I ll stick it out for a while with this one.
The car isn t completely stock. It has a few bits and pieces.
Ebiach springs - initially I dismissed these and thought I d chuck coilovers on straight away, but I am very impressed with these. Much better than the coilovers on my NA.
Stainless dual exit exhaust with sports cat - some scumbag stole the cat at the station during the previous owners time with the car. Most cost effective option was to chuck a sports cat in it. Exhaust sounds great, not too overbearing and the twin exit looks nice in my opinion. There is a heat shield rattle going on down there which I will have to address at some point. No EML due to the car which is also a bonus.
Rota Grid Vs with Toyo TR1s - Love a set of rotas, always think the grids look good on on almost everything. Offset isn t crazy so no rubbing or scrubbing which is great. I had a set of TR1s on a GSI corsa many, many years ago and wasn t too impressed with them, but I have been happy enough with these, decent enough grub in most conditions for day to day driving. Need to get the wheels sealed because they re actually in very good condition!
Misc - got a wonky plate holder that I ll swap out I think, clear side repeaters all round and I think that s about it.
With a little one it s very difficult to find the use for the car to be honest, but I continue to try. I ll run it to work on the rare occasion I don t have to pick the little one up on the way home. However I have just bought a suitable seat for this so hopefully it ll get some more use. Other than that it s taken me and the wife out for movies and dinners as and when possible. It s certainly a different drive to the daily dad wagon, but both enjoyable in their own right.
Future plans for the car is to get it booked into a track day. Not sure where or when as the weather is going to only get wetter and wetter at this time of the year. With one of them under its belt I will then have an idea of what needs doing. I managed to source an original cat for the car, which I wanted as a just incase come emissions time of year. Seller also had an underbody brace that I nabbed so I ll have to get that fitted. Main aim is to just drive it and have fun!
Please excuse any cack thread/image layout!
Edited by OGDB on Monday 23 February 21:30
Since the car was purchased back in August not a lot has happened with it.
The car was getting very limited use, once a fortnight really because I had to pick my daughter up. Kids seats are a minefield, but I eventually found something that fit the bill, most non-Pistonheads addition ever, a car seat! However with the car seat fitted I was able to use the car a whole lot more and am now using it 50/50 with my Nismo Juke. This has also resulted in my daughter loving the car, I suspect because she can climb in herself and open her own door. So the car has been getting a lot of use recently and it has been a joy to drive with no issues to report, other than the rear window keeps blowing fuses!
With the car being used a lot more, the lack of hands free was starting to irritate me. So I set about changing out the old radio for a double din car play thing. I set out and bought the finest Chinese unit I could find for less than a tank of fuel. The original thing looked like this.
I only pressed the red button when I pulled it all out and it turned out to be some sort of party light that was then removed and donated to my niece that loved it. As they do.
To get the facia out, the whole transmission trim and gear surround had to be removed, that was done and we were left with his mess.
The new lot was then chucked in, went in pretty well to be honest. I ran the reversing camera feed under the transmission tunnel so that it was there if I wanted to fit a camera at some point. Turns out I did want to fit one so glad I did. I also ran an additional mic up to the steering cowl in an attempt to improve call quality. And this is what I was left with.
A few weeks later I chucked a reversing camera in. I fitted this up under the boot return. I think it s very discreet and pleased with how it sits.
I was parking the car up and as I was walking away I d turn back and realise the thing was hanging way too far out the front. So the camera was to help avoid that. It s crazy how dependent I ve become on parking aids. So when I chucked the car in reverse to see the camera lense is pissed in the housing I wasn t too impressed
It appears that the camera can spin in the housing freely, so hopefully I can get it fixed somehow.
Overall I am well happy with the unit. Apple play is great, maps are super helpful and the voice integration is something I am not really used to, but is very handy. Having Spotify up there helps with things along with the ability to have messages read to you is very convenient and makes the car a bit more useable. So all in, the whole lot cost less than a full tank of fuel, and this has a very small fuel tank! The only thing that is a bit irritating is there doesn t appear to be an off option, it s always on! However after quite a bit of use I have had no complaints or issues with it.
In other very unexciting news, it had a belt squeak so I swapped those out, then remembered there on adjusters so I could have just adjusted what was already there
Always need a helping hand from a big Lab!
