Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014
12-09-2013, 11:37 AM
#1
Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014
The dates have been announced! April 5-6, 2014.
Edit: new date! September 6-7, 2014
Here's the announcement. I'll try to keep this thread updated as well as the site at Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Got questions? Ask away.
--------
It seems like the 2013 event was only yesterday -- truly an excellent weekend. It seems (to me) to just get better every time we get together, with 2013 being the best event to date. I think the reason for this is that so many of you now realize that it truly is our event, and that only through your inputs and cooperation can we continue to improve and grow.
We wanted to let people know the date as far in advance as possible to help with planning. Thanks to Mazda's awesome support we were able to secure April 5th and 6th 2014. While not quite as late in the year as we would have preferred, it's still an excellent date in many respects, not the least of which is that there's no conflict with the Big Sur Marathon (as in 2013) which caused hotel costs to skyrocket.
The first wave of information is below. Please check the website and the Facebook page regularly for updates, as that's where we'll be posting all new information instead of me bombarding you with long emails like this one. :-)
I'll be sending out another email on that day with more updates, but there are a couple of very important points I want to emphasize:
Track info
We are running essentially the same rules and setup as in previous years as far as run groups and instruction, with exceptions as noted.
As last year, please make sure to sign up for the run group that honestly suits your driving level. Our first priority is to run a safe event, so If we find you have put yourself into the wrong group for your abilities you will be switched to a more appropriate group.
If after signing up you find that sadly you won't be able to join us, we'll be instituting the same refund policy as last year
6 weeks or more prior to event, 100% refund
2 to 6 weeks out, 50% refund
Less than 2 weeks out, no refund. However in any of these situations you can sell your spot to someone who qualifies for your run group).
D (Novice) group will have mandatory instruction until you can demonstrate to your instructor you are capable of going solo. Both C and D group will be required to go to download sessions after every time on track. (This will be monitored and you won't be allowed back on track if you skip the download). This is for everyone's safety and improved learning, and worked extremely well last year.
Sponsors and Vendors
This is the one time every year that Miata enthusiasts can stroll around Vendor alley and look at all the great cars, the gorgeous toys, and ask questions of all the top Miata tuners and providers. We'd like to welcome back these fantastic event sponsors for another year:
Flyin Miata
Moss Miata
Good-Win Racing
949 Racing
P R Motorsports
And while the vendor lineup hasn't yet been finalized, we'll most likely see Clearwater Speakers, Trackspeed Engineering, Blackbird Fabworx and Fat Cat Motorsports again.
Event hotel
While the 2013 hotel was quite good, many of you expressed a preference to return to Embassy Suites -- we listened and we got it! Parking is far easier there (especially for those with trailers and assorted rigs), it's easier to get to and generally more convenient, plus the property has just gone through a extensive renovation of the rooms and facilities. There's lots of good news here:
Room rates: We were able to negotiate almost the same group rate as two years ago, at $169 per night. To get this price you'll need to make sure to tell the reservationist you're with "Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014". This is a significant discount from their regular rates, and also includes free breakfast and happy hour -- not to mention is for a suite and not just a room (great for sharing and saving $$). We will have a dedicated web link you can click on from the Miatas at Mazda Raceway website (Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) next week when signups open. The deadline for making the reservation to get this group rate is March 5th, so please don't wait until the last minute to book your room or you may not get the negotiated rate.
Hotel Parking charges: As we learned from the experience with the 2013 event hotel, virtually all decent hotels in this area are now charging for parking. However the good news is that Miatas at Mazda Raceway will be paying the parking fees for everyone staying at the hotel. The even better news is that we will once again have our own dedicated parking area as in previous years.
The Friday evening BBQ is back!! Thanks to that special group of hard working (crazy hard working!) folks we'll once again be enjoying that awesome Friday BBQ in the parking lot while people take advantage of early event check-in. Please stay tuned to the website and Facebook for more info.
The Banquet will also be back at this hotel again this year. We are limiting it to the first 250 people to sign up. It's the 25th Anniversary, so 25 tables of 10…..get it? (Those who know me by now know I'm a bit of a nerd…..). We're once again working on some interesting guest speakers and surprises for the Banquet.
Free Wi-Fi: Normally an extra charge at this hotel -- we got them to bundle that in for free for our group.
More International every year
We've been so fortunate to draw fellow enthusiasts not only from all over the US and Canada -- but also some pretty far away places as well. Steve and Majella have travelled from Newfoundland a couple of times, as well as Claudio and Ana all the way from Brazil two years in a row, and Dennis from New Zealand last year. For this special 25th Anniversary event we'll now be welcoming "Miata family" from Japan and the Philippines!! Very much looking forward to seeing all of our old friends and to meeting new ones this next time around.
