General Build Rules

We could bore you with the details, but basically, 16.5:1 power/weight no less than 2310lbs! If you have specific questions about the permissibility of certain modifications, please reach out to director@miatasupercup.com

1.     Definition and Claim

The purpose of The Miata Super Cup Series is to provide an affordable and competitive spec racing series. By allowing specific modifications as well as access to a wide year range of parts, Miata Super Cup is able to provide affordable wheel-to-wheel racing with an extremely high level of competition. All Mazda Miata’s comprised of parts from 1990-2005 are permissible, but power is capped to 16:5:1 ratio weight to no less than 2310lbs (with driver) at impound.

2.     Intent

The intent of these rules is to provide clear mandates to ensure that all vehicles and drivers adhere to the established limits and regulations to maintain a fair and even platform. The vehicles must produce identical power to ensure a fair contest of driving skill.

3.     Purpose

The purpose of this series is to promote an accessible series on a regional level and develop excellent wheel-to-wheel drivers to prepare them for even higher levels of competition at the national and professional level. The large field size and tight competition create engaging content for today’s spectators at the track and online.

4.     Format

Only the modifications specified in these rules are permissible. Additional modifications are not permitted, unless specified or approved in these rules. Replacement parts not specified by these rules must adhere to the original standard specified in the rules or OEM equivalent. These rules are not guidelines; rather they shall serve as the regional set of rules and must be strictly followed.

5.     Eligible Manufacturers

Mazda Motor Corporation is the only manufacturer of models that are legal for this series. However, other companies, including Mazda Competition Parts, which should be considered a separate company from Mazda Motor Corporation, may manufacture some legal and/ or required parts and components.

6.     Eligible Models

1989-2005 Mazda Miata  

7.     Eligibility, Classification, Compliance

7.1.     Drivers must hold valid NASA Competition License

7.2.     All vehicles entered must submit ST Classification Form.

7.3.     Vehicle Inspection – Miata Super Cup vehicles are subject to detailed inspection by any Race Director, Technical Inspector, and visual inspection by competitors at any time when the car is at the track.  Officials retain the right to request any disassembly or other procedure required to verify vehicle compliance.  At random times or at the discretion of the Officials, any car may be ordered to report for rules compliance testing on a chassis dynamometer.  All competitors have the option to be present for official chassis dynamometer testing; however, the printed results of Dyno testing are the property of Miata Super Cup, and will only be shown to Officials, who will let the competitor know whether or not the vehicle was compliant, and may show the competitor the results at their discretion if compliant, and will show the competitor the results if non-compliant.

7.4.     Any competitors found to be non-compliant, Race Director will decide the penalties. Penalties may include disqualification, fines, and/or suspensions.

8.     Safety

All safety standards not specified herein must conform to the NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR).

8.1.     The main hoop diagonal should connect to the top of the main hoop at a point that is no further from the vertical on the driver's side than 50% of the width of the main hoop.

8.2.     Emergency Brakes are NOT mandatory but highly recommended

8.3.     Hardtop may be used, and if used, must be securely bolted in place. Aftermarket hard tops are allowed provided they meet the exact original equipment specifications for both design and weight

8.4.     Cool Shirts tanks must be secured tightly, they must not leak or pose a risk of detaching. Quick release type attachments are not allowed.

8.5.     All required sponsor logos must be placed on vehicles in accordance with current year eligibility requirements, as well as the Mazda Contingency requirements.

9.     Measurements

9.1.     Specified Measurement

Whenever the manufacturer specifications or these rules do not specify a measurement, the common average measurement will be used. This common average measurement must be determined by either 1) calculating a mean average of at least three measurements from the corresponding parts found on other vehicles, or 2) measurements taken from an OEM part obtained, to include an unused OEM part from the manufacturer or 3) the series technical administrator will make a determination based on any other reasonable method, providing that the data, system, or logic that was used be made known to the public.

9.2.     Tolerances

All published measurements infer a tolerance of +/- one-half (1/2) of the last specified decimal place. All rounding will be done to the nearest decimal place that is specified by the manufacture or these rules. In a case where a measurement falls exactly on the halfway mark, it must be rounded up or down in favor of the competitor. This section does not apply whenever the manufacturer specifications, or these rules, specify a tolerance.

10.   Weight

10.1.  Minimum Weight with Driver at impound: 2310 lbs.

10.2.  Additional Weight - Ballast (300lb max per NASA 6.1.5) may be added to the vehicle providing that all the following conditions are met:

10.2.1.          Additional weight must serve no other purpose than to increase the weight of the vehicle. This additional weight shall be known as “ballast.”

10.2.2.          Ballast must be made of solid metal and must be installed securely.

10.2.3.          All pieces of ballast must be bolted within the passenger compartment, through the floor pan on the passenger side of the cockpit or ballast may be secured using all 4 Mazda OEM passenger seat mounting bolt holes.

