Many tvrs offer such huge performance that it would be highly irresponsible to use their full potential on the road. There are several alternatives open to us, the most popular ones being Track Days, Speed Competitions and Racing.

Track days offer a safe environment to learn the limits of the car - and your own limits as a driver. If you haven't been on a track day before you may find the prospect of hurtling round a track with a bunch of would-be racing drivers an alarming prospect.

In fact these events are very safe and well organised with instructors available, and there's no reason why anyone with basic driving skills shouldn't come along and enjoy him or herself. A large proportion of tvr speed competitors and racers started out on track days before the racing bug took hold. As TVRCC members we're fortunate to have the opportunity to drive on some of the best circuits in the country for far less than the commercial track day companies charge. If you don't take advantage of this, you really are missing out. So keep an eye out for track day announcements in Sprint and make sure you get your applications in early.

The important thing to remember about track days is that they are non-competitive. There are strict safety guidelines and the emphasis is on driving within your own limits and being courteous to other drivers at all times. Racing and aggressive driving are simply not tolerated. Having got to grips with the car at track days it is understandable that some drivers will want an opportunity to drive at eight (or more) tenths to find out just how fast they can go. This is where Speed Competitions come in.

What are Speed Competitions?

Speed competitions are a friendly and low-cost form of motorsport organised by and for motoring enthusiasts. Not to be confused with autotests (three-point turns against the clock), trials (getting stuck in a muddy field) or 12-car rallies (getting lost on public roads), Speed Competitions are high-speed events on well prepared circuits where the performance of your road-going tvr can be exploited to the full.

Competitors drive individually around a course of about a mile, against the clock. Courses vary from a lap of a racing circuit such as Goodwood, a course laid out at a disused airfield, to more specialised hillclimb venues which are more like your favorite twisty country lane, often complete with rather solid bits of scenery to catch the unwary. The hillclimb venues are generally seen as more challenging but can be more rewarding too. At Speed Events there are classes for all sorts of cars, from your Mum's shopping car to V8 powered single seaters that look as if they may once have graced an F1 grid.

In the tvr camp we regularly see a wide range of cars from Vixens through to Tuscans. Most tvrs can compete in absolutely standard condition, with no special preparation required. There are various prizes at each event, but the main reason to come along is that it gives you a chance to drive as fast as you dare without any worry about traffic jams, speed limits, flashing blue lights or some other idiot pushing you off the road. The number of tvrs competing has increased substantially in recent years and tvr is now one of the best represented marques. It really is very easy to join in and new competitors are always welcome. For those who might want to join in the fun, here are answers to some common questions:

Is it Dangerous?

Some events take place on race circuits, and some of these have fast corners with nice big run-off areas where it is safe to be a complete hooligan, but there are others where more discretion is required. Other events take place on airfield circuits with huge run-off areas and nothing to hit other than the odd traffic cone. Hillclimb events present a different type of challenge and are characterised by the presence of trees and walls during the ascent.

Whatever the type of course, you are alone on the track there is no danger of colliding with another car. Also, in the interests of safety, under MSA rules, rescue crews and paramedics must be present at all events. However, it must be noted that any time you drive your car at any motor sport event; there is the possibility of damage. Normal road insurance will not cover competitions of any kind but you can arrange specialist competition insurance at a daily rate. You may want to consider taking out this insurance if you're planning to compete in something expensive. Above all this is a low-cost, and relatively low-risk form of motor sport but competitors are advised to view safety as their first priority.

Will it Hurt the Car?

Speed competitions involve a busy day with several runs of the course, but each run lasts only a minute or so. In that time the tyres and brakes have barely got warm, wear and tear is minimal and no special preparation is required. However, speed events are a form of motor sport and there is always the possibility of mishap. Mostly, misjudgments result in little more than a harmless spin but on rare occasions it is possible to make contact with the scenery.

Will I be Fast Enough to Compete?

Many sprint competitors are new to motor sport and it is unlikely that they will win their first event, but before long they find they're keeping up with others and even beating them from time to time. tvr never made slow cars and you can enter an event in virtually any tvr and be competitive. That isn't a reason to enter, though - the whole point is to have fun with like-minded souls. You will meet people of all ages and driving abilities; the one thing they have in common is they are all have a good time. If you take home a trophy once in a while that's a bonus.

How Much Does it Cost?

Protective gear for the driver will cost between about £200 and £300. Annual fees and subscriptions will cost about another £50. Finally, entry fees for each event vary between about £50 and £100.

Where are the Competitions?

The largest groups of tvr competitors are in the Midlands and South of England, however there are growing numbers of tvrs competing in Northern England. Wherever you are, there's a fair chance you'll find tvrs competing nearby.