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I just wanted to get a feel for peoples opinions on the risks associated with a beginner taking out her daily driver into the motorsport side of things...

I would really like to give it a go and see what its like... Im not out to prove anything, push it too hard or \"be one of the boys\" I would just really like to get a feel for my car in this sort of situation a chance to open her up a little and see what she is made of in a safer/off road enviroment.

However -
A) she is my daily driver... if something happens and I get her damaged my insurance will not cover it nor can I finacilly afford to damage her either with the obvious... stacking it.. or mechanical damage from blowing out the cobwebs.
B) Im not rolling in the cash to convert her to some sort of race machine! She is only lightly modified (wheels and suspension not much more) will I be laughed off the track ?

The only risk you run is getting addicted to it.

The MX5 club of NSW runs one of the safest & best-organised track days of any club (I run with a lot of different clubs). All first timers are instructed at the start of the day & you are allocated with people of similar times & abilities. If u have the attitude to learn & have fun u will learn a lot about your car & its capabilities Hats off to the club members who give time & effort to run the track days.

A) Taking your car on the track has an element of risk, u have to decided & take responsibility if things go wrong.
B) Stock to race cars, have fun. As long as u listen to the instructor’s u will have a great time with a great group of people.

See u at the track, next day is in September, I hope to take my road car this time to see if I can embarrass myself.

MonSqueek wrote:I just wanted to get a feel for peoples opinions on the risks associated with a beginner taking out her daily driver into the motorsport side of things...

I would really like to give it a go and see what its like... Im not out to prove anything, push it too hard or "be one of the boys" I would just really like to get a feel for my car in this sort of situation a chance to open her up a little and see what she is made of in a safer/off road enviroment.

However -
A) she is my daily driver... if something happens and I get her damaged my insurance will not cover it nor can I finacilly afford to damage her either with the obvious... stacking it.. or mechanical damage from blowing out the cobwebs.
B) Im not rolling in the cash to convert her to some sort of race machine! She is only lightly modified (wheels and suspension not much more) will I be laughed off the track ?

If they did not laugh me off the track then they won't do it to you! I echo Bevan, the only risk is becoming addicted! That is what happened to me quite a few years ago! Then I introduced Matilda to Wakefield and now she is actually racing with the big boys!!!!
Apart from the fun, it really does teach you how to get the best out of your car and how to enjoy it.
I have actually sent out an initial expression of interest to see how many ladies would like to come to a ladies only instruction day. Looks like you would be the perfect candidate. Pity though it will be in the Sydney area. Might be worth a trip down here!

jncook wrote:I have actually sent out an initial expression of interest to see how many ladies would like to come to a ladies only instruction day.

I wouldn't let Bevan know about this Jean!

Monique - You need only drive as hard as you feel comfortable with. Accidents at track days are very rare, and are generally caused by people driving beyond their abilities, so don't be afraid to try it, but don't try too hard!

The perfect place to start.

It's club members only, so it reduces the likelyhood of someone else being a tool and putting you off the task at hand. Plus plenty of people to answer any of your questions...

Boags

Im tempted... I think that QLD raceway one would be the perfect birthday present for myself....

So what does one have to do to get out there? I know I need to join the club (still not actually a signed sealed member) and then .... ? Ive heard word about scurtineering (sp?) Have No idea what that entails or how to go about it?

If your car is registered and roadworthy (indicators, brake lights and tyres, etc. etc.) then scrutineering will be a breeze. It is done on the day, at the track, before you go out for your laps.

You need to take anything that is not fixed to the car out. So, clear the glovebox, centre console, boot and footwells. That includes spare tyre and any tools.

You will need: neck to wrist to ankle clothing in a non-flamable material(long sleeves and long pants), and a helmet.

Other than that, it costs $20 on the day for a QR licence, or you can pay $55 for a year if you are planning to go back again soon(this has nothing to with the club, and is an unavoidable fee).

Other than that, a big smile and willingness to give it a go.

Boags

Of course as you're in Queensland you'll need to be careful of the locals though

Boags'MX5 wrote:If your car is registered and roadworthy (indicators, brake lights and tyres, etc. etc.) then scrutineering will be a breeze. It is done on the day, at the track, before you go out for your laps.

Ive heard roumor about fire extringuishers needing to be bolted in?

Boags'MX5 wrote:You will need: neck to wrist to ankle clothing in a non-flamable material(long sleeves and long pants), and a helmet.

PANTS !?!?!!?! Ankle length skirt isnt an option!?! I cant wear pants !!! and where does one find "non flamable material" is that something spiffy or just as long as its not synthetic eg cotton? I suppose I have to learn to drive in shoes too! But its seeming more and more feesible as I learn more about it!

Im terribly keen ! Just a scaredy cat ! lol.

Im terribly keen ! Just a scaredy cat ! lol.

You'll be fine. In fact, getting involved with something like this will most likely make you become a better driver. You can explore your limits without the fear of crashing (just don't explore when you're facing a wall etc. ) and have heaps of fun at the same time. Just gotta be responsible and understand that whatever you learn on the track, stays on the track ;)

My first experience on a track was at Murgon Park in my brother's WRX. Don't know which car club he was with but it had a mix of all different types of cars (GTS, 911s, WRX, Corollas and of course MX5s). Anyway, when it came to my turn on the track, after the warm up lap and into the first right hand corner, I simply came in too hot and just spun out (there was heaps of run-off). Didn't do any damage to the car but I was just releaved that I did it on the track rather than on the road. So yeah.. I hope to see you at Queensland Raceway in August!!!

btw. the guy who organised the day owned an MX5 with slicks. And yes, he managed the fastest time for the day (the driver in the 911 turbo didn't want to push his wifes car and i also don't remember him being well educated when it came to racing)

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are not required at an event like this but i think they are a good idea anyways...

You should go out like eveyone is saying it is a blast

I did my first in June and loved it would do one very week if i could

MonSqueek wrote:Ive heard roumor about fire extringuishers needing to be bolted in?

You don't need a fire extinguisher for a club day as yet. Things might become stricter in the future, but you're fine for now.

MonSqueek wrote:is that something spiffy or just as long as its not synthetic eg cotton? I suppose I have to learn to drive in shoes too! But its seeming more and more feesible as I learn more about it!

Im terribly keen ! Just a scaredy cat ! lol.

Yes, cotton is good, and i'm not sure about ankle length skirt Never needed to ask that actually. Best to ask Peter when you book. And yes, you must have closed in shoes, I forgot to mention that. Scared is fine too. The adrenalin will fix most of your fear soon after entry to pit lane.

And don't listen to Bigdog about the locals...

vak82 wrote: I simply came in too hot and just spun out (there was heaps of run-off). Didn't do any damage to the car but I was just releaved that I did it on the track rather than on the road. So yeah.. I hope to see you at Queensland Raceway in August!!!

Does Queensland Raceway offer room for error if something like that happened?? If I did come off the track ? I dont have any intention of trying to ... but it would be nice to think there isnt anything too close for me to hit if I did....

Heaps of room around the track at QR........go out this weekend check out the track and the V8 Suoercars ....should be pretty awesome and the MX's are racing as support class as well .....