Waking up at 3am is never fun. But waking up at 3am to rain, lightning and thunder for a first time track day at Wakefield Park in Goulburn must have been a daunting experience! Luckily I was photographing it.
I was off to meet a bunch of fellow Mitsubishi Evo enthusiasts who had never done a track day before at Suttons Forest McDonalds at 6am who had finally bit the bullet to do a track day. Circuit Club is renowned for their well run track days and lots of track time which is why they are so popular and as I was driving through the rain on the way out there I wondered what the nerves must be like for a first timer. A few people had pulled out of the day but Sydney’s terrible weather wasn’t going to damper the spirits of a bunch of anxious and nervous soon to be track fiends.
Luckily Wakefield has reasonable run off areas and the Circuit Club driver instructors were very knowledgeable around the track and know it like the back of their hand. At least that’s what Mike, Andrew, Ryan, Anthony and Gian were hoping!
Tired and dreary eyed we arrived at the track with myself and my mate having a nap while the guys went on the track walk at 7.30am to familiarize themselves with each corner, driving lines and braking points. After signing on and the guys attending the drivers briefing, it was time for the first session to commence.
Feeling a little nervous the evo’s were pottering around getting used to the track and the wet weather conditions.
This Civic went off early and was one of many that were trying to adapt to the conditions.
Feeling confident and with the track drying a little bit the drivers started laying down some quality laps.
Ryan seemed to find his way after a Circuit Club instructor hopped in and showed him the way. A 1.12.5 on street tyres and a first timer is a pretty decent effort.
This Corvette looked great.
Who doesn’t love the sound of an AMG C63?
Street driven Lexus with roof racks? Yes please.
One of the coolest mods you can do!
Surprisingly around lunchtime the sun came out and the track was pretty much dry except for the water run off which kept drivers on the edge of their seats. Phil Heafey was testing out his new Hollinger Sequential Gearbox.
Slicks Anyone?
The Ralliart Colt was surprisingly quick!
This MNR Clubman is a turbocharged crazy weapon! Extremely rare and quick.
S13’s are a great platform for drifting and time attack!
Circuit Club welcomes all kinds of cars. Falcons and commodores included and they doing some impressive times!
It’s all about having fun!
Jeff Denmeade and his Skelta
Mike was concerned that his transfer case had blown and later in the day realized both his CV’s needed changing. Not good news for a first timer! Limp mode was enabled and it was enough to get him home.
This WRX was putting some great times throughout the day. Even in the wet conditions he was pushing it!
With the upcoming Evo Nationals, Fin was getting some quality seat time.
This GTR and it’s straight through exhaust sounded so pr0n.
Tuned to suit 98 Ron.
Needless to say, it was a great day, the weather made it more dramatic but we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will be back sooner than later. Our track noobies are now track fiends and keen to get back there!
Big thanks to Narada and the Circuit Club crew for organizing a great day!
To view the whole gallery CLICK HERE!
To view the timing from the event CLICK HERE!
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