The picture shows me in the car waiting for my turn to make another run.
Personally, I cannot imagine owning a car like this and not taking it out for a little exercise on a closed course where one can safely explore the limits of adhesion. You might want to read what I think are some good reasons to consider doing it, plus my advice to first timers and my FAQ about autocross.
The picture shows me in the car waiting for my turn to make another run.
(Scan from a photo taken at the October 1995 event. Burgers were grilling in the background as we got ready for our second set of runs.)
There are some other photos available that were pulled from video with a Snappy.
The spare set of white alloy wheels (bought used from a guy who used to road-race a silver Miata) look extremely nice on the American Racing Blue (aka Mariner Blue) car along with magnetic numbers and sponsor stickers from Solotime.
In response to some requests, the details are as follows: The circles are 17 inch white magnetic. (A 16 inch circle would work with a number combination that is not as wide. I made a circular template with paper and then traced it on the back of the magnetic with a permanent felt marker before cutting it out with scissors.) I used the permanent 8 inch curved numbers from Solotime. I now have white class letters in the 3 3/4 inch block style on blue magnetic, which is much better than the 5 inch letters you see in the old photo above. The permanent letters arrive properly spaced on a tacky paper that makes application easy, since you only get one try to get them centered. Solotime is a home-based business and national SCCA sponsor that can be reached at 316-683-3803; they have always given me excellent service, but don't call during national events since they also autocross. They are a good source for pre-mounted "Solo Events" stickers, and threw in a "Solotime" sticker that fits nicely over the trunk lid brake light.
My experience is that the biggest improvements come from
One thing that will not make your car go faster is a modification like this one.
I replaced the stock air filter with a
K&N replacement filter,
which has noticeable effects on engine performance.
It really breathes much better at high RPM with this change.
NOTE: The Miata Club of America magazine and other
sources will talk about a variety of modifications to the
air induction system that are blatantly illegal in SCCA
stock classes. Similarly, taking the timing outside of what
is described in the factory shop manual is forbidden.
If you intend to autocross your car and do not want to go
all the way into Street Prepared, check the rules before
messing with the car.
I put in a 3" racing lap belt, which definitely helps me stay in the seat and concentrate on the next turn. Owning your own helmet is very advisable, since it affects concentration to worry about tracking down a loaner helmet. I like the old-time look of an open-face Bell Mag 4+ (Snell SA90). Courage for your head.
I am too lazy to switch out the exhaust just for racing. Someday I will replace the front bar, and will put in adjustable shocks at that time if I don't replace the stock ones sooner. From conversations with national level racers and the advice on web, it is clear that these are less important than having good rubber and developing consistent driving skills. However, at the upper levels of competition, the wonderfully prepared car of Eric Esch has an adjustable sway bar on the front that seems like the way to go. He also is using the new Hoosier autocross tires this year, which are very sticky while they last - which is not long.
Visit Jim Carr's Home Page if you have not been there already.