2025 has arrived! The new SNELL helmets will be released in October of this year: It’s time to start checking helmet dates again Do you have a SA2020 or M2020 helmet? Relax, you’re good for +5 more years. Do you … Continue reading How long is my SA2015 Helmet good for Track Days and Racing? When the new SNELL ratings take effect and what you should know.
If you post online that you would like to race in a class like Spec Miata: You may hear that you need a $40k car and $5k budget per weekend for a crew, on-site bodyman, a set or two of … Continue reading How much does a Season of Racing Spec Miata Cost? It can be done for less than you’ve heard.
One of the more common questions I get is: “Hey, where can I get…” The Trackday and Road Course racing world is a small one. Much smaller than we often give ourselves credit for. One of the issues this brings … Continue reading Shopping Guide for Motorsports-Specific Gear, Parts, and Cars: Where do I buy it?
This checklist is part of the Ultimate Spec Miata Handbook, and works well with our Spec Miata Maintenance. Advice #1 – Don’t race it! (yet): Many people buy a race car (or finish building one) and sign right up for … Continue reading Bought a Race Car?The essential checklist before your first event.
Around the holidays, countless “Best gifts for car guy/gal” articles appear… just in time for requests for wish lists from the significant other and parents. However, the articles I find are always full of car wax, $300 leather motoring gloves, … Continue reading The 37 Gifts that Car enthusiasts and Track Day people actually want.
Race cars end up with a bunch of equipment hanging from the cages. Mirrors, cameras, fire bottle pull handles, water bottles, radios, steering wheel hooks, etc etc. However, these seemingly-simple hunks of metal are often frustratingly expensive. I’m not mad … Continue reading Quick Tip: Rollcage/bar Mounting Brackets – Affordable Options DO EXIST
Buying and selling parts is the lifeblood of the Trackday and racing market. Whether we’re looking to upgrade, repair, or just hoard amass giant piles of spares, we are always on the lookout for good deals. In-person swap meets were … Continue reading Don’t get ROBBED. Beware the FAKE Facebook store!
There are a LOT of built road-racing 1990-2005 Miatas, many sporting “Spec Miata” decals but many others with a whole mix of things. SSM, ST6, STL, etc. What do they all mean? I’ve said it a few hundred times on … Continue reading What do ALL the Different names for SPEC Miata Mean? SMT, SSM, etc) and WHERE can I race them?
Fuel jugs can be one of those unexpected “Oh yeah” expenses if you’re making the jump from driving your car to the track, to trailering it. It’s safe to say that most track cars transported on trailers no longer have … Continue reading Fuel Jugs for the track – Do you need expensive Fast-Flow or can you use what’s already in your shed?
Fire Systems are a hot topic. Show me an article about fire systems and I’ll show you several paragraphs talking about their importance. We can preach and debate endlessly about the need for fire systems: Their importance, how often they … Continue reading A Budget Racer’s Fire System Shopping Guide – How to minimize expensive maintenance and avoid being surprised at Tech Inspection this year