Turn: 1, First Half of Big Bend
Description: The entry speed corner comes at the end of the main straight, so you want to maximize what speed you're able to gather (about 110 MPH in the MX-5) by braking as late as possible. Since the entry is very wide and the curve is relatively gentle, that means you're going to be shedding that speed while turning.
Gear: Starting in 5, finishing in 3.
Difficulty: High
Method: Brake gently at the last braking marker and turn in, heading in a straight line towards the apex. Now brake harder, shifting into 4th, then 3rd. Keep the car around the middle of the track as you approach turn 2.

Turn: 2, Second Half of Big Bend
Description: A late apex in a decreasing radius corner that sets you up for a short straight leading into the following corner.
Gear: 3
Difficulty: Medium
Method: turn in late, lift slightly to tighten your line and hold the car against the curb to the point where it ends, then let the car track out to the left. You need to be at wide open throttle to maximize the short straight. If you do it right, you'll bounce off the limiter a few times, but changing up a gear, then down again for the next corner probably won't save any time unless you're very fast.

Turn: 3, The Left Hander
Description: As the name suggests, the only left hander at Lime Rock. Deceptively long, there's a couple of usable lines through it, but either way you need to be able to get all the way to the left of the track on the exit to set you up for the next corner.
Gear: 3
Difficulty: Medium
Method: Enter in the middle of the track, trail braking as you turn slightly. Once you can see the apex, turn in sharply, clip it, but hold the wheel to left as you use the throttle to exit. You need to hit the turn in point for Turn 4 all the way to driver's left.

Turn: 4, Entry On To No Name Straight
Description: A fairly standard right hander that sets you up for the following series of slight bends known as "No Name Straight."
Gear: 4
Difficulty: Low
Method: A basic corner with a textbook approach: just turn in all the way over at driver's left shift into 4th, clip the curbing at the apex and track out. Get the throttle fully open as soon as you're in 4th. Straight line the straight as much as possible, no need to hit curbs or anything.

Turn: 5, The Uphill
Description: A fairly straightforward right hander that's been made complicated by sticking a steep hill in the middle. If you don't have your wheel straight when you crest it, you'll spin and the barriers are very close to the track.
Gear: 4
Difficulty: High
Method: Brake lightly at brake maker 4, then turn in at marker 1. Clip the apex and get on full throttle pointed out towards the curb halfway up the hill on driver's left, then once you hit that hill use the compression to tighten your line the rest of the way. Hands straight as soon as you've done that and hug the edge of the track over the crest and down the short straight. It's easier than it looks.

Turn: 6, West bend
Description: A right hand sweeper that can be taken very fast. The inside curbing is very tall, so get close, but don't clip it. Sets you up for The Downhill, which is super important to lapping quickly, so the exit is all important here.
Gear: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Method: Brake lightly, then turn in for a normal apex, get fully on the throttle early and hold it there as you ride the curbing on the outside.

Turn: 7, The Downhill
Description: If you're going to crash at Lime Rock, it'll be here. A very fast downhill right hander with compression on the entry that aids turn in. Sets you up for the main straight, you'll lose lots of time if you don't get this corner right.
Gear: Start in 4, finish in 5.
Difficulty: High
Method: Very confident drivers only need to lift slightly down the hill in the MX-5, but I still brush the brakes a little for some added confidence. Make sure you're on maintenance throttle at turn in, which is just where the hill flattens out. You need to use the compression this transition creates to maximize front end grip on turn in, so predict where its going to happen and turn in aggressively just as the front suspension compresses. Roll on the throttle as you clip the apex, getting it fully open as soon as possible, then track out fully the left, shifting into 5th when revs dictate. Huge the left side of the track all the way down the straight.

Here I am trying to put what I learned into practice. The cars are Mazda MX-5 Cup racecars. Over the standard vehicle, they add a $5500 Mazda racing package that includes a new intake and exhaust, boosting power from 167 to 200 HP. There's also remote reservoir Eibach dampers, considerably stiffer Eibach springs, solid antiroll bars, racing brake pads and 225/45WR-17 tires. The cars are also stripped of their interiors and soft tops, have a full cage welded in and you sit in racing buckets with five-point harnesses facing a removable wheel. The whole thing weighs just 2,600 Lbs. In short, it's a real race car with much improved throttle response, steering and outright grip. It's an extremely neutral car that'll understeer if you push it too fast into corners and let you tighten your line if you lift the throttle, making it near perfect to learn on.

