Trackday 101

Mods I know there is a track section but this is an accumulation of owner experience that I feel will benefit all....
 
So 18 months ago I decided to get my MR2 on the track, I had wanted to for a couple of years but it all seemed so hard. In doing this I consulted many people, gained much advice and feel this should be put in one post to help others get this fantastic machine where it belongs. Others with experience please feel free to chip in your 2 cents.
 
First, an event to aim at. For me it was a Phillip Island practice day with PIARC, you will likely needs CAMS insurance (available through any affiliated club like say ....the MR2 Club...thanks FZero). Once you have an event, find out what safety requirements there are.
 
Fire extinguisher: You can get a simple mounting bracket made to fit between the slide rails on your drivers seat (thanks Firthy) and $20 extinguisher from auto store. Alternatively mount it however you want, just be sure you can get to it in a REAL hurry.
Bonnet restraint: You don't need bonnet pins, they seemed like a lot of work. I made up a loop of wire rope using holes under the leading edge of the bonnet and one on the bar over the radiator. I connect these with a Carrabina to race.
Headlights: Sticky tape over the lens covers is the easiest way to meet requirements for a shatter-proof headlight.
 
To get your car trackable:
Semi-slick tyres: I waited 18 months before lashing out for these and I sincerely regret it. Semi slicks will turn your MR2 from a trundling road car into a bona fide, Evo shaming weapon. If you have anything less than R compound tyres don't think these will cut it on a track no matter what they're like on the road. Personally I chose Nitto NT01's (thanks racing Steve don't know your last name) and got a set for my stock rims for $740 delivered from Tempe Tyres in Sydney. The rears are only available in a 45 profile but the smaller diameter noticeably improved the cars gearing for track work.
 
Brakes: Seems odd that to go faster you need to improve your stopping ability. Forget pricey and painful upgrades, for now get your stock setup working at maximum efficiency. RDA (club sponsor) make good slotted and non-slotted rotors.
A brand of brake pad called Intima SR (thanks Surok) perform incredibly well for the price and are tractable for both road and track, many other good brands available. Finally, flush your brake fluid with a high temperature fluid,  doesn't have to be the super pricey stuff I used BF287 which cost $10 a bottle. Having done this work I have received numerous comments from other owners about the braking prowess of my car.
 
Suspension: If your car is getting old, it may be time for some new shockers, I used AGX type from KYB, again there are many good ones. Remember brake and suspension upgrades are really helping your overall safety on the road too, good way to justify the costs to the wife.
 
Mechanical check: A week or two before tracking, take your car to the mechanic, tell them what you are doing and get the car thoroughly checked.
 
How your car will go: An NA SW20 has no business mixing it with Evo 7/8/9's but with some small tweaks, decent rubber and a bit of practice that is what the car can do (mind you the Evo drivers can't have been too good). After hearing so much about what a fantastic car the MR2 is, it is terrific to see and feel it deliver on the track. The tyres had epic grip. In the wet I was mixing it with an M3, in the dry I chickened out long before the tyres did on corners.
 
I hope this is of some use to someone, seems like there aren't a huge number of MR2s tracking and it would be great to see you out there!

Glad you had a positive result with the Nitto tyres. Its a shame they dont have a 235/45/17 for the front. They do work quite well on a damp track and only a few seconds slower than many cars on slicks so worth the investment. What pressure did you run? 
The Intima brake pads came from me then passed on to Surok.
Any video footage or times?
 
 

Good post Shauny, with interesting info about the rear 15" tyre sizes, and I agree that the stock brakes can be better than some people may think, if properly maintained with good pads and fluid.
 
Track day or not, a fire extinguisher is well worth having anyway.
In front of the passenger seat, seems a good location that still allows the seat to adjust forward, doesn't interfere with passenger's feet, and is easily reachable.

Yes mate, I am the race car MR2 guy. Its off the road but will be back soon.
The Nitto is a good tyre but when you push the tyre too much is does seem to go off. You then have to back off a little to recover before you can go again. This could have been due to high tyre pressure but not 100%. Will know more next time out. Next time your our, just try for 32 hot so start at 28 then work from there. Do you have a tyre pressure guage?
Fantastic to see you did some time at Phillip Island. Did the car move around on the main straight at high speed?
 

I see you have caught the bug shaun

@Kameleon, Yes hook, line, sinker, rod and copy of Angling Times

Knightrous

MCT_MR2
- Remember to be respectful when out on the track, if you have a far faster car behind you, do the right thing and move off the racing line to allow them to pass - nobody likes someone that treats a trackday like a door to door championship.

Also, if you are the faster car, don't be an ass and tail gate or pressure a slower car. The driver might not be as experience as you or it could be their first track day and they might not see you while caught up in all the nerves of being on the track

I think it's much safer to hold your line with a faster car coming up behind you.
I 've had a big scare with a slower car moving off the racing line after I had already pretty much commited to passing up the inside.
Slower car being a mini traveling 100 - 120kph, I was close to 200 and had to swap sides of the track on a bump and under brakes

The best way is to do a regularity event on a race weekend. It will improve your driving no end.
There are some great books on driving. One I read was: Speed Secrets? Ross Bentley. Very popular books.
Have you considered driver training? This too will help you no end.