29 replies to this topic

[Danny Steyn]

The Spec Miata field for the 2016 NASA champs has grown in the past few days to over 50 drivers, with some really fast guys making the trip to Watkins Glen. 

 

Some really quick guys in the field including Kicera, Drennan, Charbonneau, Haldeman, Ross, Rookey, Clements, McCallion, Buras, the legend Tom Fowler himself, as well as some of the young guns including Pardus, Fisher and more

 

Heres the provisional entry list as of today. Lets see your predictions. With the way Kicera has been running lately, have to put him at the front of my list!

 

 

Toby Linder Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 40 0255289

Peter McIntosh II Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 3  

Christopher Haldeman Texas Region Spec Miata mazda miata 00 1003294

Jason Connole Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 41 5190199

Ryan Fisher Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 148 4657132

Brett Gabriel Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 04 7852675

Mike Rossini Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata mazda miata 16 945041

Mark Drennan California- Northern Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 10 3178311

Brian Tone Southeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 55 1444622

Michael Ross Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 22 5068194

Paul Redante Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 51 4205741

Danny Steyn Southeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata 39 0352728

John Babot Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 83 5443269

Kevin Feller Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 44 3119535 

lance bergstein Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 36 3383783

Trevor McCallion Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 90 9091363

Xavier Calderon Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 9 0359694

Brian Cates Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 20 5700070

Carter J White Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 0  

George Clos Jr Great Lakes Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata 02 9427328

tony senese California- Northern Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 99 1850558

Will Dodd Great Lakes Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 10x 1102125

Ralle Rookey Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 268 2055653

John Wechsler Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 28 850733

Douglas Arcidino Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 725 7999849

Xiang Li Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata 183 9627876

Mark Gibbons Florida Region Spec Miata MAZDA MIATA 169 8221748

Todd Buras Florida Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 156 3225213

Ken Wilkinson Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 228 7968849

Andrew von Charbonneau Florida Region Spec Miata mazda miata 65 111111111

Marc Cefalo Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata *00* 1682099

Michael Globe Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 05 0400768

Will Faules Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 44  

Jason Walsh Rocky Mountain Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 88 1591271

Brian Henderson Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 97 1514480

Whitfield Gregg Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 17 7662838

Ralle Rookey Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 268 2055653

Adam Culley Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 25 3835685

Stephen Jeu Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 9 0903522

Blake Clements Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 56 6626347

Keith Williamson Southeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata 64 8455123

Jimmy Myers Mid Atlantic Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 98 4681018

Preston Pardus Florida Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 42 3614295

Amy Mills Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 114  

Jonathan Miller California- Southern Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 18 8966257

Daniel Williams Rocky Mountain Region Spec Miata mazda miata 38 5681845

Dylan Stancil Southeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Spec Miata 52 4368881

Tom Fowler Southeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 61  

joseph guinta Northeast Region Spec Miata mazda miata 63 6442071

Michael LaMaina Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 88 7105019

Marcus Mazza Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 13 0843856

Tyler Kicera Northeast Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 44 1441817

Deriann Taylor (Teen SM) Texas Region Spec Miata Mazda Miata 47 3747153

2S268: Sector Purple Racing 1 Rocky Mountain Region Spec Miata mazda miata 78 1725280

[Danny Steyn]

Was pretty impressed with the thorough tech that we went through at the regional at Dominion Raceway this past weekend. If this a good indication of whats to come, I would expect that the anyone running near the front should come prepared with tools, engine hoist, parts bins, oil buckets and plenty of hand cleaner!

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Don't need hand cleaner when you have fowler

[Danica Davison]

Man, that is a tough field

[Danny Steyn]

Yup it is, but really unfortunate that NASA and SCCA have their main events on the same weekend. Many of us would like the ENTIRE Spec Miata contingent to be at the race we are attending to be able to say we kicked EVERYONE's ass that day!

[Jim Drago]

Yup it is, but really unfortunate that NASA and SCCA have their main events on the same weekend. Many of us would like the ENTIRE Spec Miata contingent to be at the race we are attending to be able to say we kicked EVERYONE's ass that day!

Very.. 

It was very poor planning on both organizations and neither cares what the other does which isnt in our best interests for sure. Not only is it poor as it splits the field up, many including myself would have loved to do Watkins and would have absolutely done both if we could. Next year, if NASA is smart they will be sure schedule away from SCCA as Indy is set and I doubt many are going to miss it for any other venue. It is Indy. ( not a NASA/SCCA thing, INDY is going to be huge) these championship really need to be three weeks apart and both of them would get more entries and put on a better race. 

