Mazda enters Britcar 24-hour race for the third time

Mazda UK will be entering two Mazda MX-5 2.0i Soft-top Sport Tech production models into the Britcar 24-hour endurance race at Silverstone on 2-3 October 2010.

This is the third time that Mazda UK has entered the 24-hour race, previously contesting the gruelling race with the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8.  This year Mazda is running the iconic 2-litre MX-5 which is renowned for its handling, nimbleness and frugal fuel consumption. It will be competing against BMWs, Volkswagens, Hondas and Fords, while the Mazda MX-5 will be in road going specification with just a few safety modifications required by the Motor Sport Association.

The entry is in celebration of 20 years of the Mazda MX-5; the world’s best-selling roadster and of hitting 100,000 MX-5 sales in the UK.

Over the 24-hour race each car will be driven by a team of four drivers.  The line-up includes experienced racing driver and former Vauxhall Vectra SRi V6 Challenge and Alfa Romeo Champion, Mark Ticehurst, 39 from Hassocks, West Sussex.  Joining Mark, will be Auto Express journalist and racing driver Owen Mildenhall and journalists from EVO, Autocar, Car, thecarmag and the Press Association, plus British kart racer Jade Paveley, 17 from Meriden, near Coventry.

“Earlier this year we saw the UK Mazda MX-5 race cars secure the ‘champions title’ in Italy,” comments Graeme Fudge, PR Director, Mazda UK.  “Now, with a strong driver line-up, combined with the durability, reliability and handling of the race-prepared Mazda MX-5, the Britcar 24-hour race will be a true test of our roadster’s ability.  Our race teams have high hopes for success although with 24-hours of non-stop racing anything could happen,” highlights Fudge.

The Britcar 24-hour race starts at 16.30hrs on Saturday 2 October, the winning car will be the one that has driven the most laps of the 3.195 mile circuit in the 24 hour period.  

The Mazda MX-5 racecars are based on the standard production 2.0i Soft-top Sport Tech model.  Each car has been carefully prepared with safety modifications including the addition of safety catches on the bonnet and boot lids, FIA-compliant bucket race seats, competition steering wheel and alloy wheels.  The soft-top, seats and many of the interior components have been removed, while a safety roll cage is added to ensure maximum driver protection.