I'm the driver of the "other Miata." (One of only two there yesterday -- when was the last time you saw only two Miatas at Lime Rock?)
Wow, it was like driving on ice skates out there yesterday. I hadn't driven in the rain on track in two years. During my first session, I was really surprised at how slippery it was.
At about 4:30 during my last session, I ran into problems heading into West Bend. I locked up under braking, released, locked up again, and then was on the grass and it was too late. I ran into the tire wall, breaking the front turn signal lens, scuffing and and bending the bumper cover, and crunching the fender.
I brought it back to the paddock, where we checked the suspension and alignment, and hammered out the fender. I took it for a few laps to make sure everything felt fine. No mechanical damage, all cosmetic. I think I came away lucky considering it was West Bend.
So, the tally for the day: 3 runs down the escape road, about 5 times nearly losing it out of Big Bend, 3 close calls at the Uphill, 1 inspection of the tire wall at West Bend, and several moments doing the "slide for life" through the left hander, including 1 time when I increased Stephen's blood pressure as he followed me through the left hander.
All in all, it was great experience. I learned a lot of respect for the guys who race well in conditions like that. I think my experience in the rain will make me more confident in the dry.
I am REALLY looking forward to dry conditions this weekend.
Stephen, I'm sorry to hear about the extent of the damage. I hope to see you there this weekend.