Stock engine Miata vs V8 Mustang

I chase a V8 Mustang in my stock engine 130 hp '95 Miata on the 1.1-mi East
Track at Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix, AZ during an HPDE
event. The Mustang was much faster on the short straights and I was considerably faster in the turns, but I lacked the hp to get by -- and the Mustang driver may have been unaware he was actually holding me up. My lap times that day were nearly three seconds slower while following the Mustang than when running on an open track.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Premiere_Elements_10
• HPDE
• Miata
• FIR

[DWVids00]

Textbook carousel pass at 3:30, but that one can get a little "interesting" if you don't know who you're driving with. Stop picking on us poor lil Mustangs out there! :)

[rdopso]

@DWVids00

Yes, I agree that was a somewhat risky HPDE event move on my part and I rarely do that sort of thing unless I know the other drivers involved.

[rokjoke]

I was there the day before.... which group ? Orange or Red ? Looks like I could have kept up okay I'm glad to see.

[rdopso]

@rokjoke

That video was from an Orange Group session on Saturday.

[MFE92]

I drive with both of those groups too, green '92 mustang coupe in DE4 and occasionally instruct for NASA, but I won't be at Chuckwalla. AMP will be my next time out.

[rdopso]

@MFE92

I don't remember your green Mustang right off, but I am planning to run more NASA-AZ events this year now that Robert has promoted me on to HPDE-4, so I'm sure we will cross paths (I have never run at AMP and am looking forward to it this year).

[63mrl]

It is quite common to hear than the fastest drivers can't get by slower cars. In most racing venues, the car in front has the line doesn't it? I didn't see any blocking. 2.12 looked like an aborted dive bomb. Try less narration, and continue to drive the smooth line. The gent in the BMW is driving with the mirror but does show courtesy to you, then you waited for the proper moment. Nice to see Rich get his 928 out. Miatas and very balance vehicles but, tq monsters they're not. Best regards

[rdopso]

@MFE92

I got a little frustrated and pushed harder than I normally drive HPDE to try and get by the Mustang; but I have to admit it was also fun to always need to catch him after the short main straight where his hp gave him a big lead. That event was promoted by ProAutoSports in Phoenix in association with their ASA club racing program.  I also run three Firebird road race tracks with NASA-AZ, and I will be with them at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in CA on February 4/5.

[MFE92]

Man, he was really starting to scew the pooch there through corners 5-6-7 driving his mirrors instead of pointing you by. Well, frankly from 4 through 10. Well, honestly...every f-ing corner of his is a train wreck of red mist keep-miata-behind-me-itis. What club was this?