Papa Smurf (sans red hardtop)

Gallery of more:

I was distraught at the time of the accident and this tarnished my clean driving/accident-free record! After a few days of having Roy just sit in the garage and not looking at the damages, I had the other insurance’s estimater come out and the damage didn’t seem as bad anymore.  Here are some snaps of what happened when an SUV backs into a Miata.  And FYI – the SUV sustained literally NO damage to its bumper.

Yep, nothing to see here…

Left rear quarter panel.

Such a clean car (was!).

The lip of the fender(?) was bent outward so it was making contact with the tire when driving home.  Luckily, I didn’t need a tow because I was able to “roll” it back up a little bit.  Today, I changed back to the stock BBS wheels and no rubbing driving around the block, so now I can drive him to local bodyshops to get an estimate.  The estimater said that the dents can probably be pulled out and then the panel would have to be repainted.  Let’s hope that’s all I really need done.

My lesson that I learned – don’t park close to the entrance because that’s where all the idiots park.

Got the car home and I decided to detail Roy’s exterior with help from Justin.  Clay bar, swirl remover, polish, wax…all done in about 5 hours (yikes!).

Here is Roy’s before – swirl marks all over and lackluster black paint:

Spot check with the swirl remover – what a difference!

This is a snap of the trunk after some of the swirl remover was wiped off – like a mirror, the garage is reflecting off Roy.

Reflection of Moss on Roy’s rear panel.

About 1/3 complete.

The day went dark and we finally finished; unfortunately, I couldn’t take a better finale picture since it was too dark and was raining practically all day today.  I really like how the hardtop looks! We’re almost ready for Laguna Seca.

Thanks Justin for helping~

I’ll be picking these up at the event next week! I’ve been dying to get these and I don’t know why I’ve taken so long to order them, but this is such a cheap mod while improving the stiffness of the car noticeably.  From Flyin’ Miata’s website – “These braces slide over the factory frame rails and stiffen the car dramatically.” Sounds good to me.

Look for the installation and results in a couple weeks =)!

I took Roy to ProTech, managed by Anthony, to have the work done.

Here is the new Roy:

From a distance the hardtop looks pretty swell and acceptable, the subtlety of the gold metallic flakes and lighter black is a nice balance and I think stands out well.  With that being said, getting up close, I noticed some imperfections with the paint /sad face.  I think having rushed the job and not giving enough time for the paint to completely harden and dry led to a quarter-sized burn in the paint and swirl marks from having the hardtop polished.  As a courtesy, Anthony had asked me if I wanted it polished and I agreed not knowing that the painted needed more time to dry! So off to Pro Tech to have the paint re-done!! Argh.  At least I still have about 1 week before the big weekend and that should give enough time for the paint to dry.

On the other hand, the bumper looks so much better with a decent paint job.  I’m not sure what happened with the previous owners, but a shitty job was done and the paint never really matched the body and an unsightly “pig nose” where the emblem was.  I opted to not have the Garage Vary front lip painted – would it look cleaner if it was painted?

Unfortunately, this past weekend I took a drive down to Davenport and the bumper collected a bunch of bugs…there goes a brand new bumper! Hopefully this doesn’t affect the paint too much since I think the paint hadn’t completely hardened/dried – I might have embedded bugs…boooo!

Well, here’s hoping that 2nd time is a charm and the Sparkling Black Mica is perfect!

My inspiration:

(Silver hardtop with metallic flakes)

A couple weeks ago I received an email from Rick Weldon of P R Motorsports updating us on this upcoming event:

We’re almost there!!

My apologies to everyone that the March update comes to you a little later than I’d hoped, but more great aspects seem to be added to this event practically every day.  This message is being sent to the entire registered group — which includes those who are registered track day Drivers as well as those registered as Participants — so please bear with me as there is information that affects both groups.  Lots of exciting news…..sorry for the length of the email.

Event Merchandise!

We got stuff!!!  Lots of cool stuff!!   This year’s apparel selection will be only one color — black — and sports an awesome new design.  All Drivers and Participants will receive their free t-shirt with registration — but if you want more please go to the website and click on “Event Clothing” to order.  This year we’ll have crew neck sweatshirts and hoodies in addition to t-shirts.  The sweat shirts are thick 100% cotton, and the t-shirts are Hanes Beefy T’s.  If you get your advance purchase in before March 31st it will be pre-packaged for you with your event goodie bag (which will have lots of goodies and info).  There will be more available for purchase at the track, but to be sure you get your choices we strongly encourage you to pre-order.

