Five (Non-Racing) Things to Do at MiataCon
Lime Rock Park adds new Miata Mixer to MiataCon fan experience
MiataCon at Lime Rock Park is set to host more than 275 Mazda MX-5s during the inaugural event this weekend (Oct. 27-28). Celebrating all generations of the Mazda Miata, MiataCon is the destination for passionate fans who love racing or live the culture.
But, what if you want to completely immerse yourself in everything that is MiataCon? MiataCon has something for every fan of the lightweight Japanese roadster. The Lime Rock Park staff has chosen Five (Non-Racing) Things to Do while you’re here- all of which are included with a General Admission ticket (buy tickets here).
- Mingle at the MiataCon Mixer
When: Saturday (Oct. 28), 4:30-7:30pm
Where: On the patio next to the Infield Chalet (up the hill from the paddock)
Fast Fact: Celebration for everyone at MiataCon with free food, drinks, music and loads of fun.
About: While this is the MiataCon finale, we had to list this event first. Come mingle with fellow Miata enthusiasts. The Mazda-themed party will include free music, karaoke, and campground snacks, think S’mores and hot dogs, water and soda. Lime Rock Lager will be available for purchase
Insider Tips: Come cheer for your favorite driver of the day. The awards ceremony will take place at the Miata Mixer instead of the Winners Circle.
- Browse Mazda Village
When: Friday and Saturday (Oct. 27-28) 8am-5pm
Where: Paddock A
Fast Fact: Best place to score free swag and buy Mazda art and collectibles
About: At the point of Paddock A will be the mobile Grassroots Consumer Experience Center trailer, an interactive consumer experience from Mazda Motorsports North America designed to celebrate the Mazda Miata and its dedicated community of enthusiasts. As the exclusive dealership of MiataCon, Mazda of Milford will be an integral part of the Mazda Village, bringing the brand-new CX-90 and the iconic rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 for fans to get up close and personal with. The cars will be parked right beside the Consumer Experience Center. The Midway has also been moved to Paddock A to eliminate extra walking for fans.
Insider Tips: Vendors also included in the Midway area include: Piston Foundation, Motor Canvas, Pavel Chumak, Gears in Heaven, Food Banks for Pets, People Kars, Artisim, Sim Trailer, Corporate Motorsports and SCCA NER
- Visit the Car Corrals
When: Friday and Saturday (Oct. 27-28) 8am-5pm
Where: Paddock B
Fast Fact: 150 cars have registered to park in Mazda-themed car corrals.
About: This is the biggest car corral gathering of the 2023 Lime Rock Park season as 150 cars have registered for MiataCon’s corrals. Again, focusing on eliminating extra walking for fans, Lime Rock Park has moved this enormous car corral to Paddock B. Celebrate every generation of MX-5 amongst fellow Miata enthusiasts. Corrals are grouped by the following: NA Miata (1989 – 1997), NB Miata (1998 – 2005), NC Miata (2006 – 2015), ND Miata (2016 – present), Mazda & JDM Sportscars and Kei Cars
Insider Tips: 150 cars total will attend throughout the two-day festival with Saturday having heavier entry.
- Watch MiataX
When: Friday (Oct. 27)
Where: FCP Euro Proving Grounds
Fast Fact: 41 drivers from amateur to professional are entered for the event
About: Come watch drivers compete against the clock at MiataX. The Miata-only autocross lapping sessions will be held on the FCP Euro Proving Grounds. No cones, no walls with plenty of run off.
- See a Piece of Miata History
When: Friday and Saturday (Oct. 27-28)
Where: Mazda Village Paddock A
Fast Fact: The 2160 Miata holds the land speed record holder. Luke Siegel drove the car to a GT production world record of 165.296 miles per hour, a record that still stands today.
About: Lime Rock Park partnered with Piston Foundation alongside Bring A Trailer to showcase a one-of-a-kind Spec Miata at MiataCon. Driver Harvey Siegel, widely known for his revival of VIRginia International Raceway, donated his 2160 Mazda Miata MX5 to raise money for the Piston Foundation Cars for Piston Scholars campaign. All of the proceeds from the sale will go to help aspiring auto restoration technicians with tech school scholarships and hands-on training.
Insider Tips: This car can be part of your collection. Bidding has already started on Bring A Trailer: https://bringatrailer.com/auctions/
BONUS: Bring a Costume and Take Home Candy at FCP Euro’s Autoberfest
When: Sunday (Oct. 29) 9am-2pm
Where: Sam Posey Straight
Fast Fact: FCP Euro will host a free trunk or treat on the next day following MiataCon, during their Autoberfest Sunday Motoring Meet.
About: Fans are invited to stay over from MiataCon to participate in Autoberfest, the final FCP Euro Sunday Motoring Meet. Autoberfest is an all-are-welcome casual gathering of automotive enthusiasts hosted by FCP Euro at Lime Rock Park. Think of it as a “Cars and Coffee Plus” with featured cars parking on the track. For the final event, decorate your trunk, wear your best costume, load up on candy and tour all the festive trunk displays around pit lane. Families and kids are welcome. The event is free for everyone, including participants.
Insider Tips: If you are just coming to spectate or for the candy, arrive to the track between 10am-noon as all the cars are parked and set up. If you do come early, stop by Park Provisions in A Paddock for breakfast.
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