A group of disillusioned Max5 drivers unhappy at the organisation of the championship have broken away and formed their own series to run as part of the new Nippon Challenge.

Spearheaded by Max5 race winner Jonathan Blake, more than 20 drivers could be set to switch to the new one-make Mazda tour, including Jonathan Greensmith, who was joint champion last year.

Blake said the new series would allay the frustration of many disenchanted racers in Max5. He said "it’s a shame it’s happened but many of us have had to put up with a lot of mismanagement from Max5. Steve Vince from the Nippon Challenge will allow us to run our own class and potentially our own championship in 2009."

Max5 coordinator Jonathan Halliwell said the driver defections would have little effect on the health of the existing series. "We have plenty of entries whatever happens with the breakaway," he said, "and I believe some people will come back."

Motorsport News - January 30th 2008 (Page 6 Racing News)