What's the Dream Cruise? Sounds like fun! Have a great time!

 

Sign me up for left mirror cap and Jason for the right!

 

Hope you guys are having a great time!!

 

Keith,

I considered the SCCA, but some people told me that the SCCA has become so popular that, usually, you only usually can get in a few runs during the day, as opposed to the multiple runs that you can get in during one of the Mazda club events. Seeing as how my schedule is already so cram-packed, I was trying to fit the most "bang for the buck" into my tight weekends. Has your experience been different than what I'm hearing?

That novice driver school sounds liie a GREAT thing, though - can you tell us more? Years ago I took Keith Code's Superbike school up in Wisconsin.

Thanks for the link!

 

It all depends on the event as to how many runs you get at an OVR SCCA Race. I think the least amount of runs we got at a normal points event this year was 4 runs (though the courses are typically much larger than at the Miata Club events), with most at 5 runs, and the occasional race at 6 runs. At the driving schools and test and tune events we hold at the beginning and end of the season, it isn't unusual to get 8-10 runs in, and I got 15-20 runs in at a test and tune event earlier this year. The driving school we have at the beginning of the year is has a limited number of students allowed for more one-on-one instruction and more seat time. They usually try to keep it to two or three students per instructor. I'm usually a teacher at our drivers schools, but had to miss this year because of work. I haven't made it out to a Miata Club event this year yet, but hope to make it to the one in August and/or September.

-Keith

 

Glad you guys liked my Miata club video. I had a lot of fun putting that one together. The red one featured in the opening garage sequence and the in-car / on-car footage is mine by the way. There are more modfest videos on the way also so stay tuned!

I'd be happy to give an intro to autoX talk if you guys are interested. Not that I am an expert by any means, but I've made a few runs over the years. I could share with you the basics and get you set up with some advice on what you need/don't need and what to expect at your first event. I could bring some other autox vids if you want. The timing would be good for those wanting to give it a try. The next Miata club autoX event will be August 27th. I would encourage you to run with the OVR club too. I ran with those guys for many years and they have very well organized events. Lots of variety in cars too so you can compare your times to a big cross section of cars and drivers. This year I've been focusing on autocrossing my Miata but if there are a couple of other people interested in going to the Aug 27th event I will drag out the MINI and we can make a party out of it.

 

Wish I could make it. Maybe next time!

-Cody

 

New additions to schedule...Jeff is getting his Milltek and Unichip a few days early and Paul is getting his Magnaflow during the week so the schedule is opening up a bit if anyone wants to slide in....

 

Dream Cruise is the single largest one day car event in the world. They cruise classic cars down Woodward Ave. in Detroit all day and night. I am a big muscle car buff and look forward to seeing a bunch of hot rods and classic muscle cars (and drink more beer than I should, no driving will be involved). Here is a link to their web page:

http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/

 

If we showed up in Minis, would we have the crap beat out of us? American car people can be a bit... TERRITORIAL. I used to avoid Michigan like the plague when I rode Japanese bikes...

Looking forward to hearing the AutoX talk - if I can. Reminder: there is a Miata club AutoX event the following weekend (the 27th) down at the Historical Society, and they encourage Minis to attend. I'll certainly be there and I hope we'll see other Mini folks there as well!

http://www.buckeyemiataclub.com/autocross_info.htm

$30 for non-club members, setup begins at 8:00AM.

 

I have to work until noon (in Lancaster), but I plan to shoot up to New Albany as quick as I can afterwards. If I'm lucky, some of your will still be hanging around and I can meet a few of my fellow Central Ohio MINI drivers.

I've had the car for about 3 wks, and I'm already eager to start making it mine (i.e. 19mm sway bar, new tires, air intake, anything to make it go faster in the twisties)

Hope to see you there.