Then the other night I must have caught the interior light and left it on for the weekend. Got in the car Monday to come into work and the battery was dead. Jumped online and bought one of these booster packs, they seem handy, don t know if they re worth the bother but bought one, the finest budget item available (you ll see a trend appearing here). Chucked it on and bang, started straight up, which I found surprising to be honest. So pleased with that purchase.
And lastly, to conclude this instalment, I asked in the track section about track day advise, thread here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
So I booked one up
The only track experience I have is of the Nurburing on a tourist day. So this will be all very new to me. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Got a garage booked and two instructor sessions so will see how that goes. Just going through making a list of tools and bits to bring and hope that what I forget isn't too vital.
The car was getting very limited use, once a fortnight really because I had to pick my daughter up. Kids seats are a minefield, but I eventually found something that fit the bill, most non-Pistonheads addition ever, a car seat! However with the car seat fitted I was able to use the car a whole lot more and am now using it 50/50 with my Nismo Juke. This has also resulted in my daughter loving the car, I suspect because she can climb in herself and open her own door. So the car has been getting a lot of use recently and it has been a joy to drive with no issues to report, other than the rear window keeps blowing fuses!
With the car being used a lot more, the lack of hands free was starting to irritate me. So I set about changing out the old radio for a double din car play thing. I set out and bought the finest Chinese unit I could find for less than a tank of fuel. The original thing looked like this.
I only pressed the red button when I pulled it all out and it turned out to be some sort of party light that was then removed and donated to my niece that loved it. As they do.
To get the facia out, the whole transmission trim and gear surround had to be removed, that was done and we were left with his mess.
The new lot was then chucked in, went in pretty well to be honest. I ran the reversing camera feed under the transmission tunnel so that it was there if I wanted to fit a camera at some point. Turns out I did want to fit one so glad I did. I also ran an additional mic up to the steering cowl in an attempt to improve call quality. And this is what I was left with.
A few weeks later I chucked a reversing camera in. I fitted this up under the boot return. I think it s very discreet and pleased with how it sits.
I was parking the car up and as I was walking away I d turn back and realise the thing was hanging way too far out the front. So the camera was to help avoid that. It s crazy how dependent I ve become on parking aids. So when I chucked the car in reverse to see the camera lense is pissed in the housing I wasn t too impressed
It appears that the camera can spin in the housing freely, so hopefully I can get it fixed somehow.
Overall I am well happy with the unit. Apple play is great, maps are super helpful and the voice integration is something I am not really used to, but is very handy. Having Spotify up there helps with things along with the ability to have messages read to you is very convenient and makes the car a bit more useable. So all in, the whole lot cost less than a full tank of fuel, and this has a very small fuel tank! The only thing that is a bit irritating is there doesn t appear to be an off option, it s always on! However after quite a bit of use I have had no complaints or issues with it.
In other very unexciting news, it had a belt squeak so I swapped those out, then remembered there on adjusters so I could have just adjusted what was already there
Always need a helping hand from a big Lab!
Then the other night I must have caught the interior light and left it on for the weekend. Got in the car Monday to come into work and the battery was dead. Jumped online and bought one of these booster packs, they seem handy, don t know if they re worth the bother but bought one, the finest budget item available (you ll see a trend appearing here). Chucked it on and bang, started straight up, which I found surprising to be honest. So pleased with that purchase.
And lastly, to conclude this instalment, I asked in the track section about track day advise, thread here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
So I booked one up
The only track experience I have is of the Nurburing on a tourist day. So this will be all very new to me. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Got a garage booked and two instructor sessions so will see how that goes. Just going through making a list of tools and bits to bring and hope that what I forget isn't too vital.
Edited by OGDB on Tuesday 17th February 13:37
Edited by OGDB on Tuesday 17th February 13:38
You have a point. The thread title was a bit misleading, so thanks to whoever changed that for me!
Trackday was very enjoyable and I will post an update with some photos an BS I’m here shortly.
I did however use the new head unit and wave to get to the track day, a track I’ve been to dozens of times before and it took me a way I’d never been before and dumped me in a residential street alongside the GP end of the circuit, so wasn’t too impressed with that at 6am! Back to google maps for me.
Trackday was very enjoyable and I will post an update with some photos an BS I’m here shortly.
