Re: First DE Event this Sunday
First, since I'm not a regular poster here, a bit about me. I'm a Miata owner (2006 MX-5). I autocross regularly and have done a few track days. I'm competitive in my autocross class and have been doing well in my division.
You said this will be an autocross - SCCA Solo II (cone dodging). Your one slow lap of Laguna Seca is going to be worlds away from a day at an autocross. At autocross, the speeds are relatively low, but things happen very, very quickly. Because the course is defined by cones, rather than the edges of a track, it's not always an easy task to stay on the correct course. Because of the quick pace and the relative lack of visual definition, it's extremely important to look ahead. As a novice, don't worry to much about having the right line. Rather, worry about having a valid line (one that doesn't DNF / go on the wrong side of cones). It's very common for a novice to DNF on at least one run at their first autocross, and it's not uncommon for someone to DNF multiple runs (sometimes every single run at an event) when they're still new to the sport. Also, you likely won't need to shift. Start in first, shift to second, then leave it in second for the rest of the run.
Go on the novice walkthrough and make sure you know who the novice coordinator is. If you have any questions, the novice coordinator should be able to help you. Also, try to ride with as many people as you can. Riding with people on the course can really help you understand where the course goes and what the cars can do. At a recent event, one of my competitors in my class asked to ride with me. He was quite a few seconds slower than me, even though we were in the same class, and wasn't sure what he was doing wrong. After one run with me, he cut three seconds off his time (on a roughly 56 second course). I try to find every chance I can to ride with a couple of guys in my area. I learn something new every time I ride with one of them.
And remember to look ahead. Seriously. I keep mentioning that because it's something I find I constantly have to remind myself as I do my runs. Look ahead, breathe. Worry about more than that at your next event.
As far as your car is concerned: Autocross is no where near as hard on your car as a track day. Rather than spending 10-30 minutes at a time pushing the car hard, you'll spend 45 to 60 seconds pushing it, then giving it a rest, then another 45-60, the rest, then 45-60. You'll probably have over 10 minutes between your runs, so your car isn't going to get anywhere near as hot as a track day could do. Things like boiling brake fluid are extremely rare at autocrosses, but one thing that can happen is the lateral force can loosen lug nuts. Make sure yours are tightened to the appropriate spec. It would probably be wise to check them both before and after the event.
Take water, and lots of it. Make sure there's food for lunch (either something to get in the area or bring something). Wear sunblock. Take a hat. And most importantly, have fun!
