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Introduction

Everything You Wanted to Know About NASA's Spec Miata Racing Series

The Mazda Miata is the most-raced car in North America, and for good reason. The platform itself is compliant and predictable, which makes it a great car for learning to drive well. At the other end of the learning curve, it takes every last ounce of technique and error-free driving to get the most from the car, and if you watch some of the videos at the end of this feature, you’ll see what that looks like. If you’re on the fence about racing in Spec Miata, read on to find out what it’s like. Then come join the fun.

The NASA Spec Miata is an affordable racing series, primarily focused on road racing, and shall function as an advertising and marketing tool for the series sponsors, the independent sponsors of each team, as well as the official sanctioning body of the series. The purpose of this series is to provide an avenue to promote sponsor brand awareness on a national scale. Additionally, this series should provide a stage to showcase driving talent, in hopes that the most talented drivers will advance to even higher-level professional series.

All first- and second-generation Mazda Miatas are eligible for competition in Spec Miata. Because there are differences in performance between the models, Spec Miata uses the “weights and plates” method for achieving parity.
Everything from free on Craigslist to about $5,000 for a nice, clean donor. Availability is still plentiful, although rust can be a problem in some regions.
All engines, components, and parts must have been offered for sale in a Mazda Miata, sold by a dealer in the United States of America unless otherwise specified in these rules. All engines and their internal components must remain stock, except as provided by these rules, and within factory specified tolerances unless otherwise specified within this document.” This applies to all 1.6- and 1.8-liter cars.
Year Min. Weight (lbs) Restrictor Plate
1990-1993
2,275
None
1990-1993
2,290 (w/.010”overbore)
None
1994-1997
2,400
None
1994-1997
2,415 (w/.010”overbore)
None
1999-2000
2,400
38 mm
1999-2000
2,415(w/.010”overbore)
38 mm
2001-2005
2,450
40 mm
2001-2005
2,465(w/.010”overbore)
40 mm
Fuel usage is restricted to unleaded gasoline commonly found at retail pumping stations (Shell, Chevron, Citgo, etc.). Octane is limited to a maximum of 94 (R+M)/2 and a maximum of 12% ethanol. Race fuels such as, but not limited to, ERC brand are prohibited. All fuel additives are illegal, per the CCR. Note- event supplemental rules supersede this section.
$10,000 to $15,000. Plan on spending more for a front-running, Championships-caliber car.
$5,000 for an older car to $30,000 for a front-running, Championships-caliber car.
  • There aren’t many modifications allowed. Follow the rulebook to take advantage of all permitted mods.
  • A race exhaust is required, and now there are a number of options available.
  • Extended lower ball joints and offset front bushings open up more setup options.
  • A “pro” motor is more or less essential for running up front.
Average cost to run a weekend — $1,000, all in, entry fees, lodging, food, brakes, tires, fuel. And beer. Mmmm, beer.

Tires, size, brand and prices

  • Toyo Proxes RR, 205-50-15, $225 from Phil’s Tire Service, Cragsmoor, N.Y.
  • Toyo Proxes RA1, 205-50-15, (wet), $225 from Phil’s Tire Service, Cragsmoor, N.Y.

Brakes, brands and prices

  • Hawk DTC 60 front $115
  • Carbotech XP10 front $160
  • G Loc R10 front $150

Check the NASA Contingencies page for the latest programs.

Yeah, boy howdy!
  • Respectable fields in nearly all regions. Big fields in most regions.
  • There’s usually someone to race with anywhere in the field.
  • Genuinely affordable cars if you just want to race and have fun. 
  • The best factory support in all of amateur racing.
  • Miatas are good racecars for rookies and experts alike. 
  • Huge knowledge base.
  • Spec Miata is a rung on the ladder to pro racing.
  • An occasional tendency for argy-bargy at the front and middle of the pack. 
  • Comprehensive teardowns at Championships.
  • Spec Miata is a rung on the ladder to pro racing.
  • 1.6-liter vehicles may use a cone-type air filter assembly. The air filter assembly may include integrated or attached components that may serve the purpose of shielding ONLY the air filtration element and air intake tube prior to the AFM from radiant engine heat. 
  • For 1.8-liter cars, any filter may be used, providing that it is comprised of components and materials other than air cooling systems, cooling chemicals, or cooling chemical compounds.
  • Any adjustable mechanical fuel regulator may be used, but it may not be adjustable from the cockpit.
  • Any front and rear camber is allowed within the normal limits of adjustment. The only modifications to increase or decrease camber allowed are the inner suspension bushings on the front upper control arms and/or the extended lower ball joints.
  • All cars are permitted to use the “R” model tie rod ends part # N021-32-280A.
  • Steel braided brake hoses may be used.
  • To improve driver exit through the window area, the driver vent window and vent window supports may be removed.
  • Power steering rack may be converted to manual.
  • All cars now use Penske nonadjustable shocks. Bilstein Shocks are legal for regional competition use only. Penske non-adjustable shocks are mandated for National Championships. 

News

Latest Spec Miata News Around The Country

Reviews

What Spec Miata Competitors Say

Videos

Get On-Board with Spec Miata Drivers

Contact Us

Spec Miata Series Contacts

Spec Miata
Aaron Johnson
Region: Mid Atlantic
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Ben Miller
Region: Northeast
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Brett Becker
Region: California-Southern
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
John Poppenhouse
Region: Great Lakes
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Mark Gibbons
Region: Florida
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Michael Kasdorf
Region: Arizona
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Robert Rose
Region: Arizona
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata, Time Trial
Email
Tommy Lo
Region: California-Northern
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Xavier Calderon
Region: Mid Atlantic
Title(s): National Series Director
Series: Spec Miata
Email
Yan Dia
Region: Southeast
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Miata
Email