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 Challenge 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.