Not sure if anyone else picked this up, but this is the official announcement released this PM.


( PN ) 11/17 10:59AM MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Announces Grand-Am GT Racing Program SpeedSource, Inc. to lead development of tube-frame Mazda RX-8 racecar


IRVINE, Calif., Nov 17, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development today announced the continuation of its partnership with Florida-based SpeedSource, Inc. to produce a Grand American Road Racing
Association Rolex Series GT-class Mazda RX-8. Set to make its competition debut
during the 2006 Grand Am season, the Grand Am GT RX-8 is based on a tube-frame chassis jointly developed by SpeedSource and Riley Technologies, and powered by Mazda's three-rotor 20B rotary engine.

"Mazda has always been a leader in both amateur and professional motorsports,"
said Steve Sanders, manager, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development. "Developing a Grand Am GT-legal car is the next step in expanding our already successful Grand Am program. And expanding our support to competitors interested in racing the RX-8 at the next level is a logical extension of our motorsports program."

Renowned chassis developer Riley Technologies worked closely with SpeedSource to design the steel tube-frame chassis. A six-speed EMCO sequential transaxle puts the three-rotor power to the wheels.

Downing/Atlanta was responsible for developing the high-strength carbon-fiber
body panels that mimic the shape of the Mazda RX-8 street car, except with a
no-nonsense racing stance. In addition, the body develops considerably greater
downforce than the stock body would, while minimizing drag.

The 20B three-rotor engine is the cornerstone of Mazda's Grand Am GT RX-8
program. With its compact size and light weight, the rotary engine brings with
it a vast history in sprint and endurance racing. Revving to over 9,000 rpm, the
20B rotary engine will sound quite unlike any other engine on the grid.

Coordinating the development for SpeedSource, Inc was team owner Sylvain
Tremblay. Tremblay and staff are an experienced Grand American team, with a long history with Mazda and extensive knowledge and experience in tuning and racing rotary engines. Tremblay's SpeedSource team took top honors with their Mazda RX-8 in the Grand Am Street Touring division, winning the driver's and
manufacturer's championships.

Being able to offer these high quality components to race teams from a single
source simplifies the entire build process. Components ranging from a bare
chassis to a complete car can be purchased from SpeedSource. A complete car,
including chassis, full drivetrain and engine management system, suspension,
wheels, tires and bodywork is priced from $280,000. Comparable racecars are
priced higher, yet may provide lower performance.

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development also will be offering the Downing/Atlanta
bodywork panels as well as the Mazda 20B rotary engine on a made-to-order basis.
MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development will offer a lucrative contingency awards
program for the RX-8 in Grand-Am GT for the 2006 season.

Prospective competitors may contact MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development at
800-435-2508, and SpeedSource, Inc at 954-578-7071.

On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America
than any other brand of vehicle. Mazda's motorsport involvement even extends to
the nation's premier road-racing circuit, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing,
customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations


CONTACT: Jeremy Barnes, +1-949-727-6844, +1-714-296-1402, or Jennifer
Banovetz,
+1-949-727-6220, both of Mazda North American Operations

URL: http://www.prnewswire.com
http://www.mazdausa.com
www.prnewswire.com

Copyright (C) 2005 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.

-0-

 

The famed 20B will never die

 

what kind of HP does the 3 rotor put down?

 

I recall Rob Goldin (sp?) saying a while back the their 20B was nearing the 450hp range. That seemed like a lot to me for an NA, but I guess with some peripheral porting or the such...

 

SNAP!!!
I posted similar (press) info at the same time in the Mazdaspeed/Performance Location!


Here is a pic...

 

20B...............

 

I think I'll rush out and special order mine today...

 

its prolly similar to the 3rotor in the bkmotorsports ALMS car which is a "13G" perif. port engine that makes 400-425bhp

same folks helped design that engine also.

 

So they are just another NACAR type "stock" car - a RX-8 look alike that doesn't resemble the original in any way except it has some kind of rotary in it. Ho hum.

Should make a nice race car though. It isn't an RX-8!

 

MmMmm the Cosmo..... 20B...growl...

 

20B. finally, i can't wait to see rotary kick asses in GT races. that will be so fun to watch.
well, even though it really isn't going to be a 8, the chasis should be the same.
but 280 thousand dollar is just too expesnive. it is nearly 12 times the money of an decent RX8.

 

this season is going to be great for rotary fans, we sould all thanks mazda for this program God knows is not sheap

what we need now is a 20b renesis street rx-8

the hp depends on the restrictor they put on, the bk is making 400-425 because it is restricted to a 53 mm intake plate.

 

thanks for the pic
sweet

 

hopefully they wont have any trany problems and will be able to stay out the whole race........

 

I didn't know his name was sweet!

I wish it was a Renisis 3 rotor.

 

looks awesome
sounds cool
can't wait
starting to drool

 

When does the production version come out?

 

I don't know but, mazda is investing a lot of $ in the 3 rotor configuration, maybe they are planing something special?

 

Classic Mazda Orlando is currently considering setting up a Hospitality area for RX8 owner's (or any other Mazda Owner's) at the 12 hours of Sebring in March. Hopefully, they may also consider the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as there will be at least 2 RX8s in the race.
I am researching this for Classic Mazda, as they would like to set up an event if there is significant interest. If you are interested, please reply (or e-mail me directly at MSR20@cfl.rr.com). Also, please indicate your preferred event (Daytona or Sebring).
Thanks
Scott

 

I was told the carbon fiber body weighs 97lbs. Pics of #70