.png "MSVT")
MSV Trackdays (MSVT) has a long and established history of progressing track day drivers into the world of racing and are committed to continuing in the same vein. Within 5 Steps of your first track day, you can be on the grid and battling for the podium places.
To help encourage any budding drivers looking to make the step up into the world of racing, we asked a variety of different competitors within MSVT’s Racing portfolio what would be their key advice and tips for those first stages of your motorsport journey:
Stewart Donovan (Trackday Championship 2023 Overall Champion):
Club level motorsport is more accessible than ever, and filled with likeminded people who can help/advise. It's a step up from trackdays in terms of challenge (and enjoyment), so don't be put off if you go from being the quickest on a track day to a mid-pack driver. Be patient, take your time to learn and develop your driving/your car - and above all else, have fun! Many will throw themselves straight into a championship, I'd advise trying a feeder series, e.g. Trackday Trophy, it's a great place to learn and develop alongside new and experienced drivers without the pressure of points
David Evans (EnduroKA regular and Trackday Championship 2023 debutant):
Just make sure you enjoy it at the end of the day, don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Martyn Adams (Successful and established Trackday Trophy competitor):
If you think you are able to go racing - do it! If you don't, you'll probably always regret missing the opportunity. It wasn't an easy decision for us to start but we've never regretted it and had a lot of years of enjoyment. You need to be realistic about the total costs, so best not to spend all your money getting the ultimate spec car. Trackday Trophy and Trackday Championship are great for progressing from doing track days and the regulations mean that you don't have to have an extensively modified car with ultimate power (for the engine size) to get competitive racing. Track days are great but racing is a different level - as a mate of mine said; "you can't win a track day".
Declan Lee (Inaugural Miata Trophy Champion):
In Karting and Cars I went to a circuit event first and talked to people (when they were not busy). I know I will always take time to talk to people online or at circuits.
There are different types and classes of racing and the most obvious ones are not always the right ones. We chose Mazda’s because it is very good road car which can readily adapt to the race track. Chassis and spare parts are widely available to keep you on track and keep the cost down. The field is large with close racing through the field, so you can learn race craft with competitors of a comparable level of ability. You always have a close race anywhere on the Miata Trophy grid.
It is helpful to have access to established teams in any championship, particularly at the beginning. We asked around and tested with two teams, then did a work up programme of testing before we entered any event. It is not necessary to have top pace but getting your driving up to a reasonable standard before entering a Championship will make the first event easier.