Expectations and advice

[ljs18]

Welcome to the track. Like many said, don’t worry about modifications, just make shure the car is technically ok .Get a set of QFM A1RM front pads, about A$80, and DOT 4 racing brake fluid. It is worth to replace the engine oil with synthetic oil. Then off to the track, QR is the safest but Lakeside is more fun. The key is to start slowly in the back of the slowest group and get your lines right. You will get quicker without trying. The MX5 club sprints are the choice as you will start with similar cars and similar speeds. You also get a lot of help and advise. The IMWAC dirt sprints are great to learn car control if you don’t mind washing your car. Have fun.

[adidistyle]

Also you can learn a lot at low speed.
They may not be as glamorous as the track, but Motorkhanas are an excellent opportunity to learn at-the-edge control, in a very safe environment.
You could also try Khanacross which is like a horizontal hillclimb, in a more forgiving environment.
These events are very different to Trackdays, and I would strongly urge everyone to have a crack, at least once. It's low cost too.
Also, if you get the rare chance to get on grass, take it. It is an eye opener.

What ever you do, start slow, and improve at your own pace. Focus on technique. You will get immense satisfaction knowing that you are faster because you are improving, rather than because you bolted on some speed.

Shameless plug...
HSCCQ are running a come'n'try Khanacross and Motorkhana on Sunday 5/10, meaning you can try a CAMS event at reduced license cost (1 day license, with complementary 1 day membership of HSCCQ). These are becoming quite popular days, with a wide variety of cars, and drivers of all experience levels. There is already a contingent from the 86 club attending.
More information here http://www.hsccq.com/start.pdf Car and apparel requirements are pretty similar to MX5 track days, except for the CAMS part.
Enter here http://www.hsccq.com
And there is heaps on youtube. But here's a few posts from a recent event. The next event will run slightly modified versions of these courses, and some easy Motorkhana patterns (easy in the sense that its not so easy to get lost)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk9-SRJ8FXs&list=UU94lnnJUAC2Bk1t_tLND-uw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnrSncfa4mc&index=3&list=UU94lnnJUAC2Bk1t_tLND-uw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85MApLBN-wM&list=UUhHkFlPfcdOZ--FxmQdJT6Q