Just got the RX-8. Just joined the board. So, sorry if this topic has been posted - I did a search and couldn't find anything difinitive.

I spent a day at Road Atlanta last fall with a friend and his Porsche. No pros, just a bunch of guys with Porsches and helmets having a blast on an awesome road course. I've got to do this! With all the Miatas out there, surely there's a Mazda Track Day... right?

Anyone else interested in taking their 8 to the track?

Anyone looked into Road Atlanta for a "club event"?

Thanks.
- Mark

I'd love to come play.......

I live right behind it. I can walk to the track through the woods, and come out right at the big hairpin turn in the back.

I'd be interested.

Interested depending on the date.

Any clue on who to contact? My initial thought was to get in touch with an Atlanta Mazda Club - the Miata guys. Anyone know of such a club?

I was there when the dude slammed his Lambo into the wall...

very nice track ...used to take my 300Z out there...you can call the office and they can tell you..it's been a while since i've put a car on that track so things may have changed...

id come up for an RA track day

Count me in.

Count me in.

have you found anything out?

my mother lives in Atlanta so that gives me an excuse to go visit without the wife

I am easy, someone say when and I am there. Runnin the 8 without worrying about going off a cliff....excellent! ;)

There is a track day on Oct 9. I sent an email to the panoz racing school to ask if a car club could get a deal on signing up. Also, since I have never done one before I asked if I had to run in Group C which is a lead-follow session. Group B isn't. I'll let you know what they say. If anyone else has info please post here.

Folks - here is the reply I got from a rep at the Panoz school at Road Atlanta...

"Nabil,
First of all I am glad to hear that you are interested in our Track Days. It is one of the best ways to get some track time in your own car. It sounds like with your experience you would still start in our C group. As for car clubs, they are very welcome to participate in our event. We have had that happen on many occassions. If you can get 6 or more people, all will receive a 10% discount. To be eligible for this discount, we would need to receive all enrollment forms together. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me."

From this post you learn that I have to do the lead follow sessions because my lack of experience in a real car on the track. I probably should not have mentioned my extensive experience racing a computer simulation around the track. Somehow that probably worked against me.

The cost for the event is $225 for Sat, $325 for Sun, or $500 for both days. If we get the discount we get to save 10% off those rates. Personally I am inclined to just do Saturday. I don't know how we can organize this but I figured I could at least get the info flowing and see where it goes from here.

Nabil

How and where do we sign up?

Let's see how many people say they want to do this. We can then decide how to collect all our registrations and send them in together. Who else wants in? In the meantime you can go to http://www.panozracingschool.com/TrackDays.asp for additional info.

You can count me in if it will be on 9 Oct. Will be watching for updates.

Pam

This could be fun...

Allright all you SE RX8 drivers. We need to get going on getting registrations together for the track day. First of all, go to http://www.panozracingschool.com/TrackDays.asp to read about the details of a track day and to see what group you qualify to run in. I will be in group C since I have never done a track day before (but plan on many more). The registration form can be linked to from that site.

Reply in this thread if you are a definate participant. We will need to gather our enrollments and send them in one batch to Road Atlanta to get our 10% discount. So far we have my RX8. Any car car run. My friend has a wild SC Integra and he will be running it too. So, tell your friends and lets go have some fun. Lemme know...

Hello...
I have a Black RX8 (3 weeks old now) and am in Roswell/Alpharetta. I have never done a track day and think it would be interesting. However, I also have the chance to go to an Evo school and do some autocrossing for about the same price.

Which would you do? Are they going to cover the same principles? I am just starting out and want to learn the right ways to do the right things... I will probably do some autocrossing next year.

Also, after this event, what other other opportunities exist for getting out on Road Atlanta again? Are there cheaper options or organized competitions like autocross events?

Thanks,
-T

Hi Splan - I was surfing around for other track options. Personally I am interested in Road Atlanta since I have been there for many races and would love the opportunity to drive around that track. Besides, the next time I go (after the first) I can run in group B and really find out how the RX8 behaves. But, other track possibilities are Barber (outside Birmingham), the Taladega road course (I think it is called Little Taladega), and Roebling Road near Savannah. The Barber website lists some track events in a similar price as Road Atlanta but the next one is November. I can't wait that long but it sounds pretty awesome. Sounds like there is more instruction there and the opportunity to drive without lead/follow. I plan on calling Roebling Road and finding out what the cost of renting the place out would be so it may be an option for a track event in the Spring.
I don't know how to answer your question though between doing one versus the other. You gotta weigh your options and decide that one for yourself. Last I looked, there are SCCA autocross events held monthly in downtown in one of the parking lots of the Ted.

yeh, SCCA holds those events all the time at Turner Field...quite a sit to go see and participate in...

If i were you..i'd do the track in YOUR car...sure an EVO would be fun, but you already bought an 8..why not see what it can do?

I'm in if we can get enough folks to go. I did a Road Atlanta event a few years ago in my old BMW. What a blast!

For the guy with the Evo/RX-8 decision to make.... come to Road Atlanta. There is NO comparison between track time and autocross.

