Hi, recently bought my first V8 Miata, an LS376/525 NB. Haven't driven it yet as it's snowy here. Can this thing reasonably be short course autocrossed, or will it be too much of a handful due to short wheelbase and traction limitations? I'm considering doing some autocross as a way to really get to know the car's limits in a safe environment. Good idea or crazy?

 

In my opinion you have a great idea for safely getting to know your car.
Since building my car a couple of years ago I have done 4 or 5 autocross days a year and had a great time doing it.
Don't think that just because you have a fast well handling car you will have the fastest times.
I have struggled to get my times down to where the stock Miata's run.
Since the LS engine has lots of low end torque I have the best luck with using 2nd gear to launch and for the entire lap.
Also remember to be easy on the throttle because you can go from zero to stupid in just a couple of seconds.
Have fun.

 

+1

 

Autocrossing is great b/c the cost of entry is very low, and a few events you'll learn alot about your car you in a safe environment.

You want to know what finding the threshold of your car's braking feels like? You don't want to find out the first time in the rain.

Want to know what it's like to go slightly sideways in a car? You don't want to find out on a winding road lined with trees.