DTMiller

I'm honestly curious what percentage of people who dismiss the Miata out of hand have ever driven one.

Circuit Motorsports

The 'now' predcessor NC model is fun to drive but just driving it is not a wow moment by any means. It responds very well to driver input and such but it's a 175 horsepower and 2600 pounds.

What makes it fun is how good the racing is and if you have a chance watch the Road Atlanta race. Specifically the skippy 2nd and 3rd place battle (which was for the championship). Multiple passes per lap etc. Miss a shift and goodbye draft that's your race level of precision needed.

With over 50 of the new generation orders already in place there will be some seriously fun racing.

As for the NASA NP-01 spec racer (as Peter said, it's not a prototype). Good luck with that. 2015 design with what looks to be 1985 driver compartment safety.

dbf73

is the engine sealed or do you have to pay one of the shops to build you a good one? put another way, how turn key is this other than suspension/alignment adjustment?

Matt Romanowski

You said it nicer than I would have.

The Mazda is a proper race car.

mglobe

I'm sorry to see comments like this from folks, but a lack of knowledge can lead to attitudes like this. The NC Cup is a car capable of lap times similar to or perhaps below E stock (mid to low 50's at my home track). I don't know yet what the performance will be on the ND, but I bet it will be faster. Drive one, and then let us know what you think.

As far as the Mazda brand, if you watch cars come and go from the race track at HPDE events, there are two brands that in my mind stand out in terms of being able to stand up to the stresses of the track. Porsche and Mazda. Mazda may not put out the fastest product on the road, but they are very well engineered and constructed.

As far as support for racers, Mazda leaves Porsche in the dust. If you race a Mazda product, you have direct access to not only Mazda's stock parts at a discount, but also their Motorsports Division parts. Ever tried to buy something from Porsche Motorsports? Mazda provides contingencies to amateur racers, sponsorship of races, and provides guidance on class rules and enforcement. Oh, and folks that race Mazda's can get a discount on new cars from them.

Mazda yuck? My daily driver is a Mazda 3. Great little car.

Circuit Motorsports

Sealed and if it is like the previous one it will be take abuse very well.

Go with a shop if you want to race in the Pro Series. There are things done that make the car better that you will not easily figure out on your own. (Welcome to 'pro racing'. An indépendant car will be less equal than one that is prepped by one of the top shops.

mglobe

winders

Get a clue guys......you guys do know the difference between a name and a description, right?

It's called the "NASA Prototype" series and NASA calls the car the "NASA Prototype". Notice I said the "NASA Prototype" and not "NASA prototype" or the "prototype by NASA".

Jeez.....

winders

Who cares if a well driven Miata can pass a poorly driven 911 GT3 on the Ring???? Like that actually means anything at all???

Circuit Motorsports

It doesn't mean anything. Just like racing in a class where there is hardly in competition and getting 'wins'

That's why the MX5 Cup is such a great race series. You actually have to drive well to win.

ProCoach

Bingo!

Mark Dreyer

I'm a fan, having done the SB race schools. Those cars are seriously fun!

sbelles

winders takes a contrary stance? Shocked I tell you.

winders

Excuse me for not wanting to spend that much on a Miata.......

analogmike

I remember those! (showing my age...)