Club track events

[smack]

Hi all,

Happy to finally have my own MX5. Picked up a black 2000 NBS2 from Ebay and have been enjoying it as a daily drive. Great fun little car Looking forward to doing some of the track day events with NSW MX5 Club and seeing the car is stock it looks like it will be Class 2.
The tyres and brakes both need replacing, so am thinking to order some bits with the Exocet shipping container offer in the other thread. I'm considering the Direzza ZII or RE-11A 205/50R15 and 6UL 15x7 +36, can anyone confirm this will be suitable? I've done some searching and it appears to be fine with the NBS2 larger rear brake, but just like to make sure before going ahead.

Would someone be able to explain the rules with Class 2? I think I read somewhere no performance mods or R spec tyres allowed, is there a maximum width for tyres/wheels? I'm also looking for a strut brace with the brake cylinder stopper, is that allowed in the class?

Cheers,
Mike

[mazmad]

Seriously? Even as a joke, what kind of w'er are you?

[david_syd_au]

Geez Craig, go easy.

Mike, I would suggest you first do at least one club track day with the car as is, but just give it fresh oil, filter,brake fluid, and if necessary brake pads.
You will find the MX-5 club members a good bunch, and you will learn a lot from them, and from driving on the track.

Then you can make some plans.

Welcome
David

[smack]

Seriously? Even as a joke, what kind of w'er are you?

Hi maz,

In all honestly, I'm not sure what I wrote that warranted such an exceptional reply. Genuine apologies for my MX5 faux pas. Could you explain your reaction? I'm really unsure how strict the rules are, if stock equals completely bog stock and not even a change of mats are allowed then I've obviously misjudged the class. A little clarification would help?

Cheers,
Mike

[mazmad]

Mike nothing to do with the post, fair questions, its your handle I find offensive. Plenty of other forums for that kind of thing.

[smack]

Hi David, thanks for the advise! I am definitely intending to replace rotors & pads. Forgot about the brake fluid, so I'll add that to my list of things to do Figured I'd jump in early on the wheels and tyres since the shipping is particularly cheap. I've actually done a couple of Wakefield track days with the MX5 Club and a few social events with my Dad and have always enjoyed their events.

Craig, apologies for the offense I'll ask to change my nick. Have used it everywhere else and never had an issue, but completely understandable.

[Hellmun]

I dont think standard class will allow those wheels. They're wider than standard so I'd just grab some KU31s off eBay with any performance pads and you can make the next day. Read this thread too. http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=55484

Username is just a prodigy song title right?

[Hjt]

Prodigy it is.

Seems to be taken out of context via internets!

[smack]

Hi Hayden, Prodigy yep

All good now, have cleaned it up! I sent an email to the club and waiting to hear back, figured if no change is allowed then will look for something in 205/45R16 but definitely more options and cheaper in the 205/50R15 size.

In regards to wheel offset, my understanding is +-5mm from the original setting (+40?) is considered safe but I've seen some people mention they're using +20 and even +0. I can understand this may be required to clear suspension on wider wheels (8,9,10" etc.) and other bits in the wheel well and also purely for aesthetics, but apart from these are there any other reasons to run such a low offset? Does the +-5mm guide apply always with only the previous exceptions?

[manga_blue]

Hi Mike, yes, stock means bog stock for Class 2, apart from safety improvements. It's still worth sending Mike the email though about a move from 16s to 15s in 205s since there's no real performance difference.

I personally wouldn't be in any hurry to replace tyres unless what you've got are no longer legal. For noobs it's often better to learn your racecraft on crap tyres - so much easier to learn car control when there's bugger all grip. Also it's pretty unlikely that you're going to be competitive anyway in your class until you've got a few meetings under your belt. This means that you can delay purchase until you have a better informed idea of what sort of class you do want to compete in.

Scrutineers/classifiers usually (but not always) ignore strut braces when checking the car because they make no difference to laptimes. It's not a Honda and it doesn't have strut suspension. MX5 suspenson geometry is independent of the bodywork - it's all in the sub-frames - so there's nothing performance-wise to brace across the top. Earlier models may get some gains from better underbody bracing but if yours is an NB8B then it's got most of that already.

[Guran]

Hi Mike. I'm President of the MX-5 Club of NSW and have been competing in a standard NA6 for the last five years. I look forward to meeting you at a future event.

At our club days, standard means "no performance enhancing modifications" and cars must be in the spirit of what came from the factory - no modifications at all, including wheel & tyre sizes. Safety mods are allowed (seat, harness, rollover protection), and spare wheel, floor mats and other loose items must be removed for safety reasons. We run a fairly loose class eligibility system and Mike Hicks makes the final call. R spec tyres are not permitted in Classes 1-4 at our club days. Check the vehicle regs for Type 1 in the NSW Supersprint Chamipionship for detailed guidance:
http://www.supersprints.com.au/rules-an ... 20Regs.pdf

I agree 100% with manga_blue's advice. Just come along with your car in current condition (after a good service) and have a go. There's no need to worry about getting better wheels or tyres, or any modifications. Driving a stock MX-5 on the track is huge fun and a massive challenge. It's the best way to learn how to drive quickly. Even after five years of it, I'm still learning new things and still having a ball.

[Guran]

Oh and I recommend you buy your Dunlop Star Specs locally from Gary's Motorsport Tyres rather than import them. It's quick and easy, the difference in cost is negligible, there's no hassle of transporting tyres for fitting, you'll be supporting a local business, and they can give you personal advice on recommended tyre pressures, etc.