The goal of the Targa Miata is a very, very high performance street car. Its wheel/tire combo has to be able to deal with a wide range in temperatures, weather conditions and surfaces. This package is very similar to the setup worn by the V8-powered Targa Miata in the 2011 race - but a half pound lighter and about 20% less expensive! We didn't think that would be a problem for anyone.

The wheel is the 12.1 lb Kosei K4R in 15x8, wrapped in a 225/45-15 Toyo R1R. This tire is legal in classes that require street tires and works well in a wide range of temperatures as well as deep water. Keith has tested these in the middle of a hurricane and reports excellent resistance to aquaplaning.

We can also offer this package with a Hankook RS3 depending on availability. The RS3 will do well in high-heat situations but is not as happy in cooler weather or deep water, which is why we didn't use it for the Targa. The Hankook is not hurricane tested. The package price with RS3s is $1016.

Looking for a high grip setup with a good lifespan and a great price? We've paired the most affordable 15x9 wheel with one of the friendliest R compound tires in existence. This is about as much grip as you can get from a Miata and still drive it on the street.

The 15x9 TRMotorsports C3M is specifically made for the Miata. It's a bit heavier than some other options at 15.8 lbs, but it's also under $110 per corner. Meanwhile, the 225/45-15 Toyo RA1 is a mainstay at track events due to its friendly nature. It works over a wide temperature range and is almost immune to heat cycles. It'll just get faster and faster until it cords. If you want them shaved, that's an extra $60. While they are an R compound tire, they can also double as a very high performance street tire.

Another tire option is the 225/45-15 Toyo R888. It's a bit quicker than the RA1, but not quite as forgiving in terms of tire pressures and temperatures. This tire adds about $8 to the package, but will not require shaving due to a shallower tread depth.

This package will require a mild fender roll on 1990-97 models, but not 1999-05. The wheels are available in bright silver (shown), light grey and black.

A great all-around street and autocross setup. It's even good on the track. Yes, it'll do just about anything. And check that price!

We started with the TRMotorsports C1 wheel. It's a 15x7.5, just a bit wider than the more common 15x7 but gives more support for the tire sidewall. It combines a good 13.2 lb weight with a very low price.

The tire is the most excellent (deep breath) Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec in a 205/50-15. We usually just call them Star Specs. It's our favorite high performance true street tire.

The wheels are available in light grey (shown on the car). We can also offer the package with a lighter 15x7 that also comes in silver (shown at below left) or black.

When it came time to choosing wheels and tires for Nancy (our supercharged 2006) to run the Targa Newfoundland, we went to our favorite street tire and a strong and affordable wheel. We didn't regret it one bit - we used this setup for the Targa in a hurricane, then a 2000 mile highway drive, then two days at Laguna Seca without doing anything more than checking pressures. And they're ready for more.

Once again, we went to a TRMotorsport wheel. The C3 is a 17x9 that weighs in at just under 20 lbs and is strong. The tire is the Dunlop Star Spec, the all-around winner for us. This package includes a 235/45-17 tire, which is the largest that fits under the stock fenders without any modification. We can also supply a 245/40-17, which requires a bit of fender rolling but gives more traction. If you really want big feet, there's even a 255/40-17 which also requires fender pulling.

The package price does not include TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors. If you'd like a set installed when the tires are mounted and balanced, that will add $227.96 to the price. You can run without the sensors, but your car will complain that you have four flat tires.

The wheels are available in bright silver, light grey (shown) and black.

Looking for a minimum weight setup at a reasonable price? Here you go. And it's not just light, it's sticky, too. This will be a very fast autocross, street and track combination.

The wheel is the 17x8 Kosei K4R. At 14.8 lbs, it's lighter than even the popular Enkei RPF1 and considerably less expensive. That's what's called a win-win.

For the tire, we chose the 235/45-17 Hankook RS3. One of the fastest street tires out there in the biggest size that will fit under the fenders. This combination should make your MX-5 light on its feet.

The package price does not include TPMS sensors. If you'd like a set installed when the tires are mounted and balanced, that will add $236 to the price. You can run without the sensors, but your car will complain that you have four flat tires.