Roadster Pro Cup: The One-Make Competition in a Mazda MX-5 (Updated 2026)

The Roadster Pro Cup is a motor racing championship held in France. This single-make series features sprint races on circuit. The only car eligible to compete is the first-generation Mazda MX-5 NA. Discover the Roadster Pro Cup in detail, a championship that combines a passion for motorsport with the thrill of driving an accessible race car that is easy and particularly fun to drive.. An ideal formula to start in motorsport competition or simply enjoy racing, all with a reasonable budget 🥳

Discover the Roadster Pro Cup

The Roadster Pro Cup, or RPC, is a racing championship launched in 2017. It is organized by Philippe Gosset, who also heads Nogaro Sport, the company that sells the kit to transform the “Miata” into a race car.

It follows in the tradition of single-make championships such as the Twin'Cup or the Mitjet. In this type of competition, all participants drive the same car model: a first-generation Mazda MX-5, sold between 1989 and 1993.

The main objective of this competition is to showcase the driving skills of the participants rather than the technical performance of the vehicles, whose power remains modest. This formula provides a level playing field where only the driver's mastery makes the difference. Additionally, the entry cost remains relatively accessible, and the grids are very full, with often more than 30 cars entered 👍

Also see : "Mitjet: brand, cars, championships"

How are the RPC events organized?

The Roadster Pro Cup championship features sprint races, all contested behind the wheel of a MX-5 specially prepared for the series. In the past, the Cup notably competed as part of the Historic Tour, the FFSA French Historic Circuit Championship. Today, the races mainly take place during the Coupe de France des Circuits race weekends, with one event also held as part of the BGDC. The races are held on various circuits across the country, often delivering great on-track action and exciting battles.

See also : "Historic Tour: the French Historic Circuit Championship"

Drivers compete in thrilling sprint races where every second counts to cross the finish line first. These races generally last 25 minutes and each driver takes part in two, although the format may vary depending on the meeting.

Whether you are a sports car enthusiast or just curious, the Roadster Pro Cup is an event not to be missed. In fact, France is not the only country to offer this type of event around the Miata. Similar competitions can be found in England with the BRSCC Mazda MX5 Trophy, in the Netherlands, and even in the United States 😉

MX-5 CUP: Onboard Camera at Magny-Cours

Experience a Roadster Pro Cup race from the cockpit of a Mazda MX-5 with this onboard camera video of driver Kevin Balthazar making a comeback at Magny-Cours.

Mazda MX-5 Cup: A Simple and Effective Technical Sheet

The MX-5, also known as the Miata in North America, is a reliable, lightweight, and solid base. The version used here, called the MX5 Cup, retains the advantages of the road version while adding a few modifications to be used in an official competition.

Launched in 1989, it is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower with rear-wheel drive. Its lightweight, under 1,000 kg, offers good performance. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This model serves as the base for the Cup version.

See also : "Caterham Academy: the motorsport series for beginners"

How to Prepare Your Miata for the Cup?

To take part in the official competition, each car must be fitted with a specific kit supplied by Nogaro Sport. It mainly includes safety upgrades such as an FFSA-homologated roll cage, Aeroquip brake lines and a towing hook. The chassis is improved with a KW Competition V2 suspension kit specific to the RPC. Braking performance is enhanced with EBC brake pads. The kit also includes four Revolution 7x15 wheels with an outward offset.

On the engine side, very few modifications are made. The Miata is fitted with a racing exhaust, a large-capacity aluminium radiator for improved cooling, and a Pipercross Racing air filter to enhance air intake. The power output remains largely unchanged, but the car benefits from a configuration that is ideal for circuit racing with optimized handling. It should also be noted that the tyres must match the approved model, currently the Firestone Roadhawk in 195/50 R15.

The driver is free to choose the seat, safety harness, and steering wheel that best suits them, as long as they are FIA-approved. This allows configuring the driving position for maximum comfort according to their morphology.

Complete List of Items Included in the Roadster Pro Cup Kit 📄

• FFSA roll cage, 2015 standard, epoxy-coated, ready to install
• Aeroquip brake lines
• 4 Revolution 7x15 wheels with outer offset
• Racing exhaust
• KW Competition V2 shock absorber kit specific to the RPC
• Front EBC brake pads
• Rear EBC brake pads
• Large capacity aluminum radiator
• Pipercross Racing air filter
• Tow hook
• Sticker kit with race number

The complete kit is sold for 5,870 € including tax (excluding shipping costs).

Buying a Used Mazda MX5 Roadster Pro Cup

For drivers wishing to commit to a full season, buying a used Mazda MX-5 Cup can be a good solution. This car, specially modified for competition, is, however, quite rare on the used market.

Prices on the used market vary depending on the year of manufacture and the general condition of the vehicle. On average, prices for a used MX-5 Cup range from 13,000 € to 18,000 € 💶

Feel free to check our Mazda ads, where you will find MX-5 Cups for sale.

