Success! The V8 Miata beats the Cobra!

I finally got things put together enough get out on the road and first thing I did was look for a track to hit.  I searched the web and found Des Moines was having an autocross on Sunday.  I checked the registration list and there was a 65 Cobra replica running in the class I run in so that sealed the deal!

So the day starts with rolling out of bed at 3:30am to make the 230 mile drive to the track.  Hey if you are going to be crazy you may as well go all the way! I rolled in right on time, shoveled out the red bull and mickey Ds debris and got through tech. 

  

I should have taken a photo of it but I had forgotten how sitting in line for tech with the hood up and the car running draws a crowd with this car. It's really fun to meet everyone and talk cars with folks. I was delighted to meet a guy with a LS1 96 Miata so now there were 3 drivers in XP!  The other Miata and Cobra were track cars with no heater, wipers, radio, A/C or power steering and both were running on high end autocross tires.  I've got all the comfort stuff and running on 30,000 mile normal street tires so I did what I always do and paid no attention to the times and just had fun.  Note the position of the cone here...

We did have a shot of rain but it only effected one of my runs.  The other run group had a couple pretty soggy runs but everyone had at least 4 good dry runs.  I was glad to have my street tires!

Now if you were to put me in a category as a driver I would be the 4th stooge.  I do try hard to hit the apexes right and take the best line but more often than not the cones get in the way and I end up laughing so hard I have a hard time driving.  The guy in the other V8 Miata suggested I start in 2nd and had I done it right it probably would have been faster but, well it went the way of the rest of the day and you just have to see it... Iowa autocross video CLICK ME

I hope you got a good laugh from that!  It seemed like such a good place to put a camera LOL!  The good news is I had NO tire rubbing anywhere and the flares did great!

I have another event in a couple weeks that should be interesting.  It is a normal autocross then they turn you out on a 1/2 speed run.  This is the track map...

I've had the car a bit over 100 but to be honest when I do the math I am a little concerned about this.  A rolling start on a 1/2 mile run with a 2500lb, 450hp car, 250 miles from home.... What could go wrong?

I hope things are well with you and stay wise!