On the motorsports front, I'm giving the Porsche a rest and bought a Miata. It's for racing the Spec Miata class. I've had Miatas on the brain ever since some dude (actually a very good driver) passed me in an ITA-prepped Miata at PRI during an open lapping session. I'm still learning, but I was driving pretty hard, doing a fair share of passing and keeping ahead of a 993. This Miata just did not brake at all for the turns. Now that I have one (with Bilstein coil-overs), I can see why. It is a 2100 lb go kart. I considered the 914 and 944, but these Miata's are so cheap to modify and repair. Replacement engines are $2K. And if I wreck and walk away, no great loss.
I still want a plasma set. Buying the Miata preserved my budget to where I think I can still get one. I've seen last year's top-rated Panasonic 42" going for $4300, new. So when I put in a race camera, I can watch my own version of "The Fast and the Furious" in it's wide-screened glory, where I'll probably be embarrassed by a stock '87 Carrera.
