Our first round of Spec Miata races for 2026 took place on the North circuit for Autobahn’s first member series race for this season. 20 drivers set the field for our Spec Miata class, with Taro Kushida starting from pole with a blistering lap of 1:11.564, just over a tenth faster than second place starter, and 2025’s SM2 champion, Eli Dysart. Our second row starters, Mike Ryan, and Samuel Bowman were the last two drivers to set a qualifying time under a 1:12.
Our 20 drivers faced 25 laps ahead of them to start our 2026 season as in the words of the Mazda commercials, they “Zoom Zoom” across the start line to start our season off. Taro Kushida held onto the lead ahead of Mike Ryan, and Samuel Bowman, who got ahead of Eli Dysart after the first turn. This lead would open up, as Mike Ryan, and Samuel Bowman made contact entering the first turn in the opening laps, causing Mike Ryan to spin, and making both drivers lose positions in the process. We also had contact in the back of the pack too, with Louis Schriber spinning out, and collecting Dave Hicks in the process. Surprisingly, that was not the worst to happen to our Spec Miata field, as Matt Keck had to pull in shortly after halfway, despite running just outside of the top five. After that, we had battles throughout the field, with the most watched upon battle being our battle for the lead, with Taro Kushida still leading, but only just ahead of Matt Alexander, and Eli Dysart. While chasing down both Kushida, and Alexander, Eli Dysart set the fastest lap of the race, with a 1:11.734, with only two other drivers achieving a time under a 1:12 during the race. This unfortunately was the best it got for Eli Dysart, as he would slide off track, dropping him behind John Jodoin. Despite Matt Alexander’s best efforts, Taro Kushida would lead every single lap to win the Spec Miata opener ahead of Matt Alexander, and John Jodoin, who held off two drivers on a recovery drive, of Eli Dysart, and Sam Bowman, who rounded out the top five.