I'm in. Any ideas where to get a helmut? I'd rather borrow one than buy one... I hear they're kind of pricey.

They rent them at Road Atlanta.

I'm in. Love to make it.

:confused: I am going to do both the Track day and the EVO school... So count me in. What do I need to do next?

Also, the Panoz site mentions that a passenger can ride. I have a friend who would love to do that, would he be required to pay something if he is just a passenger?

-Splan8

Hi y'all - thanks for responding to my private messages...

The Road Atlanta Track Day is on!! Here is who I have heard from...

Splan8
Pam
Legokcen
800Degrees

The procedure will be to download the pdf registration form from Road Atlanta's website, fill it in and include payment. Mail that form to me. I'll send you my mailing address privately since I don't want to post it in a public forum. With me and another friend we have the minimum of 6 needed to get the 10% discount. I will wait until the end of the day on Monday to finalize the list in case anyone else wants to join us.

So, thanks to the above folks for making this happen. I'll get in touch with you all sometime Monday or Tuesday to finalize arrangements.

Nabil

I'll let you know by Monday ... I may want to go also. I just did a Track Day at Roebling last week, but I'll be itching for another one soon.

Thanks for gathering the info!

guys this is run what ya brung ,right? Does everyone interested in doing this have stock 8's with stock tires etc.. i live in macon and it's not that far.
olddragger

i've got a few buddies that would love to go, but they aren't Mazda guys. One is a WRX, RSX Type S, and the other is a CL Type-S. I'll invite them too. Buddies from work, so I have to wait until Tuesday to let them know about it. The more the merrier.

I'm about 3-hours away. Any suggestions for a place to stay the night the day before?

thanks,

Levent

guys this is run what ya brung ,right? Does everyone interested in doing this have stock 8's with stock tires etc.. i live in macon and it's not that far.
olddragger


Mine is a stock 8, and I'll be running the Dunlops it came with.

I called Jeremy @ Panoz and got some answers to a few questions:

Q: I want to pay be CC but send it in directly to Panoz so I am not passing my CC# around. Can I still get counted as the group and everyone get a 10% discount?
A: Yes, just write at the top of the form "RX8Club.com group" when you fax it.

Q: Can I have a passenger and is there a good spectators area open that day?
A: You can have a passenger ride at no cost except for helmet rental. Passengers must sign waivers. There will be spectators areas avalable.

Q: Are street tires OK?
A: Yes, they are perfectly fine for the track as long as they are in good condition.

Q: how much track time in class C?
A: 4 30 minute track sessions and class sessions in between.

Other tidbits:
Windows must be down
rain or shine driving
helmets are a $20 rental
After each lap in c class, the first person will pull to the side and wait for all to pass and then take up the rear.




Thanks, Nabil. I was going to send it to you as requested, but am instead faxing mine today and have (edit)1 more guy at work doing the same(/edit). Will still get the discount with no problems per Panoz.

-Splan8

Hi Splan - thanks for the updated post. I understand the credit card issue.
Legokcen - unless I hear otherwise, I will wait to mail mine off until I get yours in the mail. I assume it will be at my address by tomorrow so I can get them off Friday.

Nabil

Alright, Thanks for the post.

I've got a couple interested here from work. RSX type S and Corvette. I'll have them send it to you too.

If you are going to the Track Day and have not sent me your completed form, just follow Splan8's instructions and fax the form to Panoz directly. The fax number is on the form. I have not received Legokcen's yet but sounds like I will get it tomorrow. Peace...

Nabil

It's in the mail. Sorry it is taking a while to get there. I put it in yesterday.

It's no problem dude :) When I get yours I will mail the ones I have. As of now we have 3 RX8 confirmed (mine, Leg's, and Splan). We also have 2 of my friends coming. One has a 350Z and another has a pimped out Integra. Gonna be a blast! I hope we get the other folks who expressed interest on this post to come too. I would like to meet everyone...

Nabil

ok guys,
I'm in! (even the wife said I could! hmmm!?) Im coming from Macon. Red 6 speed 8 bought this past december. So thats 4 rx 8's now. This will be good.
Questions:
Anyone taking pictures?
I wonder if my bifocals will hurt my driving?
How does lead/follow work?
What speeds do you think we will be running?
I guess they will have compressed air as we probaly need to bump up the usual tire pressure a little.
It's been a long time since I've been on a track. I'll get signed up in the am as it's around 11pm now.
olddragger

I'll probably have some digital pictures shot and my buddy will be carrying a video camera.

Lead follow seems to work in the single file, find the raceline, way. Mama ducks, baby ducks. No passing, not sure how fast we get but they said it does get faster each session... At the end of each run, the leader pulls over and then takes up the last position.

I am expecting around 75 mph to maybe 85 mph+ in the straights to start. Maybe faster by the end of the day?

No idea about your glasses, probably fine though. There may be an area of the forms to fill out that discuss this (You will get these in the mail apparently).

