I drive a 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
It's nearing the magic 100,000 mile mark… with about 3,000 to go!
I've kept up on maintenance and added just enough modifications to place myself in one of two SCCA Solo classes. Unfortunately, the car is not the most competitive in CSP, as many CSP drivers have a full suspension upgrade. Sure is fun to beat on the free tires, though.
My Miata Story
Read how I discovered this little car and its' benefits… and how I came to own my '95.
Madison Motorsports
Check out Madison Motorsports, the James Madison University drivers' club. I have been the club's president since 2009 and have been a member since my freshman year at JMU in 2007.
Miata.net
This is, hands-down, the best resource for all things Miata.
Thanks to my involvement in Madison Motorsports, I was introduced to the sport of autocross. Put simply, autocross involves racing for best times, both personal and group-wide. Courses are typically set up on large paved areas, such as parking lots or airfields. Top speed during an autocross varies, usually not exceeding 55-60 mph. The courses are very technically challenging - drivers may encounter slaloms, "lane change" maneuvers, and much more.
Although I started out a very slow driver, with experience and seat time comes faster results. I have moved up from a traditionally last place (or close to it) finish, to somewhere around the top of mid-pack. Although cars are classed according to modifications and estimated power, all cars who autocross will have their times multiplied by a "PAX" number. This multiplier allows the ranking of every driver for the day, regardless of vehicle.
I also work road-race track weekends for the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), at VIRginia International Raceway and Summit Point Raceway. While I would love to get the Miata out on track, I simply don't have the budget to properly equip the car or fund the track weekends. Hopefully I can break into track racing post-graduation, when I have a steady paycheck and a more cushy "daily driver" to take to work as I modify the Miata.
The third event of the 2010 autocross season. I usually autocross with the Blue Ridge Region of the SCCA. My co-driver Chris is a sophomore at JMU and member of Madison Motorsports as well. He started co-driving my car in the fall of last year. I have been autocrossing since the fall of 2008.
Me and Dr. Mark Thomas (one of the Madison Motorsports staff sponsors) at my first autocross, ever, back in the Fall of 2008. I've changed (as has the car) since then!