Organisers of the new Nippon Challenge are looking to expand the series after a promising inaugural meeting at Silverstone last weekend.

The Challenge caters for Japanese cars and attracted 39 entries for the first race. Around two-thirds of the grid was formed by the Ma5da Rading category, which broke away from the British Automobile Racing Club's MaX5 Championship at the beginning of this year.

Series coordinator Steve Vince said: "A few entries had to be turned away, which is a pity, but we are very pleased to see the high level of support.

"There are plenty more cars on the way, representing manufacturers other than Mazda, and by mid-season we are hoping to be able to run separate races for the MX5s. As a result, we have been looking to secure more track time to accommodate the additional races."

Jonathan Greensmith, a co-champion in MaX5s last year, won the Ma5da class in race one and believes the initiative has potential.

"I was at Silverstone to see what it's like and to have a break from the MaX5s," he said. "I'm really keen to see what the organisation is like and I've been impressed so far."

Both Nippon Challenge races were won by the Mazda RX7 of Maxim Taylor. The best non-Mazda was Graham Poultney's Subaru Impreza, which took two thirds.

The series now moves to Mallory Park on May 25, and also visits Rockingham, Pembrey, Cadwell Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch during its maiden season.

Autosport Magazine - Thursday 1st May 2008