Thankfully not a twist like last time! My dad and I took his 2007 MX-5 along with the Hondas-On-Track guys and girls for a sessioned day at Combe. I had a lot of fun with the car at North Weald and it didn't disappoint on track.
On a nice open circuit like Combe it comes alive - it really does handle beautifully! You have to switch the traction control system off or it will get upset very quickly, and the ABS cuts in far too early, but after a few laps it was clear that the chassis is very nicely balanced and the limited slip diff makes getting on the power early a very safe thing indeed! In fact, I had to flick it into a chicane off the power and jump on it again in 2nd to get even a hint of oversteer.
This does highlight its only problem - the engine. It desperately needs another 20-30hp, maybe a touch more. I like to trim the attitude of a car using the throttle and if you push deep through Quarry you just get understeer. Fair enough, it's a road car and it needs to be safe, but that's about its only downside.
View the complete photo album in the gallery
The brakes did very well considering I wasn't exactly being shy with the braking points. Pedal travel increased during each session but I didn't get any fade and that helped with confidence. Trail braking is an absolute must though to keep the car stable when turning into the corner, and once you realise that the initial uncertainty the car has when you turn in is nothing to worry about, it's just such a joy to drive!
As usual, everyone on circuit behaved themselves and there were no stoppages through the day, and the weather held out too with just a few spots of rain around midday. I've edited together a few laps of video which is available in the gallery here.
The next outing is in December at Brands Hatch, but I'm not sure what I'll be driving yet - it might be a Volvo 850 estate...!