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What is the Ma5da Racing Production Class?
Nippon Challenge and ma5da racing are pleased to announce the launch of the ma5da production class, as the alternative MX-5 racing series. The ma5da Racing production class is based upon standard production MX-5 mk1 cars with minimal modification, other than standard MSA regulatory requirements in order to be able to race.
The Ma5da production class is solely for the Mazda MX-5 mk1 production cars. By keeping the cars to a recognised uniform specification and without performance modifications, the class produces close and exciting racing and reveals driver ability over vehicle performance.
Who are Ma5da Racing.com?
"Driving the Change, Making the Difference"
Ma5da Racing is made up of a committee of MX-5 Drivers. These drivers are the founding group for the Racing Class in the Nippon Challenge and the Ma5da Racing Championship for 2009. The aim of the Ma5da Racing Club is to run as a non-profit making club, giving value for money and providing a professional service to its registered members. The club have appointed two identifiable positions:
Series Co-ordinator: Jonathan Blake
Technical Advisor: Alyn Robson
Ma5da Racing Club Committee: Currently 5 MX-5 Drivers
Individual backgrounds -
Jonathan Blake:
Jonathan is the Managing Director of Keystone Computer Group, a National IT Solution Provider and has raced the Mazda MX-5 from the re-introduction of the race series in 2004. He purchased the first two MX-5’s produced to full race specifications. From the inaugural race at Pembrey on 15th May 2004 through to the close of the 2007 Championship season, he competed in every round bar one, where his car was loaned to a potential new competitor to race, who later joined the championship. During that time he has consistently worked to promote the championship and in particular the passion for the MX-5 racing.
"Making the decision to assist to form this alternative MX-5 racing has not been easy. Being passionate about the racing and having considerable investment, with seven MX-5 race cars, I appreciated the potential risk of dilution. By carefully listening to all of the other drivers and evaluating their opinion, it became an obvious and necessary action. Many people have asked me why? The answer is simple; it was clear that without involving the customer, the actual Drivers, and working with them, that the racing was rapidly losing popularity as the Championship of choice for the MX-5. I have agreed to gift time and resource into making this alternative a complete success over the coming months and years. Full Championship status for 2009 will be applied for in July 2008, with all relevant paperwork already completed. I believe the key is to listen to the customer and ensure clear precise communication. It is not possible to please everyone all of the time, but it is possible to please the majority most of the time".
Alyn Robson:
Alyn orchestrated and designed the re-introduction of MX-5 racing in 2003/4. As one of the founder Directors of MaX5 Racing Ltd, he provided the MX-5 Technical knowledge and produced the original technical regulations for the MaX5 Series. With a mechanical background and many years in motorsport as a competitor, he produced the original design of the MX-5 race car and built the concept and first MX-5 race car. That original design and format is still in use today. Alyn has agreed to gift his time and will be responsible for the continued development of the regulations also providing Technical assistance to both new and existing drivers.
"Due to a lack of direction, consultation and escalating costs, I considered it was time to make the change. The decision to join forces with the MX-5 drivers to produce an alternative MX-5 racing series was not taken lightly, but after careful consideration and numerous conversations I feel it was the right decision. I have gifted my time to the club to assist in the continuation and further development of MX-5 racing. Having been involved with the majority of the drivers from 2004, I am not surprised by the commitment and support towards the new series".
How and why was the Nippon Challenge, Ma5da Production Class formed?
The ma5da production class has been specifically design to allow all current MAZDA MX-5 1600 mk1 race cars to be eligible without change from the current 2007 race specification.
A series or a championship is only possible with its customers, the driver / owners. The drivers have consistently promoted their ideas, requests and suggestions to the organisers of the existing MX-5 Championship, who in turn have consistently failed to deliver promised changes. Some Drivers in 2007 felt so strongly about the situation, that they withdrew their entries and refused to race, hence the grid sizes reduced.
During 2007 the Drivers became even more aware of the lack of response, communication and consultation and after several months of discussions they decided that the only way forward was to attempt a management buyout of the Championship. Despite many different Drivers attempts, the organisers again failed to understand or deliver. This left the Drivers with only one alternative, to look at other racing championships where the MX-5 would be eligible. There are many championships and organising clubs who were interested in assisting with this unfortunate position, but it was important to the Drivers not to dilute the one area that made the cars so good and that was the actual racing.
During August 2007 the majority of Drivers received notification of the all new "Nippon Challenge" that was being created for 2008. It was being promoted as the all Japanese race weekend, to which the MX-5’s were not only eligible but could be run in their own class with their own specific Technical Regulations. Through discussions with a cross section of MX-5 Drivers and consultation with all the larger teams it was agreed to investigate the options further. During January 2008 high level discussions took place with Steve Vince, Nippon Challenge owner, and reported back to the collective group. Steve Vince has successfully created and developed the Toyota MR2 Mk1 Championship for the past four years and gained MSA club status for 2008 with "Red Dragon Racing Track Club".
After numerous telephone conversations and meetings it was decided to develop the concept further of an alternative MX-5 racing series. Once all discussions had been agreed with the Nippon Challenge organiser it was important to gain a "straw poll" evaluation of the majority of the existing drivers. Immediately over 90% of the Drivers spoken to embraced the change and agreed to verbally commit for 2008, their only main reservation, what would happen in 2009?
It was recognised that although there was now an attractive alternative racing series for 2008, it was important to ensure that there was clear direction for the 2009 season and beyond. After further consultation amongst the Drivers it was agreed that their needed to be a clear definition of intention and commitment from the relative organising parties. This has now been agreed. In July 2008 an application will be made to the MSA for full championship status for 2009. The Championship will be known as the "MA5DA Racing Championship" and will be stand alone racing for MX-5 mk1 race cars only. Through consultation with the Drivers, circuit time will be booked and co-ordinated by Red Dragon Racing Track Club and published in November/December 2008, along with all provisional regulations and registration forms.
Why will this be any different than what is available now?
The actual racing will not be any different. It will still be wheel to wheel action, capacity grids and cost effective racing.
What will change, is the way it is co-ordinated. The challenge, in 2008 and the Championship in 2009 will be operated by "Ma5da Racing Club". This will be a non profit making club. The club will be operated by Drivers for Drivers and will always put the majority first. Our motto is "Driving the Change, Making the Difference", where Drivers instigate the changes that make the difference.
Track time will be considerably less expensive, supply of parts will be available directly from the supplier, without mark-up, and clear precise communication will be provided at all times.