A simple thank you mention is not enough to express my gratitude for Steve Lepper at Gearhead’s Garage for not only getting all the safety hardware prepped but for helping me even buy this car in the first place and being a one of a kind coach and mentor.
When I bought my first gen Miata in 2013, Steve was there every step of the way, reminding me that “you won’t stay stock for long!” Fast forward to a year after and I took my first trip to MRLS for the 25th anniversary, not only to be overjoyed by my first taste of that track but also to be introduced to the new ND that Mazda unveiled during that very event.
Fast forward to a couple months later in March 2015 when I was miraculously invited to be a test driver for a secret project, something that continuously stirs up emotions when I think of it. That very project happened to be accumulation testing with Mazda’s R&D facility on the new Miata. I enjoyed the car but the thought of ownership wasn’t even in the picture.
Ultimately, it came down to Mazda North America staff members Loren Wong and Matthew Valbuena being incredibly supportive in my search for the exacting package I had my eye on. If I was going to be dumping all my funds into the first and probably only brand new car I intend to ever buy, it better be perfect. The anxious anticipation brought me all the way to a one-way plane ticket to Oakland, CA— on October 13, 2018 at 7PM, I had the keys to a 2019 Miata in Arctic White with the Brembo/BBS package and Club trim. With only a couple of hours of sleep, I took to the most scenic and unexpected solo drive down HWY 1, the first time I’ve ever even gone through there, with the top down in this new car. Needless to say, there were some emotional sobbing silly moments all bundled up in a jacket with the sea salt in the air and scent of trees.
364 days later, I’d be taking that very car through the Corkscrew, overjoyed, grateful, ecstatic, and for just enough time, a sense of peace.
It’s been such a long time, I think I should be goin’, yeah. And time doesn’t wait for me, it keeps on rollin.’ There’s a long road, I’ve gotta stay in time with, yeah. I’ve got to keep on chasin’ that dream, though I may never find it. I’m always just behind it…
— Boston