Anglesey Track Day

Our first track day

After experiencing the Harewood Hillclimb, I was keen to see what Enzo could do on a proper circuit.

So when the opportunity came up to join the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club at Anglesey, Tracy and I headed to North Wales with our good friends Andy and Hayley, with Andy bringing his XFR along for the fun.

We stayed at Trearddur Bay and made a weekend of it. The day before the track action, we headed over to South Stack Lighthouse and tackled the roughly 400 steps down the cliff. Of course, what goes down has to come back up, and those same steps felt considerably less appealing on the return!

A BBQ and a chance to meet everyone

That evening, the JEC had arranged a barbecue at the circuit. It was a really relaxed way to start the event, with plenty of time to chat, look around the cars and get to know some of the other people taking part. We also had the chance to walk the track, which helped us get familiar with what lay ahead and added to the anticipation for the following morning.

Despite having driven Harewood before, this felt like a completely different beast. There was a mixture of excitement, nerves and adrenaline as the day got underway.

Keeping the day safe and fun

Before anyone headed out, there was a detailed technical and safety briefing, with the JEC TrackSport team on hand to answer questions and offer support throughout the event. They did a fantastic job and were a big part of what made the whole experience so enjoyable.

The first few laps were all about familiarisation. I took my time getting a feel for the layout and learning where everything went, but it didn't take long for my confidence to build. Then it was time to find out what Enzo could really do.

He didn't disappoint. As the laps went by, I became more comfortable pushing him harder and enjoying what the F-Type could do away from the restrictions of the road.

A fantastic driving experience

Sharing the track with Andy in his XFR made it even better. Meanwhile, Tracy and Hayley walked around the perimeter, finding different spots to capture plenty of photos and videos of us out there. Swallows Racing were also taking their cars around, which was fantastic to watch when we weren't behind the wheel ourselves.

Trac Môn Anglesey Circuit is an amazing place to drive. The layout is a real experience, but having the sea and that dramatic coastal scenery around you makes it feel even more special.

As the sessions went on, we were certainly putting the cars through their paces. Enzo handled the day brilliantly, although it also highlighted a couple of areas where there was room for improvement. The brakes were getting hot and the tyres had taken quite a beating by the end.

They were still perfectly safe for the drive home, but I knew fairly quickly that some upgrades were on the cards. Soon afterwards, Enzo was treated to Tarox brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.

I chose the Michelins because they offered the balance I wanted: capable enough for another track day, but still well suited to everyday driving and the longer road trips we enjoy.

An amazing trip

Away from the cars, we had a great stay at Trearddur Bay, enjoying meals and a few drinks with Andy and Hayley. Those evenings chatting and laughing together are just as much a part of the memories as the time spent behind the wheel.

Our first JEC track day gave us memories that will last a lifetime. It also taught me a little more about Enzo, what he was capable of and where a few carefully chosen upgrades could make him even better.