Thoughts on my first MTC (and hopefully not the last).
To start off, a massive thankyou to Steve for all his hard work (bordering on insanity) for putting such an awesome event together! Secondly another thankyou to everyone supporting Steve in the lead up and on the day, photographers and marshals baking in the hot sun, plus everyone else for offering great advice and being a bunch of great people. The comradery , enthusiasm and passion for MR2's / cars in general and racing was second to none. Despite the aftermath on facebook / the forums, I didn't notice any politics or elitism which is to be commended for a group 40+ people coming together for a competitive event. It really is a testament to the organisation and the MR2 community.
MTC2016 was the first track event that I have been properly timed. I came down to Wakefield not really caring too much about tyres or times, just wanted to drive, learn and have fun. I was amazed to see what Nathan, Mikey, Rob Chestnut, Adrian, Rick and others could do with N/A AW11's and SW20's, even more so with Geoff Fear's Pulsar. My priorities have now changed (become conflicted) and I need to find a budget to match!
The format over the two days was excellent, exposing a novice like myself to various motorsport disciplines and building confidence for the full track on the second day. My favourite event was punishing the car around the hillclimb, reminding me of all the hinterland roads we enjoy up in Qld and northern NSW (unconstrained by road surface, lane markings, traffic or speed limits). The event overall was well organised and professionally run by a bunch of volunteers, drivers were courteous and patient when overtaking slower cars or those on a cool down lap. It was a mid-week "weekend" that suits anyone passionate about cars and enjoys driving, track experience or not.
Spending a few nights at Aaron's "house of 1MZ" and witnessing Eric's 2GR adventure has also rekindled my aspirations for a V6 Adub. I'm kicking myself for not noticing WOTAMI was for sale and picking up a bargain (I paid more for parts several years ago).
Again I can't sufficiently communicate how impressed I am with the event and the people. Someone mentioned it was just like going back to school camp without the dickheads. I sincerely hope that MTC will continue in one form or another if things become too difficult with Wakefiled management. I'd be happy to travel to SA, Vic or assist with an event up in Qld (Morgan Park or Lakeside + hillclimb "pub/track crawl") plus I'll join forces with Eric and try and get more Qld interest in MTC2017.
Anyway I hope to see you all next year with better tyres and brakes!