Subject: Knockhill Trackday - 21st OctBreezie wrote:I'm hoping to do my first trackday on Sunday in the MX5. As a complete novice, I wondered if any one else was going to the event?
Anything I need to do beforehand apart from obvious checks?
Phil
Aberdeen
Hi Phil,
have you booked already ? if not, i would consider booking the trackscotland event on 3rd november instead.
i have not taken part in a hot hatch myself but have done plenty of trackscotland, dreadnought and knockhills own 'car trackdays' and would recommend them to anyone wanting to get involved in track driving.
there are usually 5-6 of us in mx5s on most trackscotland days, alongside more exotic stuff like evos, elises, caterhams and even a radical. as the days are run as an open pit, there is no pressure to get out and get your laps in so you can drive when you feel ready.
i have taken several beginners out in my own car to show them the lines etc and then let them take the wheel themselves for a good few laps. when i started myself, i didn't know anyone so just had to get stuck in but would much rather have had a bit of support. i'm not sure if funds will permit me to take part on 3rd nov as i'm off to croft this weekend but will be there 'holding the coats' if not driving myself.
the mx5 is an ideal car to get started in, especially on a short circuit like knockhill. the twisty sections are great fun, don't get hung up on the faster stuff blasting past on the straights - just let them go by and concentrate on your own driving.
the reverse circuit is a tricky one as most drivers are learning from scratch. on a normal day, you can watch other drivers (once you figure out who knows what they are doing) and learn lines, braking points etc. but i found it tricky to judge what to expect of the car in front so spent a lot of time backing off. i did also cock it up spectacularly myself a couple of times and end up in the gravel - sometimes the only way to learn !
general advice for trackdays - check your car well in advance, brakes tyres fluids etc, get plenty of kip the night before, watch your mirrors, when safe move over for faster cars to pass but get back onto the line before the corners come up.
above all, enjoy yourself - i started doing this with the owners club back in 2007 and reckon i've done over 1000 laps of knockhill since - it is that much fun !
cheers,
mark (gm)
ps. i'm working sunday otherwise i would come along for a nosey.