First conceived in 2009 as “Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca” (MRLS) to celebrate the Miata’s 20th anniversary, the Miata Reunion has morphed into the annual “go to” celebration for Miata racers, track day junkies, and enthusiasts. After ten years at MRLS, the Reunion will be debuting for the first time in the Eastern U.S. at Barber Motorsports Park over the weekend of July 30-31, 2022.
The event’s core features two full days of “Miatas Only” track time, with five run groups of varying experience levels getting five sessions per day each. Experienced instruction is included for first timers, while at the other end, experience levels include licensed racers and serious track day folks with high-powered track-only beasts. Powerplants range from stock, normally aspirated, to full-on fire breathing turbo machines, K-powered cars, and even V-8s, in everything from race-modified Miata chassis to Exocets and Catfish. The only requirement is that cars have real Miata DNA.
Each run group has specific experience requirements and precise technical requirements focused on appropriate roll bars and helmets for everyone’s safety. One of the unique and fun aspects of this event is the mingling of Spec Miata, MX-5 Cup and the “unlimited” mod folks in the upper run groups, where you will regularly see tons of driving skill and real race experience pitted against raw horsepower.
Sadly, as with many other festivities, the Reunion was put on hold the past two years due to the pandemic. Still, if the 2019 numbers are any indication, the Miata community will be out in force at Barber in July.
The 2019 track days (210 spots) sold out entirely within 19 minutes of registration opening online, with the rest of the event attracting a huge turnout:
– 1,653 total registered attendees (not including walk-in spectators)
-1,226 Miatas
– 644 Miatas on track for Saturday Parade Laps and photoshoot
The oldest Hot Laps (track day) driver was 78 (a regular at many events), and the youngest was 16, receiving instruction from her father (another Miata Reunion veteran) for her very first track day ever.
There were participants from 22 states represented and people who flew in from 8 countries.
Registration for this year’s event at Barber Motorsports Park opens at 9am Pacific on March 5th. Please visit www.miatareunion.com for more information and to sign up.