21 replies to this topic

[RussMcB]

I'm considering joining Spec Miata after a bunch of years in other classes.

I'd really be more attracted to SM if people raced them successfully without hard tops.

I'm assuming open tops are legal but too slow due to aerodynamics, true?

Is there a chance the rules might change, like a weight break for cars without tops?

Thanks. I searched but didn't find this particular discussion.

[Mike Asselta]

You don't have to use a top....its just slower from the aerodynamics. GCR page 646; section 9.1.8.e

Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely

removed. Cars may compete with the Mazda factory detachable

hard top in place (latches shall be replaced with positive

fasteners), but it is not mandatory. When no top is used, driver

shall wear arm restraints, and the cage will meet the helmet

clearance rule.

[LarryKing]

I like my hardtop, it keeps me all warm and cozy on those October race morning. Plus I've seen many Miatas on said roof - not a structural advantage but it keeps the grass and gravel outa yer face.

You could always run E or F prod.

You could write the CRB and ask for a rule change. Please keep us posted on their reply.

[Bench Racer]

You could write the CRB and ask for a rule change. Please keep us posted on their reply.

Thank You For Your Input.

What Russ really wants is a new class, SMO, except he knows the abuse he'd get for suggesting that, or would he.

[RussMcB]

I went to the ARRC today, and will go back again tomorrow. It's nice living 45 minutes from Rd Atl. :-).

I spoke with Tom Fowler, OPM, and Danny Steyn. Nice guys, nice equipment.

Tom said open top cars might be okay at slower tracks. He doubts there will ever be a rules adjustment to help open tops be equal to hard tops. I can kinda understand that could be a can of worms.

I look forward to watching the race tomorrow.

Qualifying: http://www.mylaps.co....jsp?id=2523624

[pat slattery]

Why in the heck would I want to race without the top. It protects you from the rain, cold, flying debris, and helps with a rollover. What are the upside of removing the top

[Tom Sager]

Why in the heck would I want to race without the top. It protects you from the rain, cold, flying debris, and helps with a rollover. What are the upside of removing the top

I agree Pat, but if not for the aerodynamic loss, the chance to move 80 pounds from way up high to way down low is very interesting.

[RussMcB]

Hmm. It's hard to say exactly why a topless race car is more fun. I guess it's no different than on the street. Driving with the top down is just more fun. I've driven formula cars for years, so that's probably affected me in odd ways, too. :-)

I wonder why the MX-5 pro cars are topless? Someone must've determined it was better for some reason. Fans get to look into the cockpits?

[Johnny D]

Here's a story with one of our local boys, Charlie in E30. So knock yourself out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSwof3lnmJE
Then the NASA runoffs in E30.
http://www.speedcast...asa/#/races/302
Then in SM. (#22)
http://www.speedcast...asa/#/races/300
J~

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

I agree Pat, but if not for the aerodynamic loss, the chance to move 80 pounds from way up high to way down low is very interesting.

No way the top weighs 80lbs. I think you exaggerated by 2x.

[Marc Cefalo]

Hmm. It's hard to say exactly why a topless race car is more fun. I guess it's no different than on the street. Driving with the top down is just more fun. I've driven formula cars for years, so that's probably affected me in odd ways, too. :-)

I wonder why the MX-5 pro cars are topless? Someone must've determined it was better for some reason. Fans get to look into the cockpits?

The MX-5 pro cars run without them because when the series began, there were doubts of enough tops available at the beginning of 2006. When I bought my top for our 2006 street car, it was 1of 2 that were in the country at the time.

One other aspect of no top is racing in the rain. The aerodynamics will have the air blow the rain on the inside of the windshield.....not a good time......

[LarryKing]

I thought the topless Playboy series (pun intended) was a marketing decision by Mazda.

[Sebastian Landy]

I thought the topless Playboy series (pun intended) was a marketing decision by Mazda.

That's how I understood it as well. The series wanted you to be able to see the driver in the car, so they took off the roof.

[Brandon]

Mazda was more about keeping the silhouette a 'convertible' since that's what the MX-5 was all about.
Perhaps the issue with hard top availability influenced that decision but I do recall reading they were adamant about keeping that topless profile.

And having the primary sponsor be Playboy certainly helped justify said "topless" decision!

[Forrest Landy]

Having no roof on, in the Playboy series at least, makes the draft more apparent as the car punches a bigger hole in the air. This could arguably make the racing a bit closer, however, those armstraps are annoying.

[davew]

Hardtop weighs between 40 and 45 pounds depending upon if it has a headliner and defroster pigtails still attached

Dave

[Jim Boemler]

That's how I understood it as well. The series wanted you to be able to see the driver in the car, so they took off the roof.

With a fire suit and full face helmet on, the crowd can really see the driver so well.

But it sounds better than "Mazda just doesn't have enough tops to go around".

[Sebastian Landy]

With a fire suit and full face helmet on, the crowd can really see the driver so well.

But it sounds better than "Mazda just doesn't have enough tops to go around".

Hey, you don't have to accept the marketing pitch for them to say it.

[RussMcB]

Resurrecting a 2012 thread because this is a nagging subject for me.

 

I'm racing in SM now (and enjoying it).  I've been racing since the 1980's, and 90% of it was without a roof.  To me, racing convertibles is more fun, and less hassle (if not raining).

 

I'd really like to race SM without a top, and without a significant performance disadvantage.

 

Two questions:

1)  Is there anyone else interested in pursuing this?  Or am I pretty much alone?

2)  Any ideas regarding how to make a topless car more competitive?

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

PS.  I don't know exactly how much the disadvantage is.  I don't have any data.  I am assuming it is substantial since I have never seen anyone at a Club Race without a top.  My next race will be at Barber, Labor Day.  I may run topless that weekend as an experiment (but I've never raced SM there, so wont have good comparison data).

[john mueller]

http://youtu.be/ra_fAMgMu5s