MAZDA2 B-SPEC: THE 50-HOUR PROJECT

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many reasons to race.  For Mazda it's all about showcasing the quality, durability and reliability (QDR) of its products in racing, especially endurance road racing.  For most people, racing is a personal challenge, and a lot of fun.  But enjoying racing and the fun it provides can be expensive.  With its new B-Spec race car, Mazda wants to greatly reduce the financial cost of racing so many more can share in the excitement and fun.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121120/LA17193)

"B-Spec is showroom stock racing at the most basic level.  Our Mazda2 is an affordable car with track performance that will bring a surprising grin to your face," says John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports.  "It's not a straight-line demon, but the Mazda2 with a B-Spec kits is amazing in the turns.  Our goal at PRI is to show how easy it is to build, and to allow a diverse team of Mazda racers a chance to race it one week later."

Mazda partnered with Honda to develop the B-Spec concept two years ago.  It was announced at the 2010 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show and has since developed to the point that over a half-dozen car companies have developed kits.The B-Spec class is now recognized on both the professional and club racing level in the U.S. and Canada.

Mazda Motorsports sells a B-Spec "kit" for $2,575.  A driver looking for a brand new turnkey racecar could have one delivered ready-to-race from a prep company for about $25,000.  Starting with a used car, and a few DIY skills, a car could be completed for under $15,000.  Winning a SCCA or NASA National Championship earns $5,000 in Mazda contingency payments, and a shot at the Mazda Club Racer Shootout worth $75,000.  Did we mention that Mazda is seeking to make racing more affordable?

About Mazda & MAZDASPEED
Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America.  Thousands of Mazda powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world's largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built.  In 2006 Mazda established the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder to assist racers in moving up through the ranks.  In 2010 this was expanded to include the Mazda Road to Indy.  Key to Mazda's success is strategic partnerships with the Skip Barber Racing School and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

MAZDASPEED Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Consumer information can be found at www.mazdausa.com with press information at www.mazdausamedia.com  Racers and fans can follow the action on Facebook (Mazdaspeed Motorsports).

SOURCE MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development