Doc tells me there are 15 people coming to the June 5th track event (and 25 for the June 4th meet). That is great! We are going to have some fun this year!

For those who haven't driven on the track before, or would like some pointers and advice from 5 year "veteran" of SCCA road racing in RX7's and miata's, I will hold a open track education session on the morning of June 5th from 8:30am to 10am at the track. I know it's a little early, but for those who want to get some track time and head home in the early afternoon, this will work a lot better.

I will go over basic driving techniques that will help keep you safe, on the track and having fun. This is meant to be a session for those who are very new to driving on the track. After the "education session", I will be available to do some rides with those who'd like some help and tips.

Before you come to the track, you should make sure you and your car are prepared. Here is a checklist for you!

[ ] Helmet (This is REQUIRED to drive or ride on the track)
(I recommend a closed face helmet with face shield with a SA2000 rating, but I believe the track will accept motorcycle helmets back to M95)
[ ] Lots of SUNSCREEN and WATER
[ ] Proper shoes for driving (boots and sandals are bad, tennis shoes are good)
[ ] Long pants and long sleeves highly recommended
[ ] Full Tank of gas (just for conveinence, closest gas station is ~15 miles))

[ ] No loose items anywhere in the car/trunk
[ ] No gas/oil leaks
[ ] Fresh oil change highly recommended
[ ] Extra quart of oil as rotarys do use some oil at high rpm on purpose
[ ] Throttle return spring(s)
[ ] All wheel lugs tight
[ ] Door/hood secure

[ ] Sufficient tire tread (Should have more than 2/32" of tread)
[ ] Brake lights
[ ] Cooling system fluids

[ ] No leaks (brakes/shocks, etc.)
[ ]Brake lines
[ ]Brake pads
[ ]Gas/oil lines tight and in good condition
[ ]Fender clearance (for those with aftermarket wheels and suspensions)
[ ]Clean engine area

[ ]Seats secure
[ ]Wheel bearings
[ ]Brake pedal travel
[ ] No steering play
[ ] Safety belts in perfect condition

Yep, that's me! The 1st gen RX7 I was driving put 89hp to the rear wheels. But I did have some kumho v700 tires on there.

I can't claim to be the best driver in the world, that's for sure, but I do have quite a few laps under my belt. I think a lot of people can learn to be a pretty good drivers if they just know what to do and practice, practice, practice. ie: It takes a lot of time to learn to drive on the track, 100's and 100's of laps. Even if you've got talent, you can't expect to go very fast your first time out.

But as you learn, it is a lot of fun! It's amazing how fast you can make a car go around a track if you just now how to push it. I have seen a Spec Miata (~108rwhp) blow by a 500hp Audi S4 at the track.

-Darren

Whats if I have a brand new rx8 with 300mph on it can i still race it?

Newbie question regarding helmets:

Where can I get one at and what am I looking for? How much should I expect to spend?

I may be able to borrow my friend's motorcycle helmet. What does "M95" mean?

Thanks

On that note, what about open face motorcycle helmets? I compete and have a very high quality helmet, but isn't full-faced. Can we rent them at the track? I'd sure hate to spend $250 plus on a helmet which may only be used once to find out that I bought the wrong type! Any suggestions?

They should allow open face motorcycle helmets. The track does not have helmets available for rental as far as I know.

M95 is a Snell safety rating. M00 is the latest I think, although there could be M05 by now. Snell comes out with a new rating every 5 years.

M = Motorcycle
SA = Special Applications (car racing, nomex fire resistant liner)

95 = 1995 rating
00 = 2000 rating

Here are some helmets you should be looking for. They vary widely in price.

http://www.racerwholesale.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=35&osCsid=82263d42fcc1be735afc881539920088


I recommend finding a friend who has a motorcycle helmet you can borrow. If you think you'll do many of your own open track events, then I would recommend buying an SA2000 rated closed face helmet such at the Bell M2:
http://www.racerwholesale.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=71


-Darren

Whats if I have a brand new rx8 with 300mph on it can i still race it?

Only 300 miles on the odometer? Depending on who you ask, it's not a problem. However, I would recommend getting to 1500 miles, and then do an oil change and come to the track. Rotaries do not really need much of a break in at all. I drove my RX8 on the track with about 1200 miles on it. I have ~12,000 now and no issues.

To attest to the reliability of naturally aspirated rotaries, my RX7 race car (using a 12a motor) I drove on the track with a freshly rebuilt motor the first time it ever drove. Heat cycled the motor 3 times in the shop. Then went to the track, did about about 8 laps at moderate rpms (5000-7000) and then let her rip to 9k rpm. Been in 30 races since then and no issues. Had the motor torn down in Februrary and isn't hardly even worn the carbon apex seals.

I would remind everyone too, this is not racing. There is no competition, no winning and no wheel-to-wheel action. This is just going fast under controlled conditions on a closed circuit course. ie: No speeding tickets and drive as fast as you like.

-Darren

Just wondering if my open-topped Mazda (sorry it's not a rotary) would be acceptable without a rollbar on Sunday. Need to know because there is an autocross that day that I would do instead if I can't drive at the track.