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Keith Tanner who has literally written the book on improving the performance of a Miata, actually three books, and works with the team at Flyin\u2019 Miata joined us for this episode to discuss his driving history and he was also willing to add to our recent series on the \u201cUsual Suspects\u201d and addresses many aspects of the use and optimization of all four generations of Miata\u2019s/MX-5\u2019s.\xa0 Since we have two MX-5\u2019s on our team already and we are routinely passed by them at every race and HPDE event we have been to, we could not have this series without going over them.\xa0 The MX-5/Miata is one of the more flexible racing vehicles available and with little modification, it can be competitive in many types of racing, as well as being a perfect choice for HPDE and track days.\xa0 Additionally, the cost for wear and maintenance is quite low in terms of both cost and frequency, due to its light weight and the wide availability of parts.\xa0

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Our Dominating with Dawson segment goes over the term Trail Braking, what it is and how it can be used on a track as you increase your skill and experience.

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We hope you enjoy this episode.\xa0

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Please subscribe to our podcast on iOS most use the Podcast app or Android users may use the Android App, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher etc.\xa0 We have also added this to our YouTube channel, especially useful with subtitles if you are hearing impaired, as several of our drivers are.\xa0

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If you could leave a review, that would help us greatly and you can also add any questions or topics you may want us to cover.

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Thank you again and best regards,

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Bill, Vicki, Jennifer, and Alan
Hosts of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast
and team members in the GHiT
Immature Endurance Racing Team

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Highlights include:

1)\xa0 How to choose which version of Miata depending on what your interests are and/or how your personal geometry needs may require, including potential to LS swap

2)\xa0 History of the Miata, how it came to be and how its racing pedigree arose and developed throughout the 30 plus years of production

3)\xa0 We mention Long Road Racing during the episode, but they have been recently replaced by Flis Performance for ND prepped cars for the Global MX-5 Cup Series

4)\xa0 How did Keith originally get into Miatas, including his gateway drug called Autocross and how he has expanded his interests and testing though the years

5)\xa0 How Flyin\u2019 Miata develops and designs its parts internally and with its suppliers to serve a wide variety of needs and performance interests

6)\xa0 Can you say LS Swap?\xa0 Flyin\u2019 Miata can!!! And it fits into a Miata as well, lol.

7)\xa0 Bill reviews how he came to have and lose the NB Miata to Vicki in a single day

8)\xa0 Overall advantages are lightweight, relatively cheap to operate and maintain, great driver feel, excellent handling and grip in turns, a great car to learn and develop your driving skill, and relatively bullet proof.\xa0 Disadvantages are relatively low power and acceleration (true momentum cars) and straight-line speed.

9)\xa0 NC Miatas (2006-2015) are in a sweet spot for depreciation and a bit larger than the other models.\xa0 It is also a bit difficult to install a full cage.\xa0\xa0

10)\xa0 NA and NB Miatas are a bit smaller, lighter, and \u201cfun\u201d to drive.\xa0 Downsides, they are getting pretty old.

11)\xa0 ND Miatas are smaller and lighter than NC, similar to the NA/NB\u2019s and the power is increased above the others, especially the NA\u2019s and NB\u2019s.\xa0 Also it has the only adjustable steering wheel in the Miata family.\xa0 Weaknesses may be in the transmission area and you may want to augment the cooling.

12)\xa0 Recommends looking at used spec Miata for value, especially the 1.6-liter versions that are not as competitive in the series as the 1.8-liter cars.

13)\xa0 How to inspect and maintain your Miata, especially as the NA and NB\u2019s are getting close to 30 years old or more.\xa0 Hint look at your cooling systems effectiveness, including the transmission and differential.\xa0

14)\xa0 Pluses and minuses of our Flyin\u2019 Miata Stage II NB Miata, cooling and transmission etc.

15)\xa0 Advantages and disadvantages of the 5-speed vs the 6-speed transmission in the older Miatas

16)\xa0 Keith\u2019s thoughts on gauges vs ECU control and how to tell if there is an issue without additional gauges and which gauges may be helpful in general

17)\xa0 Some of the potential issues involved with a LS Swapped Miata and some of the many issue that had to be addressed during their development to be able to have a system they could offer to their clients.

18)\xa0 We even get into the new ND and ND.2 models

19)\xa0 Keith discussed some stories about his past experiences in the Targa Newfoundland

20)\xa0 Bill and Keith compare stories when they both lost a wheel while driving and other lessons Keith learned while racing and testing over the years

21)\xa0 In the end, Keith even tolerated some of our more off the wall inquiries and concerns

22)\xa0 Alan valiantly tries to help a listeners with what gear to use when doing burnouts in a turbo NB Miata.