Mazda MX-5 GT climbs to second in championship

The Mazda MX-5 GT car in action at Donington Park.

MAZDA UK’s MX-5 GT secured its second podium finish of the season in the two-hour Britcar Production GTN Championship 2011 at Donington Park circuit on Sunday, putting the Mazda second in its class in the championship standings.
Qualifying on Saturday saw the Mazda Financial Services and Motul backed MX-5 GT racer secure eighth in class on the grid.
In the race, rivals in the form of the Seat Leon, Ginetta G50 and Lotus Elise were no match for the handling, agility and performance of the Mazda MX-5 GT, which only weighs 850kg.
Owen Mildenhall started the race and climbed through the field to fifth in class before handing over to Mark Ticehurst in the middle of the race. Mark continued Owen’s good work, finishing the race third in class.
In the Production Class, a second MX-5 in standard trim and driven by ex-Formula One racer Mike Wilds and journalist Mark Hales finished fourth in its class.
“Fine tuning the transmission software and adding a new traction control system before the race at Donington improved the drivability of the car, as well as the car’s handling,” said Graeme Fudge, of Mazda UK.
“With further developments in the pipeline we will see more improvements in performance for the Thruxton race in June.”
The next race is at Thruxton Circuit on June 12.

Mark Ticehurst (left) and Owen Mildenhall with their trophies and champagne after their podium finish.