A BREAKAWAY group from the MaX5 series will run with the new Nippon Challenge initiative (see Autosport, January 17) this year.

The Mazda MX5 racers will run in their own class - to be called Ma5da Racing - within the Nippon Challenge.

Jonathan Blake, boss of the Keystone team that plans to run seven MX5's is the prime mover behind the plan. He has the support of MaX5 series co-founder Alyn Robson and several MaX5 competitors.

Blake said: "I've been a strong supporter of MaX5, but this is a chance to make the series more customer-driven. The plan is to run as a class in Nippon initially before applying for championship status in 2009. We'll have TV coverage and cheaper entry fees, so it is a very good package for the competitors"

MaX5 boss Jonathan Halliwell is unconcerned about competitors racing in the Nippon Challenge. "I spoke to [Nippon Organiser] Steve Vince about our cars being able to race there as well, but now it has become a breakaway," he said. "It's not a one-make race and they'll be running in the midfield so I'm not sure how much they'll enjoy it."

"I'm happy for people to do both, but it would have been nice if I'd been told earlier."

Autosport Magazine - Thursday 31st January 2008 (Page 97 National News)