I did however use the new head unit and wave to get to the track day, a track I’ve been to dozens of times before and it took me a way I’d never been before and dumped me in a residential street alongside the GP end of the circuit, so wasn’t too impressed with that at 6am! Back to google maps for me.
Hol said:
15-20 years ago, when people asked for advice on a low cost, easy to find parts trackday car, the response was typically one of these for RWD or a Clio 182 for FWD.
We had both in our household.
I’ve got to be honest, I’ve always wanted a 172 cup. How did you find they compare? The MX5 and the 1*2? When I was last at the ring, around 2014 I think, there were so many 172/182 and I think that is what made me want one so much. I looked at a few over the years but never actually got one. We had both in our household.
The whole cheapness/affordability is just a huge appeal to me. These Mazdas seem to have a sufficient amount of available spares, for now at least!
Thanks, I’ve been pleased with it so far, needs some attention in places but what doesn’t.
Not terribly laggy I’d say, it can have its moments but through all the time I’ve used it I have zero complaints. Significantly better than what’s in my 2018 Nissan.
My car already had a Sony style ISO cable, the head unit came with its own plug and tail, so just wired them all in, connected it up and away it went. I even managed to use the fitting brackets that came with it. I would put on in my Nissan a the wife’s (I am that happy with it!) but the items needed to retail the steering wheel unctions become costly.
This is the one.
https://ebay.us/m/2UT4EU
I paid a grand total of £25 delivered.
Not terribly laggy I’d say, it can have its moments but through all the time I’ve used it I have zero complaints. Significantly better than what’s in my 2018 Nissan.
My car already had a Sony style ISO cable, the head unit came with its own plug and tail, so just wired them all in, connected it up and away it went. I even managed to use the fitting brackets that came with it. I would put on in my Nissan a the wife’s (I am that happy with it!) but the items needed to retail the steering wheel unctions become costly.
This is the one.
https://ebay.us/m/2UT4EU
I paid a grand total of £25 delivered.
OGDB said:
Thanks, I ve been pleased with it so far, needs some attention in places but what doesn t.
Not terribly laggy I d say, it can have its moments but through all the time I ve used it I have zero complaints. Significantly better than what s in my 2018 Nissan.
My car already had a Sony style ISO cable, the head unit came with its own plug and tail, so just wired them all in, connected it up and away it went. I even managed to use the fitting brackets that came with it. I would put on in my Nissan a the wife s (I am that happy with it!) but the items needed to retail the steering wheel unctions become costly.
This is the one.
https://ebay.us/m/2UT4EU
I paid a grand total of £25 delivered.
Great thank you, way cheaper than I anticipated! Not quite sure how those brackets work, but hopefully it's more obvious when it's in your hand.Not terribly laggy I d say, it can have its moments but through all the time I ve used it I have zero complaints. Significantly better than what s in my 2018 Nissan.
My car already had a Sony style ISO cable, the head unit came with its own plug and tail, so just wired them all in, connected it up and away it went. I even managed to use the fitting brackets that came with it. I would put on in my Nissan a the wife s (I am that happy with it!) but the items needed to retail the steering wheel unctions become costly.
This is the one.
https://ebay.us/m/2UT4EU
I paid a grand total of £25 delivered.
Back to the car, any plans for uprated ARBs or any other chassis mods?
It’s cheaper than a lunch out! It’s why I thought I’d take a punt. Not much to lose. Just some cheapo, pressed, 90deg brackets, tin snipped a bit out for clearance and in it went. More luck than anything but it’s always nice to have a small victory than having to mess around fabricating some sort of bracket to get things like this working.
There is a bit of progress on the modification front ticking away in the background actually, but it isn’t chassis related. Some respectable suspension would certainly be on the list, although what is fitted to this (whatever that is) actually seems ok!
There is a bit of progress on the modification front ticking away in the background actually, but it isn’t chassis related. Some respectable suspension would certainly be on the list, although what is fitted to this (whatever that is) actually seems ok!
Cars like this I think are going to become few and far between in the next few years, by that I mean - the most fun you can have at that price point.
I was following one of these in my Z3 through North Wales last year, was surprised at how capable it was - Tried to stop the owner so I could ask what had been done to it but he carried on giving it the beans.
Half convinced myself that it was turbo'd, either that or the power to weight.
I was following one of these in my Z3 through North Wales last year, was surprised at how capable it was - Tried to stop the owner so I could ask what had been done to it but he carried on giving it the beans.