11.  Engine

11.1.               General

11.1.1.          Eligible engines: All Long Block OEM Engines: BP05/BP4W/BP6D – Any of these engines are eligible and may be manufactured in any country.

11.1.2.          All combinations of engine components from 1990-2005 Mazda Miata’s are permissible.

11.1.3.          All cars must comply with Power Cap and Power Area regardless of weight or power.

11.1.4.          Power Cap: 16:5:1 Power to Weight Ratio Example: Min Weight 2310 puts you at 140whp

11.1.5.          Power Area: WHP limited to a maximum “power area” as follows: Add WHP at 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, and 7000rpm. Total value must not exceed WHP x 4.75 Example 140 x 4.75 = 665

11.2.               Balancing and Lightening

11.2.1.          Flywheel - Any weight flywheel is permissible.

11.2.2.          Crankshaft - Crankshaft must be OEM – no Billet.

11.2.3.          Cooling System - Oil cooler may be added and is recommended. Ethylene glycol-based anti-freeze is not permitted. Other additives, such as Redline Water Wetter, are permitted.

11.2.4.          Radiator - Cooling system free. Radiator must retain OEM location and approximate size.

11.2.5.          Throttle Body - Any single throttle body allowed. OEM throttle plate and shaft may be modified to improve strength.

11.2.6.          Thermostat – Free

11.2.7.          Seal Plate - Radiator Seal Plate PN NA75-50-0K7A approved for use on all vehicles. Racer tape or similar and insulating foam strips may be used to seal gaps between radiator, radiator core support, and plastic under-tray. Racer tape or similar may also be used in lieu of, or in conjunction with, seal plate to seal the top of the core support. Purpose of this rule is to help direct as much air as possible through the radiator to facilitate engine cooling.

11.2.8.          Heater Core – Free

11.2.9.          Milling/Surfacing - Free

11.2.10.       Camshafts - OEM cams are required. Cams ground from blanks or reground cams are acceptable. Mixing of cams between engine models is acceptable. Cams must be installed in their original location.

11.2.11.       Engine Mounts - Engine mounts free but engine must remain in stock location. Non-OEM internal engine coatings not allowed. Headers and exhaust may be coated with thermal insulation coating, wrap, or paint.

12.   Engine Mods

12.1                     General – Free

12.2                     Block - Free

12.3                     Crankshaft – OEM

12.4                     Connecting Roads – Free

12.5                     Pistons – Free

12.6                     Cylinder Head – OEM but can be ported, polished, machined

12.7                     Camshaft – OEM – Cannot be ground from a blank

12.8                     Valve Springs – Free

12.9                     Intake Manifold – OEM but can remove parts or material

12.10                  Injectors – Free - All air entering the intake tract shall pass through the fuel injection air inlet.

12.11                  Stock air box – may be replaced

12.12                  Air filter – Unrestricted

12.13                  Camshaft Sensor – free

12.14                  Cooling Fans – not necessary

12.15                  Battery – just pass safety

12.16                  Alternator – OEM

12.17                  OBD port – not required

12.18                  Engine Wiring Harness – Free

12.19                  Rev Limiter – Max 7200k RPM

13.   Fuel

13.1                     Permissible Fuels: 100 octane petrol or lower unleaded gas, E85.

13.2                     Non-Permissible Fuels: Leaded gas, methanol, Nitro, Hydrazine or any other type of fuel not listed in 13.1 as well as no temporary power adders such as N20

13.3                     Throttle Restrictor – unrestricted

13.4                     Air Filter – free

13.5                     Fuel Filler - The fuel filler trap door and restrictor plate in the filler neck may be removed. Fuel filler tube venting may be defeated (loop or block vent lines in trunk).

13.6                     Exhaust – Free

13.7                     Fuel Pressure - Any fuel regulator may be used, but it may not be adjustable from the cockpit

14.   Trans/Clutch/Flywheel/Diff

14.1.                    Transmission - OEM 5-speed transmission only. 6-speed or non-OEM trans not allowed.

14.2.                    Final drive ratio can be 3.9, 4.1, or 4.3.

14.3.                    Clutch - Clutch disc must be no less than 200mm outside diameter (same size as OEM 1.6) Pressure plate must be cast steel.  Clutch cover must be stamped steel. No aluminum pressure plate or cover.

14.4.                    Flywheel - free.

14.5.                    Diff mounts - free.

14.6.                    Diff - Unmodified OEM Torsen or Tochigi-Fuji differential allowed. No aftermarket diffs allowed.

15.   Suspension

15.1.                    Suspension – any years 90-05 USDM Miata unmodified suspension components, subframes, braces allowed.

