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)

[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...

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!
Those Honda guys might hate you but we are a "kindur" "gentlur" group..we embrace the artisitc female aspect of racing. A girly car that kicks butt in your hands would be almost unfair. Come on join the goood guys.

Your friend, Former ITA Girly Car Driver

[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]

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.

[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>?

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.

[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...?

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".

[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.

[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)

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. You guys are a tough crowd!!