Mention a Mazda Rotary speed event and many will automatically conjure up images of disorganized mayhem - thousands of badly behaved and intoxicated youngsters, drag racing with massive clouds of blue tyre smoke, gridlocked roads, and organisers battling with serious crowd control problems to name just a few!

But nothing could have been further from the truth when the Wellington-based Mazda Rotary Enthusiasts Club met at the "www.puresports.biz" Taupo race track on Saturday 1 March 2003 for their twenty-fourth annual track day. Billed as a `Driver Training Day,' the event offers club members and associates the opportunity to test their cars to the limit and brush up on their track skills in a safe and controlled environment. The line-up of 25 entries included race drivers with national honours to their credit together with seasoned Targa Rally competitors, through to first-time novices. A wander down the pit lane before the start revealed a wide variety of rotary cars, ranging from the virtually standard through to outright racing machinery, and almost without exception the standard of presentation was pleasingly high.

The field was divided into three groups, reflecting the drivers' skill and experience. Those in the novice group were pulled aside for a lengthy and intensive briefing before being let anywhere near the track. Once on the circuit their first few laps were spent as a passenger with an experienced driver in the hot-seat, receiving plenty of tips on correct lines, braking points and general high-speed car control. Then the novices swapped seats with their instructors for their first laps, before finally being let out on their own. This format is ideal for younger or inexperienced drivers wishing to try out the track and improve their overall driving standard and confidence. A chat with some of the novice drivers later in the day revealed that all had also found it an ideal way to ease themselves into the event without fear of ridicule or embarrassment.

Some of the experienced drivers used the day to fine-tune their cars for future events, and as a result some very quick laps were put in by top Kiwi Sports Sedan racers Alan Montgomery (ex Allan Grice 'Craven Mild' Mazda RX-3 coupe) and Gavin Stewart (Mazda RX-7 turbo), both from Manawatu. Gavin topped the poll with the highest top speed recorded along the short back straight, with 177 km/hr. Also notable was Wellingtonian Mike Yorwath in his immaculate RX-3 track racer, purchased only recently and brought back to the track after languishing for some years in its previous owner's shed. During the lunch break Mike expressed his deep gratitude for all the considerable help and advice given freely by a number of his fellow club members to bring the car back to its former glory.

The day proved that the Mazda Rotary Enthusiasts Club, although small in numbers and perhaps intentionally low in profile, is in excellent heart. This was no better illustrated by the way everyone gathered around for a barbeque lunch, provided free by the club, on the circuit's clubroom verandah, with friendly rivalry and banter being the order of the day. The event continued with great enthusiasm until 4:00pm, by which time all but one of the entrants had put in as many laps as they could possibly want. The only casualty of the day was one turbocharger, which expired on Alan V Grant's RX-7 during the morning session.

Congratulations must go to the Mazda Rotary Enthusiasts Club for an enjoyable, safe and very well-run event, thoroughly enjoyed by the small but appreciative crowd of spectators. Roll on March 2004 for the club's silver anniversary 25th club track day!

Thanks Chris, yes this story should appear in the next edition of the Tarmac Magazine, with lots of cool pictures. This article did not cover the extensive after match function, or the trip home... Next year won't be at Taupo, something very special is being planned... stay tuned! And a really big thanks for Seth at PureSports for sponsoring the weekend event (www.puresnorts.biz). See you next year...!

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