In the October Issue | Next Spec?

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Jul 16, 2020 | Scion, Subaru, Toyota, FR-S, BRZ, 86

Perhaps this could be the next Spec Miata, muses longtime pro racer Robb Holland. The car is easy to build, easy to drive and easy to race. The chassis is already popular among enthusiasts, whether the decklid reads Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S or Toyota 86.

The BRZ feels like a bigger, more powerful Miata,” Robb says. “It still has the same nimbleness that a Miata has but is a bit more stable at the limit. It’s easy enough to drive for beginners but still a lot of fun for even the way more experienced drivers.”

While racing this chassis is nothing new, this particular car, built by Colorado’s NRG Motorsports, represents a glimpse at a potential future series. Call it a look at what’s possible–a simple, DIY-friendly build, all thanks to a seed planted in Europe.

 

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Comments
nderwater
nderwater UltimaDork
7/14/20 3:40 p.m.

Given the 'solo spec coupe' autocross class, I assumed this was only a matter of time. I think it's a great idea.

TurnerX19
TurnerX19 SuperDork
7/14/20 5:10 p.m.

There is already a spec series for these cars in Asia. If it happens please make the rules identical across all continents.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/14/20 5:45 p.m.

I believe the next Spec Miata is called MX-5 Global Cup :)

captdownshift (Forum Supporter)
captdownshift (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
7/14/20 5:53 p.m.

Spec RWD rally class for driver development, please. 

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/14/20 5:57 p.m.
captdownshift (Forum Supporter) said:

Spec RWD rally class for driver development, please. 

Ooooo. Nice.

spacecadet (Forum Supporter)
spacecadet (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
7/14/20 11:45 p.m.
Keith Tanner said:

I believe the next Spec Miata is called MX-5 Global Cup :)

There may be a spec Twin series... But it's not going to amount to anything of the numbers that Spec miatas does. 

Spec Miata may be ultra expensive at the front. But it's not ultra expensive for everyone in it making huge classes across the country. 

Twins are coming down in price but they aren't Miata cheap and, in my mind they're certainly not as durable in the powertrain department as NA/NB miatas are. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong . But that's my perception. 

 

captainawesome
captainawesome HalfDork
7/15/20 10:54 a.m.

There's a group series called 86 CUP, but it's in Time Attack format. I think that shows there's a niche market already ripe for something like this.

captdownshift (Forum Supporter)
captdownshift (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
7/15/20 3:18 p.m.

In reply to captainawesome :

I venture to say that it shows the difference in competition preference based on upon the average age of a Miata driver on track versus average frisbee driver. 

Strike_Zero
Strike_Zero UltraDork
7/15/20 5:05 p.m.

I just missed a cheap . . . like challenge cheap . . . one with a blown engine.

Durty
Durty Reader
7/16/20 11:20 a.m.

We also need more people to buy them, miatas are cheap and plentiful because of the 1M+ they've made and sold. I try to get anyone mildly interested in cars to buy a new 86 so that in the future we'll have more to track.

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