Took My 6 to VIR for Some Fun… Any Tips?

Took my Mazda 6 out to VIR recently. Had a blast but it was my first time out there. Curious if anyone has tips or advice for future runs? Here’s a pic

What group did you run with? How did you manage to drive in a hat instead of a helmet? Was it just easy-paced touring laps?

Vale said:
What group did you run with? How did you manage to drive in a hat instead of a helmet? Was it just easy-paced touring laps?

It was a charity event, no passing allowed. Luckily, there was a Mustang GT ahead of me, so I got to push the car a bit more.

@Raleigh
Ah, so just touring laps. Thinking of doing a full-on HPDE soon?

Vale said:
@Raleigh
Ah, so just touring laps. Thinking of doing a full-on HPDE soon?

Yeah, definitely want to try a full event. I’ve done some autocross before, but my 6 is my only car and has 160k miles. Holding off on serious track days until I can get a Miata. Gotta keep this one in good shape.

@Raleigh
Smart thinking! Once you start, it’s addictive. I drive an NB Miata, but between the NC and ND you’re considering, I’d lean NC. Cheaper and fewer issues.

Vale said:
@Raleigh
Smart thinking! Once you start, it’s addictive. I drive an NB Miata, but between the NC and ND you’re considering, I’d lean NC. Cheaper and fewer issues.

Yeah, I see ND owners complaining about their transmissions all the time. A Brembo/BBS/Recaro ND is pricey too. Leaning towards the NC myself. Hoping to pair it with a new Civic Type R for daily use. Should make for a solid combo.

@Raleigh
True, the ND transmission holds up fine on the street, but track or autocross use can cause trouble. Competitive friends of mine have gone through several transmissions. But for regular street use, it’s usually not an issue. Just keep it in mind if you plan to track it hard.

@Raleigh
Go for the ND2. It’s worth the extra cost.

@Raleigh
If you find a cheap NC with a blown engine, you could do a 2.5L swap. Makes for a much better car than the original 2.0, and it might cost less than a working one.

Gotta say, something about seeing a car with a roof rack at a track event is awesome. Shows it can do it all!

Uma said:
Gotta say, something about seeing a car with a roof rack at a track event is awesome. Shows it can do it all!

Totally agree! I’ve got tons of miles on this car, and it’s on air suspension. I use it for everything: road trips, shows, even track days. And it still gets 37 mpg on the highway. Can’t complain!

Nice! I’ve had mine out at Lime Rock a few times with the Mazda group.

Does your 6 have the new CX-5 headlights? That’s slick.

What mods have you done to your 6?

Val said:
What mods have you done to your 6?

Injen intake, RES catless header, Magnaflow exhaust, ND Miata fuel pump, GTR spark plugs, E20 custom tune, Blitz strut bar, rear sway bar, air suspension, upgraded control arms, 6-piston brakes, aftermarket lights, and genuine Mazda body kit. Probably forgetting a few things!

@Raleigh
Where can I get that front lip and side skirts?

Sawyer said:
@Raleigh
Where can I get that front lip and side skirts?

Try Japanparts.com.

Looks fantastic. Makes me miss my old 6.

Nice ride!