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1. Welcome to a Brief History of Mazda RX 7 Racing
Mazda RX 7 Racing started in new Zealand in 1991 when a group of Canterbury car
dealers took advantage of the ample supply of Series 1 RX7’s being imported from
Japan and started a 1 make controlled racing category.
The following year the series commenced in the North Island and has grown into
what has become one of New Zealand’s premier Sanctioned Series classes.
There has been a series in both the North and South Islands ever since. In 1996 the
first ever New Zealand Championship was held at Ruapuna in Christchurch. The
New Zealand Championship is now contested annually, usually over two race
meetings, one in the North Island the other in the South
The Pro 7 name used
by the successful
North American
Series was adopted
in 1998 to better
reflect the
professionalism of the
NZ Series.
The Pro7 Plus name
was adopted in
2001to identify the
newer model Series 4
and Batmobile Series
6 cars.
Pro7 Plus Grid 2007-2008
The Spirit of Pro 7 Racing
Pro 7 Racing places the emphasis on driver skill and chassis tuning. With this in mind
the closely controlled rules are designed to limit car costs.
For those seeking a more technical challenge we have developed the Pro7 Plus
category using the Series 4 and Series 6 RX7 models. These cars do cost more to
put together and have a higher degree of sophistication. They are a logical stepping
stone from the proven Series 1 car.
The Series Structure
The Pro 7 series is a closely fought and competitive championship. It is a Motorsport
New Zealand Sanctioned Series, which means a heightened profile and regulatory
support from the Sports administration.
The North Island Championship for Series One is usually run over 6-8 race meetings
at the North Island circuits. Pro7 Plus holds a National Series in both Islands.
The typical format is
 Friday – Optional Testing and Set Up
 Saturday – Test and Qualifying and 1st race
And Social/Prize Giving
 Sunday – 2 races
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2. The races are a sprint format over 6-8 laps. There is 3 races during each meeting.
Points are awarded from your finishing position from each race. Accumulated points
determine a round winner and an over all champion at the end of the season. The
season runs from October to April.
An annual National
Series known as the
NZ Championships is
separate to the North
Island Series.
This is detailed in the
next section.
NZ #3 2005-2005 Myles Fothergill leads a Tight Pack
The New Zealand Champs (Series One cars only)
The South Island also runs a series at their Circuits, from which the S.I champion is
found.
Since 1996 there has been a North-South Challenge “The New Zealand Champs”.
The title is competed for, usually over two rounds of three races, one held at a North
Circuit and the other in the South. The championship, while held at a round of each
Island series, is separately scored for the NZ title.
Previous winners include high profile drivers like Wade Henshaw and Brent Collins.
For the
2005-2006
NZ Champs
there was
only one
round.
Usually two
rounds
comprise
the Champs
with one
being held in
each Island.
Pictured are
the
2005-2006
podium
winners.
Graham Beirne #2 NZ Eddie Bell #1 NZ Myles Fothergill #3 NZ
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3. Key Personnel
The North Island Mazda RX7 Racing Association is an incorporated society and a
registered car club with Motorsport New Zealand. As an incorporated society the club
is bound by legislation insuring that the operating of the club is transparent and for
the benefit of all its members.
As such, key personnel are elected at the Annual General Meeting which occurs in
May or June each year. The key personnel for the 2009-2010 season are
 President – Terry Carkeek
 Series Coordinator – John Clunie
 Promoter – John Clunie
 Club Captain – Nigel Hanley
 Technical Officer - Raymond (Crunch) Bennett
The club has a strong base of experience and is recognised as one of the most
professionally organised in NZ Motorsport.
All the key personnel are experienced in their roles and are approachable for
assistance. Refer to the Contacts page of our web site for a complete directory.
The Cars
There are three models of Mazda RX7 eligible to compete in the Pro 7 series.
Pro7 Series 1:
This car is the original car and now a true classic. It is powered by a 12a rotary
engine and fuelled by a 4 barrel Nikki Carburettor. The cars are a dream to drive and
easy to work on. Simplicity makes them an excellent starting point for someone
embarking on their motorsport career but offer enough tunabiltiy to challenge the
most experienced race engineer.
Left. Series One racing is a great
place to learn race craft
Bottom left. Debbie Hill, one of 6
lady racers who have enjoyed Pro7
racing
Bottom right. 2008-2009 Pro7
Champion Shannon Ferguson
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4. Pro7 Plus Series 4:
These cars launched the Pro7 Plus concept in 2003. They run a 13B 4 port NA
engine with Link Computer and factory injection. As the donor car price is
inexpensive this model can be built for around $20,000. They are a fast smooth ride
with outstanding handling and very easy to work on.
Left. Leon McKnight,
Pukekohe 2005-2006
Bottom left.
Paul Savage
Bottom center.
Garry Bradburn
Bottom right
James McLennan.
