Miata for ITA

[wepsbee]

So my previous choice of a car did not seem like a good move. Would an earlier year Miata be a good choice for an ITA car. I like the 1.8 BP engine and I am somewhat familiar with it so I thought staying with it would be good. I think the BP is also in the early series Miata so what do you think? ( I can not wait to see these responses):rolleyes:

[gran racing]

Dan, you have a car that's already built. Forget the Miata, forget spending a lot of money on the Escort. You've also mentioned that your budget plays a factor. So, work on improving your driving! You don't have a competitive car, which can honestly play in your favor since you shouldn't be as tempted to keep developing it. After you've improved your abilities, then start looking at the car.

I look back at how my car was classed in ITA where it had absolutely no shot and realize that wasn't the worst thing that happened to me. AFTER I had some time to improve the driver, I was then able to start improving the car. The driver should come first.

[wepsbee]

Dan, you have a car that's already built. Forget the Miata, forget spending a lot of money on the Escort. You've also mentioned that your budget plays a factor. So, work on improving your driving! You don't have a competitive car, which can honestly play in your favor since you shouldn't be as tempted to keep developing it. After you've improved your abilities, then start looking at the car.

I look back at how my car was classed in ITA where it had absolutely no shot and realize that wasn't the worst thing that happened to me. AFTER I had some time to improve the driver, I was then able to start improving the car. The driver should come first.
Dave I fully under stand what you are saying. However the condition of my car is such that I cannot even add the most basic adjustable sway bar to get the car so it can handle properly. Extensive welding repairs are required. Not a smart move on an Escort. I am attending track days and schools this year as much as I can, end of this month at NHMS to start, both a track day with a school followed by a regional. I have been told that if I drive a car that does not respond correctly I will not learn to drive properly. So I am in a quandry as I want to learn but I want to learn in a car I can trust and have confidence in. This is a long term goal as there will be no new car this year but next year I had hoped to be in a position where my driving could be improved with a better handling car. Sorry about the long winded answer...

[Andy Bettencourt]

The answer is YES. The Miata has prven to be an excellent choice when you build teh power and develop the suspension.

[trhoppe]

Its THE car to have for the class. On some tracks (Roebling, Lime rock) its absolutely a class killer, beating ITS in the right driver's hands. No other car in ITA can say its a "you bring one out you win" like that. On other tracks (VIR, Road Atlanta, Daytona) it's not as dominant in a sprint race, but still the right driver in that car is close to unbeatable. It would dominate ITA in an enduro as its by far the easiest competitive car on all consumables.

-Tom
who loves his Integra, but if he had to do it all over again would have a 1.8

[Andy Bettencourt]

Its THE car to have for the class. On some tracks (Roebling, Lime rock) its absolutely a class killer, beating ITS in the right driver's hands. No other car in ITA can say its a "you bring one out you win" like that. On other tracks (VIR, Road Atlanta, Daytona) it's not as dominant in a sprint race, but still the right driver in that car is close to unbeatable. It would dominate ITA in an enduro as its by far the easiest competitive car on all consumables.

-Tom
who loves his Integra, but if he had to do it all over again would have a 1.8

Maybe if you had the right final drive, a better rear bar and a good header... :D

Seriously, the CRX, Integra and 240SX can win anywhere as well. The common thread for all of these cars is excellent handling. If you don't have that, you need the HORSIES like the NX2000, Saturn and SE-R - which also can win when you put the right effort in.

[IPRESS]

Its THE car to have for the class. On some tracks (Roebling, Lime rock) its absolutely a class killer, beating ITS in the right driver's hands. No other car in ITA can say its a "you bring one out you win" like that. On other tracks (VIR, Road Atlanta, Daytona) it's not as dominant in a sprint race, but still the right driver in that car is close to unbeatable. It would dominate ITA in an enduro as its by far the easiest competitive car on all consumables.

-Tom
who loves his Integra, but if he had to do it all over again would have a 1.8


Tom, Sell the Teg....buy the car to have......and win all the races. It is a perfect plan. We want you please join us! :D
Those Honda guys might hate you but we are a "kindur" "gentlur" group..we embrace the artisitc female aspect of racing. :happy204:A girly car that kicks butt in your hands would be almost unfair. Come on join the goood guys. :023:

Your friend, Former ITA Girly Car Driver

[mossaidis]

blah...

