Should I?

[LightningBlue]

I’m getting the itch to take my car on a track day. I have Cadwell and Blyton nearby and Donington Park a bit further.

The thing that’s putting me off is the car I’d want to take (R58 Mini Cooper S Coupe) still has 16 months to run on HP - the documents state ‘no motorsport use’ and I’m aware track driving isn’t motorsport but I’m not sure if BMW/Mini Finance would class it as that. I could call them but I guess others on here might already know the answer?

I’d just want a relaxed day without pushing to the absolute limits and would need to be able to drive the car home. Would I really need to upgrade brakes and brake fluid etc (brake fluid was changed in December), or would it be fine if kept to runs of about 15 minutes?

I guess if the HP thing is a no I could take my Volvo but I doubt that would be as rewarding!

[snotrag]

LightningBlue said:

I’m getting the itch to take my car on a track day. I have Cadwell and Blyton nearby and Donington Park a bit further.

The thing that’s putting me off is the car I’d want to take (R58 Mini Cooper S Coupe) still has 16 months to run on HP - the documents state ‘no motorsport use’ and I’m aware track driving isn’t motorsport but I’m not sure if BMW/Mini Finance would class it as that. I could call them but I guess others on here might already know the answer?

I’d just want a relaxed day without pushing to the absolute limits and would need to be able to drive the car home. Would I really need to upgrade brakes and brake fluid etc (brake fluid was changed in December), or would it be fine if kept to runs of about 15 minutes?

I guess if the HP thing is a no I could take my Volvo but I doubt that would be as rewarding!

Ref Motorsport - Trackday operators are very, very keen to point out that Trackdays are NOT motorsport, no timing, no racing - its fundamental part of how they operate. Check your paperwork but remember that.



Ref the car - itll be fine. My friend group, just as with this forum is filled to the brim with people who are 'going to do a trackday' once theyve finished upgrading their brakes, putting a roll cage in, stripping the interior, upgrading the dampers etc... These cars look great in the garage.

Meanwhile, just take your car to the track! Its a quick fun hot hatch, with presumably decent road tyres, and fully safe/road legal. It will be absolutely fine. You'll be able to drive far, far harder than you can on the road and still be well within the limits.

Go out, do a few laps, come back in check the tyre pressures, repeat.


Disregarding the HP/You dont own it issue, just do it!


(Did my first day at Blyton years ago, its perfect for your first time, and especially in a little hatch like a Mini).

[Dynion Araf Uchaf]

no motorsport use is just a caveat because the car won't be insured. However you can get track day insurance, in which case you'd be fine.

But as the other poster said, pop some fuel in it and take it on track, Go slow at first, get some tuition.

Cadwell as a first time on track will scare the beejesus out of you anyway. Probs better off at Blyton.

[E-bmw]

I have done both more times than I care to count & agree with the above apart from one point.

Brakes, OK, so you can't upgrade them as the car isn't yours, but you could fit a better set of front pads & take the road pads with you for the drive home & a spare set of rear pads just in case.

Blyton is an excellent first track as it is VERY difficult to hit anything if you mess it up.

[LightningBlue]

Thanks for the replies. I’ll probably pull the trigger soon, there’s an MSV evening at Cadwell next week so I’m planning to head there to watch and get a feel for it. You read all these things about upgrading brakes etc but I don’t really want to mess with the car other than standard servicing and maintenance.

The Mini is great fun and very capable on a B road but you’re obviously holding back a lot. On track I just want to get up to speed in my own time without being swamped.

Blyton is only 20 miles so home is a walkable distance if the worst happens They don’t seem to host beginner days like MSV do at Donington though, unless anyone knows of any?

[E-bmw]

You won't need a novice day at Blyton, you will be fine & it is a lot less daunting that Cadwell, but Cadwell is more fun when you are ready for it.

Like I said, you don't need to upgrade anything but longer lasting pads on the front will be a help & last better than normal pads.

[braddo]

I would say to not give a moment's more thought to upgrades etc - just book a track day and go.


You don't need to be braking as hard as you can to enjoy a track day. Get out there, take it easy and build up slowly. Even going at 60% of what the car is capable of, it will feel very fast at first compared to road driving and you don't need to worry oncoming traffic and speed limits etc so it's very liberating.

Literally the only things you need - helmet, tyre pressure gauge, and remember to not apply the parking brake after a session*.

(*You can usually find a flat place to park but maybe have something to chock a wheel with.)

Donington is fantastic - there is way more gradient than you think!

[roddo]

LightningBlue said:

Thanks for the replies. I’ll probably pull the trigger soon, there’s an MSV evening at Cadwell next week so I’m planning to head there to watch and get a feel for it. You read all these things about upgrading brakes etc but I don’t really want to mess with the car other than standard servicing and maintenance.

The Mini is great fun and very capable on a B road but you’re obviously holding back a lot. On track I just want to get up to speed in my own time without being swamped.

Blyton is only 20 miles so home is a walkable distance if the worst happens They don’t seem to host beginner days like MSV do at Donington though, unless anyone knows of any?

Cadwell evening next week?? That will be the MOT track day.....I'll be there with a new mx5, come and find me.....