Mazda MX-5 ND Cup

TYRES

• Compound: Medium Slick, Front 31.0 PSI, Rear 30.5 PSI (race stint start, rising ~1.5–2.0 PSI hot). No tyre blankets available in AC Evo. Optimal operating temp: 85–95°C for peak grip, don't let fronts exceed 105°C over a stint.

ELECTRONICS

• TC: Off (no TC in Cup spec)
• ABS: Off (no ABS in Cup spec)
• Engine Braking: Fixed (mechanical, N/A)
• Brake Bias: 58% front (adjustable trackside, see SUSPENSION)

SUSPENSION

• // FRONT
• Ride Height: 108mm
• Wheel Rate FL / FR: 32000 N/m / 32000 N/m
• ARB: 8 (high, scale 1–10)
• Brake Torque Multiplier: 100%
• Brake Bias: 58%
• // REAR
• Ride Height: 115mm
• Wheel Rate RL / RR: 28000 N/m / 28000 N/m
• ARB: 5 (scale 1–10)
• Diff Preload: N/A (open diff, Cup spec)
• Diff Coast: N/A
• Diff Power: N/A

DAMPERS

AERO

• No adjustable wings on MX-5 Cup (fixed splitter/lip, stock rear spoiler). No brake duct adjustment — stock cooling is sufficient for this class at Laguna Seca ambient dry conditions.

KEY SETUP NOTE

• With an open diff and no electronic aids, the Corkscrew and Andretti Hairpin punish any aggressive mid-corner throttle input with inside-wheel spin and snap oversteer on exit — slightly higher rear ARB and rear ride height than qualifying trim is sacrificed here for mechanical stability and tyre longevity over a full race stint, since this car has zero electronic safety net.

TRACK GUIDE

• T1/T2 (Andretti Hairpin): Late-brake into T1 but carry less entry speed than you think into the hairpin — this is the main overtaking zone; prioritize a clean, early apex to maximize traction on exit since there's no diff lock to save a bad exit.
• Esses (T3-T6): Commit early and stay smooth — the MX-5's low grip ceiling means mid-corner steering corrections scrub massive speed; find one flowing line and trust the chassis rotation from the stiff ARBs.
• Corkscrew (T8/8A): Minimal steering input on entry, let the car drop — any trail-braking or extra rotation here with an open diff and no ABS will snap the rear; brake fully straight-line before turn-in.
• Rainey Curve (T9): High-speed load transfer right after the Corkscrew drop — stay full throttle if the entry was clean, this is a lap-time defining corner due to compounding speed from the hill.