Miata Mailing List: May 1999, Message #73

sponsored by

Just got back from running in this autox.  What a blast!  On a big parking
lot at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, so speeds were much higher than previous
experiences.  On the first straight, just before the first big hairpin turn
I was bouncing off the rev limiter in 2nd gear.  This was on my second run.
First run I shifted into third, but then had to almost immediately shift
back to second.  Too much trouble.

I was the only Miata there.  Lots of M3's, bigger Beemers, 911's, 928,
couple of Carerras (one a convertible), one Boxster, and a very fast Z3
Coupe with racing tires.  He posted fastest time of day at 60.20.  Next
fastest on race tires was a new Firebird at 62 something.  My first run I
did a 69.5.  Second was smoother with 68.733.  Then I surprised even myself
(Novice this year) with a 66.6, almost 3 seconds off my first time.  On my
last run, I bogged down in one of the final turns, lost speed and momentum
and turned in a 67.48.  My 66 spanked a lot of Beemers and Porsches.  Course
this was just the first session of 4 total, but what a blast.  Really
learning how to trail brake into the turns and fun to see the rear move on
out.  Each time I get a little better and feel more confident in myself.  I
can see how there is nothing like seat time to really learn and go faster.
BTW, I was running on Bridestone RE71's at 40 pounds of pressure.  Koni's at
1 1/2 turns, sways on the loosest setting front and rear.

Gotta go, leave tomorrow at 5am for Dallas,  but running the Gap (both
Thornton and Deals) before I get there!!  :-)

Bye,

Pete