ES Miata Air Dam

[Ed Holley]

In reviewing the "Cone Wars" edition of Sportscar magazine, I noticed a picture of Bartek Borowski's ES Miata that included a front air dam. My '95 does not have one. And I thought they were not class legal. Am I mistaken? If they ARE legal, I might put one on.

[Justin Tsang]

It's part of the r package add on. Unless your car is a r package, it is not legal for ES

[Kurt Rahn]

It's part of the r package add on. Unless your car is a r package, it is not legal for ES

Or unless you upgrade with every part included in in the R package, basically making it an R.

[Ed Holley]

It's part of the r package add on. Unless your car is a r package, it is not legal for ES

Or unless you upgrade with every part included in in the R package, basically making it an R.

Of course, none of this makes sense. With no offense intended to either of you, how do you know this to be true? You certainly won't find it in the rules. Based on what you are saying, two competitors in ES could both be driving 1995 Miatas. One is extensively optioned but is not an "R". The other IS an "R". Because one of these 95 Miatas is an "R" it can have an air dam, while the other cannot. That just does not seem fair. Both cars are in ES. Both cars are the same year. Both cars are the same make (Mazda) and model (Miata). But one can have a performance enhancing air dam, and the other cannot.

BTW, for reference, I went to the Chicago Region Solo website. It appears that Bartek Borowski has a "1996 Mazda Miata". Not an "R". But he has an air dam.

[Craig Naylor]

With no offense intended to either of you, how do you know this to be true? You certainly won't find it in the rules.

Actually it is. I don't have the time to look up the rules that apply. We are attempting to let you know that it does. However if you wish to ignore argue... theres a rule for that too. 4.1.B - Drivers are responsible for knowing and understanding the SCCANational Solo Rules. Ignorance of the Solo Rules will not be accepted during any adjudication of issues regarding event operations, vehicle compliance, driver/crew behavior, or any other topics.

Based on what you are saying, two competitors in ES could both be driving 1995 Miatas. One is extensively optioned but is not an "R". The other IS an "R". Because one of these 95 Miatas is an "R" it can have an air dam, while the other cannot. That just does not seem fair. Both cars are in ES. Both cars are the same year. Both cars are the same make (Mazda) and model (Miata). But one can have a performance enhancing air dam, and the other cannot.

Fair or not. It's true. While just about every car (and model of that car) has a class to run in, not every car in every class is the best for the class.

BTW, for reference, I went to the Chicago Region Solo website. It appears that Bartek Borowski has a "1996 Mazda Miata". Not an "R". But he has an air dam.

Don't know this specific car, or the driver, so I can't address this part with facts. Maybe he just doesn't list the "R". I don't list my '95 is a "base" but it is. Or maybe he's illegal (not saying he is but that could be the case too.)

[Christine Grice]

With no offense intended to either of you, how do you know this to be true? You certainly won't find it in the rules.

Actually it is. I don't have the time to look up the rules that apply.

It is 13. The very first page of the Stock Class rules:

Option package conversions may be performed between specific vehicles of a particular make and model, but only between configurations
from within a particular model year. Such conversions must be totally
complete and the resultant car must meet all requirements of this Section. These requirements are not met by simply pulling a fuse to disable
a feature which distinguishes one model from another.

[Ed Holley]

With no offense intended to either of you, how do you know this to be true? You certainly won't find it in the rules.

Actually it is. I don't have the time to look up the rules that apply.

It is 13. The very first page of the Stock Class rules:

Option package conversions may be performed between specific vehicles of a particular make and model, but only between configurations
from within a particular model year. Such conversions must be totally
complete and the resultant car must meet all requirements of this Section. These requirements are not met by simply pulling a fuse to disable
a feature which distinguishes one model from another.

Thank you Christine and Craig, for setting me straight on this. And I mean that sincerely. Sometimes, in writing in a forum environment, "sincerity" doesn't come across. Although I "looked" at the rules, I guess I expected something specific about air dams and the like to jump off the page. The paragraph that Christine is citing I must have read many times and simply wasn't "seeing" it. In any event, I'm just trying to find my way in this sport, ie, driving , car set-up, etc. and am so thankful for the experience and insight that both of you have. Justin and Kurt were pretty much saying the same thing and I'm appreciative of that as well.

[Mako Koiwai]

You'll discover that they most successful AX'ers spend a lot of time finding the very specific correct car to campaign. Looking at the results from Nationals is often a good first step, but as you discovered, the description of the car might not be complete, unfortunately.

[Ed Holley]

You'll discover that they most successful AX'ers spend a lot of time finding the very specific correct car to campaign. Looking at the results from Nationals is often a good first step, but as you discovered, the description of the car might not be complete, unfortunately.

Yep! You are sooo.. correct Zen Master. And I would have responded to you sooner, but I was looking for those peskie little air dam screws. There around here somewhere.

[John Stimson]

For what it's worth, that air dam doesn't really improve performance at autocross speeds. In fact, it's somewhat of a nuisance because it's required on an R-package car, but they tend to break up when you hit cones and it's difficult to find replacements.

And while a rule might not seem fair when you apply it to one specific situation, there are usually other situations where the rule is really needed.

[Ed Holley]

For what it's worth, that air dam doesn't really improve performance at autocross speeds. In fact, it's somewhat of a nuisance because it's required on an R-package car, but they tend to break up when you hit cones and it's difficult to find replacements.

And while a rule might not seem fair when you apply it to one specific situation, there are usually other situations where the rule is really needed.

Thank you John! Sounds like experience talking.

