QuestionHi Don,
I'm about to buy a RWD Mazda MX-5, before I take it to a track and have some fun, I first need to know how to driver a RWD configured car.
My questions are mainly regarding handling.
1. To turn in a rwd car, I've read that I'm not supposed to lift off the throttle or it will oversteer and spin off. instead, the driver should apply more acceleration to steer with throttle, but how much should be given, and what will happen if I suddenly had to stop mid corner, how would I control the car without spinning the car?
2. Normally on FWD, if you went round a corner, one may ease off the throttle or don't even give it throttle, is this still the case with RWD? or do I have to give it a little for it not to lose traction?
3. Would you happen to have any sources of other websites where I can learn how to drive a RWD car on a track?
Many thanks
Ken
AnswerI drive both RWD and FWD cars on the track, and really, unless you are over the limit, they drive pretty much the same. Yes, they ARE different, but the basic rules are the same, there is only so much traction, and the good driver manages that traction better than other drivers.
Also, there is a big difference between "drifting" style driving and regular track/driver education driving.
Let's assume you aren't going to try doing any drifting and stick to basic road course driving.
Have you done any road course driving or autocross driving?
If not, I would recommend you start with autocross if possible to get to know your Miata at slower and safer speeds.
Also, search the internet for Miata clubs. There should be several. Join the on-line groups and sign up for the big ones and get back issues of magazines if they print them. If you can find a local club, that is even better. If they have autocross or track day events, go so you can be with people that are familiar with your type of car and not have to deal with corvettes, Cobra's and BMW's etc.
But speaking of BMW, the BMW clubs and Audi clubs have some of the best events, that have good safe rules and reasonable prices. They will usually let other makes of cars join in if you just pay the minimal fee to join the club, usually $15 to $20. I have run with these groups with my Ford and I am an instructor for both groups, they are great people, and have run groups for everyone from the novice to near pros.
To your specific questions:
1. Your question applies mainly if you overdrive a corner or try to trail brake heavily. That is keep braking hard well into the turn. when you do this you really run the risk of understeering (going straight off the corner) in a FWD car or if you lift, yes, you can spin in a RWD car, OR it could also understeer. Depends on the tires and setup. The best way is to understand two principals: One: Do all your braking in a straight line BEFORE you start to turn the steering wheel, this way when you get off the brakes and start to turn the wheel, your car is settled and your tires only have to turn and not turn AND stop. Two: the main racers rule for fast laps with ANY car is SLOW IN - FAST OUT. This means you must give up speed going INTO a turn in order to be FAST when you leave the corner. This applies especially to corners right before long straights. By controlling your speed into a corner so you can have the perfect turn in, apex and track out points, you will have more speed on the straight and be faster and safer. If you have to stop mid-corner, then it should only be if there is a wreck, and you should be looking well ahead so you can anticipate and slow enough to avoid the accident.
2. Once in a corner, the ideal is to balance throttle with turning. As you approach the limits of your tires ability to turn, you will feel the car beginning to either spin the rear tires (usually not a problem with a stock Miata, they are great cars but don't have huge amounts of power) or you will feel the front tires begin to "wash out" or the car will understeer and not want to turn as you accelerate. In that case, just lift off the throttle just enough to get back steering control.
3. There are several good books on racing, and I recommend you visit this site:
http://www.speedtvbooks.com/Store/Products_2942.ncm
There are several books by Bob Bondurant that are good, I personally can't stand the guy, but he does know how to drive, and how to teach driving.
Also search Amazon.com for Skip Barber, several ideas will be shown, and he is a nice guy.
I also found this page on the internet with some of the basics:
http://home.pon.net/HUNNICUTT/perfdriv.htm
I highly recommend you attend a driving school before you try high speed track driving if you are new to the sport. A school lets you learn some of the limits of your car safely. If you can attend a Skip Barber school or Bob Bondurant, that is great. Doing a NASCAR drive "experience" won't be of much use at all, although it will be fun.
And most of all, don't be in a hurry to go fast. Let speed build slowly, and safely. Stay within your limits. I have seen some really experienced drivers wreck their cars at "track days" and some novices do the same. Don't worry if you get passed a LOT, it happens, I get passed a lot, and I have no problem, I am going as fast as I want, and as fast as my car will go. That some other people have more skill or more money in their car is of zero concern to me. I drive to entertain ME and nobody else. I am of course aware of all other cars and drivers, but don't let them bother me, and I check my ego in the driveway. Ego has no place behind the wheel of a car, on the street or track.
The Mazda MX-5 is a perfect fun track day car with good brakes, great handling and enough power to be entertaining. But do remember that some clubs will no longer let convertibles on track for insurance reasons unless you have a proper roll bar (just pass the broom handle test, where with you in the car and a helmet on in normal driving position, you should be able to lay a broom handle across the top of the windshield, over your head to the top of the roll bar. In otherwords, your head must not be above that level.
5 or 6 point safety belts are not necessary with most clubs, the factory three point belts are usually OK, but proper safety belts are a great advantage as they hold you in place better. Finally get a GOOd helmet. is your head worth $100? Then get a $100 helmet, but I recommend a good one, and they usually run $250 and up for Simpson and Bell, two of the best. You choose open face with glasses or goggles or full face (usually recommended for convertibles). Of course if you have the removeable hardtop for your Miata, then you don't have to have the roll bar.
Finally, before doing any performance track driving, check over your car completely or have a good mechanic do it. Brakes should have fresh high boiling temp fluid, and be freshly bled. Good track quality pads especially in front, new or nearly new is highly recommended. Super sticky tires are not needed, in fact, for your first times, speed rated, up to 120 mph or so at least) all season or summer tires are just fine. Members of the various Miata clubs can give you advice on brake pads, tires etc. Also, don't worry about huge aftermarket brakes, or engine mods. A stock Miata with good pads and stock engine is just fine to have plenty of fun. Worry about more power and mods once you get some skills and experience.
and another tip, don't worry about fast shifing, quick starts or high revs on the engine. take it easy on the car and it will last for years without breaking, but try to imitate racing drivers and you will be fixing your car a lot. Nice easy shifts, easy but quick take off from pit lane, and no need for super high rpm shifts, it is your driving skill, driving the right "line" with the best turn-in, apex and track out points will give you joy and quick laps. (oh, don't TIME your laps, nobody wins for quickest lap, and you don't want to be thinking about that out there, just concentrate on being SMOOTH, remember that word, is is the most important word after SAFETY at any speed event.).
So join some clubs, get some experience and have fun with your car.
Don