-T

splan 8
thanks for the info. sounds real good. I was just joking about the glasses! Guess its my way of saying I'll probaly be the oldest driver.(not that it matters.)
Oct 9 is to far away!
olddragger

with age comes wisdom.......I may have you beat on age.....I should know from a client tomorrow if I will be at his place or not on that date. I'm hoping not........ :D

phlash,
hopefully with age comes wisdom! Sometimes it is advantaous to remain delusional. Anyway I'm 55 yrs old.
Well got an aswer to one of my questions today. I called Panoz and spoke some with Jerry(?) and it seems the longest straight section of the track is approx 3/4 of a mile long--down hill, with a sharp turn at the bottom. So I'm thinking we will be able to get well over 100.
olddragger

Olddragger...

okay, you win....got me by a few years....

this should be a hoot!

Nabil,

I'm in, I'm in!!!! Client canceled appt I had for that weekend. WooHoo!! I will send payment to the Panoz direct per the instructions. Can't wait to see you folks there! Later!

Payment sent! c-ya there!

great phlash! I do plan on taking it easy at first. Its been a while. Can anyone provide a list of confirmed people going?
olddragger

Nabil may know of many more, but so far from this forum......

You, me, Nabil, Leg's, and Splan........

I'm coming down the night before to stay in Atlanta, then head out from there in the am.

Cool. I'll be drivng up from Macon (about 125 miles or so) the morning of. Seems like our cars are almost alike. I have the vr touring and you have the grand touring? I do have the rb catback and one other thing(not telling). Maybe someone could act as a moderator and coordinate all of us in meeting before the track day? Nabil?
olddragger

Pam sent me her form and check so she will be coming as well.

Folks - if you are attending the Track Day at Road Atlanta on October 9th, Charlie at Mazcare invited us to his shop on Friday evening. He said he will get the cars up on the rack and give them a general look-over. Don't expect he will want to be doing any free repairs or modifications but if you want to make sure your car is ready for the track this is a great offer to take advantage of. His phone number is 770-859-9643. If you have questions you can call him directly. I think he wants to do this after hours (like 6-ish). Let me know if you would be interested. Mazcare is a top notch operation and they have treated me well and done excellent work for me in the past on my wife's MPV.

Well guys, I was gonna be right there with you in another 8, but I just read that I have to be 18 years old, so I guess im out. I live south of atlanta, only about 45 mins away. Too bad, I was really getting excited for a little while there, but I will just have to wait another 2 years to drive there, or hit up the teen program (which probably isnt too much fun figuring they dont really allow you to push the car to the limits except on the skid pads and stuff). A friend of mine rents out Little Taladega sometimes, so maybe I can drive up there with him for free soon. Its tons of fun and safe for the me and the car.

Hey, it's a Sticky!

Funny how the guy that started the thread didn't signup with us. Speaking of which, I haven't seen my payment processed yet. I'll call tomorrow to verify. You should all check your bank or CC statements too if the checks have had time to clear.

Also, is there an address for Mazcare? Are they a dealership or are they more like R-Speed?


Oh, sure would be nice to have a shirt or something to remember my first track day with. Any RX8Club.com shirts with "Road Atlanta Track day 10-9-2004" on the back???

-Splan8

Oh, sure would be nice to have a shirt or something to remember my first track day with. Any RX8Club.com shirts with "Road Atlanta Track day 10-9-2004" on the back???

-Splan8If you could get a reasonable about amount of people interested 20-40 (shirts) then I’ll gladly make your guys some, T's would be about $10-12 cheaper then Polo's and you can propose any design ideas you would like in here.

ill go if iceman goes

ill go if iceman goes

Just FYI,.....I called last week to make sure that group "c" (never been on that track group) still had an opening before I sent my app in. I was told by Mark(?) there was only four spots open. I guess I got one of those, and Pam may have taken another....... :cool:

I'll be driving up the night before too. I'll try to make it to Mazcare. I'd like to chat with him about my 84 GSL too. It has some carb problems.

Curious......what do our ride alongs get to do when we are not on the track? Do they get to come to the class sessions as well? My brother is thinking about tagging along and asked.....

I am trying to make dinner reservations for the forum members going as I type........I'll keep you posted....

well crap....my dinner "contact" will be out that weekend...that fell through...I'm open to something say after Mazcare(assuming I can get my crap together and find this place)???? Gordon Biersch? Taco Mac? Hoots? The Varsity (good colon cleansing anyone???)....I'm open...I'll be staying in the Vinnings area for the night.

http://www.miata.net/sport/RoadAtl/

Nice little article with some videos....what to expect.....

Ride alongs have to wait outside while we are in class. I am also bringing someone and my wife wil be watching from the cheap seats.

My buddy is going to attempt to hold the video camera.


-Splan8

oh boy oh boy oh boy! Getting excited! Got my pack age from Panoz today. Whats this about a pre inspection? Doesn't look like much. I hope I don't make a fool out of myself. Whoops, too late my wife just said I was certified last year! For you guys that want higher air pressure in your tires they don't have compressed air at the track. Phlash , thxs for the article. That was good.
olddragger

Funny how the guy that started the thread didn't signup with us.

