As a newbie on here it looks like my first post is going to be non Skoda related!
I've had an MX-5 for a few years now and done several track days and I have to say it's a brilliant fun car. You can't beat RWD and good weight distribution for maximum fun.
Ok they're not the fastest in a straight line but through the twistys they'll keep up with most.
Mine's a pretty much standard 2001 1.8 Sport which has the 146bhp engine and even with standard suspension and heavy leather seats etc. it was very chuckable on track and the car's capabilities were well beyond mine as a relative novice. Also had few laps in a mate's older 1.6 which is more kitted out for track use (cage, bucket seats, improved suspension) and it was even more fun. Don't be put off by the 1.6 engine either, they may be down on power at only 115bhp but they're very free reving and didn't really feel any slower than mine plus the older ones are lighter.
The engines are pretty much bombproof too (unlike MGF) - mine's on 120k and still going strong it's the rust you have to look out for. Depending on how far you want to take the track car thing I'd go for a 1.6 as they take to turbo/supercharging better. They're also cheap as chips to buy - you'd get a decent one for track use well under £1000.
Check out MX5nutz.com, there's loads of folk who do track days on there and it's a great resource.
And as for hairdressers - anyone who makes those comments has clearly never driven one!
