Mazda2 B-Spec: For Speed Racer on a Tight Budget

11 years, 11 months ago - 23 November 2012, Wall Street Journal

This may sound a bit strange, but Mazda Motors Corp. rolled out a special version of its Mazda2 subcompact designed for racing. The car, called the Mazda2 B-Spec, is meant to give driving enthusiasts an easier, less-expensive route into racing.

For the company, which has a long history in a range of racing categories, competing in long-distance events with so-called showroom-stock cars is a way to show off the durability and performance of its road vehicles.

“B-Spec is showroom stock racing at the most basic level. Our Mazda2 is an affordable car with track performance that will bring a surprising grin to your face,” said John Doonan, Mazda’s director of motorsports.

Owners can build track-ready Mazda2s using B-Spec kits form the company that cost $2,575. Mazda says a driver could buy a new ready-to-race version form a specialized race-prep company for about $25,000. But a motivated person ”with a used car and a few DIY skills” could build a racer for less than $15,000.

Mazda said it worked with Honda Motor Co. to develop the B-Spec concept two years ago and introduced the idea at the 2010 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. Since then a number of companies have developed similar racing kits. Mazda said B-Spec is now a recognized class on the professional and club racing levels in the U.S. and Canada.

Mazda is known among budget-minded racers for the popular, long-running Spec Miata class in which drivers compete in stock Mazda MX-5 Miata sports cars.