NSW SuperSpritnt Series in MX5

[Parky]

Hey guys i wanted to setup a NB8a/b for the NSW Supersprint series and be competitive. Was originally looking at the Type 2B <2000cc class and looking at this years results i have found that the class is seriously quick with Lotus Exige and S2000's doing wakefiled in under 1:09's. I dont think a lightly modified NB8a/b will be competitive with these cars. The supersprint series does not go by power/weight like the CAMS championships. So i thought of dropping a class to the 2A <1600cc but the Civics are doing 1:12's at Wakefiled, now there is no way a modified NA6 can do those times and be competitive?

So what are my options? I really want to stick with the RWD format, Maybe a S2000 and try the 2B class? Maybe the 1A/B with stock NA6 or NA8a/b ?

Thoughts and experiences please ?

[Guran]

Sounds like you're keen to be competitive. First step is to learn to drive quickly. What track experience do you have? If you're just getting started I'd recommend you try the MX-5 Club trackdays first. Supersprints are not really set up for first-timers.

I'm currently competing in 1A in my NA6, but my only direct competition is a pair of Pulsars. I would gratefully welcome another NA6 in 1A! I support the principle of starting with a slow car and learning to drive it quickly, and for this there's no better place to start than with an NA6!

In 1B, you'd be very competitive in an NC and do well in an NB too. Until a decent driver in an S2000 or Elise decides to run.

In 2A, Jason O'Meara is blitzing the field with his Civic. Try 1:09.999 at Wakefield Park and 1:51.273 at Eastern Creek. He's a very good steerer. Second is still up for grabs though. NA6s are still competitive and with the right mods and plenty of practice I reckon you could eventually get close to these times.

I'd say forget about 2B if you want to win. Rex's Lotus is damned quick and he has a pair of S2000s in close pursuit. We have a few guys in NBs and NCs running midfield in 2B and a fair way behind. They're all quick drivers but it's a tough ask.

If you're just getting started I'd suggest limiting yourself to either type 1 or 2. MX-5 or something else? One factor that might pursuade you towards an MX-5 is the strong camaraderie that we MX-5ers share. We regularly have about 15 drivers at each round, and it's a great social experience. You won't get that with any other make/model (unless you want to get a Clubman - they're strong too).

[Parky]

Thanks for the reply, I currently drive a lightly modded VW Golf mkv GTI. My best time a WP is 1:13:36 and EC about 1:57
I've done about 10 track days all up and decided to make it more competitive and get a second track/weekend car and compete in Superspritns..

[NitroDann]

Bryan, what stops my car from running in 2a?

Just wanted a comparison with these 1:09 civics.

Dann

[Guran]

Sounds like a very familiar story. I started with about eight trackdays in an R53 Cooper S before getting my NA6 as a trackcar a few years ago. Next question would be ... what's your budget for initial purchase, modifications, and annual running costs? In my case in 1A it's $7k upfront (maybe $5k-$6k now), a couple grand for safety stuff like BD rollbar, harness, seat, racesuit, boots, etc, then around $9k-$10k per year for everything else (doing all Supersprint rounds and club trackdays).

Dann - The most obvious thing stopping your car running in 2A is that you haven't entered! But seriously, I really don't know since I don't run in 2A and haven't studied the details - you'd need to study the vehicle regs on the Supersprint website.

[PeterB]

Dann

Type 2 is fairly controlled. The supersprint website has lots of info http://www.supersprints.com.au/

Extreme lightweighting would probably rule you out of type 2. As far as I can see you can only remove carpets and sound deadening, replace the seats with ADR approved race seats and replace the steering wheel, otherwise the interior needs to be complete including all windows/dash/heater/etc functioning properly. I don't think carbon fibre hardtops are allowed - must be factory specs.

Brakes have to be same diameter as stock (ie NA rotors on a NA - NB rotors not allowed on NA).
5.1 Brake linings and rotors are free provided that the diameters of the rotors are not increased.

Engine mods and ecu are fairly free so you can dial in plenty of horsepower.

Wheel sizes are limited
8.1 Wheels can be altered, in both diameter and width, by up to one inch in width and two inches in diameter over manufacturer’s original specifications, provided that the tyres do not extend beyond the outer edge of the coachwork (including wheel arch flares) when viewed vertically from above.

2 Coachwork
2.1 Safety equipment and cosmetic or comfort accessories may be added, provided they do not improve the performance of the vehicle.
2.2 Reforming of the wheel-arch beading against the inside of the mudguard is permitted, and any body joint protrusion may be rendered safe.
2.3 Additional instruments and switches are permitted and may be fitted to a separate panel.
2.4 Additional headlights (eg fog lights and driving lights), in accordance with 1.5, are permitted.
2.5 The spare wheel and associated tools may be removed.
2.6 The steering wheel may be replaced.
2.8 All controls and their functions must remain as provided by the manufacturer, but it is permissible to arrange them in such a way as to make them more accessible and easier to use (e.g. fitting additional padding to pedals, extensions to switches, etc)
2.9 The driver’s seat may be replaced with a non-standard seat that is commercially available and permitted in a Road Registered vehicle. The front passenger’s seat may also be replaced provided that the replacement seat is of a standard that is equivalent to or better than the seat replacing the driver’s seat. Seat supports may be modified to enable fitment of an allowable replacement seat. Any rear seat or seats may be removed.
2.10 Carpets and sound deadening material may be removed.
2.11 Bracing may be fitted between the front MacPherson strut towers.

