Hi. Silly question from a forum and track day newbie. What is the best way to start? I deduct from some posts here that at some events, one can get on the track alone? Is this right? I’ve done a few bike track days and they inevitably end up in quasi races which I have no interest in, nor have the needed capability. Are track lessons a thing? Any pointers welcome. Many thanks
Not sure about going out on track alone! However how much you “race” is entirely up to you in my experience. If you just want to chill out, keep an eye on your mirrors, let people past and then do your own thing.
Great that you are considering tracking your MX5- they’re perfect for it!
From someone that has enjoyed a number of track days with our ‘93 NA here’s my thoughts:
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unlikely you’ll get the track to yourself but if you don’t rush out at the beginning, there’s far fewer cars on track later in the session, and especially towards the end.
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pay close attention to the briefing and expect others to do the same
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be ready to get overtaken. A lot. Build up speed gradually and find the car’s and your limits.
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if you can afford it, get a garage on the day. Especially if you’re bringing tools / spare wheels with dry or wet tyres
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have fun! It’s literally the best day out.
I’m a relative newbie to taking my car on track. My first track day was only last year. From my experience if you pick the right track day then everyone is very supportive of novices. Have a look at the MX-5 exclusive 2 day event that MOT track days are running at Blyton Park in July. It’s not an exclusive club event, but it’s near enough. It’s a relatively safe track with large run-offs and few barriers, so a great place to start
Not sure where you are but the only place you are likely to be able to run alone is a hillclimb school day.
If you prefer a relatively quiet track Bristol Pegasus Motor Club run a trackday at Castle Combe once a year around July / August where only a dozen or so cars are on track at anyone time.
First year membership of the club is free. A great place for beginners to start you’ll find one or two regulars willing to sit next to and or sit next to you to show you the ropes if you like.
Have fun where ever you choose to start.
The other option for alone running would be a sprint track such as Curborough. The Club has organised days there in the past,
e.g. Curborough Sprint Day 14th May 2023
It would be good if there was an OC organised day in 2025… ![]()
Thank you all for all the suggestions and comments. That’s where I read the ‘alone’ bit! I just misinterpreted it. Thanks again all.
We are in need a Motorsport Coordinator to pull things together, see the December magazine for information.
I watched a YouTube video that suggested Anglesey Circuit can be quiet later in the day, basically because it’s the a-end of nowhere and people leave early to get home
I’m in the same boat - I wouldn’t mind going on track but as a novice would be wary of a busy venue.
This has been true of pretty much every track day I’ve done so far. The last hour is usually very quiet on track.
Ive done a fair few track days and echo all the comments above. Blyton is a good circuit to start on as no gradients to deal with, all the corners well sighted and circuit a good match with the five, as not a “power” track. Afternoons always much quieter as the serious track types who are using it to test car etc are done by lunchtime. Also the good thing about mx5 is that its light on brakes and tyres so long as you rest the car after a dozen laps or so, you can keep going all day long, unlike some heavier cars which seem to spend most of the day in the pits. Theres a really good Haynes manual The Track Day manual which if still in print is worth getting. But regardless of the above, you just have to be bold and go for it. Its really fun and quite addictive.
Sorry one last thing to add, the reputable track day organisers will have instructors on the day and the best £25 to £30 you will spend in terms of improving your lap times.
Book with MOT trackdays for the 2 day event in July. It will be my daughters 2nd trackday having done one there this year and possibly (if they pass their road driving test) my twins boys first trackday. Moms not keen at the moment on that one…
Its a great friendly atmosphese not itimidating at all and the instructors are awesome
See you there…