mx5cartalk.com

bradm30 wrote:...Is it worth lifting the bonnet in between runs to assist engine cooling?

The cooler the engine the better. So it can only help.

bradm30 wrote:...what gears should i be in for each corner?

For a stock NB, usually it's 3rd gear for all corners except for Turn 8 (fish hook) and turn 10 (corner just before the straight) which are usually taken w/ 2rd gear. But get the feel for the car and the track and you'll quickly figure it out what works best for you.

As for what other tips:

- High quality tyre pressure gauge - don't get the Kmart, Big W etc variety.
- 20lt Jerry Can - unless you don't mind driving back to town to get fuel if you run low

Will you also be joining the MX5 Club track day on the 14th (Sunday)?

Remember not go bring any clutter you don't need in the car. No loose objects allowed in the car on the track. Saves you cleaning at the track.

Probaly a good idea to double check your brake lights both work. Seats still bolted in tight and there's no oil leaks from the motor , gearbox and diff. That's all necessary for scrutineering.

Gears you learn very quickly. It's lines and brake points you'll want advice and guidance. As you get better at those the gears change.

Tyre pressure should be ~36psi cold and check them after each run. Adjust them to no more than 40psi hot.

Don't forgot to wear long pants and long sleeved shirt, in non flammable materials (cotton). Thin soled narrow shoes are best too.

And most important ... enjoy yourself!

Dont go out there expecting big things!!!!
just go out there, get a feel for the car at speed and through corners.

gradually build up speed to a comfortable limit. you will come off the track, just important not to panic!! keep an eye on your mirrors for faster cars. let them pass you

as Guran said - enjoy yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Throw in a spare set of brake pads, if the pads you've got start to fail it will make the trip home far less stressful.

Try joining the MX5 Club track day next.

IMO the experience is hightened when racing with like cars. Nothing like having all MX5s on the track.

Ditto Hammer's comment. The club trackdays are brilliant! You get to match yourself against other drivers in equivalent cars and improve your skills (not "racing" in the true sense of door to door). Might be worth giving it a try before modifying your car though - you'd be much more competitive in a stock car since it's a more even playing field. And after a few events you'll have a much better idea of what mods are most needed.

If you're aiming to be a competitor in the classes that allow them, then yes, get semi slicks.

If you're just aiming for fun you'll be fine with what ever you've got.

Depends on what class you plan to race under.

I race in Class 1. Which is stock standard cars on road tyres (no R Spec). No performance modications allowed in this class. The wheels also have to be factory standard size rims. Though you can make changes to improve safety (ie. role cage, race seat & harness etc).

Visit the MX5 Club of NSW website - http://mx5.com.au/nsw/motorsport.htm - under the "Motorsport" section, there a list of what classes are available and what each class allows. Plus hints and tips on how to go fast @ Wakefield.

Road tyres are fine for entry level trackdays. Get something decent, not crappy bargain-bin rubbish. I run Adrenalins on mine and reckon they're a great compromise with decent grip at a very fair price. In the dry. They tend to let go quickly in the wet. Focus on improving your driving skills before worrying about semi-slicks - they're expensive and a bit of a waste if you don't use them properly.

Theyr'e also easier to damage with improper care. They need to be heatcycled properly to last and kept at certain temperature ranges to stick properly...Until your very consistent it's easy to waste them. I wish I'd waited a bit longer before I started on semi-slicks.... but live and learn.