[Three Peaks]

You're going to have the time of your life. Don't worry about the Miata slowing you down too much. You will have more speed in the straights, but the Miatas corner like you won't believe if the driver is good. If he is a good instructor, he'll keep just ahead of you so you won't be slowing down much after the first session.

At most tracks, once you prove you can handle your car and listen to instruction, they will let you drive in a novice group without an instructor for a few laps to check you out. After that it is up to you how far you progress.

You'll have the time of your life, but do take the time to listen to critique and instruction and follow directions exactly or you could have a very short and unpleasant track day. Just remember, you aren't there to win any races, just to learn your car and how to drive it close to the limits in a safe environment. Other drivers don't appreciate being crowded or, heaven forbid, damaged by an overly agressive newby on the track.