Mazda MX5 184 on Track - Too Slow? Will it Slide? Cost of Track Brakes?

[@kyranthez927]

I never thought I'd see a driving instructor getting in trouble for powersliding around a track 😂 I love these videos

[@wipeyourbuttocks]

Right 🤣

[@tango4271]

Coolest driving instructor on the block, definitely stay tuned to this channel at least after I pass my test

[@izustun9851]

I don’t think it is a slow car, It accelarates 0-100 in 6.5seconds, yes it is not a super sports but not slow either. And everyones knows that it even has not been designed for acceleration, rather than handling.

[@B_-.-]

Absolutely right, when most people are driving 1.4 hatches or giant SUVs that take 10+ seconds to hit 60... Even a NA is faster.

[@NenoSpain]

I took my ND2 to a track for the first time 2 weeks ago, and it was awesome! Slower than other cars in the straights but faster in the corners, and lots, lots of fun. I love how well balanced the chassis is and how you can play with under and oversteer as you wish. Car was completely stock except for DS2500 brake pads, Cup 2 tyres, and alignment. Thank you for your great videos and for sharing your happy moments in a Miata!

[@KenColton]

The brake pad upgrade was good choice. I took mine out for first time on track last weekend with stock pads and RE71RS tires and I had a blast but the pads [and probably rotors] are ruined. 😅I probably should have called it earlier but I was having too much fun and planned on replacing the pads anyway. New track pads and fluid going in this weekend. Can’t wait to get back out there!

[@NenoSpain]

That's exactly what happened to me 😂 I was having so much fun that I didn't take care of brake cooling and I ended the 6th, 30' run with a little bit of waviness on rotors. Brake pads and fluid (RBF660) held without hesitation, but I reckon it was my fault. With DS2500 (or DSUNO, which are also available with non-brembo brakes and are more gentle with rotors) and a little bit of care and less excitement would be enough for my next track day (I hope 😀). And great tyres, those RE71RS may be the best road-legal track tyre available for our MX-5 😉

[@samhodges4120]

Loving the track video's. Keep it up ❤

[@frostyslife1729]

I loved this video Richard very well done around the track, i really want to do one one day, you've made me more and more keen with each video!

[@nelz9299]

Love the track content, keep them coming! And it's safe to say Bedford is your favourite circuit then? Seen you on here a couple of times now. Any tips on how to keep the cost down for track days? (like special websites you use for example)

[@RichardFanders]

I think Cadwell Park is my favourite but Bedford is fun when it's wet. In my opinion, a reliable car without too much power keeps costs down. Brakes, fuel, tyres and track entry is where to money goes and there isn't really a way to get much of a discount. Paying a bit more for a younger car may save you money in repairs, but you have more to lose if you crash.

[@iManual6peed]

Very awesome with car videos. I’m learning a lot from you.

[@SandStormPower]

The engine note reminds me of the ford puma 1.7 vct. That car loved to rev

[@jackedrussell]

I'm thinking of going on a track day to Bedford Autodrome in a few months, is a helmet required if you don't have a convertible? I don't have one at the moment and I can't find anything on their website about it. I also don't want to drive 50 miles only to find I can't go on track because I don't have one.

[@RichardFanders]

You must use a helmet, when you sign up they will tell you what you need. You also need your tow eye connected.

[@walkingpizza1796]

hey Richard, In your track videos i see that you quite often break with your left foot, what is the reason behind it? i assume for being able to press the gas quickly after

[@RichardFanders]

It's quicker to transition between gas and brake. I can get brake ready before I need it and be ready on the gas also.

[@fernandocandia2457]

Love your videos. Could you do a video about left foot breaking?

[@F3udF1st]

@@fernandocandia2457 Why would you want to break your left foot?

[@fernandocandia2457]

@@F3udF1st for the halibut.

[@DrBobtheblob]

Great video. Totally understand the fun over fast point, too many people don't get the difference between a track day and a race day.

[@hyperoctane]

Bedford 'drome is super greasy in the wet!

[@TheBoyCalzone]

Do you fit and change the brake pads/discs yourself and if you don't, how much do you roughly spend getting them changed and back again?

[@RichardFanders]

I do it myself, takes me 2-3 hours with all the faffing of moving the car and moving tools.

[@F3udF1st]

Not sure in what universe this would be considered affordable but, everything is relative I suppose.

[@dielaughing73]

Compared to most other track cars a Miata is a very affordable car to track. Fuel, consumables, repairs, overall cost of ownership is a lot less than a Porsche or a Lotus or an M car etc. I have to admit, track time is a lot more expensive in the UK than Australia though

[@realcrazyhenkie]

I wonder how many of your students do not realize that they are being taught by not just any instructor, but secretly the British Keiichi 'Drift King' Tsuchiya. 🤣I find it wonderful to see your driving technique and enthusiasm, and I am really glad I have come across your channel!

