Matt's MY08 NC Roadster.

[Guran]

Glad to hear you were able to get some laps in at Oran Park before it closed. A shame that you didn't get the GP circuit though. The figure eight bit under and then over the bridge is truly awesome. Hitting the turn after crossing the bridge with the pedal flat to the floor took some getting used to! How'd you go on Sutton's corner (the lefthander before the flip-flop)? That one taught me some respect! I'm hoping I'll get one more go at Oran Park GP on 17th January with the state supersprints ... provided that CAMS allow them to raise the limit from 100 drivers to at least 103. I'm 3rd on the reserve list!

Even Eric Bana showed up for some happy laps

That was Eric Bana? The same car as at the state supersprints in September and the driver was registered as "Cliff Church".

[Jeo]

I think he was taking the piss Guran

[Guran]

Well you're probably right there. Just wasn't sure if Matt was saying that Bana has found himself a replacement for his binned XB coupe.

[CoffeeBoss]

I think he was taking the piss Guran

he was :-)

Suttons is a great corner Bryan. The rear end of the NC is very planted, so out of Suttons it would only hang out if my corner entry was wrong, otherwise I was close to flat after the apex. It's a great corner to hang the tail out though, but this of course makes you slower up to the crest. We had one guy who tanked slapped there and ended up on the infield. But our big stack was a guy who lost it on the exit of turn 2.

[CoffeeBoss]

2009 - a brief retrospective.

"looking back on the year that was"


2009 was a great year for the Roadster and I, and we just managed some good track time (and times) as well as hitting some new circuits (Marulan a few times, and I finally spent a day at Oran Park).

For 2010 the plan is to cross some drives I've been meaning to do for some time off the list, including the legendary (amongst NSW drivers and car magazines) Oxley Hwy.

Some more enhancements are planned as well, including a much needed muffler upgrade.

However, 2009 has been most significant for a close friend of mine, Karl. Karl nearly lost his life in a bicycle accident only a few weeks ago. This event has put some things into sharp focus which I feel compelled to mention here in this thread.



You see, Karl is one of those random guys you meet through car circles (the Renaultsport gang, actually) who goes on to become a good friend outside of car circles. Karl's Cliosport had a typically French dummy spit on January 3rd of 2009, when it's gearbox catastrophically failed when we were driving back from our first outing at Marulan. The car was rendered undriveable, and was sold.



Up until this point, Karl and his Clio had become something of a legend in our circle. You see, back in 2007 when I was modding the Lexus IS200 and talking about doing trackdays with all of my mates, it was Karl who got jack of all the talk and started doing Circuit Club days.



It was at this point that I realised that I didn't need to make this mod or that to my car before I hit the circuit, I should just stop stalling and go out there and drive. It was a defining moment in this enthusiasts journey when I first hit the track ,as it started a complete shift in the way I drove, and how I looked at the car.

Karl's attitude to his driving and indeed to forums began to permeate my actions. You could summarise it thus: less talk, more action.

Chroist, imagine how long my posts would be if Karl hadn't influenced me?

Karl's journey this year has been nothing short of epic. Since losing the Clio, he has done a track day with me at Marulan in the MX5 Racing NC Roadsters, and a day at Wakefield with Chris Barry's PRB Clubman (and his Elise). He has spent quality time behind the wheel of a host of cars, mine included.

He also started the year as one of those naysayers of the MX5. (Yes, I have to point this out!). Oh, he loved poking fun at my hairdressing ways. He'll be taking delivery of his next car very soon... a Mazda MX5 NA8 Clubman. In Laguna blue. One of the rarest flavours of NA available in Australia.

Karl and I went to look at this car a few months ago. Stepping out of my car and into the driver's seat of a high-mileage NA8.. well, let's just say that I wasn't prepared for greatness. 45 minutes later, Karl had to pry the keys from my hands, I was having waaaay to much fun. It really is testament to the determination to the whole Light Weight Sports concept - even today, after stepping out of a late model MX5, the NA Roadster still puts a smile on my face, every time. Yes, I suspect that Karl's actions will continue to influence my own in the years to come.

So that's really what this post is about. Props to Karl. One of those cool car guys that, through actions alone, influences the actions of those around him.

And, in a small way, I hope that some of my actions in this thread can inspire the same. Don't worry too much about your car's offset, or what swaybars your going to get. Just get out there and enjoy driving the thing!

[CoffeeBoss]

Twenty Ten - New Years Day.

"welcoming a new year"


So, I did the appropriate thing on New Year's Day.
On the first day of the new year, you should do one thing that represents what you want the new year to be like.
So we went for a drive a took some photos

[Alex]

Nice photo's.
I spent new years day working and sleeping

[CoffeeBoss]

Thanks Alex,
look at the bright side - this means your year will see you catching up on sleep and earning more money

So, a little gloat: at my Oran Park track day of late last year (see earlier post) I booked a GoPro camera for the day, thereby entering myself into the EPCC race series... and snagged the Stig Award for fastest driver (not car!) of the day! Which means gift vouchers for Rennenhaus and Sureflo Exhaust!

Not sure how this all came about, but nevertheless, it's a nice boost to get a pat on the back such as this. It goes without saying then, that I happily endorse Marc's EPCC series - the GoPro camera footage is excellent, and the DVD in the mail is a great way to relive your trackday. The EPCC racing is just a bonus!!

Looks like I might also get that Oran Park GP drive I'm craving...