[JeffYoung]

You guys are nuts. You all need to be racing TR8s. Geez!

[Jeremy Billiel]

You guys are nuts. You all need to be racing TR8s. Geez!

I think I just vomited in my mouth Jeff! :D

[trhoppe]

Maybe if you had the right final drive, a better rear bar and a good header... :D

Seriously, the CRX, Integra and 240SX can win anywhere as well. The common thread for all of these cars is excellent handling. If you don't have that, you need the HORSIES like the NX2000, Saturn and SE-R - which also can win when you put the right effort in.

Hehe, all 3 on the list for the May VIR race. You're bringing your beast out to that event, right? right?

I don't think anything FWD is gonna beat an equal prep/drive/setup Miata at Lime Rock or Roebling :)

-Tom

[lateapex911]

Really???? OK, so, really, want me to call my buddy Scott at king and have him talk Joey (moser) into a Lime Rock race? Bring the ARRC prep package?

Who are you putting the money on, Joey or a Miata?

[trhoppe]

Joey vs Andy at Lime Rock? Andy all day long.

[tnord]

what happens if tom gets in a miata? jordan+bulls, wooden+ucla, lombardi+packers, ppppsshhhh.....a more dominant package the world has never seen.

i'm half tempted to sell him mine just to watch what happens.

[gran racing]

Who are you putting the money on, Joey or a Miata?

Ah, see this is where you go astray. Joey vs a Miata; not CRX vs a Miata. At LRP with equally talented drivers, I'd take the meoter if the driver can resist the wrecking nature of the beast.

I'd love to see Joey, Sr., Ajah and Andy at LRP.

[lateapex911]

Joey vs Andy at Lime Rock? Andy all day long.

Andy is going to love you! If you're saying that because of Andy's skillz!? So, you are, right?

[R2 Racing]

Andy needs to come to IT Fest. I'll (probably) be there. Mosers will be there. /discussion

But I still think there's a good 10 different chassis in ITA that can win. Some just need the level of driver, preperation, and money put into one that the usual suspects have seen.

[gran racing]

Andy needs to come to IT Fest. I'll (probably) be there. Mosers will be there. /discussion

Mosers home track equals /discussion? LOL

[R2 Racing]

Mosers home track equals /discussion? LOL
Andy's home track of Limerock is different how?

Point being, bring it to one of the big events where the best are racing. ARRC would be even better, but I'll be the first person to admit it's more of a power track than a handling track. Mid Ohio's the opposite - it greatly favors well balanced, great handling, well driven cars over anything else.

[gran racing]

It's difference since this was being discussed and debated.


I don't think anything FWD is gonna beat an equal prep/drive/setup Miata at Lime Rock or Roebling

[Jeremy Billiel]

Sure, but at some point Andy will need to man up and get to a big event to prove his abilities. We know he has them, but every year we hear another excuse! :)

[IPRESS]

Andy needs to come to IT Fest. I'll (probably) be there. Mosers will be there. /discussion

But I still think there's a good 10 different chassis in ITA that can win. Some just need the level of driver, preperation, and money put into one that the usual suspects have seen.

You got to hand it to Kevin in that he doesn't just make a blanket statement that one car is THE CAR in ITA. The driver and his ability at a certain track has a huge influence. I think that the miata is starting to gain some as more are coming back to "A". If you can string a couple of them together and the drivers are top level, the draft helps. But true to Kevin's words, there are several cars that can win in "A".

[chuck baader]

Kevin, you really need to come to Roebling in two weeks...I would love to hear your assessment of that track. Should only be about a 20 hour pull for you, but what do you care....you have a chauffeur:pCB

[Greg Amy]

I'm getting big chuckle out of the non-Miata drivers saying how fast the Miata is, while all the Miata drivers come out of the woodwork to say how fast it's not...!

That, right there, pretty much says it all... ;)

[tnord]

why don't you go build one and let us know how it goes when you're done.

[Ed Funk]

With Greg and Co., I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen!

[lateapex911]

I'm getting big chuckle out of the non-Miata drivers saying how fast the Miata is, while all the Miata drivers come out of the woodwork to say how fast it's not...!

