Doug's Mazda - MX5 RF
Seattle, WA - Moving sucks. It seems to get stressful and chaotic no matter how practiced you may be, or much advanced planning you attempt. So when it was time to move back to the Pacific Northwest from Baton Rouge, I had the drill down, but was still dreading the process and the process of restarting life once again. Fortunately, moving homeward has the benefit of a network of friends and family who are (hopefully) excited to have you back. And what better distraction from the stress of moving is there than a new project?
Wayne at Doug’s Lynwood Mazda reached out within days my flight to Seattle, asking if I’d be interested in taking their MX5 RF to Avantsfest at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA. Not one to turn down the chance to drive another roadster, I took the RF out for a test drive the day before the Avants event. This RF has a modest list of modifications that enhance the already exciting driving experience of the best selling sports car in history. The majority of add-ons are handling focused. Yokohama Advan Apex are wrapped around 18x75in Neuspeed RSe52. These sit nicely over a Wilwood big front brake kit, StopTech rotors and pads. The RF rides more firmly on Corksport springs and sway bars. Engine mods are limited to an Injen short ram intake and Goodwin Racing headers and exhaust.
On a sunny PNW summer day, the RF feels steady entering corners, and eager to rev high at the exits. As many reviewers have said over the years, the ND MX5 is easy to have fun in, and the stiff suspension and louder exhaust add to a grin-rich experience. It really is reminiscent of the care-free but capable feel of my old ‘93 NA6 Miata.
