Mazda working on an ARC campaign?

[flat04]

This weeks online version of Motorsport News has an interesting article on the Mazda 2 rally car displayed at the Melbourne Motor Show.

It has Brindabella Motor Sport Club stickers on the side and Alan Horsley tries to make us believe he doesn't know what series the car will run in.

http://enews.mnews.com.au/

[Matt]

And here's the pictures:







Thanks to Karina Griffiths (aka Superwoman) for the top photos!

[KPW]

Why doesn't it have the web address on it so people can come here so I can get them all pissed off and uppity?

[Kagan]

It has Brindabella Motor Sport Club stickers on the side and Alan Horsley tries to make us believe he doesn't know what series the car will run in.

The last one they did wasn't run in any particular series, was just used to compete in an event for a competition winner. This is probably why they haven't worked out what is will be running in, doesn't always have to be a big conspiracy.

[Jme]

I smelt a Mazda link as soon as AASA ARC named their "advisory" committee or whatever it's called. I'm still no wiser than what is posted on these forums, but its pretty obvious to me that Mazda won't support the CAMS ARC- for whatever reason.

The direction AASA headed after the first release makes absolutely no sense... and lots of people changed hats quicker than Ric Cary replies to a post.

However, if a company like Mazda has popped their heads up- then it makes perfect sense.

Maybe it's a conspiracy theory... but it was called months ago and it appears to be playing out. MCA sticker on the Mazda, and both Murray C and Factor (Mazda aligned for years) on the committee and pushing 2wd agendas. Peter Muir probably put the cage in it... that makes 3.

Yeah I'm a cynic...

[JS]

Originally Posted by Jme

I smelt a Mazda link as soon as AASA ARC named their "advisory" committee or whatever it's called. I'm still no wiser than what is posted on these forums, but its pretty obvious to me that Mazda won't support the CAMS ARC- for whatever reason.

The direction AASA headed after the first release makes absolutely no sense... and lots of people changed hats quicker than Ric Cary replies to a post.

However, if a company like Mazda has popped their heads up- then it makes perfect sense.

Maybe it's a conspiracy theory... but it was called months ago and it appears to be playing out. MCA sticker on the Mazda, and both Murray C and Factor (Mazda aligned for years) on the committee and pushing 2wd agendas. Peter Muir probably put the cage in it. (not correct).. that makes 3.

Yeah I'm a cynic...

Why not say isn't it great for a manufacturer to be involved at any level whether it be a club event or ARC. Good on MAZDA.

By the way Jamie a very high % of cars run MCA Suspension. The reason they do is that it is a great product and murray provides a great service.

It is also great pr for the BMSC. Good on you MAZDA, THANKYOU VERY MUCH. We are proud to have them run any of our club events. It can only and has been beneficial to the sport.

Cheers,

John Stilling

[Squeakee]

Any reason for the cams stickers on the car then?

Mazda ran the older rally version at Targa last year with a couple of blokes off the telly. driving and doing a documentry at the same time!

[TheDogBox]

Here's the press release:

Mazda at 2008 Melbourne Motor Show: Mazda's Baby Car Gets An Extreme Makeover

Mazda has today unveiled the fourth in its iconic series of extreme makeovers, a rally-ready Mazda2 Extreme, at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show.

The Mazda2 Extreme was borne of a simple idea: Take one of Australia's most popular lightweight hatchbacks with a proven pedigree as the driver's choice, add a sizeable dose of adrenalin, pump it full of steroids and ... watch out.

The Mazda2 Extreme is the fourth in a stellar line of extreme Mazdas produced by Mazda Motorsport in Australia. It follows in the tyre tracks of the Mazda RX-8 (2004), the original Mazda2 Extreme (2005) and the Mazda3 MPS (2007).

The second-generation Mazda2 has been a runaway success for Mazda since its launch in September 2007, with more than 7,000 sales in just six full months. The Mazda2 Extreme builds on the unchallenged driver's car reputation of this popular five-door hatchback, taking it to a new level of exhilaration.

The engine is still under development however Mazda Motorsport's goal is to increase the car's real world performance by at least 20 percent. A three-inch sports exhaust helps airflow from the engine and will ensure the Mazda2 Extreme has the raucous soundtrack it deserves. The standard car's five-speed manual transmission is unchanged, and, like the production version it is based on, drive is delivered to the ground through the front wheels.

The car's suspension system has been redesigned by Australian suspension tuning expert, Murray Coote, renowned for his work on some of the world's leading rally and racing cars.

Coote configured a suspension package that tailors the Mazda2's competent on-road skills for the dirt-road intensity of rally competition. Sports-tuned springs and shock absorbers team with purpose-built 15-inch Bridgestone Potenza rally tyres and lightweight Compomotive Motorsport alloy wheels.

The Mazda2 Extreme stands out visually with a striking blue, white and yellow paint scheme that epitomises Mazda's Zoom-Zoom DNA. Black flared wheel arches give the car a more aggressive stance, while four-spot Hella rally lights ensure this is one machine that can see in the dark.

The Mazda2 Extreme's cabin has been prepared for battle; a full PCD roll cage has been installed and the standard Mazda2 front seats replaced with Italian Sabelt race seats each equipped with five-point safety harness. A Momo steering wheel, hydraulic handbrake, fire extinguisher and medical kit complete the internal makeover.

In its current form the Mazda2 Extreme retains its standard braking system. This includes antilock brakes with emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The end result is a Mazda2 like no other; a Mazda2 Extreme ready to rally.

"This was a surprisingly challenging Extreme car to do," said Mazda Motorsport chief Allan Horsley. "Starting with such an agile car really put the pressure on when it came to improving its real-world abilities."

