- My model of MX-5 is: _mk1
- I’m based near: _leeds
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __sprint series preparatIon
If you have not competed before I’d look to do the minimum preparation necessary before chucking loads of money at it, so for me that was a set of Goodyear Asymetrics, two tow straps one front and one back, timing light breaker, mine is bespoke and screws into the front number plate. When I last read the MSA blue book if you are running unmodified you do not need a roll bar, bucket seat or multipoint harness. Scrutineers like to see an arrow with the letters IGN that gives marshalls a clue how to turn the ignition off somewhere on the door or steering wheel surround and they like to see a fire wall separating the boot area from the cockpit, This means covering the holes twixt the rear wings and wheel arches. And you will need some tape that contrasts with the body colour of your car with which to make your competition number for the day. Other than that make sure you have plenty of pad life in the brakes and fresh brake fluid and engine oil. Get yourself a decent helmet, firesuit, gloves, socks and under wear all should have relevant safety stickers and labels, see MSA blue book, Then you should be good for getting an MSA licence and joining a club which runs competitions for your first entry. I started running in the Classic Marques Series which runs all over the country for a more local series I could have joined Bristol Motor Club who organise a sprint series for MX-5’s including Autosolo in the South West. Have fun do not hesitate to PM me for further help.
A few things other things in addition to Arts helpful note.
- If you are entering in a road car class you need to be able to show your car is taxed, mot, and insured and have these documents in case the scruitineer asks to see them.
- I bought all FIA approved racewearas it was easier. Also advisable to check the final rules for the specific event as they sometimes have specific requirements, eg some require flame proof balaclava and some don’t.
- You need stickers to show where your tow points are, you don’t actually need to add straps if the OEM towing eyes are present.
- You need to make your battery earth cable yellow, I use yellow electric. tape
- For ace numbers I use black electrical tape which has always been fine.
- The boot needs to be accessible from the outside, I leave my spare key in the lock and have a lanyard into the boot incase it comes loose.
- While a roll bar isn’t mandated in a road class it is highly advised. It also tightens the car up a little as a side benefit. Personally I wouldn’t go out on track without one and certainly not a hill climb where run off can be non existent.
- Check your fluid reservoir as they like to see they aren’t loose.
Reading the section on sprints and hill climbs in the blue book a few times is necessary and even then don’t be afraid to ask for advice as I find some of it confusing!
Ask away.
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Thanks guys. I meant to put more detail in the original request but posted it by mistake before getting chance to do that. Regs mention fire extinguishers and double throttle springs but others I know that compete say these aren’t necessary in road going class which I will be in. Any input?
Fire extinguisher is only advised not mandated in the car UNLESS refuelling in the paddock when you need somebody with a fire extinguisher.
Never heard of a need for double throttle cables for road going class. I don’t have them and nor does anybody else that I race with.
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Thanks once again for the response . I’ll take that on board. First event next weekend so retime will tell
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Good luck and enjoy your first event.
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If you do carry a fire extinguisher make sure it is properly secured, if it should come loose will cause a lot of damage. Good luck with your first event 
Where will you be running and with which club 
Thanks. Entered in AMOC Championship at Shelsley walsh
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Keep it on the black stuff, which I believe is all new this season, so could be extra slippery
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Just to clarify point about throttle . Blue book definitely states double throttle return springs are required on ALL cars but some people I’ve counselled say they have never been pulled on that in road going class. Can’t find anyone who has them to source any
I had thought it was the case, and I’ve just been to check:
MX-5’s have a double return spring on the throttle from factory.
Where re you reading that? I can’t see it for looking,
chapter 7, app 2, 8.3 just says there must be a positive method of throttle closure by way of a spring.
Hi Andy thanks for the input. Just checked and mines the same so hopefully all ok
Hi Ken I think my confusion is where there are two carburettors each needing a spring and was also looking at some historic which rule N.9.3.2 covers. Most commentary on the throttle springs also points to having two. MisterG put forward his observations below and on the strength of everyone’s feedback I am leaving things as they are and will let you all know if any problems are encountered
I’ve been through scrutineering at Shelsley a few times and with the MAC scrutineers (they tend to be the same people) many more times (member of MAC and have competed in their Sunrise Speed for the last five seasons). I’ve had the throttle return function checked several times, and it’s never been an issue – if your car’s throttles are standard then I’d be very surprised if it’s picked up as a problem.
I’d expect them to do the standard stuff – look for leaks, check seat belts, check that the seat is secure, check the steering works and doesn’t have any undue play, that your tyres are List 1A or List 1B (depends on class), there is a timing beam breaker fitted, and that your safety wear is OK/in date and stickered-up where required (HANS/ helmet etc). You’ll also need your driver’s licence, plus proof of insurance, MOT and tax, but probably won’t be asked for it. Shelsley also requires numbers on the front of the car, which I’m guessing you’ll already know. They’ll also check your battery is secure and that the earth is identified (yellow tape is fine) plus that F&R tow points are fitted and identified - as others noted above.
The full wording is:
“[Engines] Must be equipped with a positive method of throttle closing by means of external spring/springs so that in the Event of failure of any part of the throttle linkage the throttle(s) are sprung closed.”
(My emphasis)
I suspect that the second throttle spring “requirement” originated as a scrutineering response to the second half of that statement (i.e. to ensure that the throttle is still sprung closed, even if a spring breaks).
In any case, the standard MX-5 throttle body does have a double spring.
Good luck, and enjoy the event!
Thanks.
Have a great event