The Mazda MX-5 Miata->ke1185 is a chic sports car->ke506 in it standard configuration. But if you strip it down to its basic necessities, drop a modified engine under its hood, and slap on a race car’s->ke148 worth of safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata can turn into rolling thunder on four (racing) wheels.

Full Spec Miata driver Danny Steyn and fellow Rossini Racing Engines racer Jonathan Goring showcased that in a video->ke278 that shows the MX-5 Miata in the middle of a qualifying session at Daytona. The monstrous engine noise coming from that Miata is enthralling to the ears on its own. But it’s the cockpit-eye view of the qualifying session that really has me on the edge of my seat. It’s not often that you get to watch a race from this angle for an extended period of time.

Watching Steyn navigate around the track with his rivals all up in his space makes me feel like I’m inside the cabin with him. The sweeping turns feel real. The bumps hurt. And the sound of the wind just crashing into the car has me grabbing my chair. I’m all worked up just watching this video so I can’t even begin to imagine the feeling of being inside that Miata.

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