02semiata

Well right now I am looking to get a truck and trailer to tow my Miata to the track. Driving it to and from the track last season was no problem but I worry about what to do if I crash or break. Anyway once I have the truck and trailer I have nothing stopping me from getting a spec Miata SOOO do you think I should sell my current Miata and take that money and get a spec car. Yes I know I will need some extra cash Well let me know what you guys think.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

If you want to do spec racing then yes, I think you should. I know a lot of guys that do it and have a blast, despite the supposed drama.

If you just want it for a track car and don't see yourself doing spec racing then you can build a better track car for around the same money.

02semiata

The end goal is spec maita racing. I want to do one more year of HPDE then get my comp license and start racing. I dont see a problem with doing HPDE in a spec car as a way to get use to it. Also I think I would rock street tires till I start racing.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

I think that would be a great start as it would get you used to the car. I know the spec guys can be super agressive, so that may be a little intimidating to be in a new car and starting in spec at the same time. Sounds like a good plan to me.

02semiata

Thanks! Lets hope it all works out.

jasonb

are u 6' or above? if ur tall i would recommend building yourself (or shopping carefully). if not then can probably save quite a few $$ to buy new car.

02semiata

I am 5.7. I think in the long run new is the way to go unless you find a great deal or buy from somebody you know. Who knows what will need to be replaced after just a few races with a used car you might not like the fit and feel of something.
I was told base price was 15k for a new one most use spec miata's I find are 10 another 5k for something with new paint and all new parts works for me. Also I get to pick the color how cool is that haha

jasonb

sorry, excuse my poor use of the language. i meant if ur < 6' then better to buy an already spec miata prepped car from somebody. (IE: new-to-you car)

i know some ppl who rent, which may not be a bad way of going either.

02semiata

Its all good man no worries.

Bond

iTrader: (6)

I want to spec race sooooooo bad.

m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

If you're goal is to go racing, then yes, sell your street car and go with the truck, trailer and spec for another year of HPDE. You should aim at learning how to drive now so that when you go wheel to wheel you can focus and not driving.

02semiata

I did 8 HPDEs this season and should do the same or more before I start racing

m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

Somehow I left out the word "racing" in that post. My point was you could focus on racing rather than driving, which is a huge help. Driving becomes secondary in a wheel to wheel environment... if that makes sense. But I think your plan is spot on. I autocrossed two years, third year did autoX and HPDE, then did another year of HPDE only, then got my comp license. First year with comp license did HPDEs and racing... and continued that way. The HPDEs are just a different environment that allows you hone your driving skills w/o all the static from a race environment.

02semiata

How very true. I have not done a race myself but all the NASA events I been to had racing with 50-60 mixed class cars on the track at once. You can easily tell its a whole new level over the HPDE I do. As for my background I have done 1 season about 16 events of auto x with BMW CCA NY and SCCA NY also been to 3 tracks but have driven on 5 total layouts. Most of the events are 2 days so around 14 hours of total track time. I am not ready to race by a long shot but I don't see a problem with doing HPDE in a spec miata with road tires till I am ready. All and all I would like to start running in the red run ground/T.T and have my comp license by next year.

02semiata

I cant wait

turotufas

iTrader: (7)

Have fun getting bump drafted at 100+

bellwilliam

iTrader: (1)

unlike others, I found racing teaches bad driving habits. it is best to HPDE first, get your lap time down, then go racing. with your car's setup, add r-comp (NT01), you should be within 3 seconds of track's SM record, then go racing. this is what I recommend.

but don't be intimidated by racing. it is really no more intimidating than fast HPDE group. racers are just like HPDE drivers, some are slow, some are fast. if you think racing is for you, go for it. imo, HPDE develops driving skill much better than racing, if you hang around the right people.

I feel safer among fast HPDE group than racers. in fast HPDE group, everybody (in the group) has done at least say 20 track days (usually a lot more), whereas in racing, you often come up to someone who is on his/her 3rd day on track, and they try to either block or let you pass in wrong places.

02semiata

Very true. Well this year I am going go stay with what I have as money is kind of tight right now :(. So next year I will sell my Miata and get a spec miata. Even if I am not ready to race I can do hpde in the spec miata.

olderguy

iTrader: (19)

From what I have seen of good racers, the best training ground is to autocross first, the HPDE.

Camaro67racer

I would highly recommend renting or driving another Spec Miata before you make such a huge investment in a car. Before I bought my car I did a 3-day course at Skip Barber in the MX-5 and also did one race in another car. Being on the track in a real sanctioned event with other cars can be very intimidating. I was hooked, others I know decided it just wasn't for them. I bought a completed car over a year ago and raced it a full season this year. It was an absolute blast but a few words to the wise that I learned. Take what you think your race budget will be and then add a few thousand dollars to it. The car I bought was cheap and ended up being a good buy, but still I needed to replace things like ball joints, tie rod ends, bearings and so on that I didn't plan for. Also, having someone set the car up correctly is necessary and an additional cost. I would highly really recommend picking up this Spec Miata constructors book and read it before you buy a car.

Spec Miata is really one of the most economical ways to go racing if there ever is one. The cars are very easy on brakes and tires and parts are plentiful. Make sure you join Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development (it's FREE) to get your parts at cost.
Main thing to remember when looking at cars: you can either spend the money now or spend it later.
Good luck!