Held at Connecticut's Lime Rock Park, I drove the Mazda MX-5 Cup Racecar over the Formula 2000 car in the hope that it'd be more relevant to the Jaguar XFR sedan I'll be driving in the race — both were sorta owned by Ford, so I figured it couldn't hurt. As an added bonus, completing the course qualifies me to race MX-5s in the Skip Barber Mazdaspeed challenge.

The advanced two day program is designed for students who've already completed the three-day fundamentals of racing course and is much more lap-intensive than that initial program. I've completed a few other racing and advanced driving courses at other schools, but going into this, hadn't had any experience with Skip Barber.

The largest racing school in the world, Skip Barber visits 22 tracks in this country and is widely reputed to be the last word in driver training. The school's namesake and founder is one of only a handful of Americans to drive in Formula One and essentially invented the idea that driving could be coached, just like more traditional sports. The school was founded in 1975.

I was largely skeptical of the Skip Barber hype going into this-after all, how different could driving schools be?-but quickly found myself in a little over my head with classmates who were already up to a pretty good speed; two straight from the three-day course and one who'd already done this advanced course seven times this year.

One big advantage the other students had over me was confidence in braking while turning, something that none of the other schools I've attended have taught. Traveling flat out in fifth down the main straight, you turn into Lime Rock's turn 1 very, very late while braking and downshifting into 4th gear, then turning harder and shifting down to 3rd. The theory behind this makes total sense-just like accelerating, you can brake while turning in an inverse relationship to how far the wheel is turned-but after having "brake in a straight line" drilled into me over and over elsewhere it took a certain leap of faith to trust the car wouldn't spin, even if the classroom sessions explained clearly why it wouldn't.

Luckily, there were only three other students driving MX-5s and more instructors than students, so they had ample time to browbeat encourage me to pick up my pace. My lead instructor was Bruce MacInnes, widely considered the leading driving instructor in the country, his former students include Tom Cruise and Paul Newman. Positioned around the track during lapping sessions, they provide instantaneous feedback via radio and detailed analysis immediately following each session. Other instructors take to the track with the students, demonstrating how to apply the improvements that are being suggested. It's a system of continuous, individual feedback that's broken down corner by corner and delivered in a few different ways. I'm typically a slow learner (in addition to just being slow), but I found myself able to implement their lessons on the next lap, probably because their analysis was so clear and immediate. As a result, I felt myself improving lap after lap, throughout both days.

The cars we were driving weren't just plain Mazda MX-5s, but Cup Racecars. Over the standard vehicle, they add a $5500 Mazda racing package that includes a new intake and exhaust, boosting power from 167 to 200 HP. There's also remote reservoir Eibach dampers, considerably stiffer Eibach springs, solid antiroll bars, racing brake pads and 225/45WR-17 tires. The cars are also stripped of their interiors and soft tops, have a full cage welded in and you sit in racing buckets with five-point harnesses facing a removable wheel. The whole thing weighs just 2,600 Lbs. In short, it's a real race car with much improved throttle response, steering and outright grip. It's an extremely neutral car that'll understeer if you push it too fast into corners and let you tighten your line if you lift the throttle, making it near perfect to learn on. I just wish the Jaguar was going to half as adjustable on the limit.

In addition to the high instructor-to-student ratio, large amounts of lapping and the excellent instruction, the other thing that makes Skip Barber unique is that they treat their students like responsible adults rather than reckless children. Where most schools ban passing or even close driving, these guys encourage it and teach you how to drive competitively, safely. As long as you demonstrate responsibility, you're free to overtake other students or even instructors. The method they teach you for overtaking is also novel in its safety and efficacy, involving intercepting the racing line from the inside, then holding it against your opponent. No need to out brake anyone. The first time you try it you'll be amazed at how well it works; I can't wait to try it on an unsuspecting victim, it's just a shame that the CTS-V Challenge is time trial format or that victim would be Bob Lutz.

Like other Skip Barber courses, the two day advanced is anything but cheap at $3,500, but unlike purchasing a faster car or tuning your engine, that's an investment that's virtually guaranteed to make you a much better, much faster driver. Now that I've completed it, I am too and I'm going to kick Bob Lutz's ass.

As mentioned, the new Mazdaspeed3 gains an aggressive (aggressively happy) new appearance package based on the new 2010 Mazda3, a revised suspension and the same 2.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged fourbanger putting out 265 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. Why mess with success?

We're big fans of the previous generation Mazdaspeed 3, so we're not sad to hear the previous generation's engine will be dropped back into the new speed3. With 263 HP and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from the direct-injection turbocharged fourbanger it's a threat to much larger and more expensive cars.

Additionally, we were big fans of the super hatch's great handling and the introduction of a new, firmer suspension with revised steering can't hurt.

