Oh dear, I may have finally taken the plunge into motorsport.
My family has made the decision this weekend to invest in a car for using on track days at a local motorsport arena, and I couldn’t be happier.
It all began on Saturday, when my father and brother decided to take their own road cars down to Rockingham Motor Speedway for a track day taster session. As his birthday is coming up, I stumped up the cash for dear brother to go and thrash his ‘beast.’
So, at 11am we pitched up. My father in his 274bhp Porsche 911 993 targa, and my brother in his 205bhp Vauxhall (or Opel, depending on where you are) Astra turbo. And since the rest of the family had decided to come along too, we brought the S-Max as well. Our little fleet descended upon Rockingham ready for a day of mild thrill-seeking.
Well, by the end of the session we’d all decided that track days are brilliant and we needed to do more of them. I’m in the process of making a video about the day too, which I’ll post on here in the coming weeks.
Over a few pints that evening, we thought about purchasing a proper track car to take down to the circuit.
The possibilities are endless. The circuit (all of fifteen minutes drive away) is perfect for track days, and if you’ve been to Rockingham before you’ll agree the circuit is both fun and challenging.
So, by this afternoon it had been decided. We’re going to buy a track car and give the whole motorsport route a go.
This isn’t anything new in my family either. As any regular reader will know my father used to indulge in hillclimb events frequently when my brother and I were younger. Now we’re older and both enjoy our cars as well, it seems like the perfect time to re-kindle the passion.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t some vain attempt to break into Formula One. No, this is simply a family project, we won’t be entering any races and we won’t be taking sponsorship deals. It’s just about getting a car on the track and having fun.
But the subject remains of what car to get? We need something small and sporty, a Caterham has been the top suggestion so far. Ideally we need one that’s already put some miles down on the track, leaving us with the minimal amount of fettling to do and consequently, the minimal amount to go wrong.
Suggestions on a postcard, please.