Okay, okay... I've signed up, faxed my enrollment with payment, got a helmet (even matches my car!).

I wasn't sure I would be able to attend - thought I had a conflict.

But I'm in!

This is looking better every day. Thanks to all the active posters on this thread. I look forward to meeting everyone. Who is going to Mazcare on Friday?

Nabil,
Where is Mazcare and is this the pre inspection thingie that is mentioned in the track pack?
Guys remember to take your floor mats out. open window and high speeds could make them jump a little. you dont want that.
What mods are people running? Any?
800 degrees welcome aboard! That 5 confirmed 8's if I am not mistaken and now with 800 degrees coming 3 of them are red.
I know Nabil lives close to the track and Phlash is going to stay in the vinnings area. WHat about everyone else? If everyone could stay at the same place I may come up Friday after work instead of driving the 100 miles that morning.
olddragger

Here is Mazcare's website. I am sure you can do a mapquest or similar with driving directions. http://www.mazcare.com/
To answer your question olddragger, this is not the tech inspection site for Road Atlanta. It was just Charlie at Mazcare being hospitable to fellow rotary folks. I am going to take him up on his offer and have him give my a car a look so nothing comes loose on the track at speed. It seems like a pretty good safety precaution.
Someone mentioned dinner in an earlier post... There is a Taco Mac nearby. I'd be game for some wings or something.

I'm in Atlanta - could be up for dinner Friday. Good call on the floor mats, etc. I guess I should get the California Car Duster, leather wipes, etc. out of the trunk too ;)

Any thoughts on how we can get out pictures taken while on the track? I'm torn between bringing my big 35mm SLR, camcorder, etc.... and not - where will I stash it while on the track? That's it! I need a pit crew!

I am very excited as well and glad to see you are coming with us, 800Degrees!

As for road speed, it's a good idea to get on the highway, go 70 or so with the windows downand see what that sounds like. I found that opening the BACK windows produces a much better audio experience for me in my sitting position, and much less wind noise as well. Should be no problem for Panoz as convertibles are allowed on track.

I would love to come down to MAZcare as well. Maybe hangout for abit someplace.

*** Also, Just another reminder to check that your payment has processed and your seat is reserved. I had a fax confirmation, but payment never went through and they did not have my name listed. (that's all fixed now)***

WooHoo!!! Welcome 800degrees!

Is the Mazcare something he is doing after hours? If so, for how long? Their website states they are only open until 6:00.

There are half a dozen Taco Macs in Town. I think the newest is in Mableton. Is the (partial) plan to meet at Mazcare and then go from there??

**Side note....I've done 120 with windows open and could carry on a conversation (just one of the nice "little" things about this car). It's not bad...however never thought about my mats just coming up and flying out......

[QUOTE=That 5 confirmed 8's if I am not mistaken and now with 800 degrees coming 3 of them are red. [/QUOTE]

Hey we Reds should stick together - that way if we trade paint, it won't show up :D

The Mazcare thing would start at about 6 (after their normal business hours). I figure we wouldn't be there that long. FYI - they are also a Racing Beat dealer but don't carry inventory on hand.

um.....

splan
lego
phlash
olddragger
pam
800
nabil......

That makes seven.......at least with the math I'm using........:)

um.....

splan
lego
phlash
olddragger
pam
800
nabil......

That makes seven.......at least with the math I'm using........:)


So, is everyone in "C" class? I am.

me too....we all should have stayed through Sunday so that we could have graduated to group "B" and run the track all day again.....

Quote:"Hey we Reds should stick together - that way if we trade paint, it won't show up"
I hope that doesn't happen.....but hell, I guess paint is better than the wall.......:)

I am glad to be corrected with the count being 7 rx8's! Good idea about the back windows being open. Swapping paint? Walls? Ok better not let my wife see this entry!
Also guys if I remember correctly I read on another thread that the 8 has some gas tank issues. Keep your tank over 3/8's level or you could have some gas pick up problems during hard turns/switchbacks etc.
Looks like most people are from the Atlanta area? Guess I'll be riding up that morning. Anyone interested in trying out a cz 1.1 unit on there car? Only takes about 30 mins to put it on and it can be done between times on the track. You just have to have the M flash for the unit to work well. I also have the RB catback. Love it. I wish I could get a Voodoo shift knob before the track day but I'm having trouble finding one.
take care all
olddragger

me too....we all should have stayed through Sunday so that we could have graduated to group "B" and run the track all day again.....

Quote:"Hey we Reds should stick together - that way if we trade paint, it won't show up"
I hope that doesn't happen.....but hell, I guess paint is better than the wall.......:)

You got it! I'm definetely not looking to "win", "get noticed by a sponsor", etc... I'm looking to have fun - and leave with my car in the same shape, with the same amount of paint and the same mechanical condition as when I arrive.

But I'll admit, I do want some pictures of me out there pretending to be SpeedRacer... :)

Just FYI,

Their schedule shows another track day in December. Also, it seems you are allowed to bring and race more than one car should you choose.