Half convinced myself that it was turbo'd, either that or the power to weight.
OGDB said:
Hol said:
15-20 years ago, when people asked for advice on a low cost, easy to find parts trackday car, the response was typically one of these for RWD or a Clio 182 for FWD.
We had both in our household.
I ve got to be honest, I ve always wanted a 172 cup. How did you find they compare? The MX5 and the 1*2? When I was last at the ring, around 2014 I think, there were so many 172/182 and I think that is what made me want one so much. I looked at a few over the years but never actually got one. We had both in our household.
The whole cheapness/affordability is just a huge appeal to me. These Mazdas seem to have a sufficient amount of available spares, for now at least!
Ours was only two years only in 2005 and Ssdly, as they got older, they started to develop some issues.
People started moving on the Megane 225 and R26 when those prices dropped, of which I also had the latter car and they were even better as they had a little bit of extra poke and a factory front LSD. Prices have gone up for those now, but the later Renault Sports cars are still good value.
The benefit of the MX5 was always the geometry which being adjustable all round allowed people to get a perfect setup that allowed a flat cornering tyre with even temps across its surface on a track day. So long as your brakes and suspension was in good order you could use all the power on a dry day. Our car was a version 2.5 sport which had the LSD as well. One of my brothers had an import version fitted with a n aftermarket turbo whilst still in Japan, and they pushed past that envelope and although faster, was less fun for me.
CSR Performance said:
Nice purchase! Looks like a pretty clean car.
How is that head unit? Not too laggy on carplay and did it come with the right kit to fit? If so, would you mind sharing the link please?
I have what is probably the single din version of that (yes, single-din Android Auto/Carplay!) it's fine. Not the best stereo I've ever encountered, but perfectly functional. Though I did buy two from the same ebay ad a few weeks apart and they were slightly different!How is that head unit? Not too laggy on carplay and did it come with the right kit to fit? If so, would you mind sharing the link please?
I think you are right. Fun at this price point (especially what I paid for this) I don’t think you will be able to get for much longer. I have always been a fan of the Z3 as it happens. Probably because it was a bond car when I was a child! Although I’ve always imagined it would be much better pace than an early MX5, so you may be right about your turbo assumptions.
Thanks for the Clio Vs MX5 comparison, I do find it intriguing. I think if I had the choice of both a MX5 and a 1*2 at the same time price point, I probably would have gone for the Renault in all honestly, possibly because that’s something I’ve not done yet, but I have the Mazda. I have a work colleague who is a complete car nut, has a few interesting things and wants a cheaper car to take on track days. The 225 or R26 is very high on his list. I’d love a Liquid Yellow R26!
Singe din car play? I never knew! That would be ideal for my mini!
Thanks for the Clio Vs MX5 comparison, I do find it intriguing. I think if I had the choice of both a MX5 and a 1*2 at the same time price point, I probably would have gone for the Renault in all honestly, possibly because that’s something I’ve not done yet, but I have the Mazda. I have a work colleague who is a complete car nut, has a few interesting things and wants a cheaper car to take on track days. The 225 or R26 is very high on his list. I’d love a Liquid Yellow R26!
Singe din car play? I never knew! That would be ideal for my mini!
I’ve had a stupid amount of cars, however I much prefer this to my last “fun” car. I think part of that is due to the affordability of replacement parts and less complexity when the thing stops playing ball.
This was my last fun car, was sold a year ago, then the Mazda replaced it purely by chance in the August.
This was my last fun car, was sold a year ago, then the Mazda replaced it purely by chance in the August.
Bit of a delay here, but in preparation for my track day, I checked the basics you need to check, read the regulations, which seem to be different wherever you go, but removed the locking wheel nuts, thought the last thing I need is faffing around and realising I can t find the key on the day! And fitted some tow markers. I realise now the tow markers are pretty obnoxious, but where they re fixed, and not exactly obvious, I thought a huge sticker might help, plus I painted them red. I have made some bolt on front and rear hooks, but didn t get chance to do them.
I had loaded the car up the night before, I struggled to know what to take but took the essentials, a jack that was far too big (must keep an eye out for a low profile, light weight jack) and a spare set of pads.
