Over 870,000 Mazda MX-5s have been sold since it was first launched in 1989. To celebrate this, and the Japanese carmaker's 90 years in business, Mazda hosted an International Race of Nations, and Ireland was invited.
Twenty-six countries took part in a truly memorable event. The teams flew to Venice and then travelled about an hour south to Adria for the race. The format was relatively simple; 30 MX-5s had been specially race prepared to take part in a four-hour endurance race on the FIA approved, 2.7km track. Each team was made up of five drivers and a team manager. Each driver would have to do a minimum of 25 minutes behind the wheel in the race.
Richard Molloy from Mazda Ireland had assembled a crack team of race drivers like most of the other nations had - but they didn't turn up! So he had to settle for myself and four other motoring journalists. None of us had been in an official motor race before, although some of us had a fair bit of track experience - in essence we were the only truly amateur team.
Going bumper to bumper with 25 other nations and a couple of Mazda teams was a little daunting but very exciting. The day before the race we had a couple of practice sessions to get accustomed to our 2-litre, 160bhp race car. We were number 15 and christened our car 'Molly' despite some good suggestions from friends on Facebook like 'Irish Economy' (goes downhill fast) and 'Northern Talks' (it goes on forever).
The weather was dreadful, so we knew quickly that we would not be using our slick tyres and that 'wets' would be the only choice. Connor was our quickest driver and he qualified us in a commendable 13th spot on the grid.
The following day was race day and we soon realised that some of the faster teams were doing a bit of tweaking to their cars. Richard got our chief mechanic Fritz, a great German who prepares Audi DTM racecars for a living (and yes, Fritz was his real name), to do something similar to our car. With the front suspension softened for the wet conditions, we were able to improve our times as we could get more grip entering corners.
The rear-wheel drive MX-5 was a joy to drive. I took the second from last stint and managed some consistent lap times. More importantly, I got a lap back off Team GB 1 and put a lap on Team GB 2. Over four hours, despite having to refuel and change drivers a mandatory four times, we could not keep up with the Belgian team which won the race, followed by the larger nations and their less than amateur drivers (do I sound bitter?!). We did beat Team GB 2, and that was nice.
The MX-5 Open Race was an absolute blast. It was without doubt the best bit of positive PR the motor industry has put on in years. Our team performed beyond expectations and brought 'Molly' home in one piece having had a really good day at the office.
Thanks Mazda, not only for the event but the car, which is still the best euro-for-euro sports car you can buy. It's a car I have always loved and will own again when the kids fly the coup.
Now, who'll give me a drive at LeMans?
Michael Sheridan
