Rallying an MX5

[andy97]

I know that MX5s are raced extensively and popular on track days and targas but they can also be rallied, Particularly on tarmac or the circuit rallies.

A few MX5 Mk1s and 2s have rallied in the MX5 only class in the circuit rally championship over the past 2-3 years and I think that Paul Sheard has also rallied a Mk3 in the “normal” 1600-200cc class in open competition against the Escorts, 205s, Skoda etc etc.
Generally speaking they have done pretty well and certainly seem to be great fun, although most of the competitors were in Paul Sheard supplied “hire cars” I think.

The Mk2 that Paul Sheard built ran with just the mandatory safety modifications made and was on completely standard engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension, so it can be done.

I do know that the class regulations are going to be opened up slightly for the 2020/21 Motorsport News/ MSVR Circuit rally championship, with any MX5 up to 2 litres now being allowed in and hard tops cane be fitted sourced from anywhere, not just Paul Sheard Motorsport. I think that the intention is to try to make it more accessible to everyone, including the “home preparer”. The Mk3 is now a good choice for this class.

My guess is that if you have any MX5 it can be built up for tarmac rallying quite cheaply, and if you already have a car prepared for targa rallies, circuit racing or track days it could be modified quite easily to comply with the rally regs and still be useable in circuit racing or track days or on the road.

I am absolutely convinced that they are the cheapest way in to tarmac rallyIng possible and when I have spectated at a few of the circuit rallies they look great fun. I really do think that a Mk3 would be a great option with its Duratec engine, good parts availability, availability of motorsport parts (inc cages) and relatively cheap second hand purchase cost.

Of course, once prepared and log booked for rallying they could be used on any rally you think fit, including none circuit rallies like the closed road events etc. Anyone fancy it?

[BertMk2]

They certainly make sense - widely available base car, plenty of off the shelf motorsport parts available and rear wheel drive. Should be on to a winner. It's got to be cheaper than running an Escort - if you're looking for 'budget' rwd then it's surely an MX5 or a BMW (and the MX5 is presumably a lot lighter). There are a few of the Toyota GT86s being rallied now as well - I quite like the look of those in rally trim but again I suspect that the MX5 would be cheaper to run.

The Paul Sheard hire cars were certainly out in force at Brands Hatch in January - I know they're hire cars and he's got to make money from running them but they always look a bit tatty - the battle scars don't get sorted out between events. Mechanically they seem to be fine but cosmetically they don't look the best.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

The Paul Sheard hire cars were certainly out in force at Brands Hatch in January - I know they're hire cars and he's got to make money from running them but they always look a bit tatty - the battle scars don't get sorted out between events. Mechanically they seem to be fine but cosmetically they don't look the best.

I guess that is partly because of the reasonably quick turn round between MSVR Circuit rally championship events as the prep work on 4-5 cars plus his normal day job would take some time, and also because it partly emphasise the budget nature of the cars!!! I am not saying it is deliberate, but if you buy a base Mk1 or Mk2 for a couple of K, it’s probably not worth spending a grand respeaying it and then replacing panels regularly. And tatty base cars can be picked up even more cheaply than smart ones :-)