15.2.                    Coilovers - one damping adjustment allowed.

15.3.                    Spring rates - free.

15.4.                    Sway Bars – any one piece allowed

15.5.                    End links – free

15.6.                    Bushings – no spherical bearings

15.7.                    Eccentric offset control arm bushings for camber correction allowed.

15.8.                    Subframe Braces – OEM

15.9.                    Ride Height - Free

16.   Steering

Free

17.  Wheel Assembly

17.1.                    Spec tire is 225/45/15 Vitour Tempesta P1. 15” no greater then 9” wide. No offset tires allowed. The previous Hankook RS4 spec tire will be allowed in the series.

17.2.                    Tire shaving is not allowed.

17.3.                    Wheels are free (forged, cast or multipiece). Wheels must display VIA certification stamp.

17.4.                    No spoke portion of the wheel may protrude beyond the bead face.

18.  Chassis

Chassis Stiffening is allowed

19.  Brake System

19.1.                    Brakes may be any combination of 90-05 components.

19.2.                    Brake pads are unrestricted.

19.3.                    Brake ducts are unrestricted

19.4.                    Adjustable proportioning valves may be used

19.5.                    Steel braided brake lines may be used.

19.6.                    Disc brake backing plates may be removed.

19.7.                    The emergency brake level and / or cables and associated parts may be removed but is frowned upon :(

19.8.                    Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are allowed

20.   Exterior

20.1.                    Vertical front air dam – No other front aero permitted. Air dam may be no higher than forward most point of OEM bumper skin. Air dam may extend to left and right ends of bumper skin but not beyond. Air dam can deviate no more than 5° from ground plane when the vehicle is at impound.

20.2.                    Under tray – must be flat

20.3.                    Trunk mounted ducktail spoiler of no more than 13”in length may be mounted at any angle. Ducktail must be 2D only, with no significant curvature, fences or gurneys. Ducktail must not extend beyond rear quarter panels and must be mounted within 4′′ of trailing edge of lid. Ducktail must be made of translucent polycarbonate; no other materials are allowed. Tint is permitted up but may not obscure vision when viewed through. Race Marshall will determine if tint obscures vision.

20.4.                    Windshield may be substituted for .187” or thicker polycarbonate. OEM or equivalent safety glass is permitted.

20.5.                    Any hardtop material and window thickness allowed. Must retain OEM shape.

20.6.                    Lightweight body panels allowed: hood, trunk, hard top, front fenders only. Must retain OEM dimensions.

20.7.                    Hood Louvers - up to 10mm past OEM surface

20.8.                    Hoods and trunk lids - Pins and Catches allowed

20.9.                    Radiator ducting - Free

20.10.                Rear window must remain and may not be vented

20.11.                Hard top must be sealed tightly to the vehicle with no air gaps. Air gaps will be considered additional aero and will result in a penalty to be determined according to the severity of the infraction by the Marshall.

20.12.                Front bumper skin may be cut, removed, or modified below upper edge of air dam.

21.  Interior

21.1.                    The driver’s seat may be replaced with a halo racing seat. Driver seats must conform to the CCR.

21.2.                    The transmission tunnel may be modified for the purpose of installing a competition driver seat.

21.3.                    Gauges may be added, replaced, or removed. They may be installed in the original instrument(s) location using a mounting plate(s) or any other location using a secure method of attachment.

21.4.                    Any steering wheel and attachments may be used.

21.5.                    Any shift knob may be used.

21.6.                    The air conditioning system may be removed. Heater core and blower fan assembly may be removed.

21.7.                    All insulating material may be removed from the interior and trunk.

21.8.                    Ducting may be added to provide fresh air to the driver/passenger compartment, providing that no modifications of windows and body structure are made to accommodate this addition. The “wing window(s)” may be removed to accommodate the addition of legal driver cooling devices such as hoses, vent tubes, or air-inlets.

21.9.                    The passenger seat, mounting hardware, and seat belts may be removed. Spare tire and tools must be removed from trunk.

21.10.                The foot pedals (i.e., brake, clutch, gas) may be modified for driver comfort and accessibility. Additionally, modifications for strengthening are allowed provided that those modifications serve no other purpose.

21.11.                Gutting of the doors and removal of windows is required.

21.12.                Air bag systems shall be disarmed and may be removed.

21.13.                The driver’s side floor pan may be modified to accommodate larger/taller drivers. The modification shall not extend below the factory floor stiffener/frame rail. The steel used in the modification shall be no thinner than .058”. All modifications shall be welded in place. This modification shall serve no other purpose other than seating position.

21.14.                Roll cage attachment points shall be welded to the base plate.

22.  Engine Dynamometer Testing Procedure

To ensure objectivity, a Miata Super Cup Series official, an appointed official, or an approved technician will operate any cars being inspected on the chassis dynamometer. Three consecutive “official” dyno pulls must be performed and the highest of the three pulls will be used for test compliance. Officers, officials, and assignees are not responsible for any mechanical failures or damage otherwise while the dyno runs are performed.

