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Next Track day is Monday 15 September 2014 at Queensland Raceway - Half Day

I will be back in the country then, might have to come out and have a go.

A month without driving I will definitely be having withdrawal symptoms.

For the un-initiated (me), what do these days entail? Do you have to be a member to participate?

No need to be a member but you pay more.

Look here first http://www.mx5clubqld.com.au/?page_id=35 then here http://www.mx5clubqld.com.au/?page_id=33.

Then read this:

No need for battery stickers, fire extinguisher is a nice to have, but not compulsory.
The club day, at least in the lower groups daily drive cars are used so as long as your car is roadworthy then it will not have a problem.
Some people take it very seriously and compete for points etc, however there are others who just enjoy the outing. For me it is a fun day and I like to run in group 4 as I can try different lines and not run the risk of upsetting the people who are playing for sheep stations.
Come out and enjoy the track and the company. A lot of the members are only too happy to give advice and answer questions.

If you still have questions post them here and we'll clarify.

It's the most fun you can have in your MX-5 with your pants on.

JBT wrote:
It's the most fun you can have in your MX-5 with your pants on.

I believe pants are obligatory ? For safety reasons.

MINX wrote:

JBT wrote:
It's the most fun you can have in your MX-5 with your pants on.

I believe pants are obligatory ? For safety reasons.

Long pants at that! Save the boardies for cruising around Mooloolaba.

Count me out for this one. There is an extra time attack event planed for November so I will take time off for that instead.

Hope everybody has a fun day!

Thanks JBT. I think this might be a bit much for my first taste of track though. Needs for helmet and licence, etc. I'm sure in time I'll be in there with you guys, but not just yet.

Just do it. These are the best days to come out and try, no pressure, hardly any administration compared to others and it is very easy to go at your own pace, plus plenty of people to ask what to do next and hold your hand if needed.

You have plenty of time to get things organised and if you need a hand with anything there are plenty who will help.

Licence is fill out a form and pay $20 for a day licence to see if you like it.

Check your rego papers and ring up the CTP provider to get your extension

Get a helmet, full face, from a bike shop or racing shop, just need a good quality helmet that meets AS1698.

For the car preparation, just need to do a check over underneath to make sure all is tight, check brake pads and a good idea to bleed brake fluid or replace if not done for a couple of years. Maybe do an oil change if not done for a while or the oil looks dirty and check cooling system for levels.

Your road tyres will be fine and are best if worn and getting to the end of their life for a try, and if you have a NA or NB and are close to Ashgrove I even have a set of wheels and tyres that are perfect for a track day you could borrow for he day.

About the only other thing you may want to do is a wheel alignment, but if or car is driving fine on the road then you are pretty much good to go on the track.

I used to run around in my NA with old worn tyres, 200k+ km on the suspension and a near enough to standard 1600 and had a ball. It now has a set of second hand semis on a second set of wheels some cheap BC V series coil overs and the car can punch well above it's weight.

You can get a full face helmet for less than $150 and it will last for years. I think you can also hire one from Qld raceways if you don't want to purchase yet.
Licence is $55 for a full year or $20 per event.
Timing transponder is $20 per event hire or $95 to purchase and will last for years.

You will need all of the above as a minimum for any track event at a Qld Raceways facility.

It's probably one of the best things you can do to improve your driving skills and knowledge of your car's capabilities in a safe environment off public roads.

If you are at 'coffee' Sunday morning Lachy I will pass on all my knowledge - should be thru in 7 seconds!!

No, I will give you a good overview of what happens and what is required

QR is also a better place to learn than Lakeside!

You guys are making a compelling case. I'll have a look into helmets ;)

Rodger, I'm out this weekend, up to Bundaberg to visit with friends. And I think I'll miss the following weekend too, going to QR for the Formula 3 ;)

I went out last time at qr, it was good, cheap fun. Spun once after asking too much of the brakes but as magpie said, it's a safe place to go. Lots of runoff and the worst that would happen is making everyone wait to be towed out from the traps. I'd highly recommend changing fluid to something like penrite sin. Good fun and very helpful blokes. Hopefully I'll make it again too.

ManiacLachy wrote:You guys are making a compelling case. I'll have a look into helmets ;)

I bought this M2R helmet from Motorsport Accessories at Northgate last month for $129.
It meets AS1698 and is just fine for an open car using the standard seat belts etc.
If you have a full (race) harness you should get a Hans device and compatible helmet.
http://www.motorsportaccessories.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=category&virtuemart_category_id=26