Starting the countdown to Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014 25th Anniversary event! See you all soon.
Rick and the Miatas at Mazda Raceway team
Edit: new date! September 6-7, 2014
Here's the announcement. I'll try to keep this thread updated as well as the site at Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Got questions? Ask away.
--------
It seems like the 2013 event was only yesterday -- truly an excellent weekend. It seems (to me) to just get better every time we get together, with 2013 being the best event to date. I think the reason for this is that so many of you now realize that it truly is our event, and that only through your inputs and cooperation can we continue to improve and grow.
We wanted to let people know the date as far in advance as possible to help with planning. Thanks to Mazda's awesome support we were able to secure April 5th and 6th 2014. While not quite as late in the year as we would have preferred, it's still an excellent date in many respects, not the least of which is that there's no conflict with the Big Sur Marathon (as in 2013) which caused hotel costs to skyrocket.
The first wave of information is below. Please check the website and the Facebook page regularly for updates, as that's where we'll be posting all new information instead of me bombarding you with long emails like this one. :-)
I'll be sending out another email on that day with more updates, but there are a couple of very important points I want to emphasize:
Track info
We are running essentially the same rules and setup as in previous years as far as run groups and instruction, with exceptions as noted.
As last year, please make sure to sign up for the run group that honestly suits your driving level. Our first priority is to run a safe event, so If we find you have put yourself into the wrong group for your abilities you will be switched to a more appropriate group.
If after signing up you find that sadly you won't be able to join us, we'll be instituting the same refund policy as last year
6 weeks or more prior to event, 100% refund
2 to 6 weeks out, 50% refund
Less than 2 weeks out, no refund. However in any of these situations you can sell your spot to someone who qualifies for your run group).
D (Novice) group will have mandatory instruction until you can demonstrate to your instructor you are capable of going solo. Both C and D group will be required to go to download sessions after every time on track. (This will be monitored and you won't be allowed back on track if you skip the download). This is for everyone's safety and improved learning, and worked extremely well last year.
Sponsors and Vendors
This is the one time every year that Miata enthusiasts can stroll around Vendor alley and look at all the great cars, the gorgeous toys, and ask questions of all the top Miata tuners and providers. We'd like to welcome back these fantastic event sponsors for another year:
Flyin Miata
Moss Miata
Good-Win Racing
949 Racing
P R Motorsports
And while the vendor lineup hasn't yet been finalized, we'll most likely see Clearwater Speakers, Trackspeed Engineering, Blackbird Fabworx and Fat Cat Motorsports again.
Event hotel
While the 2013 hotel was quite good, many of you expressed a preference to return to Embassy Suites -- we listened and we got it! Parking is far easier there (especially for those with trailers and assorted rigs), it's easier to get to and generally more convenient, plus the property has just gone through a extensive renovation of the rooms and facilities. There's lots of good news here:
Room rates: We were able to negotiate almost the same group rate as two years ago, at $169 per night. To get this price you'll need to make sure to tell the reservationist you're with "Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014". This is a significant discount from their regular rates, and also includes free breakfast and happy hour -- not to mention is for a suite and not just a room (great for sharing and saving $$). We will have a dedicated web link you can click on from the Miatas at Mazda Raceway website (Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) next week when signups open. The deadline for making the reservation to get this group rate is March 5th, so please don't wait until the last minute to book your room or you may not get the negotiated rate.
Hotel Parking charges: As we learned from the experience with the 2013 event hotel, virtually all decent hotels in this area are now charging for parking. However the good news is that Miatas at Mazda Raceway will be paying the parking fees for everyone staying at the hotel. The even better news is that we will once again have our own dedicated parking area as in previous years.
The Friday evening BBQ is back!! Thanks to that special group of hard working (crazy hard working!) folks we'll once again be enjoying that awesome Friday BBQ in the parking lot while people take advantage of early event check-in. Please stay tuned to the website and Facebook for more info.
The Banquet will also be back at this hotel again this year. We are limiting it to the first 250 people to sign up. It's the 25th Anniversary, so 25 tables of 10…..get it? (Those who know me by now know I'm a bit of a nerd…..). We're once again working on some interesting guest speakers and surprises for the Banquet.
Free Wi-Fi: Normally an extra charge at this hotel -- we got them to bundle that in for free for our group.
More International every year
We've been so fortunate to draw fellow enthusiasts not only from all over the US and Canada -- but also some pretty far away places as well. Steve and Majella have travelled from Newfoundland a couple of times, as well as Claudio and Ana all the way from Brazil two years in a row, and Dennis from New Zealand last year. For this special 25th Anniversary event we'll now be welcoming "Miata family" from Japan and the Philippines!! Very much looking forward to seeing all of our old friends and to meeting new ones this next time around.