Leon McKnight Pukekohe 2005-2006
Pro7 Plus Series 6 Batmobile:
The Series 6 car was introduced in 2004 after changes in government legislation
made the cost of a pre 1996 model Batty very affordable. The Series 6 is a more
sophisticated car to build. Expect to send around $30,000 to put a competitive Series
6 on the track.
Left. Bruce Gay, Pukekohe
2005-2006
Next page,
Top left, Chris Hanley
Top center, Matt Lockwood
Top right, Myles Fothergill.
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5. The introduction of the Pro 7 Plus cars ensures we have a vibrant mix of cars and
secures a long term future for RX7 racing in New Zealand Motorsport.
The Cost
As stated earlier, Pro 7 Racing is one of the most cost-effective forms of motorsport,
undoubtedly offering most bang for your buck. The following table outlines the basic
costs incurred on a per meeting basis to run a Pro 7 car.
Running Cost per Meeting
Entry Fee $275.00
Test day optional $ 80.00
Race Car Fuel $120.00
Consumables $100.00
Total $575.00
Plus personal costs
Compared to most other forms of motorsport the initial capital outlay is very
reasonable. The table below outlines an average spend to get started.
Purchase Race Car
Series 1 From $7,000.00
Series 4 From $15,000.00
Series 6 From $30,000.00
Car Trailer Approx $2,500.00
Licence Requirements
The minimum racing licence to race in the Pro 7 Series is a National Race Licence.
The cost for this is approximately $121.00
Contact Motorsport New Zealand to find a licence examiner who lives near by and
book the test with them.
The licence exam is an open book test consisting of written multi choice and oral
questions covered in the current Motorsport manual. You will need to study this first.
Once you have passed the test simply send the completed licence application to
Motorsport New Zealand and they will issue the licence.
In order to be eligible for a licence you must be a member of the North Island Mazda
RX7 Racing Association or any Motorsport New Zealand affiliated car club.
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6. Safety Equipment
Pro 7 Racing operates under the rules of Motorsport New Zealand, as such our cars
and equipment must comply with the required safety standards outlined within
Schedule A in the Motorsport Manual.
The manual is available on line at www.motorsport.org.nz.
We have access to a number of suppliers who can offer you package deals to get
you started.
Series Sponsors
We are fortunate to have a fantastic naming right sponsor in the form of Toyo Tyres.
Their sponsorship provides us with the financial resources to operate the class for
the benefit of members. Both Pro7 and Pro7 Plus cars race on the Toyo RA1 race
tire, which Toyo provide to our members at a sponsor subsidised price.
Nationwide Accessories have supported
Pro7 Racing through their TOYO
branding for 12 years. This makes them
one of the longest serving Sponsors of a
Sanctioned Series class. TOYO Tires
have proven a winner with all drivers.
In addition we also have support from George Stocks and Co who provide the KYB
or Koni shocks used in our racecars.
Stocks have also supported Pro7 Racing for a similar period. With this type of loyal
support the club has been able to prosper and grow toward the success it now
enjoys.
Cars for Sale
The are a number of cars for sale starting from less than $7,000. To find more out
about these check the Classified Section on our website. Other useful places to look
for the right car are the TradeMe web site and NZ Speedsport magazine.
In most cases the vendor can also supply comprehensive spares packages and full
set up data.
For more information on cars for sale contact John Clunie on 021 745-604.
As a club we are proactive in ensuring that new competitors are given as much
assistance as they require as they start their racing career with the Pro 7 Club.
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7. Support
Pro7 have adopted a “Buddy System” for new competitors by assigning an
experienced member to assist them as they start out. This involves helping with
technical car issues and what sort of things to take to the track and how things
happen at the race meetings.
We have each been new racers at sometime and understand how a little friendly
assistance can go a long way.
What to Do Now
Pro7 racing is fast paced highly competitive and excellent value for money.
The strength of the class is its people and its friendly nature off the track.
Armed with this information all you need to do is contact John Clunie on 021 745-604
or email him at johnclunie@paradise.net.nz and he will help you find the car to buy and
hook you up with a buddy to get you started.
For other information regarding the class and regular news updates visit our website,
www.mazdapro7racing.co.nz
The membership application form can be completed and returned to John Clunie or
mail to;
Pro7 Racing
P.O. Box 220
Paraparaumu
Payment of your preferred membership type should be included
Driver membership $200.00 + GST (1 vote at meetings)
Family membership $250.00 + GST (2 votes at meetings if both present)
Add per extra driver $ 75.00 + GST (votes as above)
Associate $ 80.00 + GST each member (no votes)
Fees quoted apply for 2009 – 2010 (1st June – 31st May)
Our pledge to you
The North Island Mazda RX7 Racing Association welcomes all new members with
the intention of providing affordable racing in a family environment where interaction
between members is as important as the racing itself. We will do everything we can
to foster this objective and ask only in return that all members respect each other at
all times.
Thank you for taking this time to consider Pro7 Racing, if our objectives are in
harmony with yours we are sure you will have a rewarding racing experience.
John Clunie
Promoter
NIMRRA
Pro7 Racing New Zealand
021 745 604
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