I got up far to early Friday, perhaps it was the excitement! And headed off, waze on the new head unit took me to the wrong address, took me to a close nearest to the actual site rather than the main entrance. Guy on the gate was no use so ended up driving around until I found the tunnel to get into the pits. I ve always come to events here, my father in law enjoys the truck tracing and we usually come to the mini event, also spent many years with my uncle here watching the BSB, so it was quite interesting to see the track from a different perspective and so quiet.
I went off to find my garage I d booked and stuck the little rust bucket in there.
Because I m sad, I was excited to see my first ever Unimog, I think they re very interesting vehicles, but didn t want to see too much of this specific one.
The people the other side of the garage were a nice bunch, equally inexperienced it turned out!
I then went and signed on, sticker in the window!
Then I saw everyone driving past and realised it was noise testing time So off we went. Hold it at five two please I thought you sure? I don t even know if this thing goes up to 5.2!! But it did, 98db and another sticker applied.
I was very surprised that the 370Z was 92db and the M4 was 88db with the valves closed, think it was 112db with the valves open! So was quite surprised that the little Mazda was 98db. There appeared to be a bit of a loud rattle/knock near the 5k mark, don t know if that contributed.
After this it was driver briefing time and from that off on to sighting laps. I didn t realise sighting laps were a thing, but glad they were. Id like to mention that the only other track experience I have had was going out to the ring. I used to turn up, but a card and just go off and hope for the best! So this whole process at Brands was new to me. Here we are headed off for sighting.
I had booked two sessions of tuition when I booked the day. The person on the desk at sign on was super helpful and booked my tuition sessions for immediately after sighting and again go straight after lunch. These were times I wanted to avoid based off of the feedback I d had in the track day thread, but it was what it was, so off we went.
Owen jumped in the car and was as sound as they came. Super helpful and very clear with his instructions. He was probably fearing for his life but he held his composure well. The aim for the day was to use the full width of the track, power (not that I have a lot of it!) on whilst unwinding the steering an trying to improve the smoothness and the flow. I managed a few sessions before we broke for lunch.
There was a huge amount to take in on the day and I think this kind of hampered my on track time . However I would rather this than tear off without a care in the world and quickly become unstuck.
I love goodwood revival, I enjoy walking around and seeing what is going on just as much as the racing and there was a lot to see here on the day. The sound and the small is wonderful.
An all time favourite of mine. I ve been fortunate enough to drive a 991 GT3 but this was something else.
Only ever driven a Galardo, and a ropey one at that. These were interesting. The Aventadoor is such a lump in person.
There was also this that I found quite interesting. Running slicks, straight cut box and sounded very interesting. Don t know if it was ex BTCC or something.
Lunch soon came around, out came the meal deal and had a little walk around. Before long it was time to head back out. My second session of tuition was due and I was eager to see if Owen thought there had been any progression. As I stepped out of the garage I felt a slight drizzle, it ll be ok I though. I picked Owen up and off we went, the slight drizzle turned into a torrential downpour within about 5 minutes. Wipers on max speed and our session turned into more of a guide on where the dry line was and how to keep things under control. I m sure my instructor was questioning his life choices at this point but again he held it all together very well an gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. He had me getting around that track far quicker than I ever thought possible given the conditions. As he got out he remarked these are my favourite kind of conditions which gave me this positive approach I think. Just because the conditions are different, doesn't mean they are bad. So with that I though I d keep persevering and try to cover more laps in the wet than I had previously done in the dry.
![](https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/595043/202603178290022?resize=720[/img]</a> <a href="https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/595043/202603178294444" Target="_blank" >[img]https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/595043/202603178294444?resize=720)
The fist thing I noticed was the increased amount of red flags. One after another, it certainly let the doubt creep in as to if I should continue.
I think with this there was a number of people that packed up and left. I followed a Suzuki swift into paddock hill bend that disappeared at the bottom of the dip into the gravel trap, the earlier mentioned Seat disappeared off the track at Druids, it was one after another. However with these red flags it gave me time to let the car cool down a bit and stretch my legs before going out again. The rain continued to pour down and combined with the wind, filled my garage up.
Then it went a bit pear shaped, came down into Graham Hill, a Golf R let me pass, I pulled infront of him to let another car past, that instead jumped in behind me and when I checked the mirror he was very close. I think this resulted in a reluctance to break much more. I came into GH a bit on the quick side, however managed to keep it together. On the way out the other side I ran wide, onto the curb, and when I then go the power on the back end went, I felt like I fought a good fight but who am I kidding, I can t of as I spun!
