MRT Performance – AUSmotive.com

MRT Performance track day at Wakefield Park

Recently I spent a day driving around Wakefield Park, near Goulburn. The day was run by MRT Performance and I had a cracking time, it must be said. This was my second MRT track day following a Marulan Driver Training Centre outing back in May.

The circuit at Wakefield is technical enough to keep you chasing for that perfect lap, but not so intimidating to deter newcomers. And with dedicated instructors on hand from MRT the track day experience is a level above the regular “Speed Off The Streets” days. Getting out on track by yourself and going hell for leather might be fun, but if you want to improve your technique, then track time with an experienced instructor is a great start.

For a day of track time, as much driver tuition as you like and catered meals MRT charges $250. It’s pretty good value and the MRT staff generally put on a trouble free day where the emphasis is on fun and learning.

Also in attendance on the day was the Osborne Motorsports race team with their two Mazda 3 MPS production racecars. Sensing a good opportunity Mazda Australia booked a few places with MRT and offered them to some of their more dedicated customers. A great initiative, it must be said, and with any luck other manufacturers are taking note.

There’s a few pics below from the day and an extensive gallery can be seen over at the MRT Performance flickr site.

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 thereâ€™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 9â€“11am, 11:15amâ€“1pm and 2pmâ€“4pm. In between, morning tea and lunch were also provided as part of the MRT package.