MotorSport Vision BMW Novice Evening

Is this the ultimate gift: a reduced-rate, ‘run-what-you-brung’ track evening for novice BMW drivers? That’s exactly what MotorSport Vision is offering, and we headed to Bedford Race Circuit – one of six locations – to try it.

The venue has a café, petrol station and pitside spectator suites, so there’s plenty for visitors to do, whether they’re driving or not.

First up after you sign on is a 30-minute briefing, with an instructor outlining rules, tips and the schedule. Then you’re taken out for three familiarisation laps, to put into practice what you’ve just learned. The driver in the lead car takes the racing line, and gradually builds up speed.

You then return to the pits, before being let out on track on your own. It’s an open session over two hours, with up to 20 cars on the circuit at once. But you’re advised to return every five laps to prevent brake fade.

Marshals are on hand to warn of on-track danger, noise limits and the presence of other racers, but other than that it’s you and the car – unless you have a passenger!

Beware the extra costs, though: there’s £10 for each helmet, £5 for an extra driver, £25 for 20 minutes’ instruction. And check your insurance covers track use, too.

As BMW subsidises the cost, the evening is good value, but we found more experienced racers trying to ‘bully’ novices off the track. Plus, the wear on your car may harm its value.

A range of separate dates is also available for MINI owners.

Verdict

Price: £49 (£39 at Cadwell Park)
Rating: ★★★
Problems? Hidden costs, differing ranges of ability on the track, limited tuition.
So why buy? Great facilities, top-value price, drivers get a long time to master the circuit.