cueball1

iTrader: (13)

OK, 1st track day boosted was with Porsche club. Intermediate group had new Lambo, 2 GT3's, a well modded M3, Cayman S and a bunch of other fast cars. I was mid pack at best.

BMW day. Intermediate group. 1/2 dozen E46 M3's, Couple of earlier M3's, M Roadster, an Ultralight 7, couple of M5's, an audi s4, etc.

My driving improved a little vs. the 1st day. Against this field My little Miata was far and away the fastest car on the track. Without a talented driver or serious mods the M3's didn't stand a chance. It was fun having people come up after each session "what the hell, Miata's aren't that fast!"

What a difference too in what different clubs consider advanced vs. intermediate drivers. I've gotta remember to ask more questions before deciding which groups I sign up for.

Should have run in the Advanced group. I was impressed at how easily our turbo Miata's can eat up the track. No I can't compete with the Z06's, GT3's and the like, but it sure as heck will hang with or beat just about everything else. Not bad for a 10k car. (purchase price + mods)

Oh, yeah. The Carbotech XP8's I installed are great. No problems at the track and they stop well cold on the street.

Machismo

iTrader: (1)

That's awesome.....
Have two track days coming up next month and in October. Been lazy with this heat and all.
I ain't first, but I damn sure ain't last.
Can't wait for the MS and the boosty.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

Your worried about heat with all those holes in the car???? I'd be more worried about parts blowing off!

The guy in the S2000 powered Lotus 7 replica and the M Roadster guy were the most suprised by my car. I'm thinking not too many will be suprised by yours. Mines a little more subtle!

Stein

iTrader: (46)

The epitome of a perfect Locost right there! Mine was getting a turbo Miata, but that would take the cake. Sold the project in March, but may have to start building another unless I get the Berkeley project from the guy here at work.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

His was pro built. Not sure what company. There were a few different names on it and I can't remember them all. His was not a "locost". Everything was new. All parts were dedicated. Wasn't built from a donor car. He trailered it there. It had r-comp tires. I don't car how little or much experience that guy had, he should be completely embarrased that I owned him all day. S2000 motor FTL.

Turbo Miata based locost would be fun to build. Find a cheap 1.6 greddy car and take 1000+ lbs out of it.

Have to say it was really nice getting my "props" at a BMW day. Even the couple of Z06 guys were impressed, they were running in the Advanced group but were checking me out when I was running. I was parked next to them, really good older guys, probably in their late 60's early 70's. Talked a bunch about how my car and their cars are great bang for the buck on the track. 3K miata. 20K Z06's. (another 6k in mods for mine, another 10-15k in mods on thiers) They were showing the GT3's their ***, I was showing the M3's.

JasonC SBB

You can ask to be bumped up if you're a better fit there.

LOL about different groups. I'm usually squarely in the mid pack of the middle group. At Speedventures, I was quite a bit further back.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

I was a walk in. They had space available and let me in. I wasn't going to get too demanding. Once or twice I pulled off to find some open space and get out of traffic.

It was fun owning the track in my group and getting some attention. Not often you get much respect when you drive a Miata. I enjoyed a little ego stroking. Next time I would absolutely ask to be bumped up.

Machismo

iTrader: (1)

You know you are hardcore when stuff falls your car, and you only care about how much weight you just lost.
Been in the triple digits for days on end here....hate running when it's that hot. Tracking is ok, but grid and pits suck the life out of ya.
Starting to cool off though, WOOT!

96rdstr

iTrader: (4)

Sebring is coming up for me on 9/7. I cant wait. It will be my 1st track day evah. I will have an instructor with me, but I really dont care. I am looking forward to gaining some experience and driving at rates of speed that are higher than the legal limits.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

Your driving seasons in TX are opposite mine. We're too wet in the winter, you are too hot in the summer. You'd think the tracks down there would put in some nice air conditioned lounges for the drivers! Suggest that next time you are there! LOL

96rdstr, you are going to love it! It'll make you a better driver everywhere. Track days are what these cars are made for. Just make sure you have brake pads that can take it. Twenty minutes of full throttle, full brake, full cornering g's is a kick in the butt as long as nothing fails.

I've got maybe 8 or 9 track days in now in a variety of cars. I asked for an instructor for my 1st two sessions on Monday. I usually ask for one every other track day even if it's just for a session or two. Keeps me from learning bad habits and I always learn something new. If I ever get to where I don't work 7 days a week and have some comfortable cash, I'd really like to run spec Miata or some similar affordable and reliable class.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

gotta have real ***** to drive spec miata....

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

I get to visit mine every now and then. If I were racing she might let me borrow them for a weekend!

Nothing wrong with running back of the pack and having the lofty goals of finishing mid pack some day. It's a little easier to find the intestinal fortitude to push flat out when you have a purpose built car with a full cage, seats, harness, fire suppression, etc. vs my daily driver with a street bar.