Okay. I did it. I got the form filled out and it'll be going in the mail tonight for the October 3rd Phil Wicks Driving Academy at Gateway.

So, what should I expect (being in the Novice class and all) from those of you that have gone to one of these classes? Advice, insights, etc.? Is anyone else from our group going on this date?

I'm really looking forward to track time seeing that I've never been on one before. Should be fun!

 

yeah...I need to do that too...sign up for this one that is.

 

Adam,

I went last July before the format was changed. I had a morning of defensive driving(avoiding obstacles,making sudden turns, skid pad, cones & more that I can't remember any more) Then I spent the afternoon on the track. It's set up for sports cars half oval & half autocross. I really learned a lot. Gary went after the format changed & spent the entire day on the track with instructors riding along teaching them where to shift & follow the line. I don't know which is better. I know how much you guys like to get out on the track Gary & I will probably see you there since the track days are being held in conjunction with a National Mazda Event that the Miata Club is putting on. We are part of the organizers for the event. So you will be out there with a bunch of Miatas.

Lois

 

Oh well, it should be fun anyway!

Thanks for the info!

 

I attended the same Track Day Event as Gary did (I was the only female in the group ). I was looking forward to the defensive driving part that Lois talked about, but all day track time was fun too. If I remember correctly we had seven 10 minute sessions on the track. That may not sound like much time, but believe me when you get to that 7th session you are really worn out. I think I put about 100 miles on my car that day - just on the track. (gas mileage was terrible tho'). I was really glad that I was able to experience what my car can really do under safe circumstances. No matter what, it will be an experience you will never forget.

Linda
(MsBrit)

 

Adam,

You'll outrun those Miatas Beleive me, I've been driving the Miata again & I really miss my MINI.(lucky Gary) October can't come soon enough.

Lois

 

Adam,

Myself, Mike Roberts, My Dad Willard, Mick Keenoy, Brad Bloomquist, and Dave White will all be instructors at the track day. You will have SO much fun with your car on the track! If you want to buy a helmet instead of rent one, here's the place to get a good M2000 helmet:

http://www.soloperformance.com/Deskt...=22&BrandID=15

I have the CL-5 in white.

Let me know if you have any other questions. It will be a blast!

Aaron

 

Adam,

I have the CL-5 in RED that you can borrow. It's only been on my head & Gary's unlike the one's you can rent. Although if you are going to be getting out on the track frequently you may want to buy one like Aaron suggested. Let me know

Lois

 

Lois,

Hey, thanks! Um, what size is it -- I've got a pretty good sized melon!

Adam

 

Actually, I don't believe the Miata's will be there (unless they are hogging all three days ). The Driving Academy is on Sunday 10/3, the Miata's are 10/1 and 10/2.

And 100 miles for the day sounds about right, and my gas mileage was around 12-14mpg for the day!

 

Adam,

It's a medium but Gary gets his noggin into it It may be too small for you. Sorry about leading you astray about the Miatas. I didn't even look at the date. But the Miatas will be gone by Sunday. Too bad you won't be able to show them how great the MINIs are:smile: :smile: :smile: I get a lot of grief from my Miata friends about owning a MINI.

Lois

 

It's a medium & it is a little snug on Gary's noggin

Lois

sorry, my computer or something is goofy. I thought the other post got lost

 

So, if the forum has changed and there isn't any defensive driving courses anymore, what exactly do you do when you're on the track?

 

Learn offensive driving, silly!

 

I'm gonna try to get in too!

 

^^^^^^^ Hey, Doug, cool signature!

 

We both have T shirts that say that! It's a lot better than "still plays with scissors"

Lois

 

 

I just called to register today! I spoke with Phil who seems like quite the nice fellow.

I can't wait. Now I just have to track down a helmet and I'm set.

See you all there!

 

Cool! I will see you there!

Don't forget a helmet for the pooch!


Brad

 

That was very, very fun! I highly recommend people doing this, ESPECIALLY if you've never had your MINI on a track. I have a newfound appreciation for what my car can do and it was excellent to find that out in a controlled environment.

It also gave me more confidence driving on the street too. The only negative about it is now, more than ever, I realize just how many bad drivers there are on the road with me!

To sum it up, I'd call it a "go-kart experience for grown-ups." Nice.

 

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