After many years in RX-7 Challenge Cars, a true "Spec" series, I have found that maintaining the "specs" isn't all that hard. The most obvious tell-tale of a non-spec car is the performance. Once a car gets too fast, beyond just driver ability, it is clear something else is going on. We have found with the RX-7's that things like straightaway speed, and cornering attributes are true indicators of a cars compliance. We have not torn down a car in the last 12 years.
As the CC cars are getting a little long in the tooth, and spare parts are becoming harder to find, I think a Spec Miata class is a good idea for new racers particularly. A "Spec" series tends to generate a sense of co-operation within the class, as everyone is running the same cars, parts etc. I know that in the CC class, when someone breaks down, everyone else in the class is there to offer help and parts to get the car back on the track.
All that said, the CC class is still a great place to run; the cars are still relatively fast, extremely easy and cheap to maintain, and a challenge to drive. The history of Regional and Provincial Overall Championships won by cars in this class attests to their reliability over a season.
