Wakefield - Speed Off the Streets

fuzzymonkey · Postby **fuzzymonkey** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 7:37 pm

Hi everyone. Sorry if this is the wrong section, I didn't think it fit in MX5 Motor Sport
http://www.wakefieldpark.com.au/drive/s ... he-streets

I've never done a track day and supposedly this "speed off the streets" thing is not a race (no overtaking under brakes), but it' looks so damn fun! Is this a good place to start?

For those of you who have done this or something similar, do you have any advice or tips? Any random hidden costs? Best way to keep my car from going boom?

I'm guessing a service would be good before I set out.

Buckshot · Postby **Buckshot** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 8:05 pm

Join the MX5 Club of NSW and do one of their Driver Training Days at Marulan.

I did my two very first track days that way last year and it was great. They also do track days at Wakefield Park and Eastern Creek when you're ready to step it up a little.

There will also be more experienced members there to offer instruction and it'll be cheaper for the day as well.

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 8:20 pm

Yep id start with a MX5 Club NSW track day, there are instructors there for first timers and all the groups are pretty evenly matched.

Last Speed off the streets i did, i was out with some bloody quick cars. They don't really group you ti similar times (as the event isn't timed)

Here is the info on the Marulan Day

The club allows non members to participate in 1 track day to test the waters before they have to join. But we are a great bunch of people with many events going on!

fuzzymonkey · Postby **fuzzymonkey** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:49 pm

Thanks guys. The driver training day is probably better. Cost is a big factor for me, so I like that it's cheaper

I was meant to go with a friend, but he doesn't have an MX-5. Maybe I can convince him to buy one :NA6:

Buckshot · Postby **Buckshot** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 10:08 pm

Joining the club will give you access to heaps of events of varying styles.

Joined two years ago have never regretted it.

Smokinscotty · Postby **Smokinscotty** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 6:27 pm

The traps with the speed off the streets days is that it's all the sedans on track at once, so where you say there's no passing under brakes etc, there could be some very fast vehicles on track with you and if your not firmilliar with track etiquette and things like regularly checking mirrors, you can end up with a really dicey moments. Plus having a much faster car riding your rear bar may push you into over committing and having a moment.

The worst trap is where if you start off without instruction, you will have a set of bad habits and practice them instead of learning anything from your time on track. Think of it like reading a geography book to study for a Math test. Yes you have studied, but studying the wrong things.

SOTS is great for testing or practice for the experienced but for teaching yourself how to drive on track, I would Definatley recommend the Marulan day.

Plus it's a great fun little circuit!

bear2230 · Postby **bear2230** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:18 pm

Regie wrote:Yep id start with a MX5 Club NSW track day, there are instructors there for first timers and all the groups are pretty evenly matched.

Last Speed off the streets i did, i was out with some bloody quick cars. They don't really group you ti similar times (as the event isn't timed)

Here is the info on the Marulan Day

The club allows non members to participate in 1 track day to test the waters before they have to join. But we are a great bunch of people with many events going on!

Hopefully the white car will be ready for this

gsu003 · Postby **gsu003** » Thu Jan 08, 2015 9:03 am

Hi Fuzzymonkey,
I backup everything that smokinscotty said and an email received yesterday (MX-5 Club News) states that there are still spots available at Marulan on 1st February.............hurry!!
I'll be there.........gotta get my eye back in after 35 years not being on the track :lol:

Greg.

Roadrunner · Postby **Roadrunner** » Thu Jan 08, 2015 1:35 pm

Marulan is great for first timers before stepping up to the big track, at least to get over the jitters and get a grasp on how its all done. The volunteer instructors are people that race in the MX-5 Club and are great for advice and tips in driving an MX-5 fast.
The wife and I have done two days there now, soon to be three and then we'll be looking at doing Wakefield.
Theres an MX5 Club day coming up on the 1st Feb there, Im going and you can bring non MX-5's too. Last time we had BRZ/86's, a commodore, RS Megane and an old V8 Trimuph.