Topic: Tracking the MINI

[84im]

I just finished a three day SCCA driver training course at our local track.  Two of those days were spend on the track, and what fun it was!
Here's a synopsis of my track time:
1.  The MCS is a seriously fun track car    (surprise, surprise)
2.  Getting caught in some tight corners, off boost, is no fun 
3.  The 16" run flats are CRAP in the rain and only so-so in the dry
4.  Stock brakes don't like heavy usage on a short, tight track
5.  I can't keep up with a WRX
6.  I can't keep up with a new Honda Si (yes, he was most likely a better driver
7.  I could almost keep up with a BMW Z8 (yes, I was most likely a better driver)
8.  I should have ordered LSD-coming out of a corners in the rain the car had VERY little traction (see #5 & 6)
9.  When the track was dry I was able to come out of the corners slightly faster than most of the more powerful cars, and keep up with them on the short straight-a-ways.
10.  A fully optioned out Saleen Mustang is faster than my MCS on the straight-a-ways (no surprise) AND through the corners (surprise).
11.  Repeat #1...I can't wait to go again!  The MCS wasn't the fastest, but man, was it fun

Side note:  I had originally planned on tracking my monster Miata, but because of the poor weather I left it at home.  A V8 powered Mazda Miata on a wet race track would NOT be fun.

[mdxtasy]

I just finished a three day SCCA driver training course at our local track.  Two of those days were spend on the track, and what fun it was!
Here's a synopsis of my track time:
1.  The MCS is a seriously fun track car    (surprise, surprise)
2.  Getting caught in some tight corners, off boost, is no fun 
3.  The 16" run flats are CRAP in the rain and only so-so in the dry
4.  Stock brakes don't like heavy usage on a short, tight track
5.  I can't keep up with a WRX
6.  I can't keep up with a new Honda Si (yes, he was most likely a better driver
7.  I could almost keep up with a BMW Z8 (yes, I was most likely a better driver)
8.  I should have ordered LSD-coming out of a corners in the rain the car had VERY little traction (see #5 & 6)
9.  When the track was dry I was able to come out of the corners slightly faster than most of the more powerful cars, and keep up with them on the short straight-a-ways.
10.  A fully optioned out Saleen Mustang is faster than my MCS on the straight-a-ways (no surprise) AND through the corners (surprise).
11.  Repeat #1...I can't wait to go again!  The MCS wasn't the fastest, but man, was it fun

Side note:  I had originally planned on tracking my monster Miata, but because of the poor weather I left it at home.  A V8 powered Mazda Miata on a wet race track would NOT be fun.

A guy here with one was out on track day in the wet......wuss. 

Nice overview....so what upgrades are coming to compensate for the shortcomings? 

[84im]

The only upgrade I plan to do is different wheels and tires.  I've already spent WAY too much on upgrades for the monster Miata 

[Iso Octane]

A V8 powered Mazda Miata on a wet race track would NOT be fun.

Not with a stock one either, apparently.     At least not with the one I have. 

If I can't put down 140... what would one do with... somewhere around 300? 

[citydude]

11.  Repeat #1...I can't wait to go again!  The MCS wasn't the fastest, but man, was it fun

Get some track tires for next time.

[safristi]

...Mini Mini happy returns...... ..has wifey forgiven U?

[mdxtasy]

A V8 powered Mazda Miata on a wet race track would NOT be fun.

Not with a stock one either, apparently.     At least not with the one I have. 

If I can't put down 140... what would one do with... somewhere around 300? 

How about a supercharged V8?   

[84im]

11.  Repeat #1...I can't wait to go again!  The MCS wasn't the fastest, but man, was it fun

Get some track tires for next time.

I'd love to...boss said, "NO!"