Quote Originally Posted by smokeejoe View Post
i just want to push myself and car in a safe environment and hopefully have a laugh in the process.
Then if thats the case i would really reccomemd trackdays for that - much more time on track for your money, and you will learn so much more about driving/handling than you would on a sprint. Actually, you would prob develop bad habits on a sprint unless you take a bit of instruction or suchlike. Once you can keep your car on the track on its limits consistenly then have a go at a sprint. you need good track skills to do a good sprint lap.
your std mk1 will be a great start, and rather than spend money on another mk1, just improve your current one IMO.

some of the cheaper trackday organisers are apex trackdays and javelin. go for open pitlane days rather than sessioned. if you want less queues and less cars on the trackday, pay a bit more and go with bookatrack - you get loads of quality time.
most places have instruction, and i would always get some, esp if its a new circuit to you.