This last weekend was my return to the June Sprints at Road America, this time for the 60^th annual running of the event. I was there both to do further testing and confirmation runs with the Global MX-5 Cup car and to coach drivers with the Advanced Autosports Spec Miata team.

We ran the MX-5s during the test day to validate all of our previous development, ensuring that what we’ve done so far will be effective at different tracks, including setup and clearances. Our goal is to have the best product possible for MX-5 competitors.

To our excitement, the cars ran flawlessly, were quick, and were incredibly fun to drive -the draft was such an impressive thing at Road America. Because of the track’s layout, we achieved our highest speeds yet. (We also got to do our first rain testing!) We gained a few mph with the draft, and Andrew and I couldn’t get away from each other because the draft was so effective and we were so evenly matched.

The 2016 Global MX-5 Cup Series will have some real excitement with such an equal playing field!

Throughout the weekend, I coached over 15 drivers with Advanced Autosports. I was really excited to work with so many drivers, but because it was the most people I’d ever worked with during a weekend, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I formulated a game plan with track notes and the track map in general for the team, and then after each session I went into greater details with specific references, brake points and car placement, which is so critical in a momentum car like a Spec Miata.

I got to make a quick speech during the SCCA dinner Saturday night, giving an update on the MX-5 and introducing guest speaker David Hobbs. This future Mazda ladder driver was on hand at the banquet!

By the end of the first day, we were reviewing individual data and video to give each driver specific feedback about where they could improve. Although this was very time consuming because there were so many drivers, it proved to be an effective way of coaching because it gave each driver a set of notes to study in preparation for the next day.

With the rainy weather, we were able to work on even more skillsets with discussions about racing in the rain, like altering the race line and brake points, and other subtle adjustments that can give a competitive advantage.

That turned out to be a benefit because the Spec Miata race started in the rain, and the Advanced Autosports drivers were able to move up through the field. It was an exciting, dynamic race, especially as the track started drying out at the end! Three Advanced Autosports drivers finished in the top ten, and seven were in the top 20. There were a lot of new personal best lap times, too.

Overall, all of the drivers felt like they got great insight for their next race, whether it’s dry or wet!