We will also have event stickers, pins and the hot new poster (which can also be seen at the website).  These will be available for purchase at the Event Merchandise booth in Vendor Alley, along with t-shirts, sweatshirts, ball caps and posters from last year for those who didn’t get them.

Pin Swap

There will be a Pin Swap in the same area at early check-in at Embassy Suites Friday night, coinciding with the Welcome BBQ (6pm to 9pm).  Bring your appetite — event supporting sponsors BAMA and P R Motorsports have quite a feast planned for you.

Car Show

The car show will take place all day Saturday in the area adjacent to Vendor Alley.  This will be a non-competitive event (no categories, no formal judging) but everyone who is registered will receive a ballot in their packet to vote for their top three favorites, with the top three People’s Choice awards to be announced at the Banquet Saturday evening.  Anyone can put their car on display during the day, however if you want to be considered for the People’s Choice award you’ll need to pick up a number to display prominently on your car (available at Registration when you check in).   People are encouraged to check out the cool cars and vote throughout the day on Saturday.

Banquet

Surprises, surprises, surprises……!!!!  Thanks to main event sponsor Mazda North American Operations I can guarantee everyone (yes, everyone) will walk out with at least one great surprise to take home with them.  The menu is even more lavish, we have great guests (and another fantastic keynote speaker) — and who can go wrong with a room full of fellow Miata enthusiasts from all over the country!!  We’re a month away, and 2/3’s full — so if you’re on the fence about going, please get signed up soon.  Last year we ended up having a waiting list 2 weeks before the event.  We’ll be giving out the Car Show awards as well as the Grand Prize (Ohlins Road & Track suspension package).  And did I say there would be surprises?

Vendors

All of our vendors have made a special effort to be there for you — and all are offering specials for this event only!  Please stop by and see what they have to offer — you won’t be disappointed. For a complete list of vendors please take a moment to check out the website — we’ve added a bunch of new ones recently.

BAMA Hosted Fun Drive

For those who would like an option other than driving the track, BAMA is hosting an organized fun drive of the Monterey Peninsula for Saturday afternoon, immediately following the on-track group photo session.  Please meet near the entrance of the paddock if you’d like to join.  (This spot will be clearly marked with BAMA’s banner, as well as on maps we’ll have posted at various points in the paddock).  BAMA is known for putting on great drives — something not to miss if you’re new to this area!

Track Activities

If your focus is on the track, you’re in for a treat no matter what your experience level.  If you’re a Participant who is new to this and want to go for a ride with an experienced track driver, just check in at start/finish, show your wristband, and ask to be put in a car.  We’ll have loaner helmets and some of the most experienced drivers in the country to show you around the track.  And on Sunday you can drive your own car for the entire lunch session during the Parade laps and take friends/family/kids for rides. (Remember, these are parade laps — not race laps — so speeds will be carefully monitored for safety, as helmets and rollbars are not required).

For those taking advantage of the Track Driving option — at this point we are officially almost completely old out (only 3 slots left in A Group on Sunday, and waiting lists for many of the other groups).

This next bit of information is so important it deserves its own heading:

Track Instruction

In this area I can honestly say that we have been truly fortunate enough to bring together what i would term a Dream Team. We have some of the best and most experienced instructors and race instructors ever to be teamed together for any track event of this type.  Top Miata racers, track event instructors and organizers — we’ve got it all.

This year we’re taking it even further, with Barry Hartzel handling the role of Chief Steward and Chief Driving Instructor for the event.  Barry brings with him years of experience and insight as one of the winningest Miata racers ever, with multiple championships to his credit.  This experience has been the foundation for his development into a respected leader, teacher and coach in the arena of high performance driving. Presently he is the National Auto Sport Association’s Northern California High Performance Driving Event Director.

What this means is that all drivers — no matter what their skill level or experience — can look forward to the opportunity hone their skills and grow.

Looking forward to April!

Hi all,

We’re just a few short days out from the event, and so I have only a very few updates for you:

Tom Matano Autograph Session

Tom has graciously agreed to do another autograph session and will be available from 10:30 until noon (just before the group photo) on Saturday.  We’ll have Tom set up next to our Registration area — so please bring your items there.

Deadline for Pre-orders for event t-shirts/sweatshirts

The deadline to pre-order t-shirts and sweatshirts to have them included in your bags at Check-in for the event is the end of today.  Otherwise you’ll need to stop in to the Event Merchandise booth at the track (next to Registration).  In addition, we’ll have some leftover t’s and sweats and ballcaps from last years event, plus posters (from last year and this year) as well as pins and stickers.  Please help our staff by having exact change for your purchases.

