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Much time in a Spec Miata? Absolutely, positively the most difficult car of mine in which to maintain pace.
My decision was prompted by realizing that as a driver I'm not good at optimizing momentum and I need something that will force me to get smoother.
So far I've only done one track weekend with her: boy is she easy to handle! And BOY am I gonna have to keep that right pedal down hard! And avoid that middle one.
Hey Doc, enjoyed your blog. I've actually done the opposite. I raced a Spec Miata for 7 years and then sold it and bought a '86 911 in white actually. If you truly want to learn how to drive a car properly fast at a track you will not find a better car than a Spec Miata. And the best part is there is always someone to race with. I've taken my 911 to the track twice and although the acceleration is great, it isn't as fun as I used to have driving my Miata at the limit. Doesn't sound like you have a problem making friends so you should have no problem fitting in with the Spec Miata group. Ask a lot of questions and follow the fast guys during practice and you will be amazed how quickly you advance. Good luck, I will look forward to reading about your adventures.
If you truly want to learn how to drive a car properly fast at a track you will not find a better car than a Spec Miata. And the best part is there is always someone to race with. I've taken my 911 to the track twice and although the acceleration is great, it isn't as fun as I used to have driving my Miata at the limit.
Here's where I disagree. Nothing is better than a formula car or sports racer, but that's a whole 'nother discussion. For me, the SM is always about being .01% from writing the car off--that's looking at data from lap record holders (which my car was in its pro days at four different tracks). Nearly every time I'd hit T1, then exit of T1, I'd already be .1-.25 sec off pace, which you'll never get back.
But as a race car, with a full field? Nothing better out there in the amateur road racing world.
Ultimately, I just get more enjoyment out of a 911 (for production cars) because of the braking and decent acceleration. I got used to running a car on a slip angle starting when I was 18, so 35 years later it's much more natural for my skill set.
02-25-2015, 10:23 AM