It's that Furai-like grille that immediately sets the Mazdaspeed3 apart from the regular 2010 Mazda3, but there's also the usual side skirts, big wheels, rear diffuser, twin exhausts thing going on too. This is actually the rest-of-the-world 2010 Mazda3 MPS, but expect the North American Mazdaspeed3 to be identical in all but badges.

At this point, our spoiled European readers might be wondering why we get so worked up over a middle-of-the-pack hot hatch. Well, we don't get many hot hatches here in the colonies, so it's this, the VW GTI or the Subaru WRX for us.

This new Mazdaspeed3 carries over the 2.3-liter, 268 HP turbo engine, but rumor has it we might see a version of the Ford Focus RS's RevoKnuckle FWD system, which will bring a much needed reduction in torque steer to the hot Mazda. Expect official details later this week as everything from the Geneva Motor Show leaks early. [via MotorAuthority]

How about give the aftermarket a few months and work on paying down those credit card balances. Mazdaspeed can supply a full array of suspension and engine upgrades, while Cosworth has their supercharger — said to provide 210 HP to the rear wheels — on the test bench as we type. Additionally, Flyin' Miata claims they'll have a centrifugal blower ready for action soon, hopefully by the holidays. [Mazda via Autoblog]

This will be the eighth race for Mazda and the second for the MPS rally car. The vehicle features the stock 2.3-Liter direct injection turbo fourbanger that's good for 255 horsepower, routed through a six-speed manual transmission. The race runs from April 15-20 and you should be able to follow the updates at Mazda Australia's Targa Site, if it updates. [Mazda via World Car Fans]

What's powering this concept is anyone's guess. As is whether or not the vehicle will be made, if it will carry the Mazdaspeed name if it is made and what countries will get the modified version. It's like Ross and Rachel, except we sort of actually care. [AutoBlog]

The Tokyo Auto Salon — Japan's tuner extravaganza — will again hit Makuhari Messe this January, and Mazda's already begun teasing. The company announced it was bringing 17 custom cars and tuner models, including two takes on the CX-7 crossover set to debut in Japan this month, dubbed the "Bright Stylish Concept" (above, based on the North American model already in production) and the "CX-7 Mazdaspeed Concept," a performance-oriented version of the rake-windshield, chop-top SUV. Mazda's also planning to show three other CX-7s, customized by Japanese shops Kenstyle, DAMD and Audio Mania, along with Masdaspeed versions of the Axela (Mazdaspeed3) and RX-8 and various mod jobs based on its MPV, Roadster (MX-5), Premacy (Mazda5) and Verisa. Better book your sleeping pods now, before all the car club kids come into town and take over all the best capsule hotels. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Mazda to Display 'CX-7 Bright Stylish Concept' at Tokyo Auto Salon 2007

- Customized and tuner vehicle lineup to also include MPV, Axela and Roadster-based exhibits -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase a tantalizing lineup of seventeen customized and tuner vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2007 with NAPAC. Mazda will showcase the 'CX-7 Bright Stylish Concept' and 'CX-7 Mazdaspeed Concept' vehicles, which are exciting concept models based on the brand new CX-7 crossover production model that is scheduled for launch in Japan on December 19, 2006. The Auto Salon will be held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba Prefecture from January 12 to 14, 2007.

Mazda CX-7 Bright Stylish Concept (customized from the North American-spec base model)

At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2007, Mazda will present the CX-7 Bright Stylish Concept along with Mazdaspeed Axela and Mazdaspeed Roadster concepts, in addition to models co-designed with the popular KENSTYLE and DAMD afterparts brands. During the event, the well-known car critic, Etsuro Fushiki, will host a talk show focusing on the new CX-7. Additionally, Manabu Kawaguchi, an automotive journalist, former Mazda development driver Yoshimi Katayama and a representative from the RE (rotary engine)-Amemiya Corporation, Isami Amemiya, will be participants in a talk show on Mazda's performance cars.

Mazda's Exhibits at Tokyo Auto Salon 2007
No. Model Vehicle/Accessory Type
1 Mazda CX-7Mazdaspeed Concept Concept model
2 Mazda CX-7Bright Stylish Concept Concept model
3 Mazda CX-7 KENSTYLE Planned production accessories
4 Mazda CX-7 DAMD Planned production accessories
5 Mazda CX-7Audio Mania Concept model
6 Mazda MPV Bright Stylish Concept Concept model
7 Mazda MPV Prestigious Concept model
8 Mazdaspeed Axela MS Concept Concept model
9 Mazda Axela Sport DAMD Production accessories
10 Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune Concept Concept model
11 Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed M'z Tune*1 Production model
12 Mazdaspeed Atenza M'z Tune*1 Production model
13 Mazda Roadster NR-A Production model
14 Mazda Roadster Blaze Edition DAMD Production accessories
15 Mazda Roadster KURENAI Concept model
16 Mazda Premacy Bright Stylish M'z Style Planned production model
17 Mazda Verisa Sherwood Knight Concept model
*1 Models designed and produced by Mazda E&T Co., Ltd. Launch scheduled for February 2007.