That, right there, pretty much says it all... ;)

Ok, put the money down..even odds. Andy or another 'theoretical" top notch Miata/driver at Lime Rock, or Joe Moser. (Given that Joe brings Zellner (King motorsports)as a crew boss, and they run a minimum of a Tuesday to set up, just to be fair)

(hope I'm not pissing Bob off by not using him as the CRX guy!)

[tnord]

I'm getting big chuckle out of the non-Miata drivers saying how fast the Miata is, while all the Miata drivers come out of the woodwork to say how fast it's not...!

That, right there, pretty much says it all... ;)

reminds me of the same stuff you spouted off about re; ITS GSR. how'd that work out for ya?

[R2 Racing]

:lol: Like moths to a lamp.

[Greg Amy]

reminds me of the same stuff you spouted off about re; ITS GSR. how'd that work out for ya?
Remind me of those "spouts", Nord, and I'll be glad to explain...Oh, wait; you mean when, after having driven a Honda Integra for the first time in 2007, I said that it was probably the best-handling front-wheel-drive car I'd ever raced (and it is)? And then I noted it should be winning championships (like, for example, the '08 and '09 ARRC)? And how I thought the chassis, having been proved competitive in ITA, should be reasonably-competitive in ITS, given good prep (which was borne out by illustration of very good potential in the NE in 2008, as well as Zsolt's impressive run at the ARRC in '09)?

You mean that, Nord?

Or maybe you're referring to other predictions I've made that have proven correct? You know, like the fact that I predicted the 1.8L Miata will put out over 140 wheel horsepower on a Dynapack (which we've already done, and no you will never ever ever see our dyno sheets to find out just how far "over" - and, like the potato chips, it "ain't just one")?

Or could you be "back-handedly" referring to the statement I made back in 2001 when I started to build a Nissan NX2000 ("...a WHAT...?) and stated, publicly and clearly, that I thought the car belonged in ITA and should it get put there it will probably win the ARRC (you know, like the '06 one)?

That part, too, Travis?

So what you're ACTUALLY saying is "I, Travis Nordwald, agree that The Greg Amy has historically proven himself correct in his predictions and, given that pretty-much-undeniable fact, when The Greg Amy says the 1.8L Miata is probably a class-killer, he's most like right.

And, when he finally does build one - much to my chagrin, fear, and loathing - and proves himself to be correct and me wrong, I will show myself man enough to admit it."

Does that about cover it, Travis...? If not, let me know, I can certainly keep going...

Your BFF,

tGA

P.S. Personally, I'm flattered that things "remind" you of me. That means there's opportunity for our relationship to grow...I'm actually looking forward to that...

[Andy Bettencourt]

Let's let the people who have actually built them comment on stuff as data. That would be a nice change.

And Billiel - how about you shut up? If you would like to FINANCE my trip to MO or RA, I will load up and go anywhere. Dope.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Remind me of those "spouts", Nord, and I'll be glad to explain...Oh, wait; you mean when, after having driven a Honda Integra for the first time in 2007, I said that it was probably the best-handling front-wheel-drive car I'd ever raced (and it is)? And then I noted it should be winning championships (like, for example, the '08 and '09 ARRC)? And how I thought the chassis, having been proved competitive in ITA, should be reasonably-competitive in ITS, given good prep (which was borne out by illustration of very good potential in the NE in 2008, as well as Zsolt's impressive run at the ARRC in '09)?



How is that a 'prediction' when it had already won the ARRC TWICE prior to 2007 (Alex and Anthony)?

[Greg Amy]

I love it when you talk dirty to me, Andy... ;)

And you have a great point: wasn't much of a prediction on those 'Tegs, then, was it? Actually, seems pretty damned obvious in hindsight, yes? So maybe I'm not such an amazing prognosticator; maybe I'm simply stating the plainly obvious. Make you wonder about all those other "obvious" things, then don't it...?:shrug:

Thus, I guess I'm also a bit confused about my BFF's point above... Hey, Trav: "MIATA"!

But, you're absolutely right, Andy: let's let the folks that have actually built them comment on their capabilities...(hey, wait a sec, didn't that Planet what's-his-name guy...? Can't be. And doesn't what's-his-name with a 'Pack build engi....nah, I must be loopy...isn't there like three or four other....? Nope, no way...)

Yep, the rest of us should simply - what was it, Andy? - "shut up".