I am glad to be corrected with the count being 7 rx8's! Good idea about the back windows being open. Swapping paint? Walls? Ok better not let my wife see this entry!
Also guys if I remember correctly I read on another thread that the 8 has some gas tank issues. Keep your tank over 3/8's level or you could have some gas pick up problems during hard turns/switchbacks etc.
Looks like most people are from the Atlanta area? Guess I'll be riding up that morning. Anyone interested in trying out a cz 1.1 unit on there car? Only takes about 30 mins to put it on and it can be done between times on the track. You just have to have the M flash for the unit to work well. I also have the RB catback. Love it. I wish I could get a Voodoo shift knob before the track day but I'm having trouble finding one.
take care all
olddragger


I'd love to try the CZ unit. This is the perfect time to see if it makes a difference.

legokcen,
no problem. I thought it would be a good time also. It does work well on my car. Even the exhaust note changes when its on. I'll bring the small amount of tools needed for the swap. Isn't it 15 days and counting or do I have my math wrong ......again!
olddragger

guys(and Gal's)
Got some pictures today from a friend of differant sections of the track during a race. I didn;t realized how many elavation changes there where. One section is going to take a LOT of braking! It looks like a very fast track also. I wish i could post them but i got them a work and cant forward them to home because of workplace filters.
olddragger

Yeah - tons of elevation changes... it looks like a really wide cart path at a golf course :)

I have watched races there many times and was there this past Saturday for the Petit Le Mans race. The track is fantastic. There are numerous elevation changes, fast corners, and overall it is a fast track. The esses look like they will be a ton of fun in the RX8. I just hope we have a dry day!

Over in the "RX-8 Multimedia/Photo Gallery", I posted a question on mounting a camcorder in an RX-8. I got a few ideas, but in the end, came up with my own design. If you're interested at all in putting a camera in the car (for the Track Day), I'll post pics.

By the way, the total cost was $8.00, it bolts to a steel portion of the body, requires no drilling, requires no removal of parts and is invisible when not in use...

100000% interested. Please share! I am planning on taping anyway...

I am a nerd of many flavors and video editing is one. Not to mention learning from your mistakes after each run.

It worked. I ended up drilling one hole - underside of the backdash. There's a hole there but the "boom" wasn't stable enough.

I drilled one toward the rear, 1.25" from the existing hole...
Dropped two bolts/washers through...
For the "boom", I cut a piece of 1" square aluminum tube (about 12 inches long - will vary with camera)...
Drilled three holes in boom...
Bolted it all up!

Total cost $8.00 and about 1 hour.

That's cool!

I went and checked my trunk, trying to see exactly what you did and then I had a great idea.

The bar that holds the spare tire (if you got that option) is also a great place to do the same thing. May not need any additional holes, either. Gonna play around with that.

Anyway, that's cool. You should write it up and put it in the DIY section of this site.

How much is this going to cost again?

$225

How shaky is the video? Is it pretty stable? Would a couple of rubber grommets dampen out the vibration?

Not shakey at all - none. If I grab the "boom" and shake it, the car moves - not the boom. I tested it for only a mile or so (work got the best of me today). I've got to go about 40 miles tomorrow AM - lots of highway, several onramps, underpasses/merge lanes. Basically a much better test than my .5 mile trip to the cleaners and back.

I'll then remove the camera, play it through the TV and decide what if anything could improve it. But from the little I've see, I'm diggin' it!

Note: my camera isn't digital - so I won't be able to upload any mpegs... I may take some digital shots of the TV to at least provide a sense of what the camera sees.

About the braking....I work with a couple guys who have done Road Atlanta before...they say expect to have to buy new tires much sooner and the way mine look, I'll need them by the end of the month after this!
Pam

Well, I just ordered some Kuhmo's. Hopefully they'll get here before the weekend. If not, I guess I'll definitely be in a position to toss my original dunlops. They already have 13K miles and 4 autocrosses on them.

Well, i have about 11000 on my dunlops, no auto or anything. My question is about air pressure.They do not have compressed air at the track. I know if I put approx 36-38 lbs in mine the car gets a little squirrely. What does everyone think? I am not out to try and set any records or break the sound barrier! The turn I am concerned about is the one at the end of the downhill straight a way.
Also are ya'll going to run with your dsc on or off? 6 days and counting!
olddragger

Well, I just ordered some Kuhmo's. Hopefully they'll get here before the weekend. If not, I guess I'll definitely be in a position to toss my original dunlops. They already have 13K miles and 4 autocrosses on them.


I have heard that Kumho are very noisy tires. Could you give us your opinion on these versus stock noise? Also, It's weird that everyone on this site has Bridgestones except us. We all seem to have the Dunlops.

I have the Bridgestone RE040s and they seem good. I will probably inflate to 32psi cold and see what happens. With the compressor the car has, making an adjustment is easy.

I had a set of Kumho tires on my Maxima and they were a good price for what they were. They did get very noisy but I also ran them until they looked like slicks.

