MX-5 Heritage Cup

How it all began

The MX-5 Heritage Cup Race Series

The MX-5 Heirtage Cup returns to the South Island for the 2026 edition!

Based on a very similar recipe to the U.K series, the MX-5 racing class started back in 2010/11 by a small group of Manawatu Car Club Members. In 2026, competitors will once again have the opportunity to race in the picturesque South Island.

One-make series racing is a proven recipe for success - however, more often than not run their natural course pretty quickly when a newer model supersedes the racing model, or perhaps the manufacturer moves their focus elsewhere.

Not so with us. The Mazda MX-5 miata racing class has all the traits of a long-lasting race format, they're are already a classic - having first raced in this format at the Macau Grand Prix 36 years ago!

Unlike the majority of racing classes, the MX-5's are all but standard. This makes for extremely close racing - perhaps some of the closest racing you'll witness at any meeting.

2026 MX-5 HERITAGE CUP SERIES DATES:

Round 1: Levels Raceway, Timaru - February 14 & 15

Round 2: Teretonga Park, Invercargill, February 21 & 22

Round 3: Euromarque Motorsport Park - Christchurch - March 7 & 8

Round 4: Levels Raceway, Timaru - March 21st

About THE CLASS

What is the MX-5 Heritage Cup?

Wherever you live or what ever you call it, the Mazda (MX-5, Miata or Eunos Roadster) is the best-selling, 2-seat sports car in history.

Since the model launched at the Chicago Auto Show back in 1989, well over 1 MILLION cars have been built.

Today, there is a growing number of them being raced.

'It's likely that MX-5 racing is the best value motor racing class in New Zealand'

The Mazda MX-5 Heritage Cup provides drivers with extremely close racing using the well-tested 'One-Make' ethos.

All of these cars are near standard, which ensures they're almost exact in performance, supremely reliable and therefore thrifty to race.

The Overall Series winner will be the driver with the most points earned over all races, at all four rounds.

The Cars

The Mazda MX-5, and in our case; the 1600cc Mk1 (NA chassis model) provides a competition platform that has stood the test of time.

They are lightweight, rear wheel drive sports car with a factory fitted 'limited slip' differential and boast an almost 50:50 front to rear weight split - ideal for motor racing.

Aside from the fitment of the safety items (a rollcage, seat and belts) the engine, gearbox and diff all use the standard parts - even the ECU (engine control unit) remains untouched.

The only real changes are to the handling:

A set of GAZ competition shock absorbers and springs, along with some more robust brake pads, mean that these MX-5s maintain a constant level of performance, lap after lap.

And, just to make it sound like a race car - they have a modified exhaust system.