[@essexboydave]

I have an E36 bmw it’s my summer only road car but I’ve owned it for years and in that time I’ve got it dialled in perfectly and I no what it will and Well not do But it’s not fast (at best 220 bhp) and I’ve just given up with track days now I can hold my own with much faster cars on track that are just not driven as well as they could be so it’s so frustrating to be held up in the corners and just get left behind as soon as it straightens up to then be held up again two corners later so I’m lapping quicker overall but just getting held up where I can go faster End result is i just can’t be bothered anymore I can break the rules by out braking them or cutting them up but it’s just a waste of time because they just come past me in the next straight or I get black flagged

[@GTFour]

I haven’t used them in an MX5 but have really liked EBC Yellow pads in other cars I’ve used on track and fast road

[@flyingyams2686]

Just gotta say richard, Iv been learning through your videos on "assetto corsa" for a good year now with the added gear stick an clutch on my "logitech g29". I know its just a simulator but i was just fumbling over myself, and found myself just randomly hiting brake, accel and clutch or wrong gears, i've slowely built up some confidence i never knew i needed which in turn has just helped me slowely smooth out and improve my driving experience overall. Im 26 an iv always wanted too drive but had this fear of other drivers or being responsible for a life death situation. I can now happily say im booking myself into learn in march and i cant wait too just go through all your videos again, honestly thank you so much.

[@Andrei8pa3]

Are tracks that let you drift rare?

[@RichardFanders]

Yes they are rare, there are some specific drift places but then you need a drift car.

[@jesterdans]

I’m so torn. Wanna get a 30th anniversary RF next year but don’t want to get rid of my MRS… and if I spend that new car money on my mk3 for tuning and intake/exhaust upgrade etc, it will surely faster than a ND2, but then I need to stick with near zero trunk space…😅

[@RichardFanders]

It depends what's most important for you from a car. I have a standard new car for reliability so I can drive it hard and not worry about it. I have been down the heavily modified route in the past also.

[@jesterdans]

@@RichardFanders thanks to you and other driving instructors KZbin channels, I’ve earned my driving licence within 2 months earlier this year. But I’m still quite green in terms of driving and car knowledge, not that I’m into tuning I have no problem driving stock for reliability(well MR2 is still a Toyota🤣). At the back of my head I know I will be able to make a decision if I test drive a ND2, I’m in love with a rear mid-engine setup and I reckon this’s the only thing that hold me back from seriously looking into a MX5 at the moment.

[@cactiiimusic]

@@jesterdansI can speak from owning a stock ND2 sport, it’s sooooo fun being able confidently do donuts and toss the back end out a bit in my car and have no fear of reliability issues or mechanical failure. The “Sport” trim does not come with limited slip differential or upgraded breaks, but it still corners like a beast. And the best part, being able to have FUN with the car and still get great gas mileage is a huge plus! Some food for though ;)

[@nelz9299]

Personally would not get rid of my Missus for a car but that's just me

[@RichardFanders]

The first car I took on track days was a Mk3 MR2 roadster. It was a brilliant car. Having the engine at the front does make the car more playful as it's easier to slide and more forgiving on the limit. The ND is front mid engined. Having a rear mid engined car is better if you're interested in how quickly it will lap the circuit.

[@ik749]

Man... Your place is on the track! I always enjoy watching you racing.

[@ResoluteWisdom]

Hey! I'm wondering how i can contact you?

[@UnH1ng3d]

I know this isn't something you usually do, but if you get a chance to drive an NC I'd love to know how they compare. If the video did well, maybe you could look at the NA and NB too 🤔

[@janesyb]

I have an NC with some suspension/handling mods Richard is more than welcome to drive.

[@richfixescars]

I always used to enjoy my ND on track, especially Castle Combe. Looking forward to trying my GR86 there. Get a test drive in a GR86!

[@RichardFanders]

I've been a passenger in a GR86, they're very enjoyable on track.

[@TheDrDrazz]

Hey going on my first track day in my mx5 next year when it warms up! Just wondering what the rules are around helmets - can you use a full face motorcycle helmet or does it need to meet certain standards? At Oulton Park if it matters.

[@RichardFanders]

I use a motorcycle helmet. When you book they will tell you the requirements. No helmets that have a long chin.

[@fatihuguz.]

you can use the wet line "meaning avoiding the regular line" because all the rubber left off on the roadfrom tyres make it extra sliperry with water

[@RichardFanders]

It is extra slippery on line in the wet.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Great video

[@RandomStuff812]

Do you normally turn off traction control on track day?

[@RichardFanders]

I always do, I don't like the brakes activating when I don't want them to and I enjoy trying to master the car myself.

[@flubjig903]

Got my driving test on the 13th, I really hope I pass want to get on the roaddddd

[@RichardFanders]

Good luck!

[@flubjig903]

@@RichardFanders I passed today, I commented on about it on your other channel. I was wondering if you have any ideas about cars that are fun to drive but also cheap to insure? Looking at max 3-3.5k on the car itself.

[@thegrowl2210]

Try a Suzuki Swift Sport. You can get the ZC31S for not a lot of money, and they’re highly rated as fun and cheap cars. I have a ZC32S as my first car, a bit more money, but more liveable as a daily (Cruise Control, 6th gear). Insurance was a surprise, cheaper than the standard swift!

[@andrepipo4542]

Why don't they let you drift?

[@RichardFanders]

To reduce red flags I guess.

[@thesim1990]

Killjoys/red tape/arse covering etc.

[@neblolthecarnerd]

Safety. Don't want people randomly spinning in front of each other or going unexpectedly slow. There's a reason drift days are done separately. It's a lot safer when everyone has the same intentions.

[@Joe_Nutsy]

[@RichardFanders]

I think they're of Poznań's town square in Poland.

[@Joe_Nutsy]

@@RichardFanders very cool

[@frostyslife1729]

Youre always wearing colorful and eye catching socks haha love it​@RichardFanders