Mx5 + roll bar + hardtop + approval

[zac510]

I've been looking into the early Mx5 as a possible track/hill climb kind of car. I understand there is some issue with height but I've not been able to find out definitively whether one can fit an FIA/MSA approved roll cage and retain some kind of a roof.
All of the Max5 cars seem to be roofless, probably for a reason.

Also I haven't been able to find many around the racecar classifieds. Are they less popular here in the UK as track cars than I have anticipated?

Thanks!

[zac510]

Also I'm talking about a proper multi-point roll bar/cage, not a chromed thing behind the seat

[CNHSS1]

similar situation i guess as that with the smaller scimitars, SS1s and Sabres for sprinting. if using a 4 point cage (rollover bar with diag and backstays) your helmet must sit below the theoretical line between the roll bar high point and the next 'hard' point on the front of the car (likely to be highest point of cylinder head, not the screen surround). if you are too tall, then a front cage is required, but is the healthy option anyway

[zac510]

So the front cage is probably the one causing clearance problems with the mx5 roof.

[CNHSS1]

no idea im afraid, not into mx5s. try speaking to Dan Evans and Protection and perfromance, have a suspicion they did a '5 cage. If not they will make one. a six point bespoke cage for the scimitars cost @ 750 inc vat and fitted within hard top confines

[Austinspace75]

They are raced in this country under the banner of 'Max 5 Racing'.... they've had a Safety Devices cage specifically designed. It doesn't allow the roof to be refitted (and looks pretty awful to be honest), but they would almost certainly be aware of what is needed for race approval in general. Not sure about hillclimb/sprinting. Trackdays here don't require a cage unless you're running slicks.

The other area to look at is 'Spec Miata' racing in the US. Its very very big over there and well supported by Mazda themselves. They run cages with the hardtop in place (but they are non-FIA sanctioned I think) and the cars are so much more attractive because of it.