Spec Miata's for DDP????

[Arctic37]

Why on earth are you guys planning on using Spec Miata's fo the DDP sessions? They have absolutly nothing in common with the cars used in the Endurance Mod. What are you going to be able to learn driving a Miata that is going to translate over to a Prototype or even a GT2 for that matter. They have no downforce, no brakes, and no horsepower. I don't get it. Shouldn't we be using cars that we will actually be racing with?

[smokee]

In the past I know the admins stated the DDP was not intended to be practice for the LMS, rather general instruction on car dynamics and experience in a race environment. To that end I think the spec Miatas are a great choice as a learning tool, they are like a more controllable version of the Shawn's trainer mod.

Personally, the 997 in the Enduracers mod was difficult and frustrating for me, like trying to run before I learned to walk. I think as a *general* learning tool the Miatas are fantastic because they are easy to push to their limits and still bring it back under control. You get to experience understeer, oversteer, throttle control, and the importance of keeping momentum with a much more controllable car.

Just one man's opinion of course, but for me the Enduracers 997 was fine until I made a mistake, then I would end up doing circles in the grass, scratching my head wondering where I went wrong. The Miatas gave me lots of feedback before getting to that same point due to the things you mentioned.

[Phil E]

Aaron is right. The DDP is driver instruction, not Endurance series instruction. We want to prepare drivers for any of our series...historics, Fun Series, iRacing, Endurance, etc. To that end we begin in the Miatas, and then progress to more challenging cars. That said, getting a top laptime in the Miatas is dang tough, and requires a mastery of weight transfer and maximizing mechanical grip...all translatable skills to the endurance cars. The Advanced sessions will use the Endurance series.

[charchri4]

Phil could you post a link to the cars? I'd like to get to know them a little.

[Kartracer]

Here is the former link to the spec miata's I am assuming they will be using the same cars. Spec Miata Series begins 7/17

[Kartracer]

I think the spec miatas are a good choice for a DDP. You can't put someone in a high horseowered car and try to teach someone or help them figure thing out if they can't control the power.

[Vern U]

Fond memories of the Miata and a (just one) race where I was battling the alien Scott Clark for 2nd place. Couldn't do it in any other car. Usually went by me like I was tied to a post. This car can be found in the Snail Racing Garage.

[TomC23]

Personally, as you can see by my avatar, I kinda like Miatas. Tom Cav

[WhiskeyChaser]

I agree. I like the spec Miatas from a real rookie perspective. My son and I have a blast at the Top Gear track using them as a "reasonably priced" car. Very forgiving if you are not the Stig although im not sure if our own Troy Dalton doesnt look just like him.

Things that make ya go hmmmmmm

[Arctic37]

A car that has no chance of getting out of control teaches you nothing about car control. That's why European drivers are so much better at driving than we are here in the States. We are never taught that here. What we learn and teach should be progressive. Starting with slow cars and moving up to faster ones. How are you going to teach anything about standing starts, for example, using a Miata. With the Miata you smash the throttle drop it into gear or pop the clutch and go. Try doing that in a Prototype, GT1 or any car that has a suggnificant amount of horsepower, in any mod, and whatever you learned in a Miata is now useless. Whatever fellas, I just don't understand how your going to teach anything using only one type of car.