[NitroDann]

Ok, I could throw 40kg of gear back in it and be eligible I think.

Sweet.

Dann

[tbro]

So i thought of dropping a class to the 2A <1600cc but the Civics are doing 1:12's at Wakefiled, now there is no way a modified NA6 can do those times and be competitive?

So what are my options? I really want to stick with the RWD format, Maybe a S2000 and try the 2B class? Maybe the 1A/B with stock NA6 or NA8a/b ?

Thoughts and experiences please ?

Why wouldn't a NA6 with mild engine work, r specs and very basic suspension mods do 1:13s at Wakey, with a really OLD bloke pedaling. Ask some of the long time MX5 club members what a good steerer in a 80kw NA6 can do at Wakefield, as in Scooter and Slammer!!!

As Guran said, work out a budget, decide what you want and then sit down and think about how you can do it then ask lots of questions and then ask lots more!!!!

Don't tie yourself to just one class or type of racing either, remember that the MX5's are very competive in prodsports so keep that option on the books as well.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Terry

[Guran]

Hey, check out Chris' white NA6 car for sale in this thread. It would be a very competitive platform in 2A!
viewtopic.php?f=73&t=48463

[manga_blue]

It's not bad. is it? I figure there's about $25k of parts and work on that car for $8k.

[Parky]

thanks for the advice and info guys. Just few more Q's

-Can you give me the rough breakdown of costs/budget for the Supersprint series (entry fees, tyres, brakes, etc)
-What is the main difference between CAMS PSCRAA series and the Supersprint series ?
-Is a advantage to start of with a already modified (better value) than building from scratch ?
-Im worried about defects from the popo as it has to be road registered.

[tbro]

-Can you give me the rough breakdown of costs/budget for the Supersprint series (entry fees, tyres, brakes, etc)
-What is the main difference between CAMS PSCRAA series and the Supersprint series ?
-Is a advantage to start of with a already modified (better value) than building from scratch ?
-Im worried about defects from the popo as it has to be road registered.

Can't help with S/S,. but prodsport series approx, Entry $200, fuel $40, tyres Toyosr888 $1200 per year,brakes 2 sets per year $500 ,Licenses etc $400 per year. plus the car $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
One is real racing next to each other with courteous and respect shown to each other USUALLY the other is like "supersprints ????"
Bloody oath, no contest especially if the car has been built as a road & race car. Few and far between but worth the search.
Keep the car professional (as you will be required to comply with CAMS regs) and always clean and reasonably quiet and the boys in blue won't even notice. I've been through booze buses and blitz's and have never had any problems. Remember, drive a noisy dirty poorly maintained car is a BIG "come and get me" sign. I always prepare all my cars as if I'm going for "best presented" and I think I succeed usually.

Terry

[Guran]

-Can you give me the rough breakdown of costs/budget for the Supersprint series (entry fees, tyres, brakes, etc)

Sure I can ...
$2045 Supersprint Entry Fees - 9 rounds in 2011 (~10% less if you're a member of ARDC or NSWRRC)
$50 Championship Entry Fee
$100 CAMS L2S licence
$55 Membership to MX-5 Club of NSW
$1320 4x Bridgestone RE55S R-specs 185/60R14 (one set does a whole season)
$150 Front Brake Pads (Hawk HP+ one set of pads does a whole season)
$100 Front Brake Rotors (DBA - these last at least a few pad changes)
Rear pads/rotors seem to last forever on my stock NA6
~$1000 fuel
$763 Rego, CTP, Third Party Property

Total = $5583 ... call it $6k per year to do the Supersprints. I also do the club trackdays which adds another couple grand. Then there's the odd repair/maintenance so budget another grand or two. Hence $9k-$10k in my original estimate.

-What is the main difference between CAMS PSCRAA series and the Supersprint series ?

PSCRAA is door-to-door racing. Supersprints are time-trials and racing is strictly forbidden.

-Is a advantage to start of with a already modified (better value) than building from scratch ?

If you want to run in Type 2 ... absolutely! Manga reckons that car from Chris has about $25k worth of work done on it and it'd only cost you $8k to buy it. Conversely, if you do the mods yourself, do not expect to ever see that money again.

-Im worried about defects from the popo as it has to be road registered.

So make it steet legal and get it engineered.

[tbro]

fark, adds up hey Bryan!!!!

But truly whatever you decide you'll have a ball and get to meet some fantastic people,


Just like Bryan, the Phils and of course ME

[Guran]

Yep it adds up alright. But if you know what's coming, it's easy enough to budget for it. $9k per year works out at $173 per week. Cheaper than keeping a mistress!