NB Miata Track-Day Starter Pack

Hey there, Mita NB track day weekend warrior. If you’re reading this while parked in your driveway, staring at your NB Miata and wondering, “Can I really take this thing on track without blowing my rent money?”—the answer is a loud, tire-squealing yes. I just did it for $810, and I’m still smiling like I stole something.

Below is the exact playbook I used to survive—and actually learn—at my first HPDE. No fluff, no fantasy parts lists. Just the gear that keeps the marshals happy, the car in one piece, and the grin glued to your face.g you need to survive—and thrive—on your first HPDE weekend)

🏁 Phase 1 – Track-Legal & Safe (Do this first)

Item	Why it matters	Budget Hack
Snell SA2020 Helmet	Tech inspection won’t let you on grid without it.	Borrow from a friend if it’s the right size.
4-Point Roll Bar	Most orgs require it for convertibles. Hard Dog, Autopower, Blackbird Fabworx all fit NBs.	Buy used local; or check Top Miata choices
Tow Straps	No factory “baby teeth” on NB = nowhere to hook the wrecker.	\$20 nylon strap with loop ends, front & rear.
Brake Fluid Flush	DOT 4 high-temp (ATE Typ200 or Motul RBF600). Boiling fluid = pedal to the floor.	\$40 in fluid + 30 min in your driveway.
Brake Pads	Street/track hybrid: Hawk HP+ / StopTech 309 / Porterfield R4-S.	Start with fronts only; rears last longer.
Torque Wrench	Re-torque wheels to 85–90 ft-lb between sessions.	Harbor Freight 1/2″ click-type is fine.
Basic Toolkit	3/8″ socket set, 17 mm deep socket for wheels, zip-ties, duct tape.	Pack in a plastic tote and forget about it.

🔑 Rule of thumb: If you can pass tech, you can learn. Everything else is icing.

🔧 Phase 2 – Reliability & Data (So you finish the day)

Item	Why it matters	Budget Hack
Oil Change	5W-30 full synthetic + quality filter before every event.	\$40 insurance policy.
Coolant Refresh	Flush and fill with 50/50 mix; NB plastic end-tanks crack under heat.	\$20 for two gallons of premix.
10 Hz GPS + App	Harry’s Lap Timer or RaceChrono on your phone + cheap Bluetooth GPS puck.	\$60 beats guessing where you’re slow.
Tire Pressure Gauge & Bleeders	Pressures climb 4-6 psi hot; bleed down to target.	Longacre digital gauge = \$30.
Spare Fluids	1 qt oil, ½ qt brake fluid, funnel, paper towels.	Keep in a milk crate in the paddock.

⚠️ Pro-tip: Check radiator hoses for ballooning; replace now, not at turn 5.

🎯 Phase 3 – Grip & Confidence (After you’ve learned the line)

Item	Why it matters	Budget Hack
Wheels & Tires	15×8 +35 wheels, 205/50-15 200-treadwear (Hankook RS-4, Falken RT660).	Buy used 15×8s from Spec Miata guys and mount fresh rubber.
Alignment	-2.2° front camber, -2.0° rear, zero toe front, 1/16″ toe-in rear.	\$120 at any race shop—bring your own specs.
Front Sway Bar	27 mm adjustable reduces understeer.	Top Miata sway bars or Racing Beat used on forums.
Seat & Harness	Stock seats = slide city. A fixed-back bucket + 5-pt keeps you planted.	Corbeau Forza + side mounts ≈ \$400 new, half that used.