Getting to know the Spec Miata mod

[Phil E]

Just a few things I've learned about this car in the previous fun series, and talking to Simon about it. Please feel to share your own aha's

1. Modeled on one of the most popular spec racing series in the world. NASA and SCCA grids for these cars are full, and the battles are fierce. Part of the Mazda driver's ladder system, and winning in the higher levels of Spec Miata can lead to a seat in Continental, Grand Am, or ALMS ride (assuming you've got the sponsor $$)

2. Laptime is all about momentum. Exit speed off a corner is way more important than entry speed. Car is not powerful, and runs out of air at 6500-7000 rpm. No need to rev past there unless you just don't want to shift and upset the car or whatever.

3. The car, when driven properly, is very precise. Practice nailing those apexes. If you are missing them, you are probably overdriving the car. Hit the marks and watch your lapstimes improve.

4. The 2 tire choices only effect tire heating, and not wear or grip. The sprints come up to temp more quickly but can overheat, while the enduro's take longer to heat but are more resistent to overheating. Both tires wear like a brick, so longevity is a non-issue. Tire temps are a big issue as over or under-temp times will cause problems.

5. Setup options are very limited, and really not too important. These cars are all about the driver. We had guys running stock setup and setting fast laps.

6. As cars are well matched, you will be running in tight traffic. Practice driving off the racing line, entering a corner from the inside, or having to drive around the wide line. It WILL happen

[Simon Dove]

Here's a go-pro video of me chasing down a good friend of mine in a new MINI (R56) at MotorSport Ranch Houston. It took several laps for him to give me the pass, but consistency is key. You can see him pull away on the straights when his turbo kicks in.

[Troy Dalton]

Cool video, but the wind noise is pretty loud. You might consider mounting the GoPro on the dash or front windshield.

[davidan]

Sweet Simon! I love MSR Houston!!! That's where I got some great seat time in a SRF.

[Simon Dove]

Cool video, but the wind noise is pretty loud. You might consider mounting the GoPro on the dash or front windshield.

Yeah, I should've warned about the crappy sound - sorry. I'm going to be using Harry's lap timer inside and go-pro without sound outside next time.

[Simon Dove]

Sweet Simon! I love MSR Houston!!! That's where I got some great seat time in a SRF.

Jealous! I would love to have a go in a SRF

[davidan]

It was awesome for sure! Unfortunately I dont have any video from that weekend, (spent 2 full days in the car), but I do have some pics posted in my galleries here on the site. I am a novice , but I learned so much, and had so much fun and got better and better every time I took a run. the SRF was hooked up! I worked with Dave Perkins of Spec Racer Sports, his shop is right there on the MSR property, 1st class organization.