Taking my MX5 on a track day

[Gizmo!]

Thinking of going on the Brands Hatch novice day tomorrow in the MX5 - as if 1800 miles from London to the Outer Hebrides and back in the last week wasn't punishment enough for the little thing.

That is, if they've got availability of course. Will be hiring a helmet and taking it gently at first.

I read on another thread:

MSV Rules said:

Drivers of open top and single-seater cars must at all times whilst on-circuit, wear gloves

Does this mean winter-type gloves? I don;t like driving in those at the best of times. Or proper racy type gloves? Or by 'open top' does it mean like an Atom is open-topped.?

Anything else I should know?

[deviant]

Give them a ring to confirm but I would take that to mean they want you to wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands in the event of a roll over...I.E Racing gloves, leather gloves or maybe motorbike gloves if there are any that are thin enough.

[BoxheadTim]

+1 re calling them. I've had that discussion with them in the past when I used an MX5 and they said it was mainly for Caterfields etc. I guess having the hardtop on it helped...

[A.Wang]

MSV seems quite relaxed on their own safety rules.

I was there last week, and although they specify helmets must meet certain BS or Snell safety standards (effectively ruling out all motorcycle helmets), mine was never checked, and was allowed to go on track with (what I considered to be a perfectly adequate) Shoei RAID II lid!

I'm guessing the same goes for gloves - it helps you grip the steering wheel properly, but I doubt they'll enforce it.

As said before, best call them and check though!

[speedychrissie]

I would give them a ring as others have said. If they do require you to wear gloves you can either just wear whatever you have or you might be able to get some karting or racing gloves. There is a shop at brands hatch circuit:
http://www.alexreade.net/acatalog/Brands_Hatch_Sto...

Their website doesnt show that they have any proper racing clothing, but they just might. I would give them a ring.

Or alternatively you might be able to find a shop in London that sells them. There is a company called GPR direct who do racewear. For some reason their website seems to be down at the moment (I know it was active last week), but their number is 0844 880 1750 or 01327 855 585. I think there is a small chance that they have a store in london so they might be your best bet.

If you are just getting gloves for trackdays you need nothing more than a pair of basic karting gloves which should cost about £30.

hope that helps.

[Gizmo!]

Well, just to finish this off: they said they were optional. So I didn't bother, and no-one minded.

Had a GREAT day. Nice relaxed atmosphere, generally good driving and an excellent introduction to the joys of trackdays.