New to SM

[cometb]

Apologize in advance to dumb newbee questions. My son has graduated from karts to a 1990 miata. He has been doing a bunch of "member days" with me at MSR Cresson plus some pro instruction. He is doing his first NASA DE in March (he is 15 years old). We are trying to figure out if the 1990 is the right car for him if we decide to build it out for SM (or SMM) racing. Don't want to spend all the cash on this only to find out the field was to small for him to compete in, etc. Advise would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks BTW- we are in Dallas , Texas.

[jaje]

Apologize in advance to dumb newbee questions. My son has graduated from karts to a 1990 miata. He has been doing a bunch of "member days" with me at MSR Cresson plus some pro instruction. He is doing his first NASA DE in March (he is 15 years old). We are trying to figure out if the 1990 is the right car for him if we decide to build it out for SM (or SMM) racing. Don't want to spend all the cash on this only to find out the field was to small for him to compete in, etc. Advise would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks BTW- we are in Dallas , Texas.

Contact Dave Balinget (NASA Texas Regional Director) to help get a hold of Trevor McCallion (the Texas Spec Miata Series Director).

 

Dave's contact info is:

Phone: 972-584-9375

[email protected]

 

NASA SM in Texas is a Teen Mazda Challenge region which will benefit your son (it only applies to running Spec Miata). Also the Texas SM region is HUGE with 20+ cars on average so lots of competition. Whether an early Miata is the best platform depends on the track (the 1.8 is better on shorter, twisty tracks where its torque is helpful, but the 1.6 which is unrestricted is better on higher speed courses where it has better high end power).

 

More information on Teen Mazda Challenge:

Try this website for more info: http://teenmazdachallenge.magix.net/website/8

 

Good luck!

[flyntgr]

I started with the '90 model and found it to be quite fun and a great tool for learning. It was simple and cheap, no not too much money invested. I would recommend it for a "first" car. I graduated to a '99 to optimize my chances for winning, but the cost was roughly double or triple on my next 2 cars, both '99s. They handle better and have more torque, and the car to beat in the long run.

 

But a 15 year old might just graduate out of Spec Miatas all together and want a faster car like a Porsche or a Civic or other 6 cylinder, so I still think the '90 model with upgraded "99 shocks and '99 topcats would be my choice for him (ask your pro what I'm referring to if you haven't learned about the upgraded suspension choices yet). The '90s moded legally to '99 parts are plenty fast enough and win races all the time, though most (no all) pros seem to prefer the '99s. Don't scrimp on roll bar, helmet, suit, seat and harness, though.

[suck fumes]

The 1.6L is not the car to have for winning races especially at most Texas tracks. If your planning on running nationals you need a 1.8L. Here's the thing about 90-93 1.6L..... Yes you can make them very fast and win races BUT you will spend twice as much on tuning and blueprinting to get them there. You'll need to buy a box of ecu's, intake manifolds, air flow meters etc etc and Dyno them all! Then you'll have to change the air/fuel mixture at every track to dial it in as those cars are a LOT MORE sensitive to climate change.