sorry for the n00bness but i thought i'd get a better response here than in gen. automotive.

i'd like to start autocrossing a miata in the future. i've had a very embarrasing moment in the new 06 model and i'd like to learn better car control and generally gain more experience behind the wheel. are the SCCA regulations and this thing called spec-miata similar? the information on the web is an amalgam of words and acronyms, some of which i recognize & understand, others are a bit out of my range.

basically i'd like to just get a used car and take on a few laps once in a while. i havent been real big fans of the miata, but mazda has sold me on them with the zoom zoom live and the whole legacy & spirit of the little car for this type of driving. plus i'd like to keep the warranty on the protege as long as i can hehe. i have no track experience. as far as driving, i've come to learn that i am less of a "good" driver and more or less just a "safe" driver--and i'd like to get better at being the 1st part. thanks.
-meGrimlock

 

The way I understand it is that SCCA is for amatuers getting into driving and SPEC miata is for people who have conquered SCCA and are ready to step up to their own league.

 

i see, so i'm better off doing amateur, stock setups and stuff. all in good time i guess. i cant really do a 2nd car now, and i have to save some $$$ for my next big PC upgrade ^_^. but good info for future reference. thanks.

 

the neat thing about scca is they keep cars in certain classes. If you're not worried about winning every race I'd say just modify the car how you see fit regardless of what class it puts you in and then learn to drive it. Then go back and start with a new platform and perfect driving it stock so when you modify it you have that much more of an advantage.

 

dont start autox in a RWD car.....start in solo2(cones) on a fwd car(Protege's are perfect)...don't have to bother with mods on the car except maybe tires, otherwise you'll be put out of your class pretty quick....my best advice: ease the gas down, don't slam it.

 

what do you mean by "put out of your class..."

 

you are best off in G-stock if you are in a protege...once you start modifying your car though, you will be put in a class with other modified cars, which tend to have WAY more power...

do a little research, you'll see what I mean

 

sorry i got confused thinking you meant RWD & FWD are in different classes.

i probably wont autocross or mod my protege until 48,001 miles or 48 months + 1 day. i'm halfway to 48k so it might come sooner than i expect.