Here’s a fun video showing the Toyota 86 being driven around a very wet Marulan Driver Training Centre. Supposedly the two cars are being driven by rally aces Rick and Neal Bates.
From inside the cabin, the 86 sounds half decent too.
AUSmotive recently discovered that the Marulan Driver Training Centre provides a first class facility for road users of various needs and experience. Unfortunately, MDTC is under threat of forced closure due to noise complaints.
On the day I attended MDTC all participants were asked to be mindful of surrounding properties and, anecdotally at least, I can say the noise from our group was kept to an absolute minimum. Keep in mind all cars in attendance were road registered vehicles in compliance with the required noise standards.
So, what can you do to help? The Marulan Region Portal is currently running a poll to gauge support or otherwise for the Marulan Driver Training Centre. If you have used the facilities at MDTC and found them to be worthwhile, or if you generally support the facility, please take the time to vote in the poll, which can be found at the bottom of the homepage.
As well as “Drive your street car” days Garry Wilmington and his staff offer numerous driver training programs aimed at improving road skills of inexperienced road users. The skills taught are not just about car control, but also take in driver attitude and hazard perception techniques.
MDTC plays an important role in driver education and it would be a real shame if it was forced to close down. Please do what you can to help and spread word of this poll.
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.