The following account of the '98 Miata National event, Miata Mountain Madness, was written for the local club newsletter, the "Miata-File", and also published in the national publication, "MX-5 Journal"

My 9th Birthday Party
By Dino R-4RE

Even though I was built in April '89, I've always thought of my "birthday" as being July 3, 1989, when Bill and Carol adopted me from Northgate Mazda. I've had some exciting times in my life, but my 9th birthday party will go down as one of the high points.

I knew something was up when Bill carefully cleaned and waxed me ( even more carefully than usual), fitted me with new shoes (Dunlop D60-A2's), had a special alignment done (thanks Alignment Specialists, St. Charles) and changed my oil before it was due.

On Sunday, June 28, Bill loaded my trunk with the Butterfly luggage, and I knew I was in for something special. We were off to "Miata Mountain Madness" at Lake Harmony, PA. I would have liked to have put my top down for the drive, but it was so hot that day that my air conditioner had to work overtime just to keep Bill & Carol cool. When we turned north at Columbus, Ohio the skies opened and I spent the rest of the day fighting the elements. Even though they had planned to spend two nights on the road getting to the Poconos, I was so excited that we were already there by the end of the second day, even though the weather once again was less than cooperative, and rained on me almost all the way! We had to stay in White Haven that night to await the beginning of my party at the lake the following day.

After Bill & Carol checked in at Split Rock Resort, I got a good bath to remove the road grime and make me look as shiny as the new '99's! From then on, it was PARTY...PARTY...PARTY! Among other things, I got to run in a rally, participate in a funkana, do a police escorted drive with about 265 of my closest friends to a dinner and run a couple of laps on the NASCAR racetrack, Pocono International. I've run a total of 4 laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway too, so I'm getting good at that sort of thing.

As a birthday present, I got a new front "chin" spoiler. Coming home the weather was a bit more cooperative, so I did get to put my top down for part of that trip. I didn't get to blow out any candles, but I did blow a hole in my muffler on the way back. (Bill has a new Ansa on order, so I guess he's not mad.)

As I guess you can tell, I had a SUPER 9th birthday! Celebrating it with over 250 of my relatives made it even more special. Next year, I'll get to celebrate my 10th a bit early. I saw Bill write out the check to the Dallas Club for the 1999 event which will be held in May. That's alright, since I'll be able to add Texas International Speedway to my list of conquests.

If YOU'D like to join me next year, you'd better hurry and sign up. They're only inviting 450 cars, and they already had over 250 signed up when I left "Miata Mountain Madness". That was their name for the event. I refer to it as "Dino's Birthday Party".

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