I ended up pointing the wrong way, far to the left, yellow flag was out and I came into the pits. Approached the Marshals (as I though that was how things were done) and they were very sound. Don t let them hurry you was the response get back out and have another go . I didn t want that feeling of doubt to creep in, so a drink and back out again.
As the day went on more people left, the weather did up, a dry line appeared and I was very much enjoying my time out there. The spin earlier in the was very much over come and the remainder of the day was fantastic. I looked down to check how many miles I d done, 150 track miles! I was chuffed, however at the same time I noticed this
it was around 4:15, track time ended at 4:30 from what I understood, I know there was a station just up the road but by the time I would have got there and back it would ve been all over. So I decided to load the car up, get some fuel and head home. I should have gone out and go fuel at lunch but my tank seemed ok. I may look into a low profile 20L fuel container for future days.
The car was then loaded up and we headed home! Here it is after its day at brands.
Fuel obtained and I headed home. Car was parked up on the drive and I felt a huge send of relief. I managed a track day, learnt a lot and got the car home and onto the drive! I guess as a first track day I was a bit concerned if it would actually get home!!
The only thing I had to sort as a result of the day was a terrible feedback I was getting through the whole car, I wrongly thought it was warped discs, however I was told on the earlier mentioned track day topic on here that it will be pad deposits. The link made for an interesting read. Interestingly on the road the feedback isn t really noticeable, but I will have to get it sorted, once I figure how!
I think I had learnt a lot from this track day, things I would do again and things I wouldn t. I feel as though I learnt a lot and tuition in both conditions was very beneficial. I am very eager to get another session booked up. Fuel tank and a lighter jacket are on the list of things to sort. Along with a secure mounting do my GoPro.
All in all, I am very pleased with the car, considering what it owes me, which ain t a lot at all, I ve been having a lot of enjoyment with it. Despite only having owned it 6 months or so, it s certainly one of my favourites in nearly 100 vehicles.
If you have read this far, well done! A final picture or two.
I had loaded the car up the night before, I struggled to know what to take but took the essentials, a jack that was far too big (must keep an eye out for a low profile, light weight jack) and a spare set of pads.
I got up far to early Friday, perhaps it was the excitement! And headed off, waze on the new head unit took me to the wrong address, took me to a close nearest to the actual site rather than the main entrance. Guy on the gate was no use so ended up driving around until I found the tunnel to get into the pits. I ve always come to events here, my father in law enjoys the truck tracing and we usually come to the mini event, also spent many years with my uncle here watching the BSB, so it was quite interesting to see the track from a different perspective and so quiet.
I went off to find my garage I d booked and stuck the little rust bucket in there.
Because I m sad, I was excited to see my first ever Unimog, I think they re very interesting vehicles, but didn t want to see too much of this specific one.
The people the other side of the garage were a nice bunch, equally inexperienced it turned out!
I then went and signed on, sticker in the window!
Then I saw everyone driving past and realised it was noise testing time So off we went. Hold it at five two please I thought you sure? I don t even know if this thing goes up to 5.2!! But it did, 98db and another sticker applied.
I was very surprised that the 370Z was 92db and the M4 was 88db with the valves closed, think it was 112db with the valves open! So was quite surprised that the little Mazda was 98db. There appeared to be a bit of a loud rattle/knock near the 5k mark, don t know if that contributed.
After this it was driver briefing time and from that off on to sighting laps. I didn t realise sighting laps were a thing, but glad they were. Id like to mention that the only other track experience I have had was going out to the ring. I used to turn up, but a card and just go off and hope for the best! So this whole process at Brands was new to me. Here we are headed off for sighting.
I had booked two sessions of tuition when I booked the day. The person on the desk at sign on was super helpful and booked my tuition sessions for immediately after sighting and again go straight after lunch. These were times I wanted to avoid based off of the feedback I d had in the track day thread, but it was what it was, so off we went.
Owen jumped in the car and was as sound as they came. Super helpful and very clear with his instructions. He was probably fearing for his life but he held his composure well. The aim for the day was to use the full width of the track, power (not that I have a lot of it!) on whilst unwinding the steering an trying to improve the smoothness and the flow. I managed a few sessions before we broke for lunch.
