The road to Laguna Seca

[S.F.W.]

For those that are not aware, 2014 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Mazda Mx-5. Mazda is celebrating this anniversary by holding an event at Mazda Raceway - Laguna Seca, September 5th-7th.

You can read more information here -&nbsp;http://www.miatasatmazdaraceway.com/ .<br><br>The weekend long event includes, a record attempt, a car spelling/epic picture event(like the Zoom Zoom we did in 2012), a public unveiling of the new Miata(ND), BBQ's, Hot Laps at the track, etc.

I have been working with the organizing teams to help execute both a record attempt, and a spelling event, and generally helping with logistics. I will also be attending the weekend, and enjoying the celebration, and helping out.

As part of my participation, I am hoping to have a chance to drive an Mx-5 around the track over the course of the weekend. It occurred to me, that with both my modified and tuned MS3(~300HP), and this opportunity, I should spend some time and money upgrading my driving skills.

Thus, I(with help from Fobio) coordinated with Ian Law Racing to participate in both the Advanced Car Control School, and the Track School. Some people may ask, why bother in general ? or why bother with Car Control School, and not go direct to Track School ?

To me, it is the progression, the process, and the end result. I do more driving on city streets and highway's, than I do(or will do) on the track. Through basic driver training, and general adaptation, I have picked up some skills, but likely also several bad habits. Thus, CCS greatly appeals to me.

Then the progression toward the end goal, Laguna Seca. I want to be comfortable, or more comfortable if provided the opportunity to take an Mx-5 around this track. I think the skills I will be taught at Track School will serve me well both with this opportunity, and future track driving with my MS3.

With all the above said. I am going to keep this thread updated with items I am working on, both individually and as part of the team building the MRLS 2014 event, and hopefully footage from the event itself.

If anyone wants to join me at Car Control School & Track School, look here - http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?76994-Ian-Law-Racing-Car-control-school-amp-track-school for special pricing.

[Default User]

Fantastic opportunity and excellent choice with CCS.

I know a lot of people that dangerously believe they are good drivers under all conditions. Personally I blame Hollywood and PS3 but that's another story.

Hope you get a chance to test the MX5, Ami.

[Kiyomi]

nice.

but if u want to be good at driving on the track. u need practice on the track, and in open lapping/time attack situations. getting ride alongs from people also help. just my 2 cents.
the ian law racing school is a great place to start.

[Aitch]

I'm just insanely jealous of you driving Laguna Seca. In a Mazda. It is one of the 3 tracks I must drive in my lifetime.

[RTEnthusiast]

Ami. It was one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences of my life. You need to do this and bring tons of Go-Pro footage back with you, including some of you grinning from ear to ear.

Here's a shot from my experience:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10273748_10201549406370907_4891723086462347169_n.j pg?oh=b179366382ca45600487f0adf528c342&oe=54338664&__gda__=1413938057_4024bb10aa80377c9e40d564fd949b4 0

[S.F.W.]

A few updates to this thread as I am about three weeks away from departing for California.

As with all events of this nature, you need to be prepared with plans A through F for all aspects. This has become increasingly the case with this event. So far we had to change the location of the formation parking, about four times before getting final approval on location(dealing with local governments in the US is just as much of a pain as Canada).
We also had to change the timing of the registration and parking coordination as the new MX-5 will be doing a drive by, but the timing of that was very difficult to coordinate(thankfully someone else was handling those logistics), as the car must head to NY for a Monday event.

I also completed one of my personal prep items, the ILR Car Control School. Full review coming later on today, I will say it really opened my eyes. I went in a little skeptical(and a lot tired), thinking I would likely learn a bit from the in car portions, and nothing from the in class portions. I was wrong, completely f'n wrong.
The in class portion really makes you think and evaluate some of the driving techniques you have been taught/picked up. Some which are bad habits, but others which are simply poor teaching from driving schools.
It really is amazing, how a little thing like lowering your steering wheel can make such a significant difference. That, and even if you think you are looking far enough ahead on the road, most likely, you need to look further ahead.

[ottoyu34]

Properly instructed lessons in a controlled environment can really allow drivers to explore the limits and progress.
One can learn a lot in an afternoon or two which easily be more than years of aggressive driving on public roads.
This is often overlooked.

Glad you had fun!