One key benefit of NASA’s Super Touring rules structure is that so many spec-class cars can slot right into them and be competitive. With a competition weight at 2,500 pounds and, say, around 160-ish horsepower, the new Mazda Spec MX-5 cars will be right at home in NASA’s ST5 grid and be a genuinely competitive car.
ST5 rules call for an adjusted power-to-weight ratio of 14:1. With the numbers quoted above, the Mazda Spec MX-5 car will fit perfectly into the class where it should be a competitive option for ST5 right out of the box.
“Everyone at NASA is excited to welcome Spec MX-5 to ST5. The NC chassis is a perfect fit,” said NASA Vice President Jeremy Croiset. “ST5 has quickly become a popular class, so early-adopter Spec MX-5 drivers will have good fields waiting for them while drivers across the country finish building their cars for Spec MX-5 competition.”
With more than 17 years as the official tire of NASA and now Spec MX-5, Toyo Tires provides drivers with generous tire contingencies and incentives. For example, Toyo will award a complimentary set of Toyo RR tires to the first 50 people who buy a Spec MX-5 approved kit from Mazda Motorsports. Toyo Tires’ involvement is just one element of the comprehensive Spec MX-5 program, which was developed with the racer in mind.
“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.”
