zzum-zum

As stated above - I need some advice/tips from anyone experienced in track events. I have registered for the MDA event in June at VIR. I have never been to an event or done any really fast driving (and I've been driving for 33yrs - I know-it's sad!) and am really looking forward to going. I’ve searched around some and found some helpful stuff, but most of it was kind of a rehash of the track requirements. What I need to know:
What to bring for the car. Such as - there is a requirement to torque lug nuts - do I need to bring a torque wrench? Spare parts, tools, etc?

What to bring for off track time. You know how any time you do something there is something you wish you had remembered to bring - what will I wish I had brought?

Anything in particular (other than checklist requirements) that I need to do to the car before the event? I will probably upgrade brake pads and DOT4 fluid and put in new plugs and coils. I am hoping to have the Mazdaspeed cat back exhaust and air intake installed in the next couple weeks (not for the track – just because I’ve been wanting to), and the car is due for tires now anyway.

Requirements call for a Snell 2000 rated helmet. I have an “M”2000 motorcycle helmet. I’m assuming that’s still OK?

I am hoping my son will be going with me, but if he can't go - what do you do w/all your stuff while on the track, since nothing can be in the car?

Is everybody going to be pissed off at me for being the slowest car on the track?

Anything you guys can tell me will be appreciated.
Thanks
John

Synaptic 3

Ok, I'll give you a few hints since I've done this event a few times. It's a great event put on by experienced people with great instructors. I have a few friends who instruct at this event.

First of all, it never fails that the weekend of the event will have record high temps for the year. Last couple times I went it was 100+ in the paddock area. Try to park near the edge where the trees are for some shade if you want. Also, be prepared for some rain....ya, it's some strange weather there that time of year. Bring plenty of water to keep hydrated. Some guys end up scrubbing half the day because they are dehydrated from the heat and also sweating to death in the car from the excitement.

Since all your stuff does need to be out of the car, most guys just pile everything in front of there parking spot on a tarp. The tarp comes in handy for the rain I mentioned too.

The techs there will have torque wrenches, so unless you feel like double checking their work, bringing your own isn't really necessary. Besides, you can always count on plenty of other Mazda owners to help you out. I've fixed many cars in the pits when I'm there.

During the off-track time, you'll be in the class room discussing why you are driving the wrong line or why you went off the track somewhere....j/k, hopefully not. The classroom time is very important and you'll learn a lot in conjunction with what you do on track. Don't ever miss a class, and try not to be late. They frown bigtime on that especially with the new guys.

Water for hydration....

No one will be pissed at you for being the slowest car...there is always someone slower. Actually, not many people get pissed at properly run events since everyone in a run group are usually about the same driving level.

You may want to bring an extra bottle of brake juice and maybe a spare set of front pads with you in the off chance you get really fast during the event and start to cook the fluid or the pads. Once again, don't be afraid to ask for help. you'll find 10 guys to help you in a heartbeat who were in your shoes before.

For outerwear, the helmet may not pass. I believe you have to use an automotive rated helmet only. I'm a track guy, not a bike guy so I haven't had a problem, but I know guys who have had that problem. Bring some comfortable sneakers to drive in. You must have a long sleeve shirt and long pants to drive in. (keep in mind the 100*+ temps)

Water for hydration....can't stress this one enough. You're in the middle of a huge field with pavement around you....it's hot.

Camera! Don't leave home without it.

I always forget stuff too, but everyone does on the first one. I hope this helps, and if I think of anything else, I'll post it. If anyone else thinks of anything, feel free to help this chap out.

-Aaron
www.Synaptic3.com

swoope

iTrader: (5)

great post,

i would love to drive vir..

the only thing i would add is relax and have fun..

beers

Synaptic 3

The relaxing and having fun is a must. Also, if you love it as much as most people do after the first one, there is always the Sept. event put on at VIR by the same crew. Hopefully I'll have my car done for that.....

-Aaron
www.Synaptic3.com

expo1

Some good stuff in this thread also https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/my-first-time-race-track-what-should-i-expect-51061/

All I would like to add is at the MDA event I went to at Summit Point I saw one driver with a $15 pop tents. In case of rain you can fit all your tools and even extra tires if you bring track wheels. Get some front wheel studs, I missed a day of track time because I broke a stud and couldn’t find the right ones on a Sunday. There are cheap and could be replaced in the paddock, the rears are too hard to do at a track so I don’t bring those. Bring a pad and take notes, you always learn things at the track. Also go for rides with instructors, be on the lookout for one with a black Miata he is good, Trevor with the Mini Cooper is also a great instructor.

zzum-zum

Thanks guys
This is the kind of stuff that's really good to know. Aaron, I appreciate you taking the time to write all that out - it helps a lot. I learned the water lesson at a motorcycle safety course I took a couple years ago - 102deg on pavement is brutal.
Am I correct in assuming from what you say that your stuff is pretty safe at your space? I was kinda concerned about leaving a camera laying around while driving. It's probably not an issue now anyway - my son called yesterday and he will be going w/me. lI need to check about the helmet. When I searched threads earlier I found one that said an M rating was OK, but the current requirement list just says Snell 2000 rating.
Expo - great thread. I have only read a couple pages so far, but I will get through it all soon. I wanted to start reasearching this early so I can be as ready as I can come track time.

Synaptic 3

Your stuff is pretty safe in a pile. I wouldn't leave anything really valuable just out in the open either. Everyone has a pile, but no one has time to pillage other people's stuff. You're supposed to be in class or double checking your car for the next session, remember?

zzum-zum

I was kind of hoping it was that EVERYBODY who attends these events has more character than that. :D