[Craig Naylor]

If however, you have said Airdam, and are not looking to convert to a "R" model, I am looking for an airdam for the '94-'97 model.

[Kurt Rahn]

Hi Ed,

I know it's almost a cliche at this point, since the more experienced people regularly suggest it to the less experienced, but for the first year or so I'd work on becoming a better driver, rather than fixating on improving your car. You could put me in a fast car and Tom Berry or Toby or Mike Simanyi, or any of our region's national-caliber drivers in a slower car, and they'd still kick my butt handily. There's no substitute for seat time and instruction.

Also, once you're to the point where you feel your driving is competitive, you're almost better off picking a class based on your budget, how much you're willing/able to put into prepping the car, and what has been successful in the past (e.g. The Car to Have), *then* choosing a car. Unless you get really lucky and happen to start off autocrossing a car that's The It Car for its class, there's a good chance you're already playing from behind, and the rules (particularly in the stock classes) make it difficult to make up the deficit.

If you want to talk about it more, just grab me at the next event.

KR

[Arthur Grant]

[quote="Kurt Rahn"]Hi Ed,

I know it's almost a cliche at this point, since the more experienced people regularly suggest it to the less experienced, but for the first year or so I'd work on becoming a better driver, rather than fixating on improving your car. You could put me in a fast car and Tom Berry or Toby or Mike Simanyi, or any of our region's national-caliber drivers in a slower car, and they'd still kick my butt handily. There's no substitute for seat time and instruction.

I think the best way to save money, and focus on what is important is to take a very small risk. Ask one of the drivers (Tom is my favorite) to take your car out and drive it 10/10's during a practice. You can ride along or not. If you do Tom at least will frequently talk to you as he is buring up the course (and you brakes). Take take the time slip. If he suggest tire pressure changes make them, perhaps give him another run later with the new settings. Bottom line, if you can get within .5 seconds of his time you can start spending money. If you can't don't bother with anything other than yourself. If he recommends something and you can afford it, consider it. (I can't afford the 11" rims to move up to 315's all round yet thus the hedge). Do this over the course of a year and see if you can get closer. It's a good bench mark for your skill.

[Ed Holley]

Hi Ed,

I know it's almost a cliche at this point, since the more experienced people regularly suggest it to the less experienced, but for the first year or so I'd work on becoming a better driver, rather than fixating on improving your car. You could put me in a fast car and Tom Berry or Toby or Mike Simanyi, or any of our region's national-caliber drivers in a slower car, and they'd still kick my butt handily. There's no substitute for seat time and instruction.

I think the best way to save money, and focus on what is important is to take a very small risk. Ask one of the drivers (Tom is my favorite) to take your car out and drive it 10/10's during a practice. You can ride along or not. If you do Tom at least will frequently talk to you as he is buring up the course (and you brakes). Take take the time slip. If he suggest tire pressure changes make them, perhaps give him another run later with the new settings. Bottom line, if you can get within .5 seconds of his time you can start spending money. If you can't don't bother with anything other than yourself. If he recommends something and you can afford it, consider it. (I can't afford the 11" rims to move up to 315's all round yet thus the hedge). Do this over the course of a year and see if you can get closer. It's a good bench mark for your skill.

Jeesh guys!! I was just asking about an air damn. I asked and I got my answer. Believe me, I'm well aware of the "cliche" regarding spending a year learning to be a better driver. I'm doing that. The only improvements I have made to the car, according to PLAN and BUDGET, is a front swaybar, Koni shocks, and a proper alignment. Why on earth would I wait a year to make these improvements? The shocks I removed were on the car for 16 years.

I'm also pursuing having others drive my car. Leonard Cachola drove it at the last event. He did not wring it out, but he turned in the 58s. Afterward, I immediately went out and ran in the 59s using what he shared. Considering that I only had 2 of the Konis installed and had a barely adequate street alignment, I'm happy with that.

I've also talked briefly with Tom Berry. He agreed to drive my car "anytime". I plan to take him up on it.

Having said all this, I do not come to this sport "unarmed". Admittedly, I have a lot to learn. Autocross is not road racing. I get that. But I DO have 3 years of Formula Ford experience and I am a Russell School graduate. I'm not a beginner. Additonally, in addition to my business degrees, I also have a degree and experience in automotive technology. So, I do my own work which helps with my limited budget.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. I appreciate you guys and ALL of your feedback. Really.

[John Stimson]

While what Kurt said is generally true, the car to have in ES is a '94-97 Miata with a limited slip differential. The LSD is pretty much the only option that makes a really significant difference in performance. All the other advantages come down to differences in weight, even the R package. I think the R might be slightly lower, too. So if your car has the LSD, nothing should stop you from putting on some off the shelf Koni Sports, a swaybar, some good tires, and kicking some butt.

[Ed Holley]

While what Kurt said is generally true, the car to have in ES is a '94-97 Miata with a limited slip differential. The LSD is pretty much the only option that makes a really significant difference in performance. All the other advantages come down to differences in weight, even the R package. I think the R might be slightly lower, too. So if your car has the LSD, nothing should stop you from putting on some off the shelf Koni Sports, a swaybar, some good tires, and kicking some butt.

Thanks John! That's pretty much what I've got.

[Max Hayter]

Or convert the car to STS, where none of that matters and your car can be competitive

[Sebastian Rios]

The LSD matters in STS, it would be a shame to have to swap it for an open diff.

[Max Hayter]

The LSD matters in STS, it would be a shame to have to swap it for an open diff.

True, but since Ed doesn't have a diff now, it's no loss