Hi all,
As you all know we have a few NC’s now and have learnt a great deal from the various events we have done. They are obviously the latest model in the evolution of MX5’s racing in Australia and with their introduction comes a whole new set of issues that need to be dealt with ASAP.
The original idea of cheap competitive motor racing is getting away from us. NA’s that have cost $35+ are out there. NB turbos with $50K build costs are becoming more and more common. As both cars are pushing the limits then failures are increasing, with repair costs that would make your bank manager nervous. It’s a vicious circle where those with very deep pockets still have an advantage and they can afford to buy their way close to the front. To find a second or so in these cars means + 5K investments and in the case of the top NA’s, they are pretty much at the limit.
Similar concerns were raised during various discussions I have had with many of the current NSW and QLD based competitors. It’s safe to say the horse has bolted with current 2F and 2B models. Despite the regulations cars with illegal diffs, modified & lightweight bodies, launch control, suspension mods, etc, etc are out there
. This is almost impossible to regulate without a massive commitment from current drivers. There is also the issue of CAMS regs vs AASA/TOP Gear regs.
The current model is of course the NC and when it 1st hit the track it soon became obvious it made a very good, competitive racecar straight out of the box. With very little work such bolt in suspension, brake pads and tyres coupled to std, unmodified drivelines we were doing very quick times.
The obvious concern is if we allow the open slather we currently have on the earlier models then the whole concept of MX5 racing in Australia will implode. If someone goes to Mazda today, shells out 45k on a brand new car, spends some $$ on fancy mods they will be unbeatable possibly even against the 2B’s. A 2F spec NC with little amount of fully legal mods will be the fastest 2F by a country mile.
A small group of us got together and proposed we introduce some restrictions specifically covering NC’s that are racing. I feel we have the best opportunity to achieve this now whilst the number of NC’s are limited. The idea for a NC control category is to allow close, competitive racing at a more budget friendly cost. With regulations restricting modifications to some basics we have a great opportunity to secure the future for MX5 racing here in Australia for many years.
The regs we are working on include
ENGINES TO BE TAGGED AND SEALED - NO ENGINE MODS AT ALL
STD 6 SPEED UNMODIFED GEARBOX
CONTROL DIFF INC RATIOS
CONTROL SHOCK/SPRING
CONTROL SWAY BAR
CONTROL BRAKE PADS
CONTROL TYRE
CONTROL EXHAUST HEADERS
CONTROL ECU
MINIMUM WEIGHT OF CARS – INCLUDING THE DRIVER
MINIMUM RIDE HEIGHT
APART FROM THE NECESSARY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS THE REST OF THE CAR WILL REMAIN STD AND UNMODIFIED.
Cars will be built to CAMS 2F regs with the addition of the above and be known to us as 2F NC .
Basically the above covers the mods we have done to our cars. At the recent Eastern Creek event our 4 cars were separated by .7 of a second. Imagine a field of 10, 15 or even 20 cars – the interest would be fantastic.
Unlike other series there will be no restrictions on where you run your car be it AASA, FOSC, Prod Sports events. The only requirement will be when we organise a race meeting for ALL MX5’s then those NC’s at that event will have to meet these requirements. If you have a NC and wish to modify it outside of the 2F NC regs you will not be permitted to run.
Feedback from most of the well-known competitors to this point has been overwhelmingly positive with many looking to step from their current cars to support this concept. The QLD’ers have shown how successful this style of category can be but as all of them will admit, the cost of things is starting to hurt big time. I strongly believe we only get one chance to not make the mistakes of the past. If we take a stand now the future will looks rosy for the LONG TERM future.
As most of you will be aware we are coming up with a total of 4 cars to Morgan Park in 2 weeks time. Please come over and have a talk to us and look in detail at the cars. Whilst it wont be possible for everyone to drive them on the Friday practice we are open to a few people having a steer if this is allowed??
I look forward to reading you comments but so we don’t get bogged down please keep them constructive.
Thanks guys
Chris.
