Scottish Elises

Almost forgot about this...

Was speaking to Sandy Forrest at the Track Scotland night last month, and made a comment regarding how I was amazed the SMRC XR2 championship was still running, given the age of the cars and the rarity of spare parts.

He indicated moves are afoot to 'replace' (or supplement) it with a new series using Mk1 MX5's - Similar spec to the MAX5 / Ma5da championships.

Could be of interest to some - Roundly similar cost-wise to XR2's, but front engined / RWD, so should be more fun to drive.

(I note Iain Cowie has built at least one car already...)

I'm quite tempted to sell the hairdresser wagon, get a Ma5da series car, and learn it at trackdays over next year, with a plan to take part in 2013 if it takes off.

For anyone thinking of having a go at racing, this could be a very good budget option.

The last track day at KH I was speaking to one of the lads running in an MX5 series who was shaking down a car for the next race. Cheap as chips to run and growing every year apparently.
If I lived further south and had more money I'd give it a go.

About £3500-4000 for a fully prepped car (plus a trailer and some spares - £1500-2000?)

Run on Hankook control tyres, which last well (3 sets a season?), so definitely cheap to run. (Work on £300-400 per meet, incl. race entry and fuel).

Lap around 63 / 64 seconds at KH - Not going to set the world alight, but should be fun enough to steer.

If they could get a dozen cars for a Scottish Motor Racing Club series that takes place solely at KH (perhaps with an away round to Croft like the XR2's) it would be well worth a go.

(If they stick to Ma5da regs, you could also enter the odd round of the national series).

I'm tempted for the future...Where'd I put my race licence?!

Sounds like a plan, Ross!

I'd be pretty tempted with this, certainly a more appealing proposition then a fwd xr2. Just got to finally book my ards and do some saving.

Friend of mine is currently running 3rd in the Ma5da racing championship.

His car will be up for sale at the end of the season as he is moving on to something else.

Great fun to drive and cheap to run.

Hopefully it will be better supported than the current Scottish championships.

Dan