"I think the result was well worth the effort. This Mazda2 Extreme sits proudly alongside our other Extreme cars like the RX-8 and Mazda3 MPS."

Commenting on the Mazda2 Extreme, Mazda Australia's managing director Doug Dickson said: "Mazda Australia, under the direction of Allan Horsley, has an excellent reputation for pushing the envelope in the design and modification of cars."

"It seemed an obvious decision to unleash the Extreme beast lurking within our Mazda2 five-door hatchback. The Mazda2's popularity with Australian buyers is at an all-time high. This award-winning light car is selling far above our expectations because it looks good, it represents great value for money, and it's an enjoyable car to drive."

MAZDA2 EXTREME SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine: 1.5-litre Inline four-cylinder S-VT
Max. Power: Under development (Standard: 76 @ 6000rpm)
Max. Torque: Under development (Standard: 137 @ 4000rpm)
Exhaust: Three-inch sports
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Murray Coote designed
Brakes: Under development
Steering: Electric power assisted
Wheels & Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza Rally 185/60R15 84Q
15-inch Compomotive Motorsport alloys

[Lyndall]

Originally Posted by TheDogBox

Here's the press release:

Mazda at 2008 Melbourne Motor Show: Mazda's Baby Car Gets An Extreme Makeover

...a full PCD roll cage has been installed...

So, the Mazda2 has a PCD Engineering roll cage, huh?

Better expand the AASA Reference Group by a few spots so it can include Phil Donohue and Cathy Donohue, and may as well throw in Jon Waterhouse too so Jme's conspiracy theory can become reality. I think Bond Roll Bars is 666 pages away from Mazda in the Sydney Yellow Pages, so that would be Peter Muir's link to Mazda and therefore AASA.

[global]

Great job to everyone who put the little beast together.

Now a quick debate on the fastest current 2wd punter to drive it....

First Equal = Fazza and Paul Batten!!!!!!!

Now there is a debate.....

Hope you are looking Mr Mazda (Mr H)

Originally Posted by Matt

And here's the pictures:







Thanks to Karina Griffiths (aka Superwoman) for the top photos!

[claude]

Originally Posted by global

Now a quick debate on the fastest current FWD 2wd punter to drive it....

Fixed

[Glenn B(QLD)]

Originally Posted by AV1611

Attaboy Ric!

You'll have people flocking to compete in your friendly event!

actually i reckon he will.
Great event and no crap.not like the post he was referring to

[Factor]

Originally Posted by Jme

I smelt a Mazda link

Get your nosed checked

i

ts pretty obvious to me that Mazda won't support the CAMS ARC- for whatever reason.

I cant see any manufacturer supporting the CAMS ARC under the current rules, eg holden ford etc - nothing in it for them

However, if a company like Mazda has popped their heads up- then it makes perfect sense.

Explain it to me

Maybe it's a conspiracy theory... but it was called months ago and it appears to be playing out. MCA sticker on the Mazda, and both Murray C and Factor (Mazda aligned for years) on the committee and pushing 2wd agendas. Peter Muir probably put the cage in it... that makes 3.

The MCA stickers are prominent, the suspension is there cause its the best as others have pointed out donger did the cage, cause he is excellent as well. as for my involvement please enlighten me on my alignment with Mazda.

Look I have said it before and I will explain it again. I will assist anyone who asks in rallying. My activities this year will be to compete in a couple of Cams events, help when asked to assist in documentation for AASA events, spend a week of my leave directly and many more hours indirectly working on the CAMS ARC in RAlly Q. Official at a number of other CAMS events, including stewarding. I have also undertaken a couple of little jobs for young comrade Trinder. Oh and if time permits I will go and pretend to be useful around scooters car at a rally ( i call it servicing - he describes it as getting in the F******* way)

Yeah I'm a cynic..

Not the word I would have used, but there you go. Quite frankly I normally have sport with you, I have reached the stage where I am offended by your silly and unsubstantiated claims and by your implication that I and Murray and Mazda are involved in some form of anti cams exercise - yes I see the logic in Mazda putting CAMS stickers on the car - thats to show they dont support cams.

As for my "alignment with Mazda - there is none, I have never received a dime for the assistance - albiet very small, that I have given mazda. I did getting a driving suit that I was allowed to keep for running with Michael Long in the last Mazda 2 extreme. I help JW cause he is my very best mate, that sometimes means helping Mazda and I am both pleased and proud to do so.

If any other manufacturer thought I could help I would.

Please unreservedly withdraw your implication that that I and Horsely and Mad Coote are involved in an anti Cams conspiracy. Only you could take a manufacturer putting a rally car on display at a major motorshow, adorning it with CAMS stickers and the name of a fairly well CAMS aligned club and turn that into a conspiracy. It is beyond silly it borders on contemptuous mischief making at best and nefarious conduct at worst. You are simply wrong, apologise and we will all move on.

[vkdude]

Originally Posted by KPW

Why doesn't it have the web address on it so people can come here so I can get them all pissed off and uppity?

they can find BMSC if they used Google like a did a while back. Oh and I bought my daughter a Mazda 2 a while ago, great little car but she wont let M/Khana it.

P.S. KPW love the avatar, took me a while to realise who he was and his coat logo.

[pvda]

Perhaps swap a Hyundai Excel for a Mazda2.

If they are cheap to buy/build/repair and can do it in numbers then perhaps a series using a modern day car rather than 10 year old ones for a one make series under whatever championship you choose to run at.

I'm not bucketing Excels here as they are a great car (sister had one until recently) it's just a thought.