Today was the autocross event mentioned before.
The course was fast; the turns were sharp and plentiful; and the weather was nice. Overall, a great time to be had. On top of all of that, one of the other drivers had two sets of race rubber that he wasn't using and allowed me to use a set (Scott used the other set). So, not only was it my first autocross of the year, my first ever autocross in the miata, it was also my first time on tried and true racing rubber. It will be hard to go back to street performance tires after experiencing the sticky glory of racing rubber.
On with the pictures!
It was a Miata only event, so there were Lots of Miatas. Hard to find your own. "Excuse me, everyone. Everyone! I am looking for a black Miata. Has anyone seen a black Miata?"
Mmmm... racing tires.
Sharona's (← my Miata's name, by the way) rear end; all ready to get on the track.
Top down, numbers on, racing tires equipped, ready to roll.
And, I'm off!! Roaring down the first straightaway.
Coming out of a variable radius (tight then loose then tight again) sweeper.
Setting myself up for a slalom. In my mind, I am repeating over and over again: "Stay smooth. Stay smooth. Stay smooth."
Here's Scott and his Miata.
Scott snaking his way through the course.
Scott coming in to a hard right hander.
And, here's a Vette that was tearing up the course. Us Miata owners didn't so much mind the Vette joining in on the fun because: a) it's probably the fastest Vette in Ohio, and b) the drivers of the Vette helped organize the event.
Comments
Looks like you two had fun.
The OVR event today was a really nice course. It was long and super fast. There was plenty of room for the GTI to really stretch its legs. But, then there was the ever present corner. Several of the corners became, "Let's seen who can hold the best dift around this corner."
Becareful with race tires!! They're a *VERY* expensive addiction. People say they are more addictive than nicotine or heroin.
Yeah, that Vette guy was probably a very major player in the Miata guys getting use of the lot.
Since Sunday, every time I throw the Miata into a corner I start mumbling about my crappy "ultra high performance" summer tires. Damn you, race rubber, DAMN YOU!
Where oh where did you get such a nice camera with which to snap those lovely pics?
I'll be taking that back to NorthCa with me, I hope?
I yearn for race rubber. The yearnings is strong. Soooo sticky.
I told you that they were addictive. I know, I've been there. It is a horrible addiction. I'm telling you right now to STOP thinking about them. STOP lusting after them. They will leave you alone in the gutter and wanting more. This goes for you too Scott, if you're listening.
This might help to make them less addictive.
Have a gander at the pricing. I had to guess what size you would use on your car.
Hey,
Nice post. I did my first *ever* autocross in my mx5 a couple of weeks ago. It was a slightly wet day - and the track was smaller than yours - the rain made it really fun though. Sliding and understeering and oversteering.
It also meant that I could pull through some of the tighter corners by popping the clutch in 2nd gear and swinging the back out. I had a lot to learn about the cars handling though - it's a lot more capable than I gave it credit for - on my 3rd run I shaved about 10% off my time just by going hell for leather instead of taking it easy and trying to stay always under control.
Ben