:smilie_pokal:

[IPRESS]

It sure seems to me that the miata haters (take note here Tom & Greg) who throw out this class killer stuff would want the best equipment and get one. There are many for sale (SMs) that with some mods could be a top of the miata heap ITA car. You guys are well respected drivers in the community and would qualify as a Top car to Top driver combination that SHOULD EITHER PROVE THE MIATA IS THE ITS BMW OF THE "A" CLASS or that it is just one of several good "A" cars. The beauty of this is the car will still hold value even if you prove you were right and we were all wrong.
But as long as you guys want to sit back in your Honda or Nissan cars and throw paper bags full of bullshit at the poor little girls car, it is just a cry of wolf.
Heck Tom, why not rent one of ISCs top miatas and see for yourself from that side of the dash.

[JeffYoung]

Mac's right on that last sentence. Rent one of Mike's cars and see what he's got. He doesn't care -- he'll rent you the very car he drives.

[Jeremy Billiel]

Let's let the people who have actually built them comment on stuff as data. That would be a nice change.

And Billiel - how about you shut up? If you would like to FINANCE my trip to MO or RA, I will load up and go anywhere. Dope.

Andy how will I respond if I need to shut up <BIG GRIN>? :D:D

Dood... I was giving you a compliment on your driving and simply said that until you race at the big races you will forever be stuck in the why does everyone hate the Miata club.

[Ed Funk]

Andy has had excuses for a while as to why he won't go to the IT Fest or the ARRC. Now it seems to be a money issue. Yeah, it can be expensive, we spent around 10,000 last year with 2 cars to do the Fest. Most of that was crash damage to one car, blown motor in the other and Dr. bills. Say maybe a budget of 4000 for one car to do it all out, practice day etc.

I'm willing to write a check for 500 to Andy if he can get other backers. The only condition would be that he pays it back if he doesn't win.

Come on Andy it really is a fun weekend, good racing, good people. Wish we could have enjoyed it more.

[tnord]

hey greg, i meant the time you said how everyone who drives a ITS GSR and isn't winning sucks and how you were going to completely dominate everyone. that might've happened in time, but you decided it was a better idea to plow into the side of a miata instead.

[lateapex911]

http://roadraceautox.com/images/smilies/popcorn.gif

wowza!~

As for me, I think top dog balls to the walls CRX vs same in Miata would be a knock out good race at LRP. I honestly don't know where I'd put my $$$$...

[Greg Amy]

:happy204:

Trav, you don't even get facts straight when you have direct evidence, so it's kinda pointless to put any credibility on your "spouts" (that was your word, wasn't it?) based on what little (no?) experience you actually have...but don't worry, I won't let that affect our friendship, BFF (and I promise I won't edit, delete, or move your posts when I may disagree with them)!

MIATA! (<-- doing my best "Red Dawn" impression)

GA, looking out the bedroom window at a little red hardtop roadster...

On edit: Dan, you're a bad, bad man. Either that, or you've not been paying attention...Ruck got it right: moths -> lamp.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Ed: How about if I pay you back if I DO win? LOL. Attending races is always about money, time and priorities. Simply put, I haven't prioritized one of those races over 4-5 others yet. This year, I am down to a 3 local weekend schedule.

Jeremy: The conversation isn't about MY abilities, its about the Miata's abilities, again. Every year, I offer my car to a few select people I trust (to be able to pay if it gets wrecked) to take it to the big events for free so that it CAN be compared to other cars (Kip V for instance). I would love to see it run.

Greg: We all know Matt can build a motor. I am waiting with great anticipation for you guys to actually do one. One that you know is legal, one that you know is your best effort. When you do, we can sit down over a beer and compare the dyno sheets of our two cars when I bring mine to your dyno for back to back testing.

I also wonder what will prompt you to say to everyone "I told you so on the Miata". When one wins the ITFest? Or the ARRC? Hardly dominant. CRX's and Teg's have been doing that for almost a decade. I guess we should be using the E36 measuring stick, which is very fair. I dont see it happening, but if it does, I will be the first to again submit my data. Overdogs suck.

