Experience a Mazda RX-8 at Thruxton racetrack

Mazda Motors UK Ltd has reached an agreement with Thruxton racetrack to supply 10 Mazda RX-8 sports coupés, all of which will be used for adrenaline-fuelled driving days attended by members of the public.

Thruxton offers full-day racing driver experiences and the sporting pedigree of the Mazda RX-8 is sure to be a popular attraction for wannabe racers across the UK. The four-door, four-seat model – famous for its unique use of ‘freestyle’ doors and the RENESIS rotary engine – has recently enjoyed huge success in the S1 Production Britcars endurance race series including a successful three-car finish in the inaugural 24 hour endurance race at Silverstone earlier this month.

The Mazda RX-8, in its high power (231ps) specification, will now be available to test around Thruxton’s demanding track allowing sports car enthusiasts to get a taste for the excellent driving dynamics and performance of the car.

"The Mazda RX-8s will greatly enhance the range of vehicles people can drive at the circuit," said Thruxton managing director Bill Coombs. "Mazda has an excellent racing heritage with the rotary engine at Le Mans and now endurance racing in the UK so we are delighted to welcome Mazda to Thruxton. I have seen the Mazda RX-8 on test laps at our circuit and I was very impressed."

Mark Ticehurst, who is currently racing the Mazda RX-8 in the S1 Production Series endurance race series added: "Thruxton is actually the fastest circuit in the UK for average lap speeds with a very fast and flowing track. The chassis dynamics of the Mazda RX-8 lends itself to several very quick corners ensuring an exhilarating ride.

"I have driven the Mazda RX-8 at Thruxton circuit and found that a few hairy bumps – which normally catch out conventional production cars – are far more enjoyable thanks to the RX-8's 50:50 weight distribution. Thruxton visitors will get as close as you can get to experiencing what it is like to race in a production car at Thruxton's challenging circuit with the excellent Mazda RX-8."

"Anybody who drives the Mazda RX-8 at Thruxton will have a sensational time," added Mark Cameron marketing director for Mazda UK. "Having driven the car many times, I know first-hand that it is an amazing experience."