Mazda Introduces RX-8 NR-A Kit for Races

Mazda RX-8

Also announcing details of 2004 'RX-8 Party Race'

Press Release

Also announcing details of 2004 'RX-8 Party Race'

Mazda Motor Corporation introduces an NR-A kit to equip vehicles for the Mazda RX-8 one make race in the NR-A category authorized by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The NR-A kit will be sold at Mazda Anfini and Mazda dealerships throughout Japan from January 20. Details of the one make race (also known as the "RX-8 Party Race"), including race dates for 2004, have also been confirmed.

The NR-A category races are motor sports competitions designed to give drivers a chance to test their driving skills under equal conditions in vehicles registered for daily use. As only a limited number of modifications are required to equip vehicles for racing, drivers can participate in full-scale motor sports competitions at a reasonable cost. The existing "Roadster Party Race," which Mazda has supported since its 2001 launch, has become a popular race attracting many entrants.

Designed for the RX-8 Type S to compete in the RX-8 Party Race, the NR-A kit facilitates participation in motor sports, while ensuring vehicles remain convenient for every day use. Through sponsoring the RX-8 Party Race, Mazda offers a new way to experience the versatile and exciting RX-8, creating further opportunities for families and friends to enjoy participating in races on weekends while also using the car in their daily lives.

Mazda will showcase the RX-8 NR-A and other customized vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2004 with NAPAC to be held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba City from January 9 through 11.

Outline of NR-A Kit (equipment required to enter races)
Available as a dealer option, the RX-8 NR-A kit consists of the items listed below. Mazda markets these parts under the Mazdaspeed brand.^*1 Entry in the races requires installation of a 4-point seat belt in addition to these NR-A parts.

Roll bar set^*2	85,000 yen
Roll bar protector^*2	7,400 yen each (need set of 2)
Brake pad set (front/rear)	19,000 yen/18,000 yen
Sports radiator	150,000 yen
Oil cooler kit^*3	50,000 yen
Pulling hooks (front/rear) ^*4	10,000 yen each

*1	Mazda designs and develops tune-up parts and accessories for the motor sports market under the Mazdaspeed brand.
*2	Cannot be installed on models with curtain airbags or sunroof.
*3	An oil cooler duct (sold separately) is required when installing the oil cooler kit on vehicles fitted with a Mazdaspeed front nose.
*4	A bracket (sold separately) is required for installing a front pulling hook on vehicles fitted with a Mazdaspeed front nose. There are two types of rear pulling hooks available: standard and those for cars fitted with a Mazdaspeed rear underskirt.

Note:

Entry in NR-A races authorized by JAF requires installation of a 4-point seat belt in addition to the above parts. However, the 4-point seat belt and large pulling hooks (front/rear) may not be used on the open road.

Vehicles that can be fitted with the NR-A kit: RX-8 Type S
RX-8 Type "SE3P"^*5 with a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate in compliance with the Safety Regulations for Road Vehicles.

*5	The kit cannot be fitted to vehicles with SRS curtain & front side airbags or sunroof. The RX-8 Mazdaspeed version is not eligible as it includes modifications outside those specified in the NR-A race regulations.

Main features of the RX-8 Party Race

Drivers can enjoy full-scale motor sports races by competing in Tsukuba Circuit sprint races (15 laps).

RX-8 Type S vehicles are eligible to enter the race simply by fitting the NR-A kit.

Awards are given to drivers who have earned high points under the Manner Point System.^*6

*6	The original Manner Point System encourages clean racing by reducing unreasonable passing and the risk of crashing into the blocks. Under this system, awards are presented to participants who have run races in compliance with the competition rules throughout the year.

(FYI) Party Races Supported by Mazda
Race Name
"RX-8 Party Race" and "Roadster Party Race."

Race Outline

RX-8
-Class

Masters

Those who have confidence in their skills and want to enjoy raceswhile competing with an emphasis on manners.

-Race Details
[Qualifying races]

-	Entry is limited to 90 vehicles.
-	NR-A kit for the RX-8 Party Race is available through Mazda dealerships.
-	If more than 10 vehicles are disqualified additional races may be run.

[Final races]

-	30 finalists.
-	Sprint races of 15 laps.
-	Awards are given in each race.
-	If 12 or more vehicles participate in the race, cups or trophies are awarded to the top six drivers.

Roadster
-Class

Emblem	Those who prefer to run races with an emphasison manners rather than victory.
Clubman	Those without any past experience who want to experience racing.

Note: JNR-A will determine the appropriate class based on driver preferences and experience.

-Safety equipment required to participate in the race

Item	Price
Roll bar set^*	85,000 yen
Roll bar protector^*	7,400 yen
Pulling hooks (front/rear)^*	7,900 yen each
4-point seat belt	-

*	Can be purchased and installed at Mazda dealerships.

Note:

Entry in the NR-A category races authorized by JAF requires installation of the above safety equipment. However, the 4-point seat belt and large pulling hooks may not be used on the open road.

2004 Party Race Schedule

Round	Date	Name	RX-8	Roadster
1st	May. 5	Old Now Car Festival	Sprint race (15 laps)	Sprint race (12 laps)
2nd	Jul. 25	Brains Super Race
3rd	Sep. 25	Mazda Festa 2004
4th	Oct. 24	Mazda Fan Family Day		Endurance race (60 minutes)

Note: Dates and race details are subject to change.

Venue
All races are to be held at Tsukuba Circuit 'Course 2000,' Japan.

Race category
NR-A category races authorized by JAF (competition for vehicles registered for daily use.)

Eligibility
Entrants must hold a valid JAF national A driver's license or above. (Please contact the organizer for technical support for license acquisition.)

Entry fees