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When left to govern itself Rome Self- destructed.

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#21
tynor

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I have to agree with those that point out that much of the chatter here is about the cost at running at the pointy end of the pack.  

 

I'm a recent convert to SM. I bought my Miata earlier this year and don't plan to go National/Majors racing - I'm in it for the close competition in Regional races.   My '99 was a lot more expensive than the IT car I drove before moving to SM, but nothing like the $30k numbers being bandied about here.   To me, the class is still attractive at a $15-18k entry point. It's not the absolute cheapest way to race, but still doable - even for my cheapskate budget.    Like others, I hope that the leadership keeps in mind the "rest of us" that aren't trying to join the arms race - let's keep the class relatively affordable.


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Steve Tynor

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#22
Neil O

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Every year I read about the 30K - 40K cars and insane budgets that you MUST have to be in SM... Most likely true if you want to win the runoffs or big majors.....  

 

BUT, 

 

Then, I go run the Marrs Series (regional) with my $20K car, buy 2-3 sets of tires a year (or Tim's used tires since he collects them) and have fun.

Generally have p1-10 or so within .8 qualifying, race in an 4-8 car train, laugh when I pass Mike Collins.  Then, drink some PBR and BS till bedtime.        

 

Just like life racing isn't fair.  Do I wish it was cheaper, sure.  But, lets not lose sight of what we have.       


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#23
ner88

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up in the Northeast, SSM has all but died, with the exception of MARRS.

NARRC regions adopted SM2 (Spec Miata without NB cars)

All those missing NA cars are now showing up, cheap investments, great buys!

Our SM2 class often out number SM and often the SM2 guys double dip!



#24
Waterboy

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Every year I read about the 30K - 40K cars and insane budgets that you MUST have to be in SM... Most likely true if you want to win the runoffs or big majors.....  

 

BUT, 

 

Then, I go run the Marrs Series (regional) with my $20K car, buy 2-3 sets of tires a year (or Tim's used tires since he collects them) and have fun.

Generally have p1-10 or so within .8 qualifying, race in an 4-8 car train, laugh when I pass Mike Collins.  Then, drink some PBR and BS till bedtime.        

 

Just like life racing isn't fair.  Do I wish it was cheaper, sure.  But, lets not lose sight of what we have.       

 

Did that car really cost 20k :)


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#25
Neil O

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You've seen the paint.... yes, damn close

 

I've been know to operate my racing budget in the gray area though soooo... I won't swear to it.  



#26
pat slattery

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The costs would be the same whether the class was 90-97 or 90/05. It is arguable that the introduction of the newer cars obsoleted the older ones, but the costs are not arguable IMO.

I

That is where we differ Jim, The 90 to 97 have virtually been regulated to obscurity in the national scene, so we have to upgrade to a 25 to 30k car, and ditch our old cars for pennies on the dollar if we want to run at the pointy end of the field  Now it would appear that many will have to do the same with there 99 cars to opt for the VVT cars.  That is increased expense for many as i see it




 

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#27
38bfast

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Escalating cost. As far as I can tell everything I purchase cost more that 10 years ago. With that Mazdas replacement parts have increased in many cases 100% and then some. Consumables to race the cars has also gone up. Back when SM first started people would take a clapped out worn out street car with ALL parts worn out, strip out the interior, BOLT in cage, bolt on some shocks and springs and go racing. Where they safe? No. Where they operating at peak performance? No. Was the performance level all over the map? Yes. Back then the only claimed expert was Danials. We have come a long way over time. The cars are so much better built in all ways. The competition is much closer and now and we have many experts that can help. Even if you don't have a pro shop build your car you can look at pro built cars and take what they have done and apply that to your car in your garage. Or get advice from Mazda racers. So much engineering and development for free. SM is still a great value. The rules over the years contrarty to popular belief have always focused on saftey and keeping the performance level even for the widest demographic.
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#28
Caveman-kwebb99

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Well last week Rome was not governing itself, and Rome just Burnt to the Ground.


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