Hi Rick,
It great to see you are looking into travelling to the East Coast to join fellow enthusiasts at one or another MR2 events.
I have been to the Nationals on two occasions. Both were to the trackdays which were on offer and one of the dinners so I cannot comment on the additional activities. From what I did experience, it was a enjoyable time with like minded enthusiast's. They were both well organised, quite social and entertaining.
In comparing the weather between the two, this is really a lottery. Some years it can rain for weeks in both states, it can be 29 degree's, overcast or it can be 35 degree's and blue skies so like any event, anything can happen. We have enjoyed perfect weather with cold frosty mornings and comfortable days with constant activities which continue to be refined as time goes by. The same was found at both the Nationals.
Regarding the MR2 Australia Trackday Challenge:
I provide all necessary safety requirements (full time paramedic with ambulance), fire service and service vehicles with all insurances via AASA. A full time mechanic (Paul Brell of Boss tuning) will be onsite for the two days, people have spares available and we all help each other getting back on track or will tow a friends car if required. This year there will be a driving instructor who will provide track walks, hint and tips plus other drivers will take you out to get you into a comfortable zone for your skill level.
The format allows you to start on the hillclimb which is a low speed exercise with no traffic. This is followed by some multicar driving with similar speed cars then its back to a Tarmac stage where you can enjoy some more speed and increased confidence before moving onto the day of the full circuit on the Tuesday. By the end of the two days, you will be a more complete driver with experience in five different disciplines of driving. If you have not had enough, you can take advantage of a day a local driving facility 20 minutes up the road with instruction provided by some of the best defensive driving trainers on the East Coast.
Aside from the competitive driving, passenger sessions, there is a cruise session where you can drive door to door with all the cars at 60km/h for 30 minutes which is followed by the photo session located on the main straight. After this, we lock up our cars in the garages, walk back to the cabins where we let you hair down at the BBQ and beers at the cabins overlooking the track.
We then stay at the track waking up to the silence of a country racetrack. You simply grab your helmet and walk across the track back to your garage and get back into driving for the day.
I cannot explain everything, but this does give an idea of the attempt to create the complete getaway for everyone involved.
From a social aspect for 2015 is the addition of the Production Sports Australian Champion along with a few of the MR2's from the period. Colin Osborne will be bringing a few cars, Al Palmer is looking to bring his 4AGE powered F2 historic race car, another 4AGE powered hillclimb car will also be there. All these guys will be sharing their tales over a few beers under the stars on the Monday night. There is also a chance the mid seat AW11 sports sedan will be there in 2015. Have to wait and see but the car is a weapon and driver a manic. It will be a hell of a sight if it shows up. At least three V6 powered SW20 race cars and more are coming online.
As far as cruises go, that is left to everyone to work it in their own time. Quite frankly, there are not many good roads from the highway to Goulburn but there is a fantastic drive which circumnavigates Lake George. I would recommend this one but requires an extra hour or two of driving. If you head to the Nationals there are some impressive pieces of road on the way via the inland road.
The pricing too provides huge value for money in comparison to many other track events in the country if not one of the best but, no matter which way you choose, you will not be disappointed as we are both focused on waving the flag for the marque.
Kind Regards
Steve