Why Did Our Miata Blow Up at Daytona?

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Apr 4, 2017 | Mazda

Our Miata left the track early during this weekend’s ChumpCar RVA Graphics endurance race at Daytona International Speedway. Tail between our legs, after not even 10 laps we crawled to the pits in a cloud of steam, oil and despair. What exactly happened? We’re not 100-percent sure.

Join us on Facebook Live this Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern as we’ll start tearing things apart. Did we simply blow a head gasket or was real damage done? Together let’s figure it out.

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Comments
David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/4/17 1:08 p.m.

Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness.

Huckleberry
Huckleberry MegaDork
4/4/17 1:16 p.m.

The best way to discover problems in a motor is to run it wide open under full load for almost 100% of every lap. Or shift it into second instead of fourth when you panic brake too late diving into the infield :)

Ed Higginbotham
Ed Higginbotham Associate Editor
4/4/17 1:21 p.m.
David S. Wallens wrote: Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness.

I got you.

FlightService
FlightService MegaDork
4/4/17 1:24 p.m.

In reply to Huckleberry:

Dr. Hess
Dr. Hess MegaDork
4/4/17 1:25 p.m.

So lessee: You crushed the last one into a ball. This one you grenaded. Maybe yellow just isn't your color.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/4/17 1:38 p.m.
Ed Higginbotham wrote:
David S. Wallens wrote: Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness.
I got you.

That's definitely sad.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/4/17 1:38 p.m.
FlightService wrote: In reply to Huckleberry:

And that's not supposed to do that, right?

FlightService
FlightService MegaDork
4/4/17 1:58 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens:

that does deviate from the design intent, yes.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/4/17 2:00 p.m.
FlightService wrote: In reply to David S. Wallens: that does deviate from the design intent, yes.

That's what I thought.

Ian F
Ian F MegaDork
4/4/17 2:01 p.m.

Any chance you can postpone the start until 4PM? I have a better chance of getting home in time to join. No chance at 3PM.

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