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Like the Mazda MX5, the GT86/BRZ was all about a 'less is more' philosophy. But unlike the hugely popular MX, the GT86 didn't seem to get away with just being a nippy, fun sports car, people seemed to expect and want a 'more is more' approach.    It's possibly for that reason that it's a platform I’ve not been a massive fan of over the past number of years. However, in recent years there have been some great examples taking to the track, namely at the hands of Jack Shanahan and Adam Zalewski, I’ve been more open minded as to...

As with pretty much all Motorsport events, track days in Ireland have to conform to a pre-defined noise limit. The reason for this is to reduce environmental impact and to help keep Motorsport running. Local Authorities actually have the power to suppress any noise source deemed to be causing a nuisance - in other words, they can shut it down if it's too loud. It's for this reason that all cars have to be noise tested at the track before taking part in a track day, just the same as a race or rally. The noise limit is 105 decibels...

Word association is a fabulous thing, and entirely subjective to personal taste, education or interest. It’s the natural reaction of bringing any number of random thoughts to the forefront of your mind at even the slightest stimulus. It’s a fascinating phenomenon, and its study can tell all manner of things about a person. Play word association as a petrol head and it’s likely to conjure up vivid insights into car culture at large. Say Honda to someone with a lust for all things JDM, and chances are the word Civic will pop up much quicker than something like Prelude or...

You couldn't help but have noticed Philip Gilmartin's Martini liveried Clio at our last trackday at Mondello Park, it's striking to say the least and that colour scheme really just makes an already racy looking car even more purposeful. The main thing you need to know about this Renaultsport Clio is that its had a heart transplant. This 197 has a Megane R26 engine & gearbox conversion. I have to admit this is the first i'd heard of this conversion and it's increased my desire to own one of these Clio's even more. In the UK, seemingly this is quite...

Regulars to our track days will be familiar with the sight of Alan Healy's rapid silver ek Civic. If there was an award for most laps done at a track day I think Alan would be in with a chance of winning every time and the reason for that is that he's always testing out something new - a click on the dampers here, a few psi less in the tyres there, or whatever it may be. Although track days are non-competitive, you always have yourself to compete against and tweaking and adjusting your car to get the most out...