Mazda's Exhibits at Tokyo Auto Salon 2007
1. Mazda CX-7 Mazdaspeed Concept (concept model)
The 'City Highspeed Tourer' design concept focuses on intensifying the appeal of the crossover sport CX-7, a skillful blend of SUV and sports car. Through the pursuit of the ultimate ride, function and beauty have been added to the base model's design concept of "sturdy, sporty and sleek." In this way, this CX-7 concept's specifications gain an added dimension of driving performance and presence.

2. Mazda CX-7 Bright Stylish Concept (concept model)
High quality chrome garnish has been added to the flowing and powerful CX-7 exterior, highlighting its unique character. Precisely molded aeroparts on the front, sides and rear emphasize the vehicle's strong lines and highlight driving performance, raising the CX-7's presence as an 'Urban Grand Tourer'

3. Mazda CX-7 KENSTYLE (with planned production accessories)
Popular brand KENSTYLE has enhanced the CX-7's sense of 'styling performance' with this exhibit model. Symbolized by the addition of simple and casual aero equipment, the tasteful styling takes the high quality sports design up another notch and will attract admiring glances on the streets.

4. Mazda CX-7 DAMD (with planned production accessories)
This version of the CX-7 has the well-known brand DAMD's particular flavor incorporated into the flowing bodyline. The impressive styling is expressed in chrome parts, including the front grille, side aeroparts, diffuser-style rear underskirt and a front fascia that communicates a sense of speed.

5. Mazda CX-7 Audio Mania (concept model)
The Mazda CX-7 Audio Mania comes outfitted with all the latest audio and video technology. Carrozzeria, a leading brand in in-car entertainment, has offered up a fresh addition to the CX-7 world. The most up-to-date audiovisual equipment adds a deeply engaging final touch to the spacious interior.

6. Mazda MPV Bright Stylish Concept (concept model)
Already a world apart from conventional minivans, Mazda's MPV has been customized with a view to heightened stylishness. The front grille, bonnet and side and rear garnish pieces are made with chrome plating, providing a high quality finish. Additionally, front, side and rear aeroparts add a new element to the driving experience, while uniquely molded aeroparts enhance the vehicle's dynamic lines and express its potential for lively performance.

7. Mazda MPV Prestigious (concept model)
Customized under the key phrase, "Driving Business Class," the MPV Prestigious is a vehicle with the features of a private mobile office that ideally complements any business environment. Only two seats are installed in the rear to create a roomy and luxurious space where business can be conducted and computer work can be carried out in comfort while on the move.

8. Mazdaspeed Axela MS Concept (concept model)
Based on the high performance Mazdaspeed Axela sport compact car, this custom car boasts an aggressive exterior brimming with beauty and functionality that would be welcome in any driveway. With interior modifications including four full bucket seats, the overall impression of speed assaults the senses.

9. Mazda Axela Sport DAMD (with production accessories)
Build on the lively Axela Sport, DAMD has added their own brand of Italian flair to this custom version. By attaching an exclusive front grille, front under spoiler and rear underskirt, DAMD has cleverly highlighted the Axela's speed and explosive power. The cabin features an Ancel MONO+Sport Series design. The ivory monotone color realizes a coordinated elegance in the sporty interior.

10. Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune Concept (concept model)
Mazda's Roadster has always provided "Jinba Ittai" (rider and horse as one) performance with a fun-to-drive character. This concept model has undergone a comprehensive tuning to further evolve both its Jinba Ittai attributes and quality. Mazda E&T has long been acquainted with the base model and this experience helped them to attain an even more aggressive performance while preserving its everyday practicality. This is one vehicle that raises the bar on conventional perceptions of delight.

11. Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed M'z Tune (production model)
This fully customized version of the high-performance RX-8 boasts increased sports car appeal through modifications to raise comfort levels and driving feel. Mazda E&T has taken advantage of its long relationship with the base model to offer a tuner that makes driving safe and fun, both on and off the track. The Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed M'z Tune will make any owner proud.

