I have always lived in London and am only really used to commuter driving. I have never driven FAST. I have a bog standard Cooper Convertible, which, as you are probably aware, is not really very fast, but i fancy taking it for a track day somewhere. I live in the S/E of England but will travel to a track which is good for me, a complete NOVICE. Does anyone have ANY advice for me about, 1, would the MCC be up to it? 2, Which track/where? 3 Do i need a special licence? 4, ANY OTHER ADVICE. Many thanks. I would love to learn to drive fast.

I have always lived in London and am only really used to commuter driving. I have never driven FAST. I have a bog standard Cooper Convertible, which, as you are probably aware, is not really very fast, but i fancy taking it for a track day somewhere. I live in the S/E of England but will travel to a track which is good for me, a complete NOVICE. Does anyone have ANY advice for me about, 1, would the MCC be up to it? 2, Which track/where? 3 Do i need a special licence? 4, ANY OTHER ADVICE. Many thanks. I would love to learn to drive fast.

The MINI is a great car to take on trackdays. It handles and steers well and the brakes are OK in standard form .
Try using a trackday organiser such as Easytrack, Goldtrack, Book a track etc. and an ordinary road licence is all thats needed.

The advantage of using any of the above is the organisation and safety they bring to it. You`ll get a briefing before going on track and the safety aspect is stressed many times.

Any track would bring a smile to your face but my suggestion would be Brands Hatch Indy circuit to start with. There are good run off areas and its not too high speed . Once you`ve really committed to Paddock Hill bend the rest is less difficult-I nearly said easy then-not so.

Other advice would be

1)Get some tuition from one of the instructors -it really is money well spent
2)Be prepared to be addicted to an expensive hobby
3) Dont be intimidated by faster more experienced drivers/cars-everybody has to start somewhere.
4) Dont try to drive quickly immediately-smooth is best.
5) Enjoy

Keith

Cheers Keith.

Into the world of track driving in your MCC I would recommend:

1. A Mini only track day - we try and do Croft at least once a year so watch the UK message thread and Lohen organise a good Mini day at Bruntingthorpe

2. Motorsports Events do a training day in Heyford (just up the M40 from you) that will gove you the basics of how to handle your car at speed plus some track time in a very relaxed manner.

3. Pistonheads or Easytrack - check out their websites and pick a date. If you post on here,some of us may be aup to coming along as well :p

S:yeblack:

:D Fri 15 July - Cadwell Park Evening NOW ONLY £80
17.30 - 20.00, 105dB, 50 cars maximum

http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1741882#post1741882

I have always lived in London and am only really used to commuter driving. I have never driven FAST. I have a bog standard Cooper Convertible, which, as you are probably aware, is not really very fast, but i fancy taking it for a track day somewhere. I live in the S/E of England but will travel to a track which is good for me, a complete NOVICE. Does anyone have ANY advice for me about, 1, would the MCC be up to it? 2, Which track/where? 3 Do i need a special licence? 4, ANY OTHER ADVICE. Many thanks. I would love to learn to drive fast.

Definately get on the track and soon its fantastic and I'm sure you'll love the little cooper Convertible. I drive an S convertible and can keep up with the s's so no problem keeping up with the stock coopers for you. I agree with keith that tuition on a day is essential and will enable you top learn a grerat deal. It may seem like quite a lot of money on top of the track day but its not in terms of what you get out of it.

Come along to the mini only track day at Bruntingthorpe on August Bank Holiday. Link below.

If you come along come and say hello!

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91876

Russell