Track Days in 2006 & Mondello

with the crazy land prices in ireland it's hard!

the best solution is an old airfield, give you some infrastructure to start with

Having spent many years on the MG car club commette and running race meetings in Mondello park its not suprising that they keep pushing up the prices. I have said it many times (sa have others) we need anothr circut in the country. Until then, (if ever it happens) we should make a point of taking track day businees else where. Its track days and the racing school that keeps the place going. I would be very interested in crossing the pond for a track day in the E21.

Cheers

Mick

It takes 4hours and 10 minutes to get from Galway to Belfast Port without speeding, for anyone trying to figure out their distances.  That time is going through Enniskillen, but going via Monaghan is about the same, just not as good a road.

How long from Belfast to Kirkistown?

The only problem I see mid-week is taking the day off - wouldn't usually be an issue for me (at least not after March 26th - NO days off 'til then), but for people working factory/sales jobs, it's taking a holiday day.

The VAT is at UK rates, isn't it?  Can the club claim it back, or can it get exempted?

@ €8,000 - 50 people - €160 - + VAT

@ €5,000 - 30 people - €167 - + VAT

If we got 20 passengers at €30 each, they'd reduce to €148 and €147 + VAT.

If we got 30 passengers at €25 each, they'd reduce to €145 and €142 + VAT.

I'm less concerned about cost than I am about numbers - the open days in Mondello are jointed, and you get all sorts.

My preference to BMWclub days are that the numbers aren't mental, and generally there is a better discipline amongst drivers. The last trackday held, there were no issues about numbers - I felt it was pretty full for the national circuit. And despite this, it flowed well with no mentalists (the notable exception being sheep guy  ).

I know Porsche leave non-Porsche drivers out if they're members, due to the low Porsche numbers heading out and the need to break even.  But we don't have the numbers issue so that removes the need. (Also, non-BMWs means BMWclub withdraw their 3rd pty insurance don't they?)

In terms of cost - yeah it is a complete farce that they are upping the price by that much. But compare it with the options: as an all-in package it is still competitive compared with travelling to Kirkstown or the UK. Will there be as many non-drivers at the day if they have to drive up the country? One success from the club days in Mondello is the people who've attended, seen the quality of the day, perhaps got a passenger spin, caught the bug, and have got involved themselves either by buying a BMW, joining the club, or even taking part in the following BDD. Newbies mightn't travel up the north to do this, so we'd be losing fresh membership.

I'll still support Mondello if we continue with them for 06. I will also do a mid-week trackday if it's happening. I'm all for other tracks, but as an accessible club event, unfortunately Mondello still holds the aces.

Saying Kirkiston is near Newtownards makes the journey look long.

You take a ferry across the mouth of Strangford Lough and I think it is only a few miles from landing point. No need to go anywhere near Belfast.

TJ your comment about the track interested Entrepeneur is good but unfortunately that is what Martin Birrane is and he is the one raising the prices. Entrpeneurs like making money!

I have no problems with the National track in Mondello if the price is OK

Jesus that's a drive and a half. Mind you i do love driving but thats one heck of a haul.