603 replies to this topic

[Jim Boemler]

The NA VIN starts with JM1NA, and I presume the 99 motor VIN will start with JM1NB. If you've made those two match, then you deserve to be a politician instead of a racer.

[Mike Collins]

Look up vin in the FSM. The only one that matters is the one on the firewall, then you need a second one to match that.

[Jim Boemler]

Since we seem to be talking about phony VIN numbers, tell me something: what would happen if an NA car showed up with a pair (or even a full set) of NB VINs? I mean, it would be an obvious cheat, but would it meet the letter of the law? Do we have a specific rule to be violated?

[James York]

Since we seem to be talking about phony VIN numbers, tell me something: what would happen if an NA car showed up with a pair (or even a full set) of NB VINs? I mean, it would be an obvious cheat, but would it meet the letter of the law? Do we have a specific rule to be violated?

And pass itself off as a 1.6? I am not sure if I followed the scenario.

[Blake Thompson]

And pass itself off as a 1.6? I am not sure if I followed the scenario.

There isn't a rule that dictates what fenders, or headlights, or hoods look like on a given Miata.

[James York]

Sure there is. The car must be the year it's registered and meet the fsm specs.

[Jim Boemler]

How do we know what year the car is? We use the VIN, right? I mean, a popup-headlight car as a "1999" certainly doesn't pass the sniff test, but the rules seem to say that it's whatever the VIN says it is.

I'm waiting for somebody to say something about the "intent" of the rules here...

[Mike Collins]

The vin provided must match the FSM

[Gatoratty]

Nice job guys! Danny starts a thread on how to improve the class and you want to discuss how to cheat by switching VIN numbers. Maybe Jim can give you your own forum "How to Cheat-The Newcomers' guide to Spec Miata.". We just raced 25 SM's at Sebring on the short course this weekend. One of the smallest fields on our schedule, yet we had a great time. The class is still alive and well. I met 2 new racers in our class driving for their first race. Lots of questions and drove a clean race. Charbonneau was his usual funny self and the racing was great. Alex Bolanos was fast today. One of our drivers flipped coming back onto the short course. On the grid we were laughing and joking and talking about the fact that we do this for fun....not to move to NASCAR. After his wreck he was ok and told me first time flipping since he started racing in 1976....then told me the damage was nothing that couldn't be fixed (almost all panels and the hardtop). Fun...if you aren't in the class for the right reason, and that includes cheating or being non-compliant.....then maybe you should look for something else to fill your weekends.

[Jim Drago]

Danny
Maybe time for you to re summarize
Jim

[Danny Steyn]

Danny
Maybe time for you to re summarize
Jim

Not sure where to include the NA/NB/VIN discussion

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Just leave it out, we all got bored waiting for your summary! Come on already!!!!!!

[Keith Novak]

Just to put things into perspective for anyone new or considering the class and reading this like the sky is falling and we're all about to ditch this class for bar stool racing or something...

Any time a topic like this comes up, it's bound to sound like dissatisfaction is the norm. People unhappy with a situation, and all stirred up about it are more likely to voice their opinion often and loud. People happy with the situation are more likely to sit back with their feet up and watch the show. You don't often see people running around screaming "ATTENTION PEOPLE!!! NOTHING IS WRONG!!! EVERYTHING IS OK!!!"

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Just to put things into perspective for anyone new or considering the class and reading this like the sky is falling and we're all about to ditch this class for bar stool racing or something...

Any time a topic like this comes up, it's bound to sound like dissatisfaction is the norm. People unhappy with a situation, and all stirred up about it are more likely to voice their opinion often and loud. People happy with the situation are more likely to sit back with their feet up and watch the show. You don't often see people running around screaming "ATTENTION PEOPLE!!! NOTHING IS WRONG!!! EVERYTHING IS OK!!!"

Kieth, I think your saying... everything is really pretty awesome then, since there are hundreds if not thousands of SM racers across this great nation but only about 60-70 have posted anything about the Future! I didn't even see Michael J fox post here! Back to the Future! I for one think in general everything in the SM world is just fine, but of course I do want my car to have more hp and tq and less weight than anyone elses.

[cpdenis]

Summary sounds great, but how about the new rules J&J. I remember reading it would be announced on Monday. It is Monday even in Cali.
CP
Jim, I'm going crazy looking for your past posts. Please stop deleting them I'm going out of my mind.

[Jim Drago]

Sorry, I pulled the Monday post as I am waiting for OK to announce changes.. We are supposed to wait until the next Fastrack ( a month) I am trying to get approval to do sooner. John Mueller is waiting for us so we announce at the same time.

Jim

[Alex Bolanos]

Nice job guys! Danny starts a thread on how to improve the class and you want to discuss how to cheat by switching VIN numbers. Maybe Jim can give you your own forum "How to Cheat-The Newcomers' guide to Spec Miata.". We just raced 25 SM's at Sebring on the short course this weekend. One of the smallest fields on our schedule, yet we had a great time. The class is still alive and well. I met 2 new racers in our class driving for their first race. Lots of questions and drove a clean race. Charbonneau was his usual funny self and the racing was great. Alex Bolanos was fast today. One of our drivers flipped coming back onto the short course. On the grid we were laughing and joking and talking about the fact that we do this for fun....not to move to NASCAR. After his wreck he was ok and told me first time flipping since he started racing in 1976....then told me the damage was nothing that couldn't be fixed (almost all panels and the hardtop). Fun...if you aren't in the class for the right reason, and that includes cheating or being non-compliant.....then maybe you should look for something else to fill your weekends.

I'd also like to point out that Charb was in a 1.8, Jeff was in a 1.6, and I was in a 99 and we were all very close on lap times....

[FTodaro]

I am not sure I would have a problem with a rule change that would allow everyone to run the same drive train, it may not be cost effective but as long as the wt to hp is adjusted it would be a way to get the cars closer.

I am sure we will have lots to debate when this new rule change comes out on the 2012 parity issue.

So if we take parity off the summary Danny we are back to the issue of more tech and ways to enable the regions to deliver more concentrated tech from the standpoint of an already overworked underpaid volunteer staff.

[Lee Tilton]

Sorry, I pulled the Monday post as I am waiting for OK to announce changes.. We are supposed to wait until the next Fastrack ( a month) I am trying to get approval to do sooner. John Mueller is waiting for us so we announce at the same time.

I am about to send my 1.6 motor out for a rebuild. Should I wait?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I am about to send my 1.6 motor out for a rebuild. Should I wait?

Wait for what? To buy a different model rather than rebuilding?