The turn at the bottom of the hill to the front straight looks like it could be hairy but you have to remember we are runnng in a lead-follow session where the pace car will make you stay in a speed you are likely to be able to handle. I plan on trying DSC on and off to get a feel for the car. I have not really cornered hard at speed on the street so I am curious as to what it feels like to have a 4 wheel drift at speed in the RX8. I think the esses would be the perfect place to expereince that :)

Who is going to meet up on Friday at Mazcare?

Nabil,
You are the man! I think you have somewhat of a sleeper track car with your rb springs and bars! thanks for reminding a halfheimers person about our own car air compressor. My bad.
I run 32 psi all the time. Guess we will have to see what works best.
I live in Macon and I can't leave town until approx 6 pm. Its about a 2 hr ride so I'll be in the area a little late for Mazcare. I have asked around and their reputation is excellant. Plus I believe they are a Racing Beat distributor. I could be wrong there.
I think I am going to run with the dsc off. The car seems to respond better all around when it is turned off.
This is ending up as a pretty significant gathering of 8's on a road track. We must provide pictures an info for the forum and prehaps Mazda. Maybe Mazda could get interested in sponsering some track days like BMW and the Subaru guys. Who knows.
5 days.
olddragger

We must provide pictures an info for the forum and prehaps Mazda. Maybe Mazda could get interested in sponsering some track days like BMW and the Subaru guys.
olddragger

I don't know about telling Mazda. I sure wouldn't want them to refuse service based on a misconception that driving on a track is "abuse".

This is looking better every day. Thanks to all the active posters on this thread. I look forward to meeting everyone. Who is going to Mazcare on Friday?


I plan to go to Mazcare on Friday, not sure how soon I can make it there. Will try to get there around 6 ish.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=32349&highlight=burnt+coils

This thread speaks about overheating the coils as a potential problem. It seems to make even more sense to raise your hood between runs and remove the "renesis" engine cover just to be on the safe side.

You may want to add Redline Water Wetter to help keep temps down.http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=32619&highlight=water+wetter

Also, OLDDRAGGER got some other good suggestions in this thread:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=40875

I just saw a video of a Road Atlanta ITC road race that I buddy of mine taped last year while racing. Damn I can't wait to go now.

Turn 1 is a pretty blind right hander with walls. We need to keep a close eye on corner stations. Turn 7 will make you pee your pants if you hit it right. Also, there will be distance markers for each turn at 300, 200, and 100 feet to help us know when to brake. Damn I'm excited! The elevation change going under the bridge is very blind too. Damn, did I tell you I was excited.

His ITC car will take those turns at about 95-105 miles an hour. wow!

I can't wait.... Gosh I'm excited. See you guys at Mazcare! How many people are going to try to video tape it?

Another point my buddy gave me... There is so much black on the track from tire marks that all you have to do is keep at lease 2 tires (hopefully same side) on the dark mark to get the best lines.

Damn I'm excited.

splan 8
thanks for the advice! On the burnt coils issue one thing the thread did not mention was DO NOT LET the cooling fan run after you shut the engine down. It directs hot air directly over the coils and adds to the problem. But like you ponted out in between runs lift the hood and take the engine cover off! We Are lucky the temp of a Ga day has gone down.
Hmmm may have to try and get some of that wetter water stuff. Heck if it doesnt work maybe i can use it with my burbon at home!
Did I mention I'm getting excited too!
Ill be somewhere in the area Friday night finding a room. Any suggestions anyone?
Lets pray it doesnt rain!
olddragger

I need to get a hotel room too. I'll try to find one relatively close to the track.

I'll be at MazCare around 6 also......this is gonna be sweet!!!

OK...
You guys should really check out the autocross events here in ATL. I have been to a couple as a spectator and drove for the first time this weekend. I did OK in novice (near the middle) but my friend drove my rx8 to second place against an s2000 and a WRX STI.

It was incredible fun. There were 3 RX8s out there. loads of Miatas and some RX7s too.

It's only $30 to race. Much cheaper than the track day, but I'm sure not the same class of experience. Still LOADS of fun though.

Hey Splan8 - I'd be interested. I'll talk to you this weekend about it.

What about dinner? We meeting up somewhere?

What about dinner? We meeting up somewhere?

I kinda figured that we would figure that out at MazCare and head out after we finish there.......I'm open.........

Woohoo!!!! Two Days And Counting!!!!!!!!!

Weather looks like it could rain. :(

Weather looks like it could rain. :(

could.....but probably won't.....weather.com claims cloudy conditions at brasleton for Saturday and no rain (as of right now).

Here is an idea for a "cheat sheet". A friend of mine who does this stuff all the time suggested you make a sheet of the turns, direction, evelation change, and track line to follow. Then you tape a small copy of it to the center of the steering wheel and reference just until you become familiar with the track.....so.....please correct as you see fit and please help with any parts I may have left out.

example turn one....it's right, uphill, then stay to the left for entrance into the next turn....