22.1.                    The DynoJet brand is the required type of dyno for testing and inspection. All dyno readings must be corrected to SAE J1349 Rev JUN90 and the dyno’s smoothing function set to 5.

22.2.                    Prior to the chassis dynamometer inspection, the competitor may top off any fluids needed to ensure the engine and drivetrain are not damaged during testing.

22.3.                    All dyno pulls will be made with the hood open.

22.4.                    Prior to the official run, an official or technician will confirm that the accelerator pedal opens the throttle completely.

22.5.                    Dyno pulls will be made in fourth gear (1:1 ratio)

22.6.                    During an official dyno test, the car must be fitted with the tires used on the car in the previous session with the rear tire pressures set at 40 psi.

22.7.                    Dyno runs shall be made with the water temperature in the normal operating range of 170F-210F and drivetrain fluids up to normal running temperature. All pulls shall be made within the vehicle’s normal operating temperature, not to exceed 210 degrees. Should the temperature exceed 210 degrees, that pull is void and shall be repeated once the engine has cooled enough to operate within the specified range. Water temperature may be verified using external temperature measurements such as an infrared temp gun at the thermostat housing.

22.8.                    Three consecutive runs shall be made under full power. The RPM range shall be consistent for all three runs. Starting RPM shall be no higher than 3000. Ending RPM shall be when the rev limiter engages. 7200RPM

22.9.                    Should any run result in erratic or non-repetitive results, series officials may dismiss the result or request another dyno pull.

22.10.                The Series Director or Compliance director may also make adjustments to the official maximum horsepower if he/she feels that the dyno is reading unusually high or low.

22.11.                Additional runs may be performed using compliance parts such as ECUs and AFMs.

22.12.                Compliance dyno results are the property of STM and may be published, presented, or displayed to competitors for review at any time.

23.  Competition Format – All procedures defined in CCR are applicable with the exception of inverting. Host organizer reserves the right to make any adjustments in regard to the competition format. Where conflicts are found between the CCR and these rules, these rules must supersede the conflicting rules found in the CCR. However, in the interest of safety, any participant that determines a conflict exists must immediately report it to the series administration, for clarification.

23.1.                    Gridding & Invert

23.1.1.                        Race 1 – Gid in qualifying order.

23.1.2.                        Race 2 (Qualifying Race) – Invert finishing order of race 1 (after marshaling of race 1).

23.1.3.                        Race 3 – Invert finishing order of race 2 (after marshaling of race 2).

23.2.                    Lack of Qualifying Times - If a competitor’s vehicle number does not appear in the posted qualifying results or session grid, he/she must automatically start in the back of their class.

23.3.                    Penalties will be determined by the race director. Contact will be marshalled per CCR protocol. Drivers with penalties in the previous race may not be permitted to invert, subject to video review and marshaling. Decisions made by the race director regarding the invert are final. 

23.4.                    Teammates and Vehicle Substitutions - The same driver or his/her legal teammate must qualify the vehicle to be raced.  A driver may change cars after qualifying, however he/she must start in the back of his/her class.  The Race Director must approve any car change, before the start of the race.

24.  Calculating Season Points

24.1.                    Season Points System - Points payout per race as follows: 1st - 100, 2nd - 90, 3rd - 85, 4th - 80, 5th - 75, 6th - 70, 7th - 69, 8th - 68, 9th - 67, 10th - 66 ... and so on, subtracting one (1) point for each position after 10th.  Points will be awarded per the schema listed above regardless if the driver is considered a finisher or not.

24.2.                    Points Drop System - All series competitors will be able to drop their lowest ten percent (10%) of all season points-scoring races, unless otherwise specified by the class rules or other.  All “zeros” in the season points will be “droppable,” including all disqualifications; with exception of disqualifications as a result of “non-compliance” or “cheating.”  Competitors are able to drop the three (3) of their lowest points-scoring races, unless otherwise specified by the Regional Director, class rules, Series Leader, and/or officials.

24.3. Season Points Tie - In the event of a tie for season points the winner will be decided upon the following criteria in this order until the tie is broken:

1. Adjusted points (counting “Drops,” if applicable)

2. Unadjusted points

3. Most 1st places

4. Most 2nd places

5. Most 3rd places

6. Most 4th places, etc.

7. Average points per race

8. Head-to-head battles (number of times driver “A” finished ahead of driver “B” While competing in the same races.

9. Highest # of points earned for race win

10. Highest # of points earned for 2nd place, etc.

All safety standards not specified herein must conform to the NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR). Where conflicts are found between the CCR and these rules, these rules must supersede the conflicting rules found in the CCR. However, in the interest of safety, any participant that determines a conflict exists must immediately report it to the series administration, for clarification.