Please note that the SMAC has, as one of its core missions, a willingness to examine anything that helps to improve parity across the various Spec Miata models.
So now I am speaking on my own behalf and not on behalf of the SMAC. What I do know is that an argument that is backed up with data will do more for anyone than a random discussion on a forum. So if i was campaigning and NA 1.8, and felt that my car needed help I would consider several approaches to support my claims. Data that is compiled in a way to eliminate anomalies, and limit the variables, goes a long way to making a point.
- I would gather data on the same day same session. I would approach a top level NB driver (99 or VVT) and ask him for his data. I would overlay the data from my NA 1.8 car over his from the same session. I would make copius notes about the ambient conditions, track conditions, car temp, lap number, tire heat cycles, tire pressures etc. If, once I had overlayed the data, and found that it did in fact support my claim that my car needed help, I would submit the raw data files, plus video files to the SMAC. The video files would allow them to throw out anomalies like drafts and bumps and skunked exits etc.
- In the same session, I would get a top national driver to get in my NA 1.8 car and run as many laps as it takes for him to feel comfortable in my car. Then I would have him get into his own car and run laps in the same session. I would gather his data from both cars and overlay the data, and once again, if the data supported my assertions, I would submit the raw data files, plus video files to the SMAC.
- On the same day, preferably in back to back sessions, I would run my NA 1.8 car with the plate at the old weight, and then the next session run without the plate at the new weight and gather data and video. Once again if the data supported my position I would submit the raw data files, plus video files to the SMAC.
All of this is easy to do. Most drivers will help if you ask them. Data and video is simple to gather. There are data gurus at every track and can help you do this if you are not sure how, and it is easy to spot a repetitive acceleration trace that is lagging another. Data is very compelling, and while one data sample might not be definitive, it does get a serious discussion going.