In November of last year, around Thanksgiving I found the Miata in Northern California.. The pervious owner had found the cleanest NB, with Penske's and prepared the car, but as it turns out did not fit in the car. With his helmet on. I am shorter, I fit.
I have attended VARA University for a number of years. The seat time is great and the instruction is very helpful. But I did not have a race car, to get a license was the plan in the Miata. Buying a race car, is just the start. Having a car that will pass tech inspection, is next on the required list of things to do!
First, is seat time. You can drive your car with expired safety gear, just not race it. From January of this year I have completed six track days in the car. Four days at Buttonwillow and two at Willowsprings. Yes turn 9 is a very late apex! And yes, a Miata is a great gateway to the track as a momentum car. But...
If you have to have current safety gear, and you crave "some" horse power do not go to a shop that builds and maintains race cars. Because some of there clients might be aging out, or their older car is getting replaced by a newer version. In my case I had the pick of two cars that fell into these categories. My car was built and finished in 2011, driven twice and parked. The owner's wife found out about it, enough said...
After a week of effort, fresh fluids, fuel system and a clean tech inspection I spent this last weekend driving the car at a VARA HPDE event. I can report that a well driven Miata was with me in some corners. But I had no issue driving away from him when things straightened out on the track.
I will now be updating the safety equipment in the Spec Boxter, to get my racing license. Yes!
David
