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I'm booked in for a private driver training track day session in a few weeks to basically learn to drive properly, and what better car to learn in than an MX5! I'm taking my stock 99 NB8A along & would appreciate any advice as how to prepare the car for the day. So far I've done the following:

Replaced brake fluid with DOT4 rated fluid
Wheel alignment - kept it fairly road-orientated, as I think the biggest improvement will come from improving the dude at the wheel and not how much camber I've got.
Timing belt done 10 kms ago
Oil change, coolant change
Replaced my leaking shocks with Koni Yellows (stock springs)
Gearbox oil & rubber boots replaced

Are there any other items that experienced track day people would recommend that I do before the day? I've thought of new brake pads but the current ones have a lot of meat left. Maybe ignition leads? All advice appreciated!!

Sounds pretty ready to me.
Remember to take all the tools etc out,either at the track or before you go.

Unless the ignition leads give you any reason for worrying then they should be fine.

You will have a great time.
First day is the best

You pretty much covered it. But good brake pads make a big difference, so do the right tyres.

Ensure you check your tyre pressures at the start of the day, and each time you get back from the track (while the tyres are warm), and make adjustments accordingly.

Bring a Jerry Can worth of fuel - just in case. I recommend, not to fill up the fuel tank full when on the track, keep it half tank or less, and simply top it up when needed.

As for what to wear, avoid wearing thick soled shoes, and when finding the right driving position, ensure your elbows are bent when your wrist are on top of the steering wheel. This will give you extra control on those tight corners.

And above all else, drive within your talent and have a lot of fun.

Tyres are ok? gearbox and diff fluid topped up? engine oil new?
Coolant good, belts and hoses good and tight? Seatbelts both work nice?

And I assume a garage changed your pads last? If so I doubt they will last a whole trackday, its no good wasting half a day because your pads turn into cottage cheese.

Dann

I am not sure if on someones first track day they need to be too concerned with what pads there running etc, unless there low on material.
Especially a driver training day.

As long as the car is in good running condition, just go and enjoy it.
Your not there to set lap records.. Not gonna happen first time anyways.

Too many people spend too much for there first track day which i think sours the experience a little.

Make sure the car is in good running order, which it sounds like you have.
Good idea about the jerry can, and ankle to wrist clothing..
Bring lots of water to drink and food. As canteen food can be pretty sickening.
Tyre pressure gauge if you want to get serious for your first time.
though i really think your better off listening to the advice of the instructor and just getting a feel for driving the car like that on the track.

If the car is reliable just go drive it, it should be fine. But if you want to know whats good prep, people have said it.

Dann

NitroDann wrote:If the car is reliable just go drive it, it should be fine. But if you want to know whats good prep, people have said it.

Dann

For a driver training day, this is a good answer.