MR practise in a big open space?

[Pigeoi]

Have just bought an MR2 and I'm keen to find somewhere to practice, (when covid is a thing of the past and I've actually got the thing roadworthy), to get used to the weight distribution etc so I don't end up unexpectedly in a ditch!

Seems the thing to do is find a big open space but realistically how would I go about doing this? Can you hire places out for a day or whatever without breaking the bank?

Plus any tips for other precautions learning how to handle an MR car e.g. how many spare tyres, weather conditions etc is it better to practise in the wet?

Cheers!

[ScoobyChris]

Not sure where in the world you are, but owners clubs used to arrange days at places like Car Limits which was just an airfield with a couple of instructors where you could explore the limits.

If your pockets are deeper, I can highly recommend time with this chap -> http://www.donpalmer.co.uk/car-control.html - I did a day at Bruntingthorpe with him.

Chris

[Pigeoi]

Ah right, the owners club thing sounds worth exploring! The private tuition sounds pretty expensive and not sure my driving level justifies something like that yet! But does seem you get a good day's worth to yourself.

I'm in South Wales for reference

[dvenman]

Pigeoi said:

Ah right, the owners club thing sounds worth exploring! The private tuition sounds pretty expensive and not sure my driving level justifies something like that yet! But does seem you get a good day's worth to yourself.

I'm in South Wales for reference

Look up Clive Jones , near Bridgend. But until all the lockdown stuff is sorted I think you'll be looking for a while.

[james_gt3rs]

Not sure which MR2 you have, but the mk3 is actually quite a forgiving car and you'd be safe enough doing a normal track day. If you want to have lots of spins and get confident throwing the car around a lot, then carlimits a good option, and MR2s not bad on tyres so just make sure they have reasonable tread to start with.

[Pigeoi]

James is car limits only in South East?

Clive Jones looks worth a shout - and local too! - so I'll bookmark that for later. What sort of price is it?

[james_gt3rs]

Yep think it's only in Essex, they may have one at Blyton Park not sure if it's still there. Oulton Park drift day another option.

[waremark]

james_gt3rs said:

Yep think it's only in Essex, they may have one at Blyton Park not sure if it's still there. Oulton Park drift day another option.

Andy Walsh the boss of CarLimits used to go to Landau (no idea how to spell it), don't know if he still does, but probably worth contacting him. If you want Roadcraft skills Clive is great, for limit handling Andy Walsh.

[dvenman]

Pigeoi said:

James is car limits only in South East?

Clive Jones looks worth a shout - and local too! - so I'll bookmark that for later. What sort of price is it?

No idea, IRO £250- £300 a day. But it'll make you a safer road driver, which is where I reckon the MR2 will spend most of its time.

[brisel]

dvenman said:

No idea, IRO £250- £300 a day. But it'll make you a safer road driver, which is where I reckon the MR2 will spend most of its time.

This

[BertBert]

I'd go and do a wet track day at llandau. They are incredibly relaxed and quiet. Go and have some fun and explore the car's handling. They may even be able to find some instruction for you. We use it to shake down our race cars. It's cheap and cheerful.

[Red Devil]

BertBert said:

I'd go and do a wet track day at llandau.

It's Llandow (Llandŵ if you're Welsh). It's a very short circuit: a lap is only 0.9 miles. Good shout for a novice imo.

BertBert said:

They are incredibly relaxed and quiet. Go and have some fun and explore the car's handling. They may even be able to find some instruction for you. We use it to shake down our race cars. It's cheap and cheerful.

Seconded. I've not driven it, but have done laps as a passenger in the wet in an Ultima piloted by a very experienced driver.

Absolute blast. Blew away everything else there on the day.

MR2 vids.
Mk3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twW E0IoP0Zs
Mk2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5voVO2J1kHI

[watermoto]

Can a decent home sim racing setup teach the same thing?

[Furyblade_Lee]

watermoto said:

Can a decent home sim racing setup teach the same thing?

[Furyblade_Lee]

If you want to safely learn about weight transition maybe try your hand at auto solo competitions? Your local MSA affiliated motor club will maybe run them.

It is a slalom type competition, usually in large car parks, timed courses around cones against the clock in 1st and 2nd gear. Hilarious fun, serious competition, and you will learn everything you need to know about your MR2!