[Richard Astacio]

Any reason why some are doing the Nasa vs Scca? I just joined Nasa also to run certain tracks that works for my schedule, but its always a mix field and very few sm guys. 

My first Nasa event I won, I have yet to win a SM race here in my region, 2nd place was the highest and thats because it was raining.

I've only won races when I ventured out of SM class..like ITS and STL.... 

Is it because it the Glen or having a better shot of winning the championship in Nasa?

[Danny Steyn]

Any reason why some are doing the Nasa vs Scca? I just joined Nasa also to run certain tracks that works for my schedule, but its always a mix field and very few sm guys. 

My first Nasa event I won, I have yet to win a SM race here in my region, 2nd place was the highest and thats because it was raining.

I've only won races when I ventured out of SM class..like ITS and STL.... 

Is it because it the Glen or having a better shot of winning the championship in Nasa?

 

For me this is purely a track thing. Mid Ohio can be really difficult to pass. If you have a great HP car, and can make the passes on the straights, you can move up. If you don't you are kinda hosed. Also the Glenn is such an AWESOME place to spend 4 days, and Mid Ohio is such a miserable place to spend 10 days. For me and many others, when faced with the alternative, Watkins Glen was the obvious choice. If you win NASA Nats in this field, or SCCA Runoffs with its entry list, you are a champ no matter what. There are no gifts in either field!

[Richard Astacio]

My wife would agree with you that the Glen is a way nicer place to hang out.....

[Marc Cefalo]

Any reason why some are doing the Nasa vs Scca? I just joined Nasa also to run certain tracks that works for my schedule, but its always a mix field and very few sm guys. 

My first Nasa event I won, I have yet to win a SM race here in my region, 2nd place was the highest and thats because it was raining.

I've only won races when I ventured out of SM class..like ITS and STL.... 

Is it because it the Glen or having a better shot of winning the championship in Nasa?

 

there are so many reasons we are bringing 6 cars to the glen and ZERO to mid o.....

 

i can list a few.

 

the event is four days instead of a week plus test days

 

you get on track more than once a day

 

watkins glen is in much better shape (even before the repave) than mid o.  mid o is a fantastic layout.  for those that are locals and/or that love the place i agree, BUT it is showing it's age and it needs its owners to invest into the track and facilities for improvement!

 

its closer for us  (shop is about 2 hours away by car as opposed to 7)

 

you need less tires through the event  (i bring two sets of stickers, use one and bring the other home)

 

there is just as much competition as scca and far less bullshit!  nasa operates like a business and the organization and timeliness of the sessions shows how they have their act together.

 

 

Any reason why some are doing the Nasa vs Scca? I just joined Nasa also to run certain tracks that works for my schedule, but its always a mix field and very few sm guys. 

My first Nasa event I won, I have yet to win a SM race here in my region, 2nd place was the highest and thats because it was raining.

I've only won races when I ventured out of SM class..like ITS and STL.... 

Is it because it the Glen or having a better shot of winning the championship in Nasa?

 

 

 

richard,   i went to VIR, Summit and NJMP in june this year.  won one race finished second a few times and further  down the line with another.  

 

yes some events have low turnout, but hyperfest at VIR, Summit Point and especially NJMP in June had several heavy hitters and the competition i feel was rather strong.

[Jim Drago]

you need less tires through the event  (i bring two sets of stickers, use one and bring the other home)
 
there is just as much competition as scca and far less bullshit!  nasa operates like a business and the organization and timeliness of the sessions shows how they have their act together.

That is two sets more than we will use at Mid Ohio

[Xav]

My wife would agree with you that the Glen is a way nicer place to hang out.....

 

The Glen is rather majestic. If you've never driven the Historic Glen track, you're missing out:

 

 

It runs through the town which is just super awesome. **For the record, I don't condone driving it like you are actually "on" a track. =P

 

Last time I was here, I wasn't married and from what I've heard, many of the women counter-parts do love this area (I mean there's wine... and more wine). Personally, I'm a little nerdy and I went out to the Corning Glass museum - but hey.. to each their own.

 

All in all, if you combine the repave, the facilities, and the fact that I'm working on an "informal" party with a keg at the OPM tent.. you can't go wrong!

 

The entry list is phenomenal. If we keep up this momentum, we have a shot of hosting our biggest championship ever. Entry costs will be going up in about a month so c'mon down and jump over the fence!  =)

 

I'm also trying to do something where competitors can get on the track and we all do a group photo, etc. While we all want the competition, this needs to be first and foremost.. fun!  (crazy thought I know)

 

Hope to see everyone there!