There was a huge amount to take in on the day and I think this kind of hampered my on track time . However I would rather this than tear off without a care in the world and quickly become unstuck.
I love goodwood revival, I enjoy walking around and seeing what is going on just as much as the racing and there was a lot to see here on the day. The sound and the small is wonderful.
An all time favourite of mine. I ve been fortunate enough to drive a 991 GT3 but this was something else.
Only ever driven a Galardo, and a ropey one at that. These were interesting. The Aventadoor is such a lump in person.
There was also this that I found quite interesting. Running slicks, straight cut box and sounded very interesting. Don t know if it was ex BTCC or something.
Lunch soon came around, out came the meal deal and had a little walk around. Before long it was time to head back out. My second session of tuition was due and I was eager to see if Owen thought there had been any progression. As I stepped out of the garage I felt a slight drizzle, it ll be ok I though. I picked Owen up and off we went, the slight drizzle turned into a torrential downpour within about 5 minutes. Wipers on max speed and our session turned into more of a guide on where the dry line was and how to keep things under control. I m sure my instructor was questioning his life choices at this point but again he held it all together very well an gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. He had me getting around that track far quicker than I ever thought possible given the conditions. As he got out he remarked these are my favourite kind of conditions which gave me this positive approach I think. Just because the conditions are different, doesn't mean they are bad. So with that I though I d keep persevering and try to cover more laps in the wet than I had previously done in the dry.
The fist thing I noticed was the increased amount of red flags. One after another, it certainly let the doubt creep in as to if I should continue.
I think with this there was a number of people that packed up and left. I followed a Suzuki swift into paddock hill bend that disappeared at the bottom of the dip into the gravel trap, the earlier mentioned Seat disappeared off the track at Druids, it was one after another. However with these red flags it gave me time to let the car cool down a bit and stretch my legs before going out again. The rain continued to pour down and combined with the wind, filled my garage up.
Then it went a bit pear shaped, came down into Graham Hill, a Golf R let me pass, I pulled infront of him to let another car past, that instead jumped in behind me and when I checked the mirror he was very close. I think this resulted in a reluctance to break much more. I came into GH a bit on the quick side, however managed to keep it together. On the way out the other side I ran wide, onto the curb, and when I then go the power on the back end went, I felt like I fought a good fight but who am I kidding, I can t of as I spun!
I ended up pointing the wrong way, far to the left, yellow flag was out and I came into the pits. Approached the Marshals (as I though that was how things were done) and they were very sound. Don t let them hurry you was the response get back out and have another go . I didn t want that feeling of doubt to creep in, so a drink and back out again.
As the day went on more people left, the weather did up, a dry line appeared and I was very much enjoying my time out there. The spin earlier in the was very much over come and the remainder of the day was fantastic. I looked down to check how many miles I d done, 150 track miles! I was chuffed, however at the same time I noticed this
it was around 4:15, track time ended at 4:30 from what I understood, I know there was a station just up the road but by the time I would have got there and back it would ve been all over. So I decided to load the car up, get some fuel and head home. I should have gone out and go fuel at lunch but my tank seemed ok. I may look into a low profile 20L fuel container for future days.
The car was then loaded up and we headed home! Here it is after its day at brands.
Fuel obtained and I headed home. Car was parked up on the drive and I felt a huge send of relief. I managed a track day, learnt a lot and got the car home and onto the drive! I guess as a first track day I was a bit concerned if it would actually get home!!
The only thing I had to sort as a result of the day was a terrible feedback I was getting through the whole car, I wrongly thought it was warped discs, however I was told on the earlier mentioned track day topic on here that it will be pad deposits. The link made for an interesting read. Interestingly on the road the feedback isn t really noticeable, but I will have to get it sorted, once I figure how!
I think I had learnt a lot from this track day, things I would do again and things I wouldn t. I feel as though I learnt a lot and tuition in both conditions was very beneficial. I am very eager to get another session booked up. Fuel tank and a lighter jacket are on the list of things to sort. Along with a secure mounting do my GoPro.
All in all, I am very pleased with the car, considering what it owes me, which ain t a lot at all, I ve been having a lot of enjoyment with it. Despite only having owned it 6 months or so, it s certainly one of my favourites in nearly 100 vehicles.
If you have read this far, well done! A final picture or two.
Edited by OGDB on Wednesday 18th March 06:11
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