1 right – up – stay left
2 left – down - stay left - brake
3 right – stay right
4 left - stay left - S’s – down - right, left, right – stay right
5 left – up - stay left
6 right - 90 -stay left
7 right – up - 110 - stay left
8 left - stay left
9 right - down - stay right
10 a left - down- stay left, b – right – up - stay left
11 left - stay left
12 right - stay left

C-yall soon! :D

An ICON full face matte black (Snell 2000 approved). As long as I am going to be autocrossing anyway, I might as well save the $20 rental.

Like these but completely matte black. No color.
http://host113.ipowerweb.com/~metricbi/MBSS/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=&xm=on&product=ICOD_P2

ok phlash now im dizzy thinkng about all those directions. Im going to be in the area around 9pm friday night. See yall at the track at 7:15 am! Anyone bringing an ice chest etc. Do we have storage at the track?(to place floor mats etc?) Dibs on the last spot in the line!
olddragger

I'm wondering about storage too - cam corder batteries, camera, drinks, etc...

If my wife (just had surgery) is feeling up to it, we'll have the minivan out there and I'll pull the back seats out before we leave.

Should be plenty of room in/near there, plus she can watch the stuff too as we don't plan on racing the Chrysler Town & Country this time. :)

This is going to be a load of fun! I just read through the info packet. Looks like we need to get our tech inspection complete before we get to the track. I am taking mine with me tomorrow to Mazcare. See some of you there. The rest of you I will see at the track on Saturday. It's gonna be hard to concentrate at work tomorrow...

Looks like NO rain for tomorrow! couple clouds and a bit of sun! Sounds like perfect conditions. Yeah... I'm going to be a bit distracted today as well. However, my company has a policy for Fridays: "... if it's above 60 degrees, and not raining, the office closes at 2:PM." It helps when you write the policies... ;)

that's cool....can I come work in your office????

ok heading out from macon now see you at 715am tomorrow.
olddragger

If you are reading this now, go to sleep!

If you are reading this now, go to sleep!

Busted... i'm going now... really...

Man, I had a wonderful time. In fact, it was better than any autocross I could have gone to.

Here's a couple pix. Send me a PM if you want more.

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/PDR_0004.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/PDR_0059.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/PDR_0060.JPG

I was great meeting all of you. There is another one Dec 11th and 12th!

Let's get another group going.

Levent

Thanks Levent - I love that last shot!

Had a blast. Great to meet you guys!

Man, I had a wonderful time. In fact, it was better than any autocross I could have gone to.

Here's a couple pix. Send me a PM if you want more. Levent

Any track/action pic's? I'm going to try to make the December date...a bit of a haul form the Jacksonville, FL area, but seems well worth the trip!

11th and 12th?? That mean you are shooting for both days???.....:)

I'll add more to this as time allows but in a nutshell.....

WOOOHOOO.........WHAT A BLAST!!

It was great meeting you all! From the start at MazCare through the final wave goodbye to Nabil on 285 after watching the insane motorcycle dude doing a wheelie down the interstate at 70mph.....thank you all. It was a great time.

Charlie at MazCare......THANK YOU soooo much for opening your place after hours to help us get ready and with the help of the camera mounts.....I hope you, Scott and a couple of your toys can join us next time....

Panoz....THANK YOU for a well run, blast of a day! Thanks for the group discount and for all of your input including helping to keep the group of 8's together.....Our thoughts and prayers are with the dude in the miata that had to be taken to Grady. I hope he recovers to come back and play with us again at the track.....

The track was great...no it was way cool...no....it was FREAKIN' AWSOME!!! We had a day of wet and dry that I believe taught us all quite a bit about our cars and gave us all a renewed appreciation for the wonders of our 8's.

The picture gallery below is a bunch of shots from the evening before at MazCare through our last group shot. No real order, just thrown out on the website for all to see...I'll clean up as time allows....can't wait to see the video's from the two cars we had camera's set up in.......later all...THANKS AGAIN!

http://www.geralds.net/gallery/Track-Days-Road-Atlanta-10-04

There are two pages.....make sure you click the page links at the bottom for the page number to view. Or, just click on the arrows at the top right of the page to flip through the album after you click the first picture. If you have picture you want to add to this album, let me know. I'll get them from you and add them.

Yeah, I got about 15 video clips while we were watching and about 1.5hrs on in car video. Once I process and orgainze it, it will be available. I don't want to dump it on the internet, but it'll be available for those who want it.

This was an amazing event. I can't stop talking about it now. Charlie at Mazcare was wonderful. His hospitality was fantastic. Thanks for everything Charlie. The in-car camera mount worked out very well. I coudn't be happier. Again, thanks for everything. You have an amazing shop. I was like a kid in a candy store!

My love for this car has really grown. We also know a Corvette driver that also has a newfound respect for the car! :) I'd like to go to one of days during the December event. I hope the date works out so that we can all meet back up again. It was great meeting everyone. This is something I'm going to be talking about for a while.

Take care everyone. Hope to see you all again soon.

