Tristan,

I think this is where some of the Miata critisizm is rightfully aimed. Breathe the throttle, miss a shift, lose a little traction - and you are about to lose 2-3 positions. This type of racing breads impatience. What I saw in that video is a driver who never lifted in hopes that he wouldn't lose too much ground.

Most of us are fully unprepared (especially in RWD cars) of the implications of full throttle on grass or dirt...especially when you are already out of shape.

Yes, it was a mistake...but it doesn't seem like teh driver knew WHY it was a mistake...and those will always repeat themselves.