Austin Leiphart 2012 Mazda MX-5
I decided to build this car because I love the way it drives. I started the season with a Stock MX-5 with 255/40r17 tires and through the season ended up with Aero, A containment seat, and nothing but smiles. After the last season in ClubTR, I think it is time to give the MX-5 more power and some drivetrain mods.
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Austin Leiphart
2012 Mazda MX-5
Instagram: @Leipspeed
Photographer: @trey.coleman.photos
My name is Austin Leiphart, I'm from Louisville, Kentucky. I'm a Volkswagen Technician by trade and my hobbies are Racing, Fabrication, and anything with wheels.
What or who got you into cars?
My Father definitely had a big role in getting me into cars. Though what really sealed my fate was playing every Gran Turismo from when I was 7 until now. Sim racing was my only outlet so I buried myself in that until I turned 16. After that, it was off to the races...literally. I bought a 1976 Volvo 242DL and proceeded to go drifting with that and later a 1991 240sx coupe. After some time I got into road racing and that's where I'm at today.
Why this car?
Do you want to go to the track? Do you want to have fun? You're on a budget? We all know the answer- and that is, Miata. I wanted to try the "unwanted" MX-5 because they are getting to be cheaper than finding a good NA or NB chassis. After the first track day, I was hooked. It's very solid and has a more solid feel than the early cars. Spares are cheap as well if something goes wrong which is a plus. I fell in love with it over the last year driving in Gridlife's ClubTR class in Time Attack. It has just taken abuse every event and has come back wanting more. All while making you smile as much as the car.
Why did you modify this car?
I have always loved Mazda's but what drew me to this car was the fact that they are so capable but, at least where I am in the US, you just do not see them used on the track. So, I wanted to know why. I have come to the conclusion that I think the internet drug this car through the mud for so many years. Now the world is starting to see it as ''one of the last'' light modern drivers cars.
I decided to build this car because I love the way it drives. I started the season with a Stock MX-5 with 255/40r17 tires and through the season ended up with Aero, A containment seat, and nothing but smiles. After the last season in ClubTR, I think it is time to give the MX-5 more power and some drivetrain mods.
What makes it Unique?
The NC has been an underloved chassis that people are starting to notice. I've just tried to keep it simple and go to ANY track you want. Road America, Mid-Ohio, NCM... it doesn't matter, go have fun
Spec List
Engine,
- Cxracing Header
- Cxracing 2.5" header back exhaust
- Swapped from NC 6 speed to NC 5 speed for strength/ reliability
Exterior,
- Nine Lives racing Wing kit
- Nine lives racing splitter bracket w/ custom splitter and Air Dam
- HEAVY roll and pull on fenders/ quarters.
Interior,
- Bride Gardis 2 seat
- Omp Steering wheel
- IRP Short throw shifter (magical compared to stock)
- NRG quick release
Wheels,
- Konig Hypergram 17x10 wheels
- Falken RT-660 255/40R17
Suspension and Brakes,
- Yellow speed Premium Competition Coilovers w/ Custom Spring Rates
- Hawk DTC-70 front and Hawk DTC-60 brake pads
- Brembo rotor blanks.
I have done all the work on this car myself, Including setup. It has been a really fun learning experience. I have been able to take away so many things for the future of this car or other builds. Being able to actually feel alignment changes and see what feels right for you at 10/10ths is truly rewarding.
If you enjoyed this Car why not read this ONE HERE
Future Plans
Over this winter the car is going to be caged and given a bit more power to go Wheel to Wheel racing at Gridlife's GLTC class. So Safety first and I'll be looking for options to make about 50 more WHP. The car has a lot of speed left in it and I need to continue learning as a driver and getting more experience in Wheel to Wheel racing has been a big goal of mine.
Advice/Tips
If you want to go racing on a reasonable budget. These cars are a very good choice. They are also new enough to not have the insane rust issues of the previous NA and NB. If you do get one with the track in mind... Don't build it before you take it out. Experience what it can do in stock so you know what you want to improve ( that's any car really).
Groups/Clubs/Shout outs
@GRIDLIFE, Thank you guys for such a great series with great people!
@ninelivesracing, The wing is awesome Johnny! Keep up the awesome work!
@Falken The RT660 is an amazing tire, it just takes lap after lap.
@Goodwinracing For helping with wheel sizing and keeping my head on straight about what's "needed''
Looking for a new club? Have a look at the ones featured on our site HERE
Dream car
Probably a Ferrari F40, everyone says they are intimidating but everyone that I've seen driving one in anger just describes it as a very raw but intuitive driver's car. Hell Chris Harris spent at least an hour just drifting one.
What do you think? leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the page
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