Motorsport News
Mazda Introduces RX-8 NR-A Kit for Races
By Source: Mazda Motor Corporation
Jan 8, 2004, 18:55

Hiroshima, Japan - 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. Entry in the races requires installation of a 4-point seat belt in addition to these NR-A parts.

Roll bar set 85,000 yen
Roll bar protector 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 50,000 yen
Pulling hooks (front/rear) 10,000 yen each

The roll bar cannot be installed on models with curtain airbags or sunroof. An oil cooler duct (sold separately) is required when installing the oil cooler kit on vehicles fitted with a Mazdaspeed front nose. 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" with a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate in compliance with the Safety Regulations for Road Vehicles. 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. 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.



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