Mondello Park by Sean Dunne
On Friday 14 April the time for the first track day of the season has arrived. Having checked the car for oil, tyre pressures, and fuel we set off for an afternoon at Mondello. By about 2:30 an impressive collection of Porsches are collecting beside the track. Despite some threats of rain on the way down, the weather is fine and sunny and remains dry. Before we get on to the track we sign our lives away and pay attention for Richard's briefing. We will be driving the intermediate circuit (leaving out the Bridgestone loop, but including the new extensions), approx 1.75 miles. He tells us that the circuit is now much easier because white lines are painted across the track for 50, 100 & 150 meters before each corner. "But for God's sake make sure you are on the brakes by the 100 meters". A few sinple rules to ensure our safety while driving at our own pace without pressure. Two parade laps later and we are ready to start. Six cars line up, and one by one we wait for Howard's signal. Go ! Out the pit lane accelerating hard. Break for the first right hand bend, accelerate through as the car slides and the bend tightens. Lots of feedback from the car while holding the slide. This is great. Then clip a few kinks and lift off slightly for a fast left. With the speed still climbing into the 80s break hard for Parabolica. Into second and accelerate through a long sweeping right into a straight. This is the fastest part of the circuit (touching 100). Around a left kink and you are on the 150 meters mark (remember Richard's advice) for the double right of Tarzan 1 & 2. A short straight is followed by a chicane. First right, don't use all the road to keep a good line on the following left, followed shortly by a left elbow. On exit from this is the 150 meter mark for a left with a tight exit. I'm not the only one to find this slippery, there are some tracks on the grass. Then past the pit lane entry and into Motofit and the start finish straight (second fastest part of the circuit). Then it all begins again till the chequered flag tells us this run is over. Back to the pits to compare notes, watch the next group go and listen for the lovely soundtrack, perhaps have a turn as passenger with someone else, and wait for the next turn. A total of 24 Porsches (of assorted models from the 1970's onwards) turned up, together with a willing supply of passengers. The spectacle of the day award goes to a 360 degree spin at Motofit complete with smoke effects. The fastest lap? We'll leave that to Alan McNish. Overall winners? These wonderful cars that can thrill on the track, and then provide practical transport home. Many thanks to the organisers for arranging an enjoyable and very well run day. Thanks also to all the flag marshals on the day. This is a great way to enjoy and learn the capabilities of yourself and your car in a way that no responsible person would attempt on the open road. Here's looking forward to the next track event in June.