MX-5 hardtop on track?

MX-5 hardtop on track?

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Discussion

Accelebrate

Original Poster:

5,244 posts

214 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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I'm off to the Nurburgring next month for a track day in my MX-5. I have a removable hardtop for it, like this:

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/genuine-mazda-hardtop-mk...

I'm weighing up if I should fit it or not. I was planning to but another member of our group commented that he personally wouldn't as it would probably do more harm than good during an accident as they're likely to separate from the car.

I wasn't planning to fit it on the grounds of any additional safety during an accident, but it would make the October journey over to Germany more pleasant and the vision from the wrap around glass screen is much better than the porthole in the softtop. Thoughts?

Samjeev

725 posts

120 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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Do you have a roll bar too? Which you require when going on track with a soft top.

If so then thats all the safety you'll need. Aren't the removable rooftops made of Glass fibre anyway? questionable how much that will do in an acceident other than just crumble.

I wouldn't worry too much about the "If you have an accident.." because otherwise you'd just never go on track without a brand new factory fresh car.

AdiT

1,025 posts

156 months

Saturday 16th September 2017
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My old Mk1 always felt a lot stiffer with the hardtop on and the scuttle shake disappeared.

HaylingJag

2,122 posts

147 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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if it makes you feel more secure then put it on. As you say the rear vision is vastly improved. When i took mine to the ring i was roof down and helmet on even with roll cage fitted.

Sanjeev, never heard of any refusals of convertables without rollover protection.....a new one on me!!!

D

Accelebrate

Original Poster:

5,244 posts

214 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
No rollbar or cage beyond the factory hoops (not had any problems getting on track in the UK roof up or down). I don't expect any extra protection from the hardtop, but I don't want to make things worse - my friend seems convinced it might potentially detach and become a hazard in an accident.

CABC

5,533 posts

100 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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Hardtops just detach in a rollover, Google it.
But for now you can wear an open face helmet. Logic being that you'll avoid a Massa type accident. Personally I feel a roll over bar essential