This is where old MX-5 Cup cars will go. A spec cylinder head is kinda funny given the history of SM.
Mazda is expanding their popular Spec Miata formula to the later, 2006-2015 NC-chassis MX-5.
Mazda has not yet released a finalized schedule for the new-for-2020 season but notes that it will culminate in the largest prize pool on offer from a club series.
Read the full press release below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
August 21, 2019 (IRVINE, Calif.) – Building upon the success of the Mazda Miata MX-5 in club racing throughout North America, Mazda Motorsports today unveiled Spec MX-5.
Designed as an affordable, reliable, tech-able and fun-to-drive option for club racers, Spec MX-5 will establish a nationwide ruleset and spec parts list for the 2006-2015 chassis Mazda Miata MX-5. While the car will be classified into NASA (ST5) and SCCA club racing, Mazda and Winding Road Racing are creating a spec series to compete at select, marquee events in 2020, culminating with what is expected to be the largest prize pool a club racing series will offer in 2020. Spec MX-5 has already been classified in other series including American Endurance Racing, ChampCar and the World Racing League.
Key features of Spec MX-5 include:
• A high level of performance by utilizing a spec cylinder head by Roush, adjustable Penske Racing shocks, ABS braking and a curb weight of 2500lbs.
• Cost and performance controls with numerous spec components including an ECU flash, Penske Racing shocks, Pagid brake pads and Toyo tires
A Spec MX-5 test vehicle built by Mazda Motorsports and driven by Andrew Carbonell and Tom Long began development in 2018, completed successful tests at Carolina Motorsports Park and VIRginia International Raceway last week.
“Mazda Motorsports has always strived to provide a high level of support and value for its club racers,” said David Cook, Manager, Mazda Motorsports Business Development. “Spec MX-5 provides an opportunity for us to put into place many of the lessons we have learned with our other successful classes, including Spec Miata, and provide a vehicle that has a different window of performance. Much like the first and second generation Mazda Miata, the third-generation Mazda Miata provides an excellent foundation for a club race car and we’ve sought to create a package that will fulfill the four pillars of affordable, reliable, tech-able and fun-to-drive.”
Mazda Motorsports and the companies providing support to Spec MX-5 have committed additional support in the form of reduced pricing for racers purchasing Spec MX-5 parts kits and enhanced contingency awards.
Additional information and pricing will be available at MazdaMotorsports.com.
This is where old MX-5 Cup cars will go. A spec cylinder head is kinda funny given the history of SM.
Keith Tanner said:This is where old MX-5 Cup cars will go. A spec cylinder head is kinda funny given the history of SM.
I was thinking along the same lines. Spec cylinder head............why not just have a spec engine? Seems like that would be cheaper and easier considering what a new 2.0 engine costs, right?
The ND series runs a sealed engine. Seems like it would have been the easiest option for Spec MX-5. In fact, I thought that MX-5 Cup did that already, no?
Keith Tanner said:The ND series runs a sealed engine. Seems like it would have been the easiest option for Spec MX-5. In fact, I thought that MX-5 Cup did that already, no?
Sorry when I said 2.0, I meant the NC engine. Just remember you talking about how cheap the longblock is new.
I would have thought so, on the NC already just using a sealed engine. Perhaps the spec cylinder head and tune add enough oomph for the drivers to want to make them racecars? No idea.
I understood that you meant the 2.0 MZR engine.
It was a smart move on Mazda's part to go to a sealed engine for the NC and a whole sealed car on the ND (basically). Why you'd require a different, non-stock head for the "out of production" version of MX-5 Cup is weird. I'm guessing someone made a great sales pitch to Mazda. Heck, if you wanted to make it faster just require a sealed 2.5.
They did contact us when they were starting to put this together, trying to see what we had that might be suitable. Never really got a look in, though, all the contracts went to the old favorites.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
It probably wouldn't have been worth it for FM anyway. I know you aren't short on business without supporting a race series.
this is really cool.
So did the price of NCs just skyrocket?
In reply to _ :
I’m in the market for one and I’m worried about this too.
No. The price of a used MX-5 Cup car might have gone up a bit, but the average street car will barely be affected. Even if this is a massive hit, it’s only going to be a small percentage of the cars out there and they won’t be the cream puffs.
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