If a used MX-5 Cup is hard to find, it is also possible to prepare your own vehicle using a standard model with left-hand drive. It must comply with the specifications to be able to participate in the various rounds. You will also need to add the official kit sold by Nogaro Sport (see previous paragraph). You can also contact Nogaro Sport directly to get an MX-5 ready to race for the season.

For those who do not yet own a Miata, it is easy to find an original one on the used market, with prices around €12,000, depending on the condition and mileage. You will need to be vigilant about the engine's proper functioning, any signs of leaks, and any defects in the running gear.

An engine overhaul may be necessary for a high-mileage model, with the replacement of certain parts such as the head gasket, piston rings, clutch, or timing belt. You will also need to budget for regular maintenance between races, such as changing fluids when necessary and replacing tires.

MX5 Cup Rental: An All-Inclusive Formula at What Price?

The Roadster Pro Cup also offers a comprehensive rental formula for those who want to participate in the competition without owning their car. This offer allows drivers to rent a Mazda MX-5 Cup specially prepared for the races, with all the necessary equipment included. It is an ideal option for a first-time participation or to discover the championship without long-term commitment.

The cost of renting a prepared and homologated car, with the assistance of a technical team, is about 3,500 € for a weekend. A deposit check is also required to cover potential damages in case of an accident on the track.

Renting a race-ready car does not exempt you from having a complete racing outfit and obtain an FFSA license (annual or temporary for the weekend).

Additionally, some providers offer track days and MX-5 test days. It is an excellent way to discover the car on the circuit and prepare before committing to competition 🙂

Roadster Pro Cup: 2026 Calendar

The championship features 7 events in 2026, held between April and November. The season mainly takes place during Coupe de France des Circuits race weekends, with one round also held as part of the BGDC at Magny-Cours and another during the Grand Prix de Nogaro.

2026 Season Calendar 📅

For this season, the RPC includes 7 events:

• Pau-Arnos on April 18 and 19
• Magny-Cours from May 14 to 16
• Lédenon on June 20 and 21
• Nogaro on September 5 and 6
• Val de Vienne on October 3 and 4
• Dijon on October 24 and 25
• Le Mans on November 7 and 8

It is possible to participate in all the championship events or to be present only at one or several of them.

Registering for the Events

The Roadster Pro Cup now features only sprint events. The standard format usually includes a 20-minute private practice session, a 20-minute qualifying session, followed by two 25-minute races. However, the format may vary depending on the meeting.

To take part in the championship, the competitor must, in addition to holding an FFSA licence, pay the annual entry fee of €380 incl. VAT for a single driver. Entry fees for each event are then added, with the price varying depending on the meeting.

Registration deadlines must be respected, as the later the entry is submitted, the higher the fees may be. It is therefore recommended to register as early as possible.

ℹ️ The vehicle must comply with the specific technical regulations of the Roadster Pro Cup and be based on a Mazda MX-5 NA 1.6 fitted with the official Nogaro Sport kit. It must also be equipped with VHC circuit safety equipment in accordance with the applicable regulations, as well as an FFSA-approved TAG Chronolec transponder used for electronic timing. A forward-facing onboard camera is also mandatory, while radio communication systems with the pits are prohibited.

What is the Cost of a Full Season in the Roadster Pro Cup?

If you plan to commit to the season with a pre-prepared MX-5 or budget to prepare one, here is an overview of the costs of a full season:

• Championship registration: €380
• Entry fee per event: around €570 per meeting

This €570 fee corresponds to the price for a single driver registered for the full season and entering early. The fees may be higher in the case of late registration or for shared driving. Some events also have different entry fees, such as Nogaro (around €690) or Magny-Cours as part of the BGDC (around €990).

By taking part in the 7 events of the season, the total cost for a full season comes to around €4,910, to which you must add the cost of your FFSA licence and your registration with a motorsport club, typically around €600. This brings the total to roughly €5,500, not including the cost of the car or travel expenses 😉

You must also consider the maintenance of your car, including engine and gearbox oil changes, as well as replacing consumables such as brake pads or tires. A means of transport for your car, such as an open or closed trailer or a truck with a suitable platform, will be necessary. A truck with a suitable platform can also be used, even with a standard B license, due to the limited weight of the MX-5.

See also : "How to transport a race car?"

Roadster Pro Cup Winners from 2017 to Today

• 2017 - DESCHAMPS Tony
• 2018 - DESCHAMPS Tony
• 2019 - ARISCON Nicolas
• 2020 - CABARROU Florian
• 2021 - HERGAULT Steeve
• 2022 - CASTILLOU Axel
• 2023 - FRESNAIS Laurent
• 2024 - VISENTIN Mathis
• 2025 - BLANC Yannick

Conclusion

The Roadster Pro Cup is an exciting and accessible car racing competition, ideal for motorsport enthusiasts looking to discover racing in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. Whether you are a novice or an experienced driver, the Mazda MX-5 Cup offers a unique opportunity to compete on beautiful circuits with a reasonable budget and a car that is as fun as it is capable. Ready to take on the challenge? For more information on registration, event dates, or simply to follow the championship news, visit the official Roadster Pro Cup website and follow their Facebook page to stay updated!