MX-5 OC Forum

Ladies and Gents

I have today been sent the following details by Focussed Events who are another Trackday operator, organising various events including some at our local Snetterton circuit. These are sold on an easyjet style basis, i.e. the quicker you book the cheaper it is!

There is 1 Sunday and 1 Saturday event in November (7th and 20th respectively) as Open Pit, currently for just £59 for the day - bargain!!

Is anyone up for either of them? I have already booked in for 7th but may be tempted to do both at this price!

See link here for details -

http://www.focusedevents.com/car_event_list.asp

Will need to book super quick as price will rise!

Cheers, Ian

November 7th seems like a good plan. I've put the idea to the rest of Team Merlot.

Just noticed it says Per Rider, this is a car day and not a bike one isn't it?

Roadster Robbie:

November 7th seems like a good plan. I've put the idea to the rest of Team Merlot.

Just noticed it says Per Rider, this is a car day and not a bike one isn't it?

Yup, definitely car - I am only signed up for emails about car events but they do bike stuff too!

Website link states for cars too!

Did a focussed events day at Snetterton a few weeks ago in the Caterham.  I did that on a buy early price too which was a billy bargain.  The track day operator were fairly good, although first impressions at briefing etc looked like the day was very very busy, in reality on track it was quiet all day with no queuing to get on track

£59 a bargain, tempting.....

Matt

I've booked Project Merlot in for the 7th (£69). I wonder if the rain will have stopped by then!!!

 Robbie,

As I wasnt sure who was 'in charge' of Merlot I pm'd Martin about the possibility of passenger rides/drives on this event. He kindly gave me lots of info re how you normally do things via Javelin, but said to ask you about this one as you have booked the Merlot in.

So, would you consider taking passengers round Snetterton on 7/11 please, and if so what 'donation to funds' might be suitable, and what would i need to do/bring? Martin wasn't sure what Focused allow re extra drivers but agreed it looks like 2 in total per car. He also said there might be a waiting list for members wanting to have a drive in the Merlot? 

My track experience = Rockingham parade lap only, so none, but I am interested to see/feel how a properly set up car handles in your/Martin's experienced hands and maybe one day see what its like from the drivers seat.

Thanks for your time

Andrew             

Andrew,

Would you like to drive or are you more intersted in having some passenger rides first? You are quite welcome to do either. Depending on the uptake, there may or may not be an experienced driver for you to passenger with. Focused events allow 2 drivers per car but may allow more depending on how busy the day is.

If you want to passenger you pretty much turn up on the day, get your wrist band from the organisers at whatever their charge is then blag a passenger ride from who you can when you can (I'll happily take you out if I'm driving). If you want to drop a fiver into the Merlot kitty at the end of the day then that's up to you.

If you want to drive, the cost is the circuit cost plus the extra driver cost halved (£47 for Snetterton on 7th November) plus half the cost of the fuel used which was £108 total at Snetterton last time divided by 4 drivers but this varies depending on how hard the car is driven. Plus a £20 donation to cover the cost of wear and tear on the car for the day.

 Thanks Robbie,

I'd like to have the chance to do both please, if that makes sense. To be honest I presumed that you, Martin and Jon had first dibs on the driving as its you 3 who have made Merlot happen. However, if a drive is available on 7/11 then I would love to join you and share the costs which are very fair. As i said, it will be my first time on any track for real but having read up on the Focused site and googled track days, safety is paramount but it all looks like a lot of fun.

If you cant fit me in for a drive this time, then I'll still come along for a passenger ride if I may. Focused site says you need to wear clothes covering arms n legs + I'd need to hire a helmet. Clothing wise, on basis i dont have a race suit, what is usually accepted?

Thanks again Robbie, though i'm 45 and been driving for 26 years, since buying our mx5 a year ago I've never had so much fun in such a reliable car, and well to get in either Merlot seat would be fantastic.

Andrew       

There is one other person I'm waiting to hear back from with regard to driving. He is a novice also I think so if he takes the other place, would you still be interested in taking the 2nd place? It would mean there may not be an experienced driver using the Merlot for you to experience a passenger ride with. It's not a problem for us to have to non-owner drivers in the car at this event

You don't need to make a decission now, I'll let you know when I've heard back form the other person then you can make a decission then. Your on the list on way or the other.

You can wear normal clothes, I'm usually in combats and a hoody. I've got a helmet you can borrow FOC if it fits but otherwise you'll have to hire one from Focused Events.

Yes please Robbie I'd like to have one of the driver spots, let me know as and when the other possible driver comes back to you. Then you can let me know what, if anything, you usually do for insurance on the day, and what money you need from me and when etc. 

Sorry for all the newbie questions but.....

presume you/martin/jon will be there to offer tips to this complete beginner? i dont want to impose on your day but i'd like to get the most out of it and of course keep the car/myself/wife as possible passenger, in one piece. 

Interested as to the spec of the car also, 1.8 engine?, tyres, suspension, suspect will feel quite different to my 1.8iS mk2?.

Thanks

Andrew

Nothing happens with insurance, you sign a disclamer with the organisers and if you crash the Merlot it just means you go down in history as "The bloke who crashed the Merlot". We normally take payment on the day.

Some or all of us will be there to offer pointers, you wont be imposing on our day, the purpose of the car is to allow Eastern Region members to have a go in it. It's your day, you'll love it!

Car has standard 1.8 engine, a K&N panel filter and powerflow cat back exhaust. It's on Koni suspension with uprated anti-roll bars and poly bushes. Tyres will probably Toyo 888's, it'll have a fresh brake fluid change and have whatever brake pads we've managed to blag at the time. And it's light. It's really nothing special spec wise but it does demonstrate what a great car the MX-5 really is.

thanks again Robbie, i definitely do not want to put any marks on the car which looked pristine as normal at Rockingham 30/8. 2 months today! hope weathers ok on the day, thanks for spec too, think i may be spending some pennies on mine after driving the merlot. I've just watched the video of the Mazda on Track day Rockingham 10/08, all the way through more than once , as well as Katie's spin at Woodbridge.We in Eastern Region are lucky to have dedicated 5 nuts like you and I look forward to 7/11. I'll stop waffling for now (maybe...) and wait on your instructions nearer the time.          

So who's driving now Mr Marsh ?

martin:

So who's driving now Mr Marsh ?

Roadster Robbie

andrewm

Graham (off of graham/jackie)

Apparently the redevelopment of the Snetterton Circuit commences in November, so this may be the last chance to sample the track etc. as we all currently know it.  2011 will see it with lots of new corners....

http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/snetterton/news/article.asp?NewsID=6144