From Auto-X to Spec Miata

[ConeDodger]

Some of you may follow this series.



Jason Saini, of Fort Worth, Texas, paced opening practice for Sunday’s SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook season-ending race at Road America. Carlo Sparacio, of Federal Way, Wash. , and Deborah Loth, of Fort Worth , Texas , completed the top three.

Driving the No. 28 MER/specmiata.com/Autobarn Mazda MX-5, Saini ran a succession of laps that got faster and faster during the 30 minute session, finally settling on a 2:40.030 (91.063 mph) to lead the pack around the 4.048-mile circuit.

“I used to live less than two hours from the track,” Saini said. “I know the track. I love the track. The car was working great. We had two days since the test here and we changed everything. Usually, when you go and change everything you screw it up, but I think this time we nailed it.”

Driving the No. 8 TC Motorsports Mazda MX-5, Sparacio was in the top three for the majority of the session, setting his fastest lap on his final tour with a 2:41.162 (90.423 mph). Loth put her No. 23 Team MER/Loth Endodontics Mazda MX-5 third in the session with a quick time of 2:41.588 (90.185 mph).

[rick2]

I would follow it if they televised it live...

last year they taped them all, and played 2 races a weekend during december on speed... by far some of the most exciting racing I've had the pleasure of watching.

[Mindcore]

Totally agree,

I've talked to Jason many times, and followed what he was doing in the Auto-X circuit for some time. He was able to take an underdog S2000 and pull off wins with it.

Best of luck to him, that's for sure.

[Lorigurl]

I looooove that car I almost said it was cute

[ConeDodger]

Ya, he's really doing well.. I should see if I can get him over here to post about it.

[Supersonic]

One of the best series to come out IMO, super competitive, the rules are solid, and it makes it hard for guys with big money to get the advantage. I'd like to see them push it even further.

[ConeDodger]

I agree.. I'm going to start working on my car over the off months and hope to get in on it next season. I still love autox, but I'm ready for some wheel to wheel action.

and the SpecMiata seems to be about the best way to get into it.

[BlastMS3]

Man, I would looooove to do that!

[ReX]

Very cool. I just attened HPDE days to get my fun. I like driving my car home at the end of the day

[Nylander]

Excellent, this is just what I would like to get involved with.

I have almost no racing experience however, never been to an autox or had any instruction, just some open lapping with some local groups.

Do you think that I can learn my way through this as I go, or would it be wise to try autox or something first?

[rick2]

Originally Posted by Nylander

Do you think that I can learn my way through this as I go, or would it be wise to try autox or something first?

there is no substitute for seat time. if you're serious about going fast, the more time you can spend in the car, pushing it, learning its limits and how to control them, the better you will be... so definitely hit up any event you can in your area... or at least as frequently as your budget/health can stand it

i love to autocross myself, but i haven't had the chance to make it to an open track event yet... you'd think since i live within 100 miles of 3 different tracks there would be more frequent hpde events than just ~2/yr.

[Nylander]

Thank you, and I agree. The more time spent behind the wheel the better. I think I'm going to do my first autocross this weekend.

Wish me luck!

[rick2]

Originally Posted by Nylander

Thank you, and I agree. The more time spent behind the wheel the better. I think I'm going to do my first autocross this weekend.

Wish me luck!

Do it! and Good luck!

I'm seriously considering an Evolution autocross school... in October theres one less than 500 miles from me:

Evolution Performace Driving School,-- Autocross Schools - Autocross Events

[ReX]

Best of luck man! hope you enjoyed it!