Banquet

We only have 34 slots left for the Banquet, and the deadline or sign ups is this Sunday night, April 4th — so if you’ve been holding off now is the good time to get your seat!

Car Numbers

If you don’t already have your car numbers, you can get them from Dito at Got Blue Milk for a nominal fee. If you’re thinking about buying some professional photos from him (which is a good idea — he does a great job), then you need to make sure to have numbers on both doors and on the top of your windshield so he can identify you.  (He’ll make you a CD of all the shots of your car if you want, if you do this).

See you all soon!  Don’t forget our Meet & Greet BBQ from 6 to 9pm at Embassy Suites, concurrent with the Pin Swap and Early Check-in in the lobby of the hotel.

What am I excited for? Tom Matano! I don’t know what I would have him sign (maybe Roy? Hah! Or a t-shirt…just have to remember to buy a silver sharpie) but I  can’t wait to meet him.  Also, Roy will be part of the car show (can’t wait to show him off ), riding along with Brian on the track with his “silviata” , and taking a whole bunch of pictures.  I’m not sure what the Pin Swap will be like, but maybe I’ll be able to buy a couple for keepsake.  I wonder if I could hitch a ride with the instructors…hmm!

1 more week to go .

Hawk Performance Brake Pads

Tein Basic Coilovers

Tein Strut Bar

Racing Beat Front Sway Bar

Racing Beat Rear Sway Bar

Flyin’ Miata Frame Rail Brace

My goal with Roy is to improve what Miatas are known for (among other things) – handling.  My hope is that with the above parts, Roy will stay planted in the ground through the twisties while I’m being tailgated by a car with far more power ^_^;; I think I’m on the right track.

My humble wishlist:

Tracy Reese Printed Silk Shift Dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Natasha Bag, Black

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Since Roy is more important than myself, my wishlist is a bit smaller, although way out of my budget! The MMJ bag I don’t necessarily need, but once it’s gone it is GONE! I hope to get one of these items soon because checking online everyday for sales is not healthy .

…he had to stand out just a little.  The original thread can be found here: RX8Club.

Here are some snaps I took – [personally my favorite is the RX-8 RS!]:

Jon: and meeting you, who is ALWAYS happy to just see your car [Roy]… even though… I think it needs work! .. makes me sad how I cant find that same feeling
Me: well
Jon: EMOTIONAL MOMENT!
Jon: *e-hug*
Me: *e-hi-five*
Me: i don’t have the same feelings towards Moss…
Me: we’re so silly with our cars…

It’s true – I’m absolutely crazy about Roy, here are some symptoms:

• After I’ve parked, I have to look back a few times and think how cute he is
• I take pictures of him at any given moment
• I would rather have someone slash the top or break a window than have him stolen
• I like looking at him just to look
• I keep his original parts for sentimental reasons
• I really enjoy driving him even though he isn’t the most flashy, expensive, or fastest car on the road
• I tell people that I love♥ my car and mean it wholeheartedly

I want to believe that I will be the last owner of Roy, meaning he’ll be with me as long as I live because I can’t trust anyone else to take care of him the way I do and keep him in good running condition.  What makes him special? It could be that he is 1/1500 sold in the US that makes him unique, that’s certainly a good reason.  Also, it could be because he is a Miata, one of the most beloved cars produced.  They are like toys that can be collected and bring out that feeling in you that another car can’t.  I’ll take him the way he is because it’s unconditional.

How can you not take a second look at Roy??

This is a little overdue, but it’s been almost a month (4/25/09) since Justin has owned his ‘05 White Water Pearl RX-8 GT.  We went down to the South Bay to pick it up at the seller’s house and while we were there I took some before shots.  The car itself is pretty fancy – leather heated seats, 6 disc cd changer with an ipod thingie, auto dim rear view mirror, piano black trim, etc.  Also, this is the first (ok, second time, but the real first time didn’t really count!) I’ve sat in a rotary-engine automobile…the sound of the car is so unique, it almost sounds like a hybrid car and the acceleration is very smooth.  Overall, this car is pretty fierce and posh!

For now, the RX-8 has no name since Justin is quite particular.  I’ve come up with plenty of names only to be rejected by the owner who wants to keep with the theme of “Napster”, his FD.  I really like Opal, but that was a no go.

Rotary & Piston Engines

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