Merlot Magic!

Read all about "Merlot Magic" in the February edition of Soft Top Hardtop, the MX-5 Owners Club magazine. New driver, Andrew, gives an account of his first experience on track at Snetterton.

Brake Upgrade

After fitting the new EBC Turbo Groove front discs and EBC Redstuff pads in time for the track day at Snetterton circuit in November, the Merlot is back in the workshop at EMG in Cambridge for the fitment of a set of HEL stainless steel brake hoses in readyness for the cars next visit to Snetterton on February 20th.

The discs and pads, supplied by mx5parts.co.uk performed exceptionally well on track as well as looking the part.

Back to Snetterton

New Merlot driver, Andrew, gives us his report on a fun day.

"Yet another great day out for the Merlot at Snetterton on 7 November with Robbie (driving and shepherding us newcomers), Martin and Jon all attending. After sign on, safety briefing, sighting laps and noise testing, both Graham and I were let loose for the morning session, mainly run on a damp but drying track. As I got used to the car, conditions, track ,wearing a helmet and being strapped in tightly, the Merlot fun factor soon kicked in and my laps flew by.

After lunch the track really started to dry out and several driver/passenger pairs strapped in to the pocket rocket to mix it up with a whole host of machinery ranging from Caterhams to an Aston Martin DB9, as well as Mk1 ,2 and 3 MX-5’s. Although outgunned on the straights, the Merlot more than held its own in MX-5 country ,the corners. After 3 we all swapped over quickly to get as many laps in as possible.The chequered flag came out all too soon at 4.00pm, one more lap and the Merlot magic finished for another day.

Despite being out on track for around 5 hours, Merlot didn’t miss a beat all day. Then, unlike the cars on trailers, Robbie loaded all his tools up and drove Merlot home. Thanks to Robbie for making her bulletproof, safe and so much fun for us track newbies throughout the day. Also fo rall the time he, Martin and Jon put in to keep the car going. I had a great value fun day out and highly recommend it to any Eastern Region member wondering what track days are all about. I’d do it all again tomorrow."

Andy M.