It was hard to sleep last night as I played in my head the driving line of turn 7 leading onto the back straight. I had visions of sweeping down hill into turn 12 in 4th gear with my foot flat on the floor, the speedo indicating 88 miles per hour at track out. As I lay in bed I could still feel the car's rear slide under me as I made that left turn at the top of the esses when the track was wet and slick.

My wife asked me if I had fun. Oh yes! I did. Much much fun.

It was also great having 8 RX8s at the track. Next to Corvette, we had the biggest turn out. I enjoyed meeting all the RX8 club folks in attendance too. I definately want to meet up with y'all again at another event. Dinner at Buffalo's with Gordon, Levent, and Denny was great too. I appreciate the camaraderie. All in all it was a very memorable day. I will be relishing the memories until we do this again. I look forward to seeing video and more pictures. Levent - thanks for being the camera guy yesterday. I will gather RX8 relevant video from my buddy Allan and find a way to get it to you or Gordon so you can possibly host it.

Also a public thank you to Charlie at Mazcare for opening up his garage to us on Friday night and helping some of the guys out with tech inspections, installing camera mounts, and in general being a very welcoming host.

Peace!

everyone,
I know I am 55 yrs old but OBOY,OBOY,OBOY,OBOY,OBOY! Hot Damn! Man what a day! I am still grumbling about the Volvo that slowed us down in the last section but hey thats life and it certainly didnt hurt us! I guess that feeling is tempered a little by the look on the drivers face that was in that corvette!
Great day with great new friends! What more can a man ask for. Well..... maybe about 50 more hp?! And a defibilator in the instructers van during the track introduction! lol jk.
The smoothness of the powerband of this car helped made it very easy to point it where you wanted to go... and just go. Smoothness of power delivery helped keep the chassis where it was supposed to be.
Just can't say enough about this car. Just imagine I could have been hauling a couple of 2x4 x8 peices of lumber through the trunk etc while running this track! I dont think there was another car out there that can say that!
Lets all stay in touch and Dec is NOT that far off!
olddragger

....I forgot....another BIG thank you I want to throw out........

To all of you that I got to follow through the track. I appreciate you all learning the line so quickly and how fast you all learned to stay in the gas. My insurance company, the nose of my car, my nerves, and best of all, my better half (scores points for my coming back) throw out a BIG "THANKS"

The respect shown for safety, the other drivers, common sense, and the quick abilty to learn from mistakes by all on the track is something I wish everyone could have the opportunity to be a part of and learn from.

Thanks again.

Morning good folks. Should you like to contribute pics and/or videos from the past weekend to the album (or just a central point for all to store stiff from the event), I have set up a ftp dropbox on my domain. Just PM me and I'll send you back the username and pw. Thanks.

Reply from Scott at Panoz after I sent the following email:

On behalf of all of the RX8club.com members that made it 10/09, THANKS for a great day Saturday and for the well run, blast of a day. Thanks for trying to keep us grouped together and of course, thanks for the discount. We can't wait to come back....

We are curious.... is there is an update on the dude in the miata that was taken to Grady?

Thanks again
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Gordon,

Thanks for the great feedback, glad you enjoyed our Track Days event! We'll look forward to seeing you back in the near future.

The gentleman who had the incident on Saturday is doing better every day. We are keeping close contact with the situation as he is related to one of the staff members here.

Sincerely,

Scott Hartinger
Panoz Racing School / Audi Driving Experience

Hey Gordon - nice follow up with Panoz. Glad to hear Miata dude is on his way to recovery.

Ditto

BTW, anyone else's brakes started sqealing?

Ditto

BTW, anyone else's brakes started sqealing?


No...dusty as hell, but no squealing.......I heard later in the day you were having a issue with your tires.....that okay now???

Yeah. Seems OK now. They were over inflated.

Good....so you'll come back to play?

Oh yeah, I had lots of fun!

Reply from Charlie after following up with him:

>On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU soooo much for opening your doors after
> hours to help us prep for Track Day last Saturday! You rule! Scott's a
> hoot! It was a pleasure to meet you all and hope to do business with you
> in the future ( I want that RB intake.....). We plugged you on RX8club.com
> and at the track. Thanks again!

> Link to the plug and some pics....

> http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=35657&page=9&pp=15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Gordon,
It was my pleasure. I hope to join you guys on the next trip.

Best Regards,

Charlie Shatzen
Mazcare Inc

updates on pics and now some video is at:

http://www.geralds.net/gallery/Track-Days-Road-Atlanta-10-04

OK. I got the video on VHS, but I have to buy a firewire card to get it onto the computer. I just ordered it. Here's what it looks like on the TV. Sorry, as soon as I get the firewire kit, I'll get it to my computer and then get it onto CD or DVD.

I took some pictures of what it looks like on the TV. A little lame yes, but at least it shows you what it's like. It looks great on a large screen TV. Almost like you're sitting in the back seat and watching.

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_00011.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_00021.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_00031.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_00041.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_0005.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_0006.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/legokcen/RX-8/Panoz/PDR_0007.JPG

I'll get the real stuff as soon as I can.

Take care.