MX5’S CHARGING INTO THE NEW SEASON ON A HIGH

The SuperCup is set to be one of the BRSCC's best supported championships of 2017 – Photo: Jon Elsey

Ahead of the 2017 racing season kicking off several weeks from now, there's a high level of anticipation for this year's pair of Mazda MX-5 championships with the BRSCC, with entry numbers for both the Mk1 model MX-5 Championship and Mk3 model MX-5 SuperCup already at incredible numbers.

At the time of writing this story, the Mk1 entries currently sit at a staggering 52 cars, while their more contemporary Mk3 SuperCup counterparts have exploded in popularity with 41 drivers already signed up ahead of the first rounds at Brands Hatch on April 8/9. In both cases, there's a whole raft of newcomers to both along with the regular names and faces, plus the return of a few former competitors rediscovering the enjoyment and intense competition that both championships provide.

MX-5 co-ordinator Mandy Andrew has expressed her delight at the current situation the Mazdas find themselves in, saying "With over 50 registered drivers for 2017, the MX-5 Championship is something for me to be very proud of, while the SuperCup is already looking fantastic and has greatly surprised us with the level of entries already. We have a great number new drivers this year, plus the usual faithful competitors and a few faces making a return that we haven’t seen for a while. This goes to show that no matter when and where anyone has raced, there’s always a place for them on this grid should they ever wish to return.

Motors TV will continue to support the championships, something which has always been a great selling point when looking for sponsors. The fantastic coverage the Championship and SuperCup receives is always available on the dedicated BRSCC YouTube feed and we have an ever growing social media presence.

After bringing it into the frame last season, I’m expecting the Masters contests in either championship to be a very closely fought title within the main championship, especially seeing as we have a great number of our more experienced drivers eligible to win them.

The cars I have seen on social media so far look amazing and I'm looking forward to the start of the season at Brands Hatch, where I’ll be able to properly meet all the drivers and teams, both old & new!"

Only time will tell whether or not reigning Mk1 champion Tom Roche will be back to try and add yet another title to his already impressive Mazda CV, however on this occasion he may choose to once again attempt to wrestle the SuperCup title away from the grasp of James Blake-Baldwin who has already confirmed his return to defend the #1 on his door.

Whichever MX-5 championship draws your attention more, you'd be foolish to overlook the other as both are sure to entertain in equal measure. Brands Hatch will provide the first test and also could give us an initial look at the form book before the 2017 season really hits its stride.

Find out more at both www.brsccmazda.com and www.mx5supercup.co.uk.