MX-5 CLUB OF QUEENSLAND - LAKESIDE PARK 16 NOV 2015

[Vat]

For those looking to start out, I can give a rough summary of what I went through a year or so ago when I started. Much of this is at http://www.mx5clubqld.com.au/?page_id=51:
- you will need a suitable car, in reasonable nick. Track days are pretty hard on cars - brakes, cooling, clutches, engines. Make sure it's been serviced recently.
- get a helmet. Cheap, convenient option I went for is here: http://www.motorsportaccessories.com.au ... gory_id=26.
- full length cotton clothing is needed. I usually just run some cargo pants and a long sleeve t-shirt
- you'll need a QR license, $20 for the day, $55 for 12 months. Go here (https://www.qldraceways.com.au/secure/members/login.php) and follow the Register Here link. You'll need your doctor's details (wherever you go if you need a medical certificate for work...). Payment for the license is done at this point. There'll be a form for you to sign on the day
- Enter the event. This is done via your QLD Raceway's log-in once you're set up. It's under Sprints. Pick a nice number. Your favourite number is probably taken. And your next favourite.
- Pay the entry fee to the MX-5 Car Club as per the MX-5CCQ's details (refer above), and e-mail the Competition Secretary to let them know so they can approve your entry.
- CTP extension form. Ask your CTP insurer. If it's Suncorp, just send an e-mail to Insurance.CustomerCTP@suncorp.com.au with your name and rego. If not, give your insurer a ring...and then just change to Suncorp for your CTP when your renewal comes up. I was with RACQ before, and helpful though there were, it was $10 per event and you pretty much had to train the staff every time.
- MX-5 CCQ Indemnity Forms (http://www.mx5clubqld.com.au/wp-content ... orm-v2.pdf). You can grab one and sign it on the day, but it makes it easier if you print it and sign it beforehand
- timing transponder. If you just do the day, it'll be a $120 deposit with $100 refunded on return...or you can just buy it for $100. If it falls off because of dodgy attachments, I think that counts as 'bought'
- turn up on the day. Be punctual. Doug will make a point of embarrassing the late comers at the driver briefing, and you'll get a crap pit spot. Listen to the briefing, don't go out too hard too early, don't bend your car, and be friendly. First time is pretty much just getting a feel for the rhythm of the day and dealing with the freak-out that is tracking your own car.

I think I've covered everything. Once you've done a couple it's all pretty straightforward.

[Steampunk]

Nice summary Vat. Just slight additions/amendments:
- it doesn't have to be cotton clothing
- for those on a budget or find it hard to justify a $100< outlay on a helmet that will be seldom used; ebay and gumtree havr tons of new and used helmets that are compliant for < $70. If you are concerned about fitment, ask the seller to measure around the top of their head (forehead/temples as its the largest circumference). Or find one online that you like, find a store that stocks the same or similar model and try it on.
- bring food and drinks, and perhaps a camping chair
- i recommend bringing as many tools and spare parts as you can, including oil and coolant.
-as mentioned, arrive early, especially if it's your first time as it helps with your nerves/anxiety when you're not rushed getting yourself and your car ready and become familiar with the place.
- don't be shy to talk to anyone, walk around checking other cars etc. Ask any questions no matter how trivial or silly you may think it is and voice any concerns you may have for whatever reason.


with all things being equal, the two most important things with your car are brakes and tyres; if you don't know when the last brake fluid change was done, change it. All you need is something like Castrol React Super Dot 4 (gold bottle) $12 at Supercheap. Buy 2 bottles to ensure you have enough for to bleed and replace the whole system.

Same applies to brake pads, check their thickness.

Re tyres, You dont have to have high performance ones (although highly recommended) just as long as they are in good order so thoroughly check for damage, things imbeded, they hold pressure etc. Take the wheel off the car to inspect them properly. It sounds like a pain in the ass, but its a 30-50 minute inconvenience to ensure your safety.

Your car may seem fine, but you're not going faster than 120km, not braking or cornering hard and not doing them regularly, ie. the forces exerted on the track are significantly more so parts that work ok for daily driving may falter.

I realise that is stating the obvious but some people are oblivious or have a "nah she'll be right" attitude.

[zero00]

Nice posts guys!

Important to me are:

Nice fold up chair [strap to the bonnet if short of space]

Take the pit lane walk and meet and chat with anyone you see and ask questions no matter how dumb they seem!

It's about making sure everyone is having fun

See you there guys, had coffee with a few other MX-5 guys this morning and hope to see at least one joining us on 16th

[Vat]

- timing transponder. If you just do the day, it'll be a $120 deposit with $100 refunded on return...or you can just buy it for $100. If it falls off because of dodgy attachments, I think that counts as 'bought'

To clarify - the transponder is $120 to buy, not $100. I think I got stuck with the $100 refund from the deposit. Essentially, if you're planning on at least six events, you may as well buy it. If you go and do other QR events at QR and Lakeside where there's timing, the unit is good for those, too.

Nice summary Vat. Just slight additions/amendments:
- it doesn't have to be cotton clothing

Fair point, since that would exclude NomeX! Someone mentioned cotton when I first started, and since in my industry we wear heavy cotton clothing specifically for fire protection, it probably stuck.

The actual requirement is "Drivers must wear non-flammable clothing that fully covers the body from ankle to wrist to neck". Probably a good idea to leave that cheap polyester/rayon suit at home...

[MattR]

And never buy a used helmet, you don't know the condition of it, how it was used and/or abused.

You only have one head, and as ugly or as pretty as it may be you need to protect it with a good quality certified helmet, for any car preferably full face.

[zero00]

A FEW THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

The Club hires the venue and sets its own pricing to members & visitors. The event is run under RACERS, hence the RACERS licence and Sprint/Track Day apparel applt, the requirments being in the RACERS manual which can be downloaded from the QR website.

The Club's Competition Secretary has elected to use the QR online entry system to reduce his workload in organising the day. All questions in relation to the day should be directed to the Comp Sec Adam who will address any issues and involve QR/Doug if required to resolve such issue/s

Thanks

[adidistyle]

Thanks Roger.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me by PM, email compsec@mx5qld.com.au or phone me on 0406 780 808. I don't bite, and I remember how uncertain I was about "stuff" when I started out, just a few years ago.
No matter how minor, there are no stupid questions. Fire away.

[adidistyle]

Tally is now 29.5 paid up entries.
There are 38 valid entries on the QR system, and a few more that I know of.
If everyone pays by Monday that gets about 44 entries, which is tantalisingly close to the magic 50.
If you are coming please enter and pay soon, and make your entry count toward the tally. On Tuesday it will be too late.

[zero00]

Make that 30.5 paid up Adam - heading to CTB around 11.00am!

Will scan/email documents later today to you

[zero00]

Entry Fee paid and CTP/Indemnity emailed to Comp Sec

[adidistyle]

Current Tally: 33.5 paid

[ljs18]

+2

[adidistyle]

Now 35.5 paid

[adidistyle]

36.5

[adidistyle]

38.5
Four days to go.