Mazda MX5 Driver Training with Doug Chapple

Postby **tomli123001** » Mon Feb 24, 2014 10:50 pm

I have done defensive driving class before and a few runs with a race driver friend on the twisty roads. However, I have never been onto a track previously.
I am planning to go on track this year.

During my online browsing, I came across QLD raceway's MX5 race driving training. I could go with my own MX5 or use their race prepared MX5 there.
http://www.qldraceways.com.au/race-driving
http://www.qldraceways.com.au/rent-and-race-a-mazda

I am after some reviews and experiences about this. Do you think it is worth the time and money? If you have gone through this, do you find this useful and improve your track time and confidence?

MattR · Postby **MattR** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 7:30 am

I believe QR have sold off their MX5's by now, but you do have the option of getting a few laps with Doug at a MX5 club track day. I would recommend QR to go to first. I'm pretty sure it is $100 for a session.

Another option is one of the Paul Stokell days or SDT days at Morgan Park. Cost is a bit higher but rather than 5 laps, you get a full or half day tuition on the track and time to practice.

Which ever way you go, any of the above will be beneficial to you, both in driving on the track and in general driving on the road, giving you more awareness and teaching you some basics that are generally forgotten, or not taught at all, when getting a licence. Things like where to look when driving, correct application of brakes and how to approach and drive through a corner, how to accelerate.

If you don't know how already you will also get the basics of eel and toeing and get the time to practice it. It can take a while to master, but once done it does become second nature.

Also SDT have a performance day on the 8th of march. At this stage you can join the group of us going for a discounted price of $265 for the day. This will be a good introduction and you will learn a lot in a few disciplines including some simple motorkhana tests, a couple of drift sessions in SDt provided cars and a private session on the drag strip for a bit of fun.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 8:04 am

Minx has done quite a few sessions with Doug so we can await a response from Minx.

I have done both Paul Stokell and SDT track days and it could be that I enjoy Morgan Park more than QR or Lakeside that I have a preference for the SDT days. However Paul (like SDT) also runs a very good day with quality instructors, small groups and heaps of track time. 3 laps with a Paul Stockell instructor at Norwell Park taught me so much and 1 instructor lap at Morgan Park where I had the video running I still watch and will put my laps side by side to see the difference. I can't wait to go back to Morgan Park with the car and its current engine!

Another good introduction is the MX5 Car Club days as most people are only too willing to help you out with, for example tyre pressure settings, make you feel welcome and ensure you enjoy the session. Plus in the last group there is no pressure and you can go at your own pace. There are some very experienced drivers at the club days and provided they are not time poor are happy to discuss track position, lines and braking points again just walk around and ask questions.

Also you have general practice at both QR and Lakeside, for Morgan Park general practice you need a full CAMS licence. However, general practice may lead to bad habits, so as you have intimated some instruction in the first instance is what you are looking for.

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 7:02 pm

I have done many many laps in my car with Doug coaching me, and it was all very valuable, and all done at MX5 club track days, so no additional cost to me :wink:

zero00 · Postby **zero00** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 8:08 pm

NMX516 wrote:I have done many many laps in my car with Doug coaching me, and it was all very valuable, and all done at MX5 club track days, so no additional cost to me

Doug knows MX5's, he knows what they can and what they can't do!! If Doug coached NMX516 it certaily shows in his laps times, lines etc

Postby **tomli123001** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 10:54 pm

Thanks guys. I will get onto Doug.
Just one question, I am not yet a a mx5 club member, but will soon be. How does it work? Why free coaching on track days? I would thought there would many many people wanting to do the similar. haha... Free is always the best.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:16 am

It's not free coaching as such. Doug is very busy at these events making sure it runs smoothly and stays safe. IF, repeat IF, he has a spare 10 minutes, and you ask nicely, Doug will do his best to ride with you on a few laps and give you extra clues. Doug also conducts a very comprehensive briefing on the day and a special briefing after that for all the newbies and anyone who wants a refresher.

Don't get too wound up about club track days - IT IS NOT RACING. Club days are meant to be a fun way of enjoying your MX-5 without the hassles of speed limits, police and dunces who have no idea what they are doing on the road. Approach it as a spirited drive and always have an "out". You will find that your times improve remarkably in just one event and that you'll be hungry for more.

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:33 pm

tomli123001 wrote:Thanks guys. I will get onto Doug.
Just one question, I am not yet a a mx5 club member, but will soon be. How does it work? Why free coaching on track days? I would thought there would many many people wanting to do the similar. haha... Free is always the best.

As JBT said, Doug is busy during these days. I got most of my time with him years ago when he had less work to do in running the days. It was free because Doug was/is an MX5 club member, was there anyway, and was happy to help those of us who wanted his help. Yes, you would think that there would be many many people wanting to ride with Doug for some help, but there are many many people who consider that they know what they're doing and don't need any help! go figure ha!

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:34 pm

zero00 wrote:
NMX516 wrote:I have done many many laps in my car with Doug coaching me, and it was all very valuable, and all done at MX5 club track days, so no additional cost to me

Doug knows MX5's, he knows what they can and what they can't do!! If Doug coached NMX516 it certaily shows in his laps times, lines etc

I'll take that as a compliment

Thanks Roger :beer:

toppertee · Postby **toppertee** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 6:09 pm

I tried having a coach beside me.
I'm pretty sure I'm in coachable.

If you think you need someone beside you, it's probably not a bad idea.

From what I can tell IMO there are 3 types of drivers.
The slow, no amount of coaching, seat time is going to help. Still doesn't mean these people aren't having a good time
The average, most fall in to this section.
Then the very small % who are stupid quick, they have telant and balls. You can't coach this.

At tack day level IMO, it's just about having fun and been safe on the track. Doug is very good at that.

Mx5, are very good place to have your first go on the track, with lots of good safe drivers more than happy to help out.