My first trackday with the '5
Discussion
Yesterday was my first trackday with the mx-5.
I had decided to be patient and get the car ready first, so although I have had it 6 months, I booked it on my first day with it to Oulton Park yesterday.
The car list booked on had me nervous. I was rather concerned that I may be slow. The last day I did at Croft, I was the slowest car there in an Audi S6. It may not be the most exciting tank to drive on the circuit, but quicker than the mx-5, and had more grip. How would I get on with the mx-5?
The first two hours were frustrating, largely because I did not get onto the circuit. I decided not to join the rush, and wait until the queue died. In the first two hours, the track wasn't open long. Amazing how a few spins, with red flags, and a car blowing up and dropping oil over half the circuit can disrupt the day. Once the track reopened. I gave it 10 mins, then joined in.
The day got better quite quickly after that.
The car was just different in every way to the Audi. The audi revealed its flaws on the track. The mx-5 got better. Speed was not a problem, although I did have to watch my mirrors closely. Anyway I was overtaking a 306 GTI-6, stayed (sort of) in the rear view mirror of a Opel Manta (that looked like it was on slicks, bloody quick through the corners anyway), and pulling away from a stripped out uk mx-5, but not by much. In his defense, he was 2 up in a 1.6, I was alone in a 1.8.
pics: (copyright Xtreme Sports Photography)
(P.S Do I need more tire pressure? What do you use on the track?)
I had decided to be patient and get the car ready first, so although I have had it 6 months, I booked it on my first day with it to Oulton Park yesterday.
The car list booked on had me nervous. I was rather concerned that I may be slow. The last day I did at Croft, I was the slowest car there in an Audi S6. It may not be the most exciting tank to drive on the circuit, but quicker than the mx-5, and had more grip. How would I get on with the mx-5?
The first two hours were frustrating, largely because I did not get onto the circuit. I decided not to join the rush, and wait until the queue died. In the first two hours, the track wasn't open long. Amazing how a few spins, with red flags, and a car blowing up and dropping oil over half the circuit can disrupt the day. Once the track reopened. I gave it 10 mins, then joined in.
The day got better quite quickly after that.
The car was just different in every way to the Audi. The audi revealed its flaws on the track. The mx-5 got better. Speed was not a problem, although I did have to watch my mirrors closely. Anyway I was overtaking a 306 GTI-6, stayed (sort of) in the rear view mirror of a Opel Manta (that looked like it was on slicks, bloody quick through the corners anyway), and pulling away from a stripped out uk mx-5, but not by much. In his defense, he was 2 up in a 1.6, I was alone in a 1.8.pics: (copyright Xtreme Sports Photography)
(P.S Do I need more tire pressure? What do you use on the track?)
Cool. Had my first of '09 yesterday too (and only the 3rd of my track career). Lashing rain at Mondello Park (lreland) and my first wet trackday but it was loads of fun. The conditions really suited the car and reduced the performance gap between it and the various, Lotuses, M3s, etc. Can't wait for the next one!
I normally do the first session with road pressures (27psi) then take a look at the tyres to see if I'm rolling onto the sidewalls. If I can see any scrubbing beyond the tread I'll add a few more psi and try again. I normally end up with about 30-32psi on hot tyres though it has been as high as 34psi. That's with Goodyear F1 GSD3.
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