Roadster Pro Cup: The One-Make Competition in a Mazda MX-5

The Roadster Pro Cup is a car racing championship held in France. This single-make cup offers sprint races as well as endurance events. The only model allowed to compete is the first-generation Mazda MX-5 NA. Discover the Roadster Pro Cup in detail, a championship that combines a passion for motorsports with the thrill of driving a fun, accessible race car that is easy to handle and particularly enjoyable to drive. An ideal formula for beginners in car racing or simply for having fun, all with a reasonable budget 🥳

Discover the Roadster Pro Cup

The Roadster Pro Cup, or RPC, is a car competition that was born 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 includes sprint and endurance events, all contested behind the wheel of the MX-5 specially prepared for the occasion. The Cup is part of the Historic Tour, the FFSA French Historic Circuit Championship. Races are held on various circuits across the country, often offering a great show with lots of action on the track.

Drivers compete in thrilling sprint races, where every second counts to cross the finish line first. These races last 25 minutes, and each driver competes in two.

The RPC endurance events are equally impressive, testing both the endurance of the drivers and their machines. The legendary reliability of the little Japanese roadster is put to the test throughout these races, which cover a distance of 200 km.

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 civilian 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 delivering 115 horsepower in 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 participate in the official competition, each vehicle must be equipped with a specific kit provided by Nogaro Sport. It mainly includes safety modifications such as an FFSA-approved roll cage, Aeroquip brake lines, and a tow hook. The chassis is optimized with coilover suspensions and four springs. Braking is improved with EBC brake pads. The kit also includes 4 Revolution 7x15 wheels with an outer offset.

Few modifications are made to the engine. The Miata is equipped with a racing exhaust, a large capacity aluminum radiator for better cooling, and a Pipercross Racing air filter to improve air intake. The power evolves little, but the car thus has an ideal configuration for track racing with optimized handling. It should also be noted that the tires must match the approved model, currently Firestone Roadhawk in 195/50 R15 V82.

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
• Coilover kit and 4 gas springs
• 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 5,550 € 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 the obligation to have 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: 2024 Calendar

The French championship includes 6 events each year held on the most beautiful French tracks. The season starts in May and ends in October after a summer break.

2024 Season Calendar 📅

For this season, the RPC has 6 events, 5 in France and one in Belgium:

• Dijon Prenois Circuit from May 3 to 5
• Charade Circuit from May 31 to June 2
• Magny-Cours Circuit from July 5 to 7
• Nogaro Circuit from September 6 to 8
• Spa-Francorchamps Circuit from October 4 to 6
• Val de Vienne Circuit from October 18 to 20

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 includes two types of events: sprint events and endurance events. Sprint events, consisting of two 25-minute races each, are short but intense races where speed and precision are essential to win. In contrast, endurance races cover a distance of 200 km, with up to three drivers able to take turns.

To participate in the French Championship, the competitor must, in addition to their FFSA license, pay the annual participation fee of 420 €. In addition, the registration fees for each event are 750 € per meeting.

The vehicle must comply with the FFSA CdM 014 sheet for the Mazda MX-5 NA, as well as the specific technical regulations of the Roadster Pro Cup. It must also be equipped with VHC circuit safety equipment and a Tag Heuer by Chronelec Elite transponder or an ITS Chrono Cobra360 model ⏱️

Registration deadlines must be respected, as the later the registration, the higher the fees. Fees can reach 950 € per meeting if registration is done at the last minute and the car is not entered for the full championship.

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: 420 €
• Registration for the 6 events: 750 € x 6 = 4,500 €

The total cost for a season is 4,920 €, to which you must add the cost of your FFSA license and your registration with a sports association for a cost of about 600 €. This brings the total to around 5,500 €, not counting the cost of the vehicle and 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

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 performant. 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!