10-02-2006, 11:15 PM
ScottyB Wrote:what is the most important aspect of the miata that made you choose it over cars like the 944, FA RX7, and hondas when it comes to a racing series? obviously hondas are FWD, but as for the others are there any big issues that stood out when you made your choice?Yeah, there were a lot of factors actually.
I wanted a car that I could DE for a couple years, be cheap to buy and run, then build into a race car economically (as race cars go anyway). So it had to be a street drivable track car and have a good racing series for the future.
SpecMiata is the most popular club racing series in the country, (and probably in the history of club racing) so fulfilled that requirement.
It doesnt get any cheaper than a miata to track, I used $50 falkens, $40 axxis ultimate brake pads, the car never broke and it even got good on track fuel mileage. Its definately the most fun per dollar you can get. Next up was stock handling. I didnt want to pour $2k into a suspension setup to get it to handle. Miata handles fantastic bone stock. After a year I put SM swaybars on it and an alignment to help with tire shoulder wear.
A 50/50 RWD car is like nothing else. Once you experience it you cant go back. The way the car slides, the way it turns. Its addictive.
While the relative lack of power seems like a negative, I actually welcomed the challenge, because I knew it would make me a much better driver. You have to learn to drive with momentum, with a mistake free corner or you kill your speed. No HP to cover up mistakes.
The downsides were lack of cargo space. I mitigated this by usually going to the track with people who brought a bunch of crap *cough*RJ*cough* and you would actually be very surprised how much you can fit in a miata.
But the biggest drawback is fitting my big ass in the car. If you are under 6 feet you have no excuse not to buy a miata to be honest! Mounting the seat to the floor all the way back and taking out the cusion, using a smaller steering wheel with extension actually yielded plenty of room. Its a little snugger now with the rollcage (bar next to my head) but not too bad.
there is a good reason why they are the single most popular vehicle at any track day or race!