MRT Performance track day at MDTC

On Friday I attended an MRT Performance track day at the Marulan Driver Training Centre. It was my first experience at the tight Marulan track, just off the Hume Highway, and my first track day for almost two years. I was keen to get out there and have some fun.

The day started with a track walk guided by circuit owner and operator Garry Willmington. He spoke about the best lines to take, giving tips tailored to front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars. The surface is generally very smooth and the twisty nature of the circuit means speeds are relatively low (see video clips after the jump). This is a good thing as there’s not a lot of run-off in some areas. The track is around one kilometre in length and the ten or so corners keep you very busy.

After the track walk Brett Middleton and his fellow instructors Wayne Boatright and Len McIntosh gave a driver briefing where it was explained only four cars would be allowed on track at a time. This was a welcome initiative as it reduced the risk of on-track contact. To ensure plenty of track time was available for all participants a general limit of four flying laps also applied. Of course, risks to car and driver are apparent at any track day, but this relaxed and open approach from the MRT organisers helped ease any tension that may have existed before anyone took to the track.

The day was split into three open sessions, which roughly ran from 9–11am, 11:15am–1pm and 2pm–4pm. In between, morning tea and lunch were also provided as part of the MRT package.

First time out I was cautious and found a few of the corners a bit tricky to string together well. Some on-track tuition was in order and the advice provided from the passenger’s seat by Len and Wayne was welcome and effective. Timing is not strictly allowed, but I was cheeky enough to use the on-board lap timer in my car. It’s not the most accurate way to measure times, but I was able to see my times drop by around 2 seconds over the course of the day.

The secret to a quick lap time at Marulan is knowing when to drive slow. That sounds counter intuitive, but there are a few corners where it is easy to carry too much corner speed on entry and doing so means optimum lines for subsequent corners cannot be achieved. Take a slow approach, though, and not only will your times improve, but you will also find it easier to keep things nice and smooth.

At the end of the day Brett was keen to approach participants and seek their feedback. A great move that is not only inclusive, but also ensures he is aware of any issues that may need to be ironed out before his next track gathering. Not that there were any problems on Friday. Middleton also gave tips on general car maintenance to follow after attending a track day. It is worth noting that days like this do place extra load on your car and extra maintenance may be required. Best to discuss this matter with your regular service centre or mechanic.

The tight, technical nature of the MDTC facility offers plenty to new and experienced track users alike. MRT Performance coordinate a number of track-based events every year. If you are looking to take your speed off the streets then MDTC and/or an MRT Performance track day are well worth considering.

[Video: MDTC]