[JLawton]

I love it when you can say anything and put a smilie after it and make it OK!! LOL


We forget about Shane running at LRP (not to take away from the Miata Haters!!). He does "OK" there. ;)

If anyone wants to trade their half way decent SM (or ITA Miata) for my 10/10ths built Saturn, I will do it in a heart beat. Any takers??? Noooooooooo, I didn't think so. I wish I had the money to sell the Saturn and pay the many thousands more needed to buy a decent Miata.


.

[gran racing]

We forget about Shane running at LRP (not to take away from the Miata Haters!!). He does "OK" there.

No disrespect to Shane's driving abilities, but we've also seen his car in the tech shed whether intended issues or not. :)

I added the smiliey just to ensure that statement was okay. That said, I'd LOVE to see Joey or Bob at LRP with some ITA Miatas.

[Greg Amy]

...wonder what will prompt you to say to everyone "I told you so on the Miata". When one wins the ITFest? Or the ARRC?
That's the best part, Andy: I won't have to. The moment it happens history will be vindicated, and pointing out the obvious is nothing more than salt in the wound (well, I'm sure I'll call my new BFF and taunt him, but I'll be calling you with congratulations.)

I'm on record from the moment that car was moved to ITA at that weight* as saying it will eventually be the car to beat.


Hardly dominant. CRX's and Teg's have been doing that for almost a decade....because the CRX'n and Tegua have been in development for over a decade. It wasn't until the mid-2000s that anyone began to look seriously at the Miata for Improved Touring (Spec Miata effectively killed that interest by at least five years), and in only limited cases (you, KvS, Cefalo). And, in only limited cases has the car seen widespread exposure (primarily, KvS). The development curve of the car is only now beginning to flatten out, and there's a lot of stuff left to learn.


I guess we should be using the E36 measuring stick, which is very fair.Only in terms of potential, but not in terms of proper classification. I know you guys love to bring up the Bimmer as an example of class dominance, but it's actually better an example of poor classification. Any car can dominate when it's classified at 300(?) pounds lighter than its competition, based on reasonable performance measurements.

On the other hand, poor classification (vis-a-vis advantageous power-to-weight) usually reveals itself soon enough.

And Mac: I don't know why you keep tossing up the dissenters as "Miata Haters" (how about we call them "deniers" instead; same basic attitude: you disagree with the "settled classification" you're a "denier".) In point of fact in my own case, I'm far from being a "hater"; I love the damn car! I fell in love with that little roadster when they came out brandy new (and, since I used to work at the local Mazda dealership, lusting after RX-7s, helped my then-girlfriend buy one of the first ones to come into this country) I've personally owned several of them, have prepped one (so far) for racing, and I am consistently involved with them in various ways within the racing community. And, only this past weekend, I admitted - in public, with witnesses, no less - that I thought the car can be given responsibility for bringing in additional membership and competitors into our organization!

But that doesn't mean that I can't see the forest for trees, and recognize what I feel are basic mistakes and assumptions in classifications of the car in ITA. In fact, because I like the car and know it reasonably well - as do you guys - I can see the potential that I know you do, too. That doesn't mean I "hate" the car; at worst one can can call it "jealousy" for having such an awesome little rocket in such a (perceived?) advantageous position. I really don't think we disagree with that.

And, in fact, as I've alluded to in the past, I have plans to do exactly as you suggest and build one, simply because I believe that car is the one to have (though, I admit I personally tend to be one that leans windmill-tilting-ish when it comes to situations such as this...the oddball TR8 holds a distinct attraction to me, for some reason...or maybe it's just Jeff that attracts me...I get confused sometimes ;))

I can't say what Hoppe's (or others') motivations are, but you're really off-base with the "hating" stuff. In fact you're off 180 degrees...but I can empathize with your concerns, as if I were in the same position I'd also be worried about losing that advantage (I believe Nordwald was the one that finally, publicly admitted the advantage, stating - paraphrased - "that's why I bought the damn car!")

I'd love to see more of these cars build to the "T" and brought out to key events. We'll probably see Cefalo at IT Fest and ARRC again, and I'd love it for you guys to bring your "A" games to the CaddyShack Open - uh, I'm mean, the SCCA Runoffs - at the country's Dyno Proving Grounds, Road America.

"The truth will out", whatever it is...

