Well, this year, I WILL make it to the track.

So far, I have 2 scheduled events that definitely will have me at a track. One as a spectator, one as a participant. A coworker and I are heading to the Rolex 24 at the end of the month at Daytona. I know that it's basically a big party that happens to have a race, but it should be fun, and will be my first track visit for the year. I'm looking forward to walking through the garage area, pits, etc, which our tickets give us access to.

http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Tickets-Events/Events/2015/Rolex-24-At-Daytona/Rolex-24-At-Daytona.aspx

The second event scheduled is the ST Octane Academy, which is open to the original owner/purchaser of either a Focus ST or Fiesta ST for within one calendar year of purchase of the vehicle. My trip is scheduled for May 1/2. The Academy is roughly 20/80 split classroom/track time. Should be fun, and if I don't make it to a track event prior to this, it'll be both my first AutoX type event, and first track time. I'm actually pretty excited for this one, it'll be cool to be able to beat up on some FiSTs and FoSTs.

http://www.stoctaneacademy.com/register-now.html

My plan is also to get the Miata to a track day event during the year, and I may take the ST to an Autox event. If I make 2 track days, then I'm eligible for Mazda Motorsports discount parts, so that's the plan, to make at least 2 events.

maybe I need to make that my resolution too.

You should. I suppose if I actually intend on doing this, I should pick up a helmet! I need to get a hockey helmet to help with some on ice activities for my son, so might as well add another to the collection!

I'm pretty excited. I think I'll finally have the Miata in good mechanical order come spring for what I want to accomplish for the next couple of years. I'm excited about the Octane Academy too, I've read nothing but good reviews about it, other than the Hoonigan Reception being a waste of time.

Huzer wrote:Well, this year, I WILL make it to the track.

I will hold you to that!

Huzer wrote: Hoonigan Reception being a waste of time.

I don't know if it's cuz i'm old, but I hate this word. WTF .... Hoon?!? /rant

Saul_Good wrote:I don't know if it's cuz i'm old, but I hate this word. WTF .... Hoon?!? /rant

I'm not a fan of it either. I may skip the reception and drive in on Friday, then leave after the track event on Saturday. The only "good" thing about the reception is meeting up with people that you'll be on track with the next day. I haven't decided yet. I'd pretend I'd road trip the Miata, but that sounds painful for that far a drive. Haha!

The good thing about weekday track days this year is that with work moving to 100% WFH, I'll be able to get out more easily, and just shift my hours for that day.

See Hoonigan associated with Ken Block a lot. I wouldn't let the title of the reception affect your decision. I'd go, but I'm a real social butterfly.

I think people attending the reception expected "more". It's really just some premade sandwiches and hanging around the main gift shop/lobby area. It isn't an insider tour of Block's shop or anything. I'll most likely go, but if schedule interferes, I won't be terrible upset if I don't make it for that.

I'm excited about day 2. Apparently they've got GoPros attached to all of the cars so you get to have video of all of your runs.

Sadly I won't be getting any track time this year or the next couple. I don't think it's worth it in a stock Veloster and I think my Miata might fall apart if I try to track it, lol. Whatever I replace the Veloster with in a couple years will definitely be track capable though.

Any thoughts of hitting up the Flying Miata Summer Camp? I am going to try to make it this year even though I won't be bring a Miata. My wife and I made three years in a row and have made some good friends and would be nice to get some CMZC members out there as well. I have a friend I met out there the first year and who was hooked on doing a V8 Miata and his is just getting done. We are planning one caravaning up there if anyone is in.

coloskydiver wrote:Any thoughts of hitting up the Flying Miata Summer Camp? I am going to try to make it this year even though I won't be bring a Miata. My wife and I made three years in a row and have made some good friends and would be nice to get some CMZC members out there as well. I have a friend I met out there the first year and who was hooked on doing a V8 Miata and his is just getting done. We are planning one caravaning up there if anyone is in.

I'd like to. Would probably have to bring the wife and kiddo along, I'm not sure I could manage 3 solo trips this year without getting some flak. I'll plant the bug now, though.

I plan on bringing the wife and kid. Just saying.

I don't think I'll be taking my rig to the track anytime soon, but I'm pretty sure my stock shocks are in need of some replacements. That might be my 2015 resolution.

Two days at Daytona, and the track looks mighty fun. Interesting seeing Miatas classed with Caymans and Civics.

Looking forward to working on the little car when I get home.

1 low quality track pic until I have time to edit any and upload them. I'm sure people would rather see 2 Miatas rather than Ferraris, Porsches, and Astons.