Starting the countdown to Miatas at Mazda Raceway 2014 25th Anniversary event! See you all soon.
Rick and the Miatas at Mazda Raceway team
Last edited by Keith@FM; 12-11-2013 at 06:43 PM.
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12-10-2013, 12:12 PM
#3
Elite Member
iTrader: (37)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Very NorCal
Posts: 10,441
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I got stupid busy at work and forgot about registration until 24 hours after it closed last year, such a bummer! Subbing to this thread for inbox reminder spam 
Note: I'm probably the most local person on the forum to MRLS, its literally 12 miles from my doorstep to the paddock.
If you break at MRLS, please don't hesitate to PM me.
I've got a ton of extra parts and **** in my garage, plus tools. I also have connections with locals who may have more parts if things get really bad. Offer is out there for MT members, as long as I'm in town I'm willing to help.
No, you can't sleep on my couch.
Note: I'm probably the most local person on the forum to MRLS, its literally 12 miles from my doorstep to the paddock.
If you break at MRLS, please don't hesitate to PM me.
I've got a ton of extra parts and **** in my garage, plus tools. I also have connections with locals who may have more parts if things get really bad. Offer is out there for MT members, as long as I'm in town I'm willing to help.
No, you can't sleep on my couch.
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12-10-2013, 04:38 PM
#4
Supporting Vendor
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 7,947
Total Cats: 1,002
Damn.
Goal: have a Miata by this time so I can go. Had a Turbo miata during it last year but my bro's and my mother-in-law's college graduation conflicted with the dates and couldn't bail.
Cool story right?
AWESOME!
Goal: have a Miata by this time so I can go. Had a Turbo miata during it last year but my bro's and my mother-in-law's college graduation conflicted with the dates and couldn't bail.
Cool story right?
AWESOME!
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12-11-2013, 06:41 PM
#5
VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE!
The dates have been changed to September 6/7. I'll edit the original post as well.
Why? Because Mazda said, and I quote, It will really be worth your while. They are making a big deal out of this to celebrate the Miata's 25th anniversary. There's a world record in the planning as well as a number of other significant events. We can't say what they all are, but you don't want to miss this. It will be worth your while.
As a bonus, September is historically almost completely dry!
All details other than the date and the schedule of the events outside the track sessions should remain the same. I'll keep everyone informed as to any further changes and when registration will open.
It goes without saying that I'll be there, of course!
The dates have been changed to September 6/7. I'll edit the original post as well.
Why? Because Mazda said, and I quote, It will really be worth your while. They are making a big deal out of this to celebrate the Miata's 25th anniversary. There's a world record in the planning as well as a number of other significant events. We can't say what they all are, but you don't want to miss this. It will be worth your while.
As a bonus, September is historically almost completely dry!
All details other than the date and the schedule of the events outside the track sessions should remain the same. I'll keep everyone informed as to any further changes and when registration will open.
It goes without saying that I'll be there, of course!
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12-11-2013, 09:38 PM
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Taos, New mexico
Posts: 6,597
Total Cats: 558
Sweet baby jesus, i want to go to this. So far away. I think it would be the ultimate test for my turbo miata to make the 1,200 mile trek there, turn laps all day, then drive home
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12-12-2013, 12:32 PM
#10
The official email from Rick:
--------------------
I'm pretty certain this isn't the email any of you were expecting. I know the information I got today wasn't what I was expecting.
This morning I got a phone call from Jeremy at Mazda, and we had a conversation that changed everything about this upcoming 25th Anniversary event.
The conversation started with the offer to change our event date from April 5th and 6th to September 6th and 7th. This was wonderful news in itself due to the significantly improved weather and reduced chance of rain. But the words "we're really going to make this worth your while" really caught my attention. Are you ready?
Mazda wants to help us set a new world record for the largest gathering of Miatas ever. Guinness Book of World Records stuff.
What that means is that we (obviously) won't be opening registration until a little later in the year. And we have some work to do.
Where do we go from here?
We have the longest pre-plannig opportunity, for the best date we've ever had
We have Mazda fully behind us to help make history!
We have their word this is really going to be worth our while…….so expect something extra special even beyond the world record.
What can you do?
Spread the word! Keep some info with you and pass it on to every other Miata owner you see.
Miatas at MRLS has had an amazing and steady growth since our first event 5 years ago thanks to you -- based entirely on us working together as a grassroots effort.
This is our chance to make some real history together and share an experience we'll all remember the rest of our lives.
Please stay tuned.
Best to all,
Rick
--------------------
I'm pretty certain this isn't the email any of you were expecting. I know the information I got today wasn't what I was expecting.
