One of my reasons for buying the Elise was to improve my track driving. I'm not, and will probably never be a racing driver, but I can appreciate the art and I enjoy improving my car handling skills through recreational high speed driving. In the UK there are a number of track day clubs that allow me to do this safely - they hire the circuits between race meetings and for a relatively modest fee (not exactly cheap, but nothing race related is) allow you to explore the limits of adhesion. With a car like the Elise, this is the only way to appreciate the marvellous design job Lotus have done. Those of you who have only ever driven on the road don't know what you are missing!

I've written up a few of the days I have done, partly for my own benefit as it helps the learning process, and partly to share experiences with others who have a similar passion. If you like the sound of this and want to know how to get involved, there are some contact details on the Links and References page.

• Silverstone (August 1998, revisited September 1999)
• Donnington (September 1998, revisited June 1999 & November 2000)
• Brands Hatch (October 1998, revisited July 1999)
• Castle Combe (October 1998, revisited May 1999)
• Snetterton (March 1999, revisted March 2000)
• Goodwood (April 1999, revisited August 2001)
• Prescott Speed Hillclimb School (May 1999)
• Thruxton (May 1999)
• Oulton Park (August 2000, in a Caterham)
• Willow Springs (March 2001, in a Mustang)
• Rockingham (May 2001, July 2001 in a Porsche 944)