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.
Kirkland(sp?) Hardtop
#1
Posted 02-25-2013 08:18 AM
#2
Posted 02-25-2013 01:21 PM
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.
#3
Posted 02-25-2013 09:05 PM
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
Marc Cefalo
www.planet-miata.com
570-262-1013 direct
#1 source for new and used Miata parts and accessories.
#4
Posted 02-26-2013 05:33 PM
Pretty sure the rule is OEM hardtop or No top at all.
Steven Holloway
Artist formerly known as Chief Whipping Boy for Lone Star Region
#5
Posted 02-26-2013 05:41 PM
#6
Posted 02-27-2013 10:43 AM
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.
- Blake Thompson likes this
James York
sponsored by:
Stan's Auto Center, Lafayette LA
powered by:
East Street Racing, Memphis TN
2003 Spec Miata
#03
#7
Posted 02-27-2013 11:32 AM
Sorry...guess it was just our local region? Either that or I'm spreading a wild rumor I was told without verifying.
Ron
RAmotorsports
#8
Posted 02-27-2013 06:24 PM
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...
Steven Holloway
Artist formerly known as Chief Whipping Boy for Lone Star Region
#9
Posted 02-27-2013 11:10 PM
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!
#74 Spec Miata
NASA CR Race Director
My Blog
#10
Posted 02-28-2013 06:14 AM
NASA's wording in the rulebook is a little different.
#12
Posted 03-03-2013 06:54 PM
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.
James York
sponsored by:
Stan's Auto Center, Lafayette LA
powered by:
East Street Racing, Memphis TN
2003 Spec Miata
#03
#13
Posted 03-03-2013 07:05 PM
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?
#14
Posted 03-19-2013 08:05 AM
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.
#74 Spec Miata
NASA CR Race Director
My Blog
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users