-xavier

[Richard Astacio]

there are so many reasons we are bringing 6 cars to the glen and ZERO to mid o.....

 

i can list a few.

 

the event is four days instead of a week plus test days

 

you get on track more than once a day

 

watkins glen is in much better shape (even before the repave) than mid o.  mid o is a fantastic layout.  for those that are locals and/or that love the place i agree, BUT it is showing it's age and it needs its owners to invest into the track and facilities for improvement!

 

its closer for us  (shop is about 2 hours away by car as opposed to 7)

 

you need less tires through the event  (i bring two sets of stickers, use one and bring the other home)

 

there is just as much competition as scca and far less bullshit!  nasa operates like a business and the organization and timeliness of the sessions shows how they have their act together.

 

 

 

 

 

richard,   i went to VIR, Summit and NJMP in june this year.  won one race finished second a few times and further  down the line with another.  

 

yes some events have low turnout, but hyperfest at VIR, Summit Point and especially NJMP in June had several heavy hitters and the competition i feel was rather strong.

 

Just checked the Nasa schedule and there is a ton of track time, I do agree that 10 days is quite a long time and there seems to be alot of down time qualifying once a day in SCCA, but I guess for guys like my self who are supported by a team less time would be ideal but for one man crew or drivers with limited crew the extra time would allow for working on the car without rushing in between session.

 

I know I have no shot of winning a run-offs anytime soon I just wanted to experience it, maybe next year I will try the Nasa event also. Nasa just confuses me with their run group.

[Xav]

Just checked the Nasa schedule and there is a ton of track time, I do agree that 10 days is quite a long time and there seems to be alot of down time qualifying once a day in SCCA, but I guess for guys like my self who are supported by a team less time would be ideal but for one man crew or drivers with limited down time the extra time would allow for working on the car without rushing in between session.

 

I know I have no shot of winning a run-offs anytime soon I just wanted to experience it, maybe next year I will try the Nasa event also. Nasa just confuses me with their run group.

 

Sent ya a PM. 

 

The Spec Miata championship race will be the crowning event (and first event) and we will have our own run group. 

[Rob Burgoon]

Just checked the Nasa schedule and there is a ton of track time, I do agree that 10 days is quite a long time and there seems to be alot of down time qualifying once a day in SCCA, but I guess for guys like my self who are supported by a team less time would be ideal but for one man crew or drivers with limited crew the extra time would allow for working on the car without rushing in between session.

 

I know I have no shot of winning a run-offs anytime soon I just wanted to experience it, maybe next year I will try the Nasa event also. Nasa just confuses me with their run group.

What?

[Danny Steyn]

The Finger Lakes area is some of the most beautiful countryside in all of America in the summer, a complete surprise to many, and it makes for a great vacation stay while racing. The Harbor Inn has great views of Seneca Lake.

 

If you want to know about the local vineyards and microbreweries, just ask Amy Mills, John Wechsler and my wife Kim. They make a habit of getting some sight seeing done each time we are there. 

 

Also, the boat docks below the Tiki Bar make wonderful diving platforms for the ubiquitous Glenn Skinny Dip event, and provide much to talk about for the rest of the season      

[Danica Davison]

 
Also, the boat docks below the Tiki Bar make wonderful diving platforms for the ubiquitous Glenn Skinny Dip event, and provide much to talk about for the rest of the season      

 

Are any of your playboy girls going to be there for the skinny dip?  If so, I may need to make an appearance ...

[Bench Racer]

Are any of your playboy girls going to be there for the skinny dip? 

Come on dude it's the Oceanettes!

[Tom Hampton]

Are any of your playboy girls going to be there for the skinny dip?  If so, I may need to make an appearance ...

Playboy doesn't do nudes anymore.  

[Brian Tone]

In addition to the guys you mention below don't forget Gibbons, Guinta, Cefalo, Cates, Williamson....it's going to be a really fun and competitive weekend - and hopefully a clean weekend too.  I'd love to bring the car home without having to repair body damage.

 

I'm really stoked about this event.

The Spec Miata field for the 2016 NASA champs has grown in the past few days to over 50 drivers, with some really fast guys making the trip to Watkins Glen. 

 

Some really quick guys in the field including Kicera, Drennan, Charbonneau, Haldeman, Ross, Rookey, Clements, McCallion, Buras, the legend Tom Fowler himself, as well as some of the young guns including Pardus, Fisher and more