This morning I got a phone call from Jeremy at Mazda, and we had a conversation that changed everything about this upcoming 25th Anniversary event.
The conversation started with the offer to change our event date from April 5th and 6th to September 6th and 7th. This was wonderful news in itself due to the significantly improved weather and reduced chance of rain. But the words "we're really going to make this worth your while" really caught my attention. Are you ready?
Mazda wants to help us set a new world record for the largest gathering of Miatas ever. Guinness Book of World Records stuff.
What that means is that we (obviously) won't be opening registration until a little later in the year. And we have some work to do.
Where do we go from here?
We have the longest pre-plannig opportunity, for the best date we've ever had
We have Mazda fully behind us to help make history!
We have their word this is really going to be worth our while…….so expect something extra special even beyond the world record.
What can you do?
Spread the word! Keep some info with you and pass it on to every other Miata owner you see.
Miatas at MRLS has had an amazing and steady growth since our first event 5 years ago thanks to you -- based entirely on us working together as a grassroots effort.
This is our chance to make some real history together and share an experience we'll all remember the rest of our lives.
Please stay tuned.
Best to all,
Rick
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Emilio, bring some sticky wheels and rubber for the ND.
12-13-2013, 10:54 AM
#15
Unless the Mazda events suck up a whole bunch of real estate, you are welcome to set up your own corral area. You could even rent a garage on behalf of MT.net, assuming there are some available to rent. Sponsors and vendors get first dibs, and Mazda may want some.
The instructors are paid dedicated instructors, it's not an "instruct some, drive some" setup. We did that originally and found that the students weren't getting enough attention.
CR.net has had some extensive picture threads in the past, and there's the video from last year as well.
The instructors are paid dedicated instructors, it's not an "instruct some, drive some" setup. We did that originally and found that the students weren't getting enough attention.
CR.net has had some extensive picture threads in the past, and there's the video from last year as well.
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12-13-2013, 12:19 PM
#17
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Very NorCal
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The instructors are paid? I thought they were volunteers, seeing as I got what felt like volunteer grade instruction 2 years ago. I guess I shouldn't complain as I don't remember paying for it.
I think last year was the first one I missed, but before that there was always room. Just get some bros together early to "Claim this land for Spain" and you should be set.
Keith: You seem to have a solid "in" on the event, is there any way the organizers could set up some sort of general organizational system in the paddock? Closer to the garages everything was in nice rows but the closer you got to the paddock gate, the more it turned into the wild wild west. I watched some *** in a minivan drive over 2 peoples track-bags and just roll out. Unless you were heading for the area near the garages, the left hand turn into the paddock after the track exit was a friggin' mess. That may have had something to do with the CR contingent taking up space next to the wall, but it was still a huge pain and there was no traffic control. Ask them if its possible for them to get something set up like the Cherries Jubilee guys do. PLENTY of space in that configuration.
I think last year was the first one I missed, but before that there was always room. Just get some bros together early to "Claim this land for Spain" and you should be set.
Keith: You seem to have a solid "in" on the event, is there any way the organizers could set up some sort of general organizational system in the paddock? Closer to the garages everything was in nice rows but the closer you got to the paddock gate, the more it turned into the wild wild west. I watched some *** in a minivan drive over 2 peoples track-bags and just roll out. Unless you were heading for the area near the garages, the left hand turn into the paddock after the track exit was a friggin' mess. That may have had something to do with the CR contingent taking up space next to the wall, but it was still a huge pain and there was no traffic control. Ask them if its possible for them to get something set up like the Cherries Jubilee guys do. PLENTY of space in that configuration.
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12-13-2013, 01:00 PM
#20
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Very NorCal
Posts: 10,441
Total Cats: 1,899
If you guys want to camp, get a crew together and reserve some sites. Monterey County Parks Department controls the reservations for site rentals for "outside groups" that rent out the racetrack.
Camping - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
The "Grand Prix" section A is the "cheap seats" with no RV hookups so perfect for tent camping. "Chaparral" B and "CanAM" C tend to get more expensive because of the hookups. I believe any of them can be reserved ahead of time by calling the number in the link above. A little bit of organization could result in one hell of a party.
Edit: There is also camping up on the hill outside the track above 9-12 but I'm not familiar with the facilities on that side.
Camping - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
The "Grand Prix" section A is the "cheap seats" with no RV hookups so perfect for tent camping. "Chaparral" B and "CanAM" C tend to get more expensive because of the hookups. I believe any of them can be reserved ahead of time by calling the number in the link above. A little bit of organization could result in one hell of a party.
Edit: There is also camping up on the hill outside the track above 9-12 but I'm not familiar with the facilities on that side.
Last edited by EO2K; 12-13-2013 at 01:20 PM.
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