GA


*Gulick called me the summer of 2005(?) to tell me they were moving the 1.8L M1 to ITA. I remember the conversation clearly, as I was leaning on the railing of a hotel in California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. If I recall correctly, my first response to "we're moving the 1.8L Miata to ITA was "Cool...what weight?" and when told it what weight the response was "are you guys high...?" Then I got really pissed off at myself for selling - just two weeks prior - the 1.8L Spec Miata I'd built, all in an effort to concentrate on my NX that got moved to ITA the prior winter. I knew at that point I had a very limited window to get that car on the top step before development of the Miata caught up and made it irrelevant...so in that regard, I guess it was a "good" decision.

Regardless, my tune hasn't changed since, and there's no evidence to suggest it should.

[Knestis]

...I love the damn car! I fell in love with that little roadster when they came out brandy new (and, since I used to work at the local Mazda dealership, lusting after RX-7s, helped my then-girlfriend buy one of the first ones to come into this country) I've personally owned several of them, have prepped one (so far) for racing, and I am consistently involved with them in various ways within the racing community.

http://www.it2.evaluand.com/gti/images/mk3.2/summit5.jpg

Whee!

K

[Greg Amy]

whee!
Nemesis!!!!! Damn you, Knestis!!!!

[gran racing]

Now there's a car I love to hate. Damn Golf IIIs & IVs. LOL!

[IPRESS]

That has been a few years (your NX2000 season) and the miata has not beaten the crap out of the holy Honda at the big events in all that time. If it was the be all end all that is promoted here, even in ham hands it would show its dominance. Why has the Teg /CRXs been given a pass "in the dominant car" catagory even though it continues to be the winning car / cars?
To me it comes across as a pro Honda crowd and an anti miata crowd. The miata is an easy target as SM has developed many "anti miataites". I have cussed them (the drivers) many times myself. I changed classes to get away from them and the resultant (is that a word) $$$$$$ of body work. All that being said you guys in the great NE have let it get a little personal, (Andy quit driving so well) and your faithful followers tend to chime in with your (and others) message creating a pile on (hater) situation.
I don't have a turf to protect (or an "A" car) so no gain here. Travis built his car because it is familier to him, he knows how to do some of the wrenching on it, and if he drives well can be in the front pack. He DID NOT build it because it is the car to have. Until any old hack can get in a top miata and kick Honda butt the message you guys sing is not valid.
When I did have a very well built "A" miata the car only got me so far. Several MidDiv wins, against less than top car / driver combinations (a lot of crossover SMs and a few others). When I took the same car to ARRC it got me in the top 10 / 15 or so. Now if Drago, Bennett, Pombo, or Stretch were in it, Kevin, AJ, and the Mosers would have had a tougher race. (Not that Tom & Cefalo didn't give Kevin a tough time the next year either.) If more than one of those guys above were in pretty well done miatas it would have been double tough. The draft is the thing for miatas at RAtlanta. When it is all added up it just comes out as a car that can compete right now..... not dominate. That title would fit closer to the Honda products....but they should not be tagged with that title either, IMHO. "A" seems very healthy and the miata is part of why it is healthy, just like the Honda cars.

[lateapex911]

No disrespect to Shane's driving abilities, but we've also seen his car in the tech shed whether intended issues or not. :)

I added the smiliey just to ensure that statement was okay. That said, I'd LOVE to see Joey or Bob at LRP with some ITA Miatas.

I left Shane out of it because he hasn't won the ARRC or the IT Fest. (And yea, I know, the Mosers cars got dq'ed at teh ARRC for the induction issue, which, I think was silly, because their illegal induction (cold air) was not, to my eyes, the reason for winning) I think the Moser cars can be considered the best CRXs in the country. So that is the yardstick.

The question remains, in a theoretical race between the best CRX and the best Miata at Lime Rock, which will win?

I honestly wouldn't wager.

[JLawton]

No disrespect to Shane's driving abilities, but we've also seen his car in the tech shed whether intended issues or not. :)

.

That's a cheap shot, even with the smilie.....




...I love the damn car! I fell in love with that little roadster when they came out brandy new (and, since I used to work at the local Mazda dealership, lusting after RX-7s, helped my then-girlfriend buy one of the first ones to come into this country) I've personally owned several of them, have prepped one (so far) for racing, and I am consistently involved with them in various ways within the racing community.

http://www.it2.evaluand.com/gti/images/mk3.2/summit5.jpg

Whee!

