The MR2 Australia Trackday Challenge held over the past four years has been absurdly good value for money. Most single day trackdays at Wakefield which include timing have cost in excess of $220 per day. In 2017 the going rate appears to be around $280 per day. These days do not include accommodation ($60 per bed per night), garage hire ($50 per garage per day) and no as well as no BBQ and catering in the evening. And of course no assistance from the likes of Paul Brell and Jeff Fear.
The MR2 Australia Trackday Challenge has already cemented its self as a MUST DO event in the MR2 calendar with entrants from 5 states and the ACT and a particularly high return rate amongst the participants who enjoy both the on track and off track, almost family reunion like nature of the event. Must be that MR2 DNA. This is a tribute to the efforts and enthusiasm of Steve Godfrey and the small group of volunteers who have assisted with the organisatiion and conduct of the event.
Wakefield Park, whilst still owned by the Benalla Auto Club, has recently had a change of management staff and appears to be making some substantial changes to its business model, none of which the least is a general increase in the cost of circuit hire and facilities. Previously we have been able to negotiate some concessional pricing because of the timing of the event at the beginning of January. Those who attended three days in 2016 in 35 plus degree heat will understand why but this seems lost on the new Wakefield Park management.
As Rick so rightly points out, Wakefield Park is probably the best geographically located to attract the numbers to make the continuation of this event viable. Costs will inevitably rise for 2017 but I have faith in the MR2 Australia Trackday Challenge community to meet the "challenge" facing us and continue to provide this flagship, high value event for years to come.