12. Mazdaspeed Atenza M'z Tune (production model)
The Mazdaspeed Atenza M'z Tune model is based on Mazda's "sports sedan for adults" concept, with a high performance DISI turbo engine that was designed for the current desire for eco-friendliness. This Atenza underwent full customization to further evolve its fun-to-drive qualities, outstanding power and superb comfort levels. Making the most of its experience with this model, Mazda E&T offers both safety and a thrilling ride while driving about town all the way up to more sporty driving.

13. Mazda Roadster NR-A (production model)
This model is a new addition to Mazda's world of fun in motion, providing an upgraded "Jinba Ittai" (rider and horse as one) experience. The NR-A is the base model for the Party Race version, fully equipped with accessories such as high-performance Bilstein dampers and a torque sensing super limited slip differential (LSD). A rollcage and towbar come as options, while racing seatbelts are included to qualify it for participation in production vehicle races.

14. Mazda Roadster Blaze Edition DAMD (with production accessories)
DAMD has also produced its take on the Roadster Blaze Edition, featuring an exterior modified with its renowned aeroparts. The Roadster Blaze is Mazda's ultimate version, optimizing desirability by harmonizing superb quality with Mazda's "Jinba Ittai" and "lots of fun" characteristics. More details about this model will be released at the end of December 2006.

15. Mazda Roadster KURENAI (concept model)
The "exhilaration of the open-top" and the "practicality of a coupe" were the two fun aspects that were designed into the Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top. Chrome parts highlight the premium styling, while glass flakes blended into the purple body color accent the charming atmosphere. Inside, red Italian leather and Alcantara* make up the mature color scheme. The KURENAI is a chic open-style customized model perfect for passionate people.

* A suede-like artificial leather made by Torex. The Japanese name is Ecsaine

16. Mazda Premacy Bright Stylish M'z Style (planned production model)
Under the 'Cool Style Minivan' concept, the base model Premacy was customized with a view to raising its stylish presence. The front bumper and grille are outfitted with a chrome kit, while the rear styling is focused on a unified flow emphasized by the rear underskirt. A more resonant exhaust note—attained by fitting an exclusive sports muffler—emphasizes the unique presence of the Premacy Bright Stylish Concept.

17. Mazda Verisa Sherwood Knight (concept model)
Among the Mazda Verisa's high-quality and stylish features, maturity and elegance are particularly emphasized in this model. Special body color, Highland Green Mica and an original front-grille bumper enhance the styling that renders a nostalgic feel. The leather seats, a combination of sand beige and black, provide a fresh contrast to heighten the refined and exclusive interior atmosphere.

Related:

UK car mag Autocar says tongues are wagging about a new Mazdaspeed (MPS in Europe) MX-5 roadster that could have more than 250 horsepower. It's not known whether Maz will shoehorn in the 2.3-liter turbo mill that gives the Mazdaspeed3 its motivation, or whether it'll work from its existing 2.0-liter template. It'd be good news for Miataphiles, who'd likely be quite willing to put down their hair dryers long enough to test out that newly stiffened chassis, as propelled by a serious powerplant. (Oh, c'mon, we kid because we love.)

Mazda to Beef Up the MX-5? [Pistonheads]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mazda MX-5, Part 1 [internal]

Our digicam somehow failed to translate the new Mazda MPS (that's the Mazdaspeed3 to us Yankers) into anything recognizable by the human eye, so for visuals we turn to the guys at World Car Fans, who've never met a car they didn't post. As expected, the new flagship of the Mazda3 line will be a front driver powered by the company's MZR 2.3L DISI turbo mill, producing 247 hp. Considering this is about the best sports-minded economy car the US will get out of Ford, at least until (if?) the Focus ST finds its way abroad, we're going to go ahead and get excited. Very excited.

Mazda3 MPS [World Car Fans]

Related:
Mazdaspeed3 to Debut in Geneva [internal]

Next to GM's $375,000 Grand American Road Racing Rolex Series GTO, Mazdaspeed's turnkey entry looks like a bargain. The Mazda motorsports division is teaming with Florida firm SpeedSource to build an RX-8 for the series that costs a downright economical $280,000. The carbon-fiber bodied racecar will use Mazda's 20B rotary engine (redline: 9,000 rpm) and a tube-frame chassis created by SpeedSource and Mazda says it will "offer a lucrative contingency awards program for the RX-8 in Grand-Am GT for the 2006 season." Incentive enough to spend a season listening to the sound of that crazy buzzsaw in your ear? Maybe.

Mazdaspeed Announces $280,000 Grand-Am GT RX-8 Racing Car [Edmunds]

Related:
Cruisin Around in My ($375,000) GTO(.R) [internal]