Class Structure
Class 8
MX5 Rally Championship — Open Class
Class 8a
MX5 Rally Championship — Clubman
Sub-classes must have a minimum of 5 entrants. If less than 5 drivers enter, all entrants will automatically be classified in Class 8 on the day.
General
✓All iterations of the Mazda MX5 are suitable for this Championship. Permitted engines are Mazda manufactured only — 1600cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc engines are all permitted. Engines must remain naturally aspirated.
✓Cars must remain in a roadworthy and presentable condition — functioning headlights, brake lights, taillights, 2 exterior door mirrors, 1 interior rear-view mirror, horn etc.
✓Original fuel tank and system must remain.
✓Drivers from age 17+ are permitted.
✓The MX5 Parts NI Rally Championship graphic must be displayed on the car.
Safety Requirements
✓A 6-point bolt-in or weld-in cage is required. Suitable cages are available from MX5 Parts NI. FIA approved cages are also acceptable. Mounting plates and brackets must be welded to the floor for bolt-in cage fitment.
✓A handheld 2-litre fire extinguisher must be securely mounted to the floor — functional, in-date, and refilled if required.
✓Internal and external kill switches must be fitted and clearly indicated. Both must be connected to the battery, functional, and ready to be tested at scrutineering. The internal kill switch must be accessible to both driver and passenger when harnessed.
✓Harnesses must be FIA approved and in good condition with no visible signs of wear. A 5-year extension is permitted on the expiry date — date stamps must remain visible for scrutineering.
✓Seat belt must be a minimum 5-point belt.
✓Side windows must be covered with safety film. A polycarbonate alternative is permitted.
✓Batteries must be secured correctly with a wrap-over strap and a non-conductive covering over the positive terminal.
✓When seated and wearing all appropriate racewear, both driver and navigator must fit within the roll cage.
Chassis
✓Chassis must remain as of original manufacture. No reinforcing, removing, or adding material is permitted. No lightening of the original structure is permitted, except minor modifications to the gearbox tunnel to allow space for bucket seats — this must be seam welded and undergo an eligibility check by an RSA scrutineer prior to use.
✓Chassis rail reinforcement is permitted.
✓Diff casing reinforcement is permitted.
Interior
✓Seats must be replaced with a competition alternative. Competition mountings must be used. Motorsport-specific sliding seat rail is permitted.
✓The driver’s and passenger airbag units and SRS control must be removed completely.
✓Throttle, brake, and clutch pedal extensions may be added to aid foot control, provided they do not enhance performance.
✓The standard steering wheel may be replaced with a competition alternative.
✓The main dashboard must remain. The heating and ventilation matrix may be removed, but a heated window or electronic demister must be fitted in its place.
✓If door cards are removed they must be appropriately replaced using plastic or a similar material covering any sharp or exposed edges on both sides.
✓Interior mirror must be fitted — size is free.
✓A footplate may be added to the driver/passenger footwell. Dash flocking permitted. Interior may be painted. Handbrake extensions may be added to aid control.
Permitted Interior Removals
All lower plastics · Glovebox · Door cards · Carpets · Sound deadening · Headliner · Middle plastic trim · Radio and all sound system extras
Bodywork
✓Bodywork and panels may be replaced with fibreglass or carbon fibre alternatives.
✓A hardtop or soft top hood is permitted, including lightweight hardtops. All tops must have a sealed rear window. All cars must have some form of overhead covering installed.
✓Body kits, over-fenders, and styling lips are permitted but must be safely secured to the vehicle and cover both the front and rear crash structure.
✓Rear boot lid — retaining pins/straps must be fitted and the catch must be removed.
✓Bonnet — catches must be removed and bonnet retaining pins/straps fitted.
✓Original towing hooks are permitted but must be marked with a Tow sticker. Steel towing hooks are recommended. Towing points must be bolted to the main crash structure and feature on both front and rear of the vehicle.
Open Class
Unless specified elsewhere in these regulations, all other modifications are permitted. Tyre choice is open, however full slick tyres are not permitted.
Clubman Class
Note: Clubman class regulations are under ongoing review for the benefit of competitors.
✓Toyo Proxes R888R control tyre
✓Standard factory fitted ECU — must be easily accessible and visible for scrutineering
✓Standard intake manifold and standard throttle bodies
✓Non-adjustable suspension units
✓LSD permitted
✓Engine tuning permitted
✓Exhaust systems permitted
Useful Contacts
MX5 Parts NI (Gareth): +44 7935 168503
The Rallysport Association (Michael): +44 28 3839 3344
Email: email@therallysportassociation.com