Mazda MX-5 SuperCup Media Day Report 2014

BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup competitors were among those who took part in a test and media day held at an overcast and damp Donington Park earlier this month. This event was the official timed test day for the British Racing & Sports Car Club’s many championships and gave competitors old and new the chance to shake down their cars and eye up potential rivals ahead of the season opener to be held at Silverstone on April 5 and 6.

The SuperCup was well represented with nine drivers taking to the greasy Leicestershire circuit. Experienced MX-5 campaigners Ray Worley, Geoff Gouriet and Steve Andrew were among those blowing away the winter cobwebs alongside new recruits Adam Brindle and George Line. But it was Abbie Eaton who would claim the pre-season bragging rights by posting the fastest time of the day with an impressive 1.27.712 set on a drying track late in the day. She narrowly beat the ultra-competitive duo of Mike Comber and Will Chappell.

You can see all the timings at http://www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2014/141031tsp.pdf

This year’s SuperCup season is shaping up nicely with close to 30 drivers already registered – with more pledged to join the 18-round championship before it opens for business next month.

“This year’s SuperCup
season is shaping up nicely”

A new performance upgrade package has been developed for 2014 and features affordable engine and suspension modifications aimed squarely at improving the drive-ability of the latest generation Mazda MX-5 while also reducing lap times. The kit of parts includes a power-boosting Racing Beat Europe exhaust manifold, Jetex catalytic converter and Piper Cross induction kit which combine to give the race-bred roadsters an improved sound and help the 180+bhp 2-litre engine pick up quicker when coming out of corners. While the addition of adjustable Eibach anti-roll bars give drivers greater set-up flexibility with tangible results. Coupled to the existing Sanspeed performance engine map, Gaz Gold adjustable shock absorbers and Federal 595 RS-R control tyres all the ingredients are present for a great cost-effective race car guaranteed to produce close racing, where driver ability is rewarded rather than how deep their pockets are.

SuperCup driver representative Ray Worley said: “Abbie, Mike and Will stood out for me as potential championship forerunners after the test. Despite the tricky wet weather conditions we managed a handful of dry laps towards the end of the day which felt fantastic and highlighted the improvements made to the cars by the new parts.”

Ray added: “I’m really looking forward to the new season. It’s going to be great to see the healthy grids rebuilding once again, with happy drivers getting on well. I think a lot of competitors have also been inspired by seeing the new Paul Sheard team livery for 2014 – there are going to be some very smart looking cars out there.

“I also want to encourage people to come and watch. Normally in motorsport, spectators can’t get up close to the cars or drivers but here we’re a welcoming paddock and we love to talk cars. The SuperCup is a very family friendly race series and I always let the kids have a sit in the car because it makes their day.”

During the lunch interval, Championship co-ordinator Drew Furlong introduced the new organising team, outlined the BRSCC’s plans for the 2014 season, and showcased the new improved hospitality facilities which SuperCup drivers, plus their friends and family will be able to enjoy at selected rounds throughout the year.

BRSCC clerk of the course Glynn Lee and eligibility scrutineer Chris Baker were also on hand to answer any queries from competitors.

The 2014 BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup begins at Silverstone on April 5/6 and visits Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Snetterton, Anglesey, Oulton Park and Rockingham before finishing at Donington Park in October. For more info check out the website: www.mx5supercup.co.uk

Attached photos show Will Chappell leading Mike Comber and Abbie Eaton at the top of Craner Curves. And Abbie Eaton (silver car) who set fastest time of the day for BRSCC Mazda SuperCup cars.

BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup

Many thanks to David Chapman, words by Jonathan and Tracey Elsey & Photos by Jonathan Elsey.

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