13 replies to this topic

[jaje]

A new local SM racer just bought a '94 Miata he's planning on doing DEs and then racing with it next year.  It came with a hardtop made by Kirkland.  However the hardtop has a fabric cover like a tonneau cover but made to look like a convertible top.  It looks very similar to OEM as the rear window looks the same size and it's glass and wraps around the side, it's made of fiberglass and mounts to the stock hardtop location.  I've never heard of this brand and can't find anything on Google.  I figure it will be ok to run even if he removes the fabric and then preps and paints it to make it a proper color.  I'm not even sure what a stock OEM hardtop weighs if we can pull it off to weigh it.

[Brandon]

Unfortunately the rules state either the factory Mazda hardtop or the aftermarket Snugtop.

(don't have the GCR right in front of me at the moment)

He'll have to pick-up one of those brand's tops to be "legal".

 

There are a number of alternatives on the market now but the rules requiring either/or is what seems to make those worth their weight in gold.

[Marc Cefalo]

A new local SM racer just bought a '94 Miata he's planning on doing DEs and then racing with it next year.  It came with a hardtop made by Kirkland.  However the hardtop has a fabric cover like a tonneau cover but made to look like a convertible top.  It looks very similar to OEM as the rear window looks the same size and it's glass and wraps around the side, it's made of fiberglass and mounts to the stock hardtop location.  I've never heard of this brand and can't find anything on Google.  I figure it will be ok to run even if he removes the fabric and then preps and paints it to make it a proper color.  I'm not even sure what a stock OEM hardtop weighs if we can pull it off to weigh it.

The name is spelled kirklin. They were made for only two years in the early nineties. Mazda oem glass is used and the dimensions are almost exact to factory. The rear chrome latches are of a different design along with how the outer shell is formed.

I doubt highly anyone would ever notice unless I was there.....lol

An old ad for one can be found here:

http://www.scsportsc...-Flat-Black-799

[steveracer]

Pretty sure the rule is OEM hardtop or No top at all.

[Ron Alan]

Snug top was added 

[James York]

Snug top was added 

 

No it was not.  Maybe in some regional sups somewhere.

 

The GCR and the national ruleset is clear.  Factory Mazda hardtop or none.  Let me quote for you:

 

 

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. It is allowed to attach the hard top to the upper windshield bar of the roll cage.

[Ron Alan]

Sorry...guess it was just our local region? Either that or I'm spreading a wild rumor I was told without verifying.

[steveracer]

No it was not.  Maybe in some regional sups somewhere.

 

The GCR and the national ruleset is clear.  Factory Mazda hardtop or none.  Let me quote for you:

 

 

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. It is allowed to attach the hard top to the upper windshield bar of the roll cage.

 

 

That's what I thought. That explains why I couldn't find it in the Fast Track...

[jaje]

It is not an issue right now as he has to go through DE as he is just getting started.  If we get a chance to weigh an OEM and it back to back we'll do so.  He has time to sell it and get an OEM hardtop before he starts racing.  Thanks!

[mjw]

NASA's wording in the rulebook is a little different.

 

"Hardtop may be used, and if used, must be securely bolted in place. Aftermarket hard

tops are allowed provided they meet the exact original equipment specifications for both

design and weight"

 

So, if the design is the same and the weight is the same as OEM, it would be legal in NASA.

[jaje]

That is my understanding as well in NASA (shape / weight are similar then the aftermarket top is ok).

[James York]

That is my understanding as well in NASA (shape / weight are similar then the aftermarket top is ok).

 

What defines "similar"?

 

I know what exact means.....  That probably results in Mazda only.

[Keith Novak]

Apparently some came with headliners and others didn't.  If there's an "exact" match I'd ask which one does it need to match exactly?

[jaje]

Similar = weight / design & shape - in the end a judgment call by the Series Director.  This is a faux looking convertible top so likely has more drag and not something you want to use on a racecar.  He's going through HPDE right now so not an issue at this time - he's planning on comp school at the end of the year or early 2014.