Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Club questions

What does the club logo represent?
How do I plan and schedule an event?
How do I join the club e-mail list?
I want to help the club. How do I volunteer?
I have an idea for new regalia items. Who do I talk to?
I would like to suggest additions/changes to the website. Who do I talk to?
When does my membership expire?
How do I renew my membership?
I would like to provide a discount to SDMC members. Who do I contact?
Do I have to be a member to participate in an event?
I am going on my first driving event. How do I prepare?
How do I add an album to the Photo Gallery?

Miata questions

I keep seeing/hearing Miatas referred to as NA, NB, or NC. What do those letters mean?
How long has the Miata been around?
Do people race Miatas?
How can I increase my Miata’s power?
I need help with my Miata. Is there a lot of technical knowledge in the club?

Newsletter questions

How do I submit an article?
How do I submit a classified ad?
How do I start/stop receiving the paper newsletter in the mail?

Answers

What does the club logo represent?
The San Diego Miata Club logo displays a first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata in Classic Red, one of the three original factory paint colors (Classic Red was discontinued after the 2005 model year, replaced by True Red). The famous Cabrillo Bridge (spanning over SR-163 in Balboa Park) is depicted above the Miata. At the end of the bridge is the tower of Balboa Park’s Museum of Man, surrounded by vegetation. In the background is a faint representation of the Museum of Man’s dome. This logo was selected from one of three logo candidate designs presented to the club in 1996, all designed by members Tom and Stephanie Gould. [Back to top]

How do I plan and schedule an event?
See the Events page for links to helpful directions on planning different types of events. [Back to top]

How do I join the club e-mail list?
See the SDMC-mail Instructions page for joining the e-mail list. [Back to top]

I want to help the club. How do I volunteer?
The club has continued to flourish through the efforts of the various members who have volunteered. If you would like to volunteer, contact the board via e-mail, speak to a board member during a club meeting or event. [Back to top]

I have an idea for new regalia items. Who do I talk to?
Contact Regalia via e-mail, speak to them during a club meeting or event. They are always looking for new ideas. [Back to top]

I would like to suggest additions/changes to the website. Who do I talk to?
Contact the Webmaster via e-mail, during a club meeting or event, or via telephone to discuss additions or changes to the website (telephone numbers are provided in club newsletters). [Back to top]

When does my membership expire?
All memberships expire on December 31 of each year. [Back to top]

How do I renew my membership?
Renewal reminders and forms are usually provided in the last two newsletters of each year. Renewal forms can also be downloaded here. If you would like a renewal form mailed to you, contact Membership via e-mail. [Back to top]

I would like to provide a discount to SDMC members. Who do I contact?
The San Diego Miata Club and its members appreciate discounts provided by retailers and service providers, and show their gratitude by purchasing goods or services from discount providers. Please contact the board or newsletter via e-mail. See the Contacts page for a list of contact information. [Back to top]

Do I have to be a member to participate in an event?
All Miata owners are welcome to join events. If you would like to experience what the club is all about before joining, please join us at a meeting, fun run, or other event. We are confident that you will want to join. At only $35 per year, you’ll wonder why you have waited so long. And you’ll find that the discounts given to club members easily pay for your yearly membership. [Back to top]

I am going on my first driving event. How do I prepare?
The first run is always nerve-racking. Certainly, make sure that your Miata is mechanically sound, tire pressures are correct, and you have a full tank of gas. But, what else? See the Fun Run Tips page for some excellent information. [Back to top]

How do I add a Photo Album to the Club’s Photo Feature?
Go to the GALLERY page on the website for instructions. [Back to top]

I keep seeing/hearing Miatas referred to as NA, NB, NC, or ND. What do those letters mean?
These letter combinations represent the different Miata generations. NA represents the first generation Miatas (1990-1997); NB represents the second generation Miatas (1999-2005); NC represents the third generation Miatas (2006-2015) and ND represents the fourth generation (2016+) These letter combinations are the fourth and fifth characters in the Miata’s vehicle identification number (VIN) found at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side. Here is a sample VIN representing an NB (second generation) Miata: JM1NB123456789012. [Back to top]

How long has the Miata been around?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata was introduced during the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, and officially went on sale in July of the same year. [Back to top]

Do people race Miatas?
The Miata is very popular on the track. In SCCA Solo II (Autocross), the Miata is one of the most popular vehicles. The Spec Miata class has been the fastest-growing road racing class in SCCA, and the popularity has resulted in the 2006 introduction of the SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook, which has been televised. Mazda proudly claims that more Mazdas are found on racetracks every weekend than any other brand, and the majority are Miatas. With its light weight, rear wheel drive layout, and responsive handling, the Miata is a natural on the track. [Back to top]

How can I increase my Miata’s power?
A good question to start with is do you utilize the power that is already there? Most of the Miata’s power is found after that tachometer swings past 4,000 rpm, all the way up to redline. Don’t be afraid of letting the engine run that high; it won’t hurt it (if the engine is in proper working order). If you need more power than that, there are many aftermarket goodies ranging from intakes and exhaust systems to turbochargers and superchargers. Owners have also installed different engines in their Miatas, such as Mazda’s KL-series 2.5L V6 or Ford’s 5.0L V8! [Back to top]

I need help with my Miata. Is there a lot of technical knowledge in the club?
With so many members and so many Miatas, there is bound to be somebody that has experienced the same problems you are facing, from repairs to installations to tuning. The club also has two professional mechanics very well versed in Miatas. Ask around or post your question on the club’s e-mail list. You’ll get an answer… or two or three. [Back to top]

How do I submit an article?
Submit articles to the newsletter Editor. Include any photos that you would like included with the article. Microsoft Word, plain text, or e-mail text formats are preferred, but other formats may be acceptable. [Back to top]

How do I submit a classified ad?
Submit classified ads to the newsletter Editor . Classified ads can be placed by club members only, and must include your first and last names, telephone number, and e-mail address, which must agree with the current club roster. Ads will run for four months unless canceled, and may be revised and resubmitted. [Back to top]

How do I start/stop receiving the paper newsletter in the mail?
Contact Membership to start or stop receiving the paper newsletter in the mail. It is expensive to print and mail the newsletters, so stopping your receipt of paper newsletters will help save the club funds. Newsletters are available for download in full-color PDF format from the website. [Back to top]

Would you like to submit another FAQ? Contact the Webmaster.