Pre-M@TG exclusive event

I’ve been in contact with Marcus Luttrell and James Marcellana about planning an HPDE on Thursday, the day before M@TG ‘18 kicks off. There are a lot of Miata vendors extremely interested in sponsoring the event.

The major differences between this and last year’s proposed event:

It would be at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) in Dawsonville, GA.

It will be on a Thursday preceding M@TG as opposed to last year’s Wednesday.

There is more sponsor interest which helps offset the entry fees, which could also include more features (food and beverages).

Why the change? James has a great reputation with Road Atlanta and AMP. While Road Atlanta has the prestige, AMP has facilities light years ahead. AMP is a technical track, and in a Miata it is arguably more entertaining. Also, because it is more modern, it is inherently safer. James’ relationship with AMP should provide a less expensive entry with more perks.

The plan is still to be exclusive to Miatas (and maybe Miata based vehicles). Jzilla Trackdays will stage the event, so that means experienced, qualified instructors for novices, a friendly atmosphere, and smooth, well-organized event. Discovery Parts has a loaded shop on the premises for helmet rentals, race equipment, and other motorsport accoutrements.

AMP has air-conditioned lounges, a huge mezzanine with terrific views of the track, and other amenities that help take the stress and fatigue from the weather and activities.

Dawsonville is also closer to the Fontana, at the base of the Appalachian Mountains. It will also be far enough from Atlanta that participants won’t be snarled in traffic to and from the track. You can still take Blood Mountain, part of the Suches Loop in and out, so part of the experience will be the drive to the event.

All we need is interest, so I’m spilling the beans here on MR.net FIRST. Please stay tuned for more details!

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=...umrPys-cymUTeUe

Sounds like an awesome event! Doubt I'll be able to make it but I sure am jealous of those who will.

Sounds good to me, planning these huge events is extremely nuts, but more than welcome to help from down south if needed.

We did a ‘test’ today with a local BRZ/FRS group. They are staging their Tougefest in the mountains this weekend in the mountains, so this was their kickoff primer.

The weather was great, the track was wonderful (again), and a lot of novices received useful instruction (I instructed a newcomer too). The event went very smooth, so it’s encouraging that this Miata event will be promoted very soon. A good amount of Jzilla instructors are Miata owners, and AMP is extremely familiar to them, so I think a Miata-only event would be very, very cool!

Some cool background behind Jzilla Trackdays and what they are about:

https://youtu.be/WL_c_4sdfXE

Such a great story and a great group of people! Plus, my car made a cameo!!

I noticed your car :)

I haven't seen James since 2009, I think. I need to get to one those track days again.

Marcus Luttrell?!!?

Yes.