[CoffeeBoss]

Oran Park GP

So, I got a call from everyone's favourite Circuit Clubber, Mr N. "George is out, you want in?"
Like he needed to ask.
You see, Johnny Boston and the Rally School guys had decided to run a track day around Oran Park GP. It was well subscribed long before I heard about it. Just over 90 drivers. One of whom was George, legendary in Circuit Club circles as 'that' yellow and black MX5 from Blackheath. George couldn't make it, and for that I am hugely thankful, because it means that I got my wish, which was to drive Oran Park GP before it is gone forever.



When you do your first track day around an unfamiliar circuit, you are reminded of the giddy histeria of driving around a race track for your first time. But for me at least, Oran Park was more than this - it demanded that I bring to bear all of the driving skills I have learned so far, and then it's as if the circuit is snapping at your heels every inch of the way, waiting for you to make a mistake. This is not by any means a fearful experience. Rather, it's hugely exhilarating.



It's for this reason I think that you often find people tripping over their words in an effort to explain just how much fun driving laps of Oran Park GP really is. It's both demanding and laugh out loud entertainment from start to finish. Each part of the track, even in a forgiving car like the NC, has it's own tricky requirements, and I was able to drive the NC in a way I hadn't done previously.



So, topping out at around 180km/h down the main straight I discovered that while the NC requires not that much braking to settle through the kink, but that this then leaves you with very little track left to set yourself up for turn 2, and the back of the car unsettles a whole lot more than the Wakefield turn 2 entry (much higher entry speed). Turn 2 took me at least half the day to get right. Turn 3 was off camber enough to induce power over in 2nd. Turn 4 has a lovely ripple that resulted in my first snap oversteer moment in this car when I tried to trail brake it into the apex. Exiting off the bridge high in 3rd in a full drift will remain one of my great driving memories. As will just about every time I got a clear run through the flip flop.



Which is a nice segue to the only drawback with this track day - crowded, mismatched groups. By the time I'd sorted out my way through the whole track, laying out my attack with the expert assistance of Ian Dyke (who I knew from Altezza Club Luff days) and Dave ????, I didn't manage a single clear lap. I was either easing off to wave someone safely past, or I was trying to wrangle my way past a higher powered car around the back of the circuit, so I could put some distance between us before the straight! There wasn't a single lap of clear circuit that enabled me to string the whole circuit together uninterupted.



Nevertheless, I managed to just dip past 1:30, my goal I'd set for the day, for a 1:29:945. Working your way past more powerful cars also has it's own rewards, of course, although with such a mixed bunch in my group, I was reluctant to participate in any door to door racing. (I'd be lying though if I said I didn't want to get involved with some proper racing down the track. So to speak ) And at the end of it all, I just wanted to get involved in the Oran Park GP experience, and savour it as much as possible.

I will also say this - as you will see here, there was a great mix of cars present. Chatted to a variety of drivers, met some great people.



By the time my last session rolled around, I had done just that, and my rear pads were squeeling for mercy. So much so that Reggie very kindly picked up some Lucas pads and took my car to Indy's the next day while I was at work. These are just to tie me over until my replacement rear discs and Carbotech pads arrive from the US.

[CoffeeBoss]

Some more of the metal that was on display.
Full Gallery Here

This GT3 was a personal highlight, totally comitted driver, super quick, and a truly sensational soundtrack. The green Carrera is a bored out 3L targa car.













Sam's new beast:


This guy wanted a right hand drive E34 M5 Estate. No such thing was ever made, so he had one made out of a RHD E34 M5 sedan and a RHD E34 535i Estate. Apparently this was easier than doing a left-to-right hand drive conversion on a genuine LHD E34 M5 Estate.

[Guran]

Great report Matt. I agree completely about the thrill and challenge of Oran Park GP. It's a special circuit and a great shame that it's now officially closed. Urban sprawl is paying a high price.

[LeftRightOut]

Wow! What a thread! I just bought a grey NC. First thing I'm doing now is getting one of those voodoo things, then re-reading this thread a few dozen times. Am very much enjoying this new obsession, and I see I'm not the only one!

[LeftRightOut]

Also asked AJ - so, what's all the fuss with these Voodoo gearknobs, anyway? Try this, was the response. Suffice to say i'm now a member of the Voodoo Club: it's awesome!! Slightly shorter throw, but major improvement is in feel in the palm, and better shift accuracy. Looks nice, too.

Loving this... just ordered this... mate, you're gonna cost me a fortune, my wife is not looking real impressed I must say!

[CoffeeBoss]

Loving this... just ordered this... mate, you're gonna cost me a fortune, my wife is not looking real impressed I must say!

Haha Thanks!

Just passing on the, err, knowledge as it has been passed on to me Seriously, there are plenty of people on these forums who have helped to deplete my bank account!

This thread is designed to provide ideas, maybe save some time, and encourage you to get out there and enjoy your car. Look forward to hearing about your progress *hint hint*

[LeftRightOut]

Got my "knob" and took it for a 300km test drive today (see Yarra Ranges thread in "Twisty Roads" section).
Having now dríven on good roads, I'm less convinced that this thing needs anything spent on it.
I'll definitely do some track days before I decide on anything. I find it amazing how good these things are to drive, even when bog standard. Truly a drivers' car through and through.

This is my favourite thread though, as you've already bought pretty much everything that I would think of, I'll be sitting the minister for finance (aka Wife) down to read every page of this... she'll be bitten then too