AutoGirl

....was alot of fun! Don't know how many people from here might have gone, but it's going on tomorrow as well... More details here: https://zoomzoomlive.com/

First up was the "School of Zoom" where we drove the RX-8. We had a 5 minute lesson on how to properly drive in and out of corners...and then we got to drive! We had an instructor beside us for quick tips around a short course - had to be about 30 secs total but WOW it was fun! That car sure handles well too... I took the auto and my husband (albeik on AZ) took the manual to compare notes... Verdict is: if you buy the RX-8, get the manual (as discussed in other threads)

Second we had the Performance Challenge in the 2006 MX-5 Miata. Again I was in the auto and he was in the manual (I'm still not completely confident with my stick-driving abilities..!). We each did a quick lap and were impressed as well with the handling. The interior was stylish and quite nice. Albeik reported that the shifter was very short like the RX-8. The auto had paddle shifters but since most of the course was done in second gear I didn't get a chance to really try them out.

Third was the Match Time Gymkhana. There was a choice between the Mazda3, Mazda6, and the new Mazda5. We took the Mazda3 around many many turns and it handled pretty well. Albeik managed to match the time!

Lastly, Albeik tried the Jinba Ittai - "Man and Horse as One" - the idea was to drive the MX-5 Miata as smoothly as possible. On the hood, there were two bowls - a smaller one in a larger one. In the smaller one there were 3 golf balls. The idea was to drive the course (timed) without spilling the balls from the inner bowl. Well, he did it twice and after the first turn the balls were knocked out! :-P BUT we just drove the rest of the course quickly

We had fun Here are some pics: http://homepage.mac.com/albeik/PhotoAlbum15.html

and a clip from the Jinba Ittai:
http://homepage.mac.com/albeik/iMovieTheater16.html

Enjoy!!

mclarenf3387

Thanks for the heads up

Would have liked to have gone

F23A4

Sounds like fun Jen. I'll be attending the Zoom-Zoom event in Nov @ Etown. A friend of mine who owns an RX8 is coming as well so that should be interesting.

AutoGirl

it's going on now with times still open to go!!

RandyMax

danny25

good review. I'm going Oct. 2nd, can't wait!

clorich

I went to the Orlando event this weekend. It was great. Too bad I didn't bring my camera so all I have is the picture they take at the start line.

AutoGirl

hey I forgot to post my "official" pic

AutoGirl

and here's hubby - albeik:

ianbiz

i went to the one in o-town

very fun, i cant see my pics though

1killercls

I would go but I don't fit in a Miata.

AutoGirl

still go... you can drive the RX-8 and a few others....

1killercls

That would be the only reason..we already own a 2005 6i

clorich

I'm 6'3" / 235 lbs. and I fit just fine. It was a very pleasant surprise. Now if the top were up, that would be a totally different story.

On a side note, I'm going to the Miami one this weekend

clorich

Back from the Miami incarnation. Only about half as many people as there were in Orlando = much shorter lines.

Pics and Mini-movies - http://zoomzoom.chrislorich.com/