After many years of go-kart racing, our motoring interests expanded, and we began exploring different racing disciplines. Road racing, oval racing and rallycross hold so much appeal, that we haven’t been at a karting track since 2021. Seems like a lifetime ago.
But last Saturday, the Twin Lakes Motor Club held am autocross event at Gamebridge Go-Karts, and this gave us the opportunity to drive our Mazda Miata track car on the tight and twisty karting track. We even brought Mrs. Demaras’ bicycle to explore the track at relative speed before turning laps in anger.
After exploratory two-wheeled laps, Daniel had his first session. It’s difficult to describe how small the karting track is, and we’re fortunate to have the diminutive Miata for such an event. TLMC organizers had strategically laid out slalom sections using traffic cones, to help keep speeds down.
On his first lap, Daniel dumped the clutch and lit up the rear tires. The car understeered and oversteered through corners, as corners were taken so much faster than they were designed for. The challenge was finding balance.
In 2023 the Miata was used extensively by Demaras Racing in Ontario Time Attack. And considering how many other Miatas were at the TLMC event it clearly is the right answer. But others cars on track included a Volvo 240 sedans and tricked out Honda CRX.
Daniel gave Chris fair warning about the lack of grip, and advised him not to try and set a track record on the first lap. Chris took it easy at first, then tried adding more speed as his comfort level and familiarity increased.
The funny thing is that even though the autocross event was a competition, drivers were racing against the clock. Not against each other. Each car had the track to themselves to lay down a lap as rapid as possible, without chance of car contact. In other words, completely stress-free driving.
Being at a race track is usually such a serious affair, but the TLMC event was totally relaxed. Between sessions, Chris would flip the number plate on the door to the No. 666 Miata, while Daniel competed on equal footing in the No. 999.
There was a long break around 8:00 pm to wait for sunset. This would give drivers an different and dimmer perspective on autocross after dark! More about the adventure tomorrow…
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