When Mazda introduced the MX-5 Miata to the world in 1989, in many ways the brand saved the sports car–and at the same time, created a cult of Miata fans.
And 35 years later, that anniversary was celebrated at Lime Rock Park: MiataCon.
This fall’s MiataCon saw more than 500 exampl…
At one point, we discussing having me drive up from Florida in my Miata–but with me already committed to the Hilton Head concours the following weekend....
SCDA has an unusually strict policy for convertibles for their HPDE sessions. Odd choice of sanctioning body for a Miata convention.
Andy Reid!!................where have you guys been hiding him?
RadBarchetta said:SCDA has an unusually strict policy for convertibles for their HPDE sessions. Odd choice of sanctioning body for a Miata convention.
I think their convertible policy (pasted below) is pretty standard.
Also, it's worth noting that the HPDE component of this event (which I participated in) is a very small portion of the event. Just one run group with 20-ish cars. All the other cars on the "big track" were wheel to wheel race cars. Cars participating in the AutoX (err, MiataX) did not require roll bars (or even helmets for that matter). So only 20 or so people are even covered by these rules.
From the SCDA Website:
For safety reasons, all convertibles (Boxster, Miata, Corvette, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice etc.) are required to have a roll bar that meets the following two criteria in order to be eligible to run during any event.
1. The roll bar must be in the fixed position and visible at all times. This means that roll bars which are designed to automatically deploy are not acceptable unless they are in the full upright and locked position at all times.
2. The roll bar must allow the driver to pass the “broomstick” test which means that the top of the drivers helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar to the top of the windshield.
There are aftermarket roll bars and/or seats which can be used to help meet these requirements. If your convertible meets these standards, then you are welcome to participate!
Most retractable Factory hard tops are acceptable at SCDA events, please verify.
In reply to CrashDummy :
Standard for racing, not necessarily for HPDE. They might get more than 20 people to participate if they opened it up a bit.
SCCA allows convertibles newer than 2006 to run with only the factory roll protection. No broomstick test. I've brought my NC to several track days over the years in stock condition. That usually only applies to novice and maybe intermediate levels or with an instructor in the car, but it definitely helps get more people on track.
On the other hand, factory hard tops, including retractible ones, for Miatas are typically not an acceptable substitute since a thin sheet of fiberglass doesn't really protect your noggin in a rollover.
Also weird that they don't require a helmet for autocross. That's definitely not standard.
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