Texas Miata Roundup Oct 31st thru November 3rd

[PBellew]

We're here at H2R and the owner and staff are chatting us up. Very nice guys. We also have free reign of the track right now. As soon as we figure it out, they're gonna flip it on us. Good times! Y'all are missing out. Unlimited track time. Booya!

Wanted to thanks to Track Dog and friends for participating in our Roundup event. For those that didn't make it, yes there was unlimited track time on Friday and a good amount on Saturday. Everyone who attended had a great time.

Paul Bellew

[black roadster]

The track wasn't bad. Gary thought it was rather rough and I'll agree it wasn't very smooth. San Marcos had a deluge of rain just prior to the event so the run off was muddy (which I completely avoided! No spins!) I had one 90° sideways moment and a few drifting moments but otherwise clean, so The rain also caused a section of track to have a permanent stream running across which made things interesting. On Friday we ran counter clock-wise which is supposed to be more challenging. We started out the same on Saturday but then they flipped it on us a we started running clockwise. Clockwise was more fun to me as you have a turn where you drop down into the next turn as opposed to driving up. If the track was smoother, it would be an ideal Miata track.

The owners and staff were SUPER laid back about things which was surprising but I never felt "unsafe". There were no flag stations except at the pit lane. I didn't see an emergency crew although I was told they were there. There was passing just about everywhere with what seemed like optional point-bys but everyone seemed to be safe about it too. It's a wide enough track for Miatas to pass with relative safety. Most surprising part of the event is when I passed a HUGE old white Cadillac. I was like, "WTF is a Caddy doing here?!" Like I said, they were super laid back.

Given the chance I would do it again though. H2R has it's faults and idiosyncrasies but it's a fun track. I believe Tejas Miata Club is planning an all Miata HPDE for charity next year so keep a look out and put it on your calendar for next year.

[Nails]

They use lights instead of flags there. Glad you stayed on the track.

[chriscar]

The weekend was great start to finish, and I popped my Miata track day cherry. Thanks to Gary H. for the video - I come into frame at 3:37




C

[PBellew]

The track wasn't bad. Gary thought it was rather rough and I'll agree it wasn't very smooth. San Marcos had a deluge of rain just prior to the event so the run off was muddy (which I completely avoided! No spins!) I had one 90° sideways moment and a few drifting moments but otherwise clean, so The rain also caused a section of track to have a permanent stream running across which made things interesting. On Friday we ran counter clock-wise which is supposed to be more challenging. We started out the same on Saturday but then they flipped it on us a we started running clockwise. Clockwise was more fun to me as you have a turn where you drop down into the next turn as opposed to driving up. If the track was smoother, it would be an ideal Miata track.

The owners and staff were SUPER laid back about things which was surprising but I never felt "unsafe". There were no flag stations except at the pit lane. I didn't see an emergency crew although I was told they were there. There was passing just about everywhere with what seemed like optional point-bys but everyone seemed to be safe about it too. It's a wide enough track for Miatas to pass with relative safety. Most surprising part of the event is when I passed a HUGE old white Cadillac. I was like, "WTF is a Caddy doing here?!" Like I said, they were super laid back.

Given the chance I would do it again though. H2R has it's faults and idiosyncrasies but it's a fun track. I believe Tejas Miata Club is planning an all Miata HPDE for charity next year so keep a look out and put it on your calendar for next year.

William is right, we are planning a Miata HPDE charity event next year in October or early November before F1 COTA weekend. The track is fun even though considered a little rough in some places by some. I have connections in the Driveway Austin ownership and may talk with them about sponsoring a weekend event if there is enough interest.

I will keep you all posted, Date and place will be available by February 2014.

Paul B.

[Zig]

Paul, thanks for a great weekend, the time spent was well worth the money and friendship along the way.
Looking forward to what next years event has in store.