» Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder
» Performance: Monster flow intake, OBX header, test pipe, RS-R exhaust, Godspeed aluminum radiator, Ksport coilovers, energy pro steering rack bushings, de-powered steering rack, Secret Element inner tie rods, Hawk HPS pads, Goodwin stainless steel brake lines
Drivetrain: Short shifter, stainless steel clutch line, MMR solid motor mounts, MMR solid differential mounts, 9-lb. Fidanza flywheel, 4 puck act sprung clutch, act HD pressure plate, welded differential
» Interior: Air conditioning, heat, carpet and accessories removed, Scat racing seats, NRG deep-dish wheel, GForce 5-point harnesses, interior rewired, battery cut off, STRI oil temp, oil pressure, water temp gauges, modded tach, spec Miata hardtop latches, 6-point roll cage
» Exterior: R package front lip, hardtop, turn signal intakes, flush headlights, carbon fiber, trunk lip, carbon fiber hood
There’s something awkward about combining the competitive automotive sport of drifting with the small, performance-hampered Mazda Miata in the same sentence. Perhaps it’s because drifting as an event brings to mind speed and tight controlled handling and the Miata, well, does not.
But like every stereotype that is meant to be challenged, Michael Buchalski found his opportunity in the least likely of competitors. Buchalski started his infatuation with racing as a young boy helping his father prepare for high-speed driving events with his 1995 BMW M3. In those early days it was fun just to help dad bleed the brakes or pump the pedal a few times. As life progressed, his interest blossomed. In 2003, Bulchalski’s stepfather bought a 1995 Miata with 38,000 miles for a measly $3,000. When Buchalski eventually started driving the Miata became his first car.
Buchalski’s first introduction to drifting came shortly after he found a Web site forum dedicated to Miata drifting. After taking a job at a local retail store to help support his Miata habit, he hooked up with a friend who coincidentally was involved in competitive drifting. Bulchalski went for a few rides in the passenger seat of his friend’s vehicle and was convinced he could modify his own Miata to drift-competition standards.
The first major project modification was to buy drifting coilovers because the stock suspension on the car was bad and it wouldn’t hold up under the g-forces achieved while throwing the car into a sideways slide around the track. The frame was stiffened by the addition of roll bar and a suspension drop that helps in controlling the vehicle’s movement. Next it was time to swap out the old clutch for a performance clutch and flywheel combo. A lighter-weight flywheel allows the car to rev faster. The next thing was to remove certain creature comforts like the air conditioner that only equal extra weight in the car. The soft top and the power steering were also removed. Inner tie rods with spacer were eventually added to give the Miata a more radical steering angle so the car could bear sideways better. To pump up the power factor, an OBX header, test pipe, and RS-R exhaust added a few more horses.
The first major project modification was to buy drifting coilovers because the stock suspension on the car was bad and it wouldn’t hold up under the g-forces achieved while throwing the car into a sideways slide around the track. The frame was stiffened by the addition of roll bar and a suspension drop that helps in controlling the vehicle’s movement. Next it was time to swap out the old clutch for a performance clutch and flywheel combo. A lighter-weight flywheel allows the car to rev faster. The next thing was to remove certain creature comforts like the air conditioner that only equal extra weight in the car. The soft top and the power steering were also removed. Inner tie rods with spacer were eventually added to give the Miata a more radical steering angle so the car could bear sideways better. To pump up the power factor, an OBX header, test pipe, and RS-R exhaust added a few more horses.
By that time, Bulchalski had been drifting for two years. While it proved a worthwhile endeavor as he steadily progressed in skill and knowledge, the lure of moving to the next level, including the two-car event of tandem drifting, drove him to tap his friend for the next upgrade. The result was a welded cage that fit over the driving compartment for greater safety, race seats and harnesses. The cage was a handcrafted piece by Lee Alexander.
Buchalski has since competed in more than 20 drifting events with his Miata, taking his skills to Virginia International Raceway, Old Dominion Speedway and all tracks at Summit Point, W.Va.
What do you drive? I drive a 1995 Montego blue Miata.
Why do you drive it? This was my first car, so at the time it was all I had. But I kept the car and started modding it because it was so much fun to drive.
What is your most memorable driving experience? The most memorable driving moment was the first time I ever took it to an autocross and realized how fun the car was.
What was the first car you owned? The Miata was the first car I owned.
What music are you currently listening to in your vehicle? I don’t have a radio so I don’t really listen to music anymore. But when I do bring my iPod I like to listen to music like August Burns Red or anything that is techno.
And your first ticket? What was it for? I got my first ticket when I was 16 for doing doughnuts in my friend’s car in the parking lot of my high school. It was funny because the administration found out and took away my driving privilege for school for a month.