K

To F'ing funny!!! He wasn't feeling the love that day!!






The question remains, in a theoretical race between the best CRX and the best Miata at Lime Rock, which will win?

I honestly wouldn't wager.

Does everyone forget that Shane beat Andy at the NARRC Offs??? (sorry Andy, not to dredge up bad memories)

I'm just sayin' you need to give Shane his dues.


So....... no takers on my Saturn??? Damn!!!


.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Does everyone forget that Shane beat Andy at the NARRC Offs??? (sorry Andy, not to dredge up bad memories)

I'm just sayin' you need to give Shane his dues.

.

Was a wet-damp-dry line race!!! :) Qualified a second faster than him!!! Have to self promote in this crowd!!! LOL

Would LOVE a head to head dry race. ANd I fully believe 110% he has legal stuff.

[lateapex911]

What Andy said. NARCC Offs wasn't a definitive day. No disprespect to Shane intended on my part at all, and i feel Shane has taken the bull by the horns and has taken the high road. Thumbs up to him. (In that case, the system worked...(thanks to Kathy Barnes, because otherwise, there were major issues in the process))

[wepsbee]

So my previous choice of a car did not seem like a good move. Would an earlier year Miata be a good choice for an ITA car. I like the 1.8 BP engine and I am somewhat familiar with it so I thought staying with it would be good. I think the BP is also in the early series Miata so what do you think? ( I can not wait to see these responses):rolleyes:
Last time I ask a question with Miata in the sentence!!! Sorry about all the "issues" brought up by this question but it was asked in good faith not to open wounds or stir pots.:rolleyes: You guys are a tough crowd!!

[Jeremy Billiel]

Bottom line Dan is the ITA Miata is THE car to build in ITA.

[lateapex911]

Bottom line Dan is the ITA Miata is ONE OF THE Rear Wheel Drive Platforms to build in ITA...and probably the BEST choice for Lime Rock but not necessarily EVERYwhere else.

My opinion added and bolded to bring your opinion to a more proper place. ;)

[Jeremy Billiel]

My opinion added and bolded to bring your opinion to a more proper place. ;)

Ok Jake so remind me again how Cefalo was able to run so well at the ARRC with no prior experience there and no drafting buddies?

[trhoppe]

And how did his data show 6 more mph at the end of the straight with a 5mph disadvantage through the apex and a later application of the throttle? :dead_horse::dead_horse::happy204::happy204:

[lateapex911]

Ok Jake so remind me again how Cefalo was able to run so well at the ARRC with no prior experience there and no drafting buddies?

Cause he had Crazy Joe working for him?

[lateapex911]

And how did his data show 6 more mph at the end of the straight with a 5mph disadvantage through the apex and a later application of the throttle? :dead_horse::happy204::happy204:

Oh, come on, bringing FACTs to the discussion? What are you, nuts? ;) Was that DL 1 to DL 1?

[Andy Bettencourt]

And how did his data show 6 more mph at the end of the straight with a 5mph disadvantage through the apex and a later application of the throttle? :dead_horse::dead_horse::happy204::happy204:

Than who? A guy with the worng Final drive and a bustificated header? LOL

[Knestis]

Ginger!

[Knestis]

Marianne!

[R2 Racing]

Ok Jake so remind me again how Cefalo was able to run so well at the ARRC with no prior experience there and no drafting buddies?
I'm going to go with "because he drove the fucking wheels off the car and two Integra's punch a HUUUUUUUGE hole in the air for one little Miata".

And Hoppe, you're going to have to show me this data. I thought you, Marc, and I were all pretty even down the backstraight. If anything, remember, HUUUUUUUUUUGE hole.:shrug:


Someone turn the bug light off.


See ya guys. I'm actually going to head to a track in the morning. Ya'll have fun with this.:023:

[JeffYoung]

Hell, we have a ITA 240sx here in the NCR that ran low 18s the last trip to VIR. That's the fastest an ITA car has gone there since Mark Carpenter set the record back in 06 in an Integra -- other than Tom and Chris back on Sunday last May who ran 17s.

Bowie won a few races here at VIR and drives the track expertly, but I'm not sure I've seen a Miata run anywhere near low 18s. Chris P., Tom H., Mark C., and Kevin R. all have done so I think in Honda products.