RX8 CUP COME ‘N’ TRY
Jump into a professionally built RX8 Cup car for a full Arrive ‘n’ Drive experience at Pheasant Wood Circuit (1.5 hrs from Sydney/Canberra). Includes 5×15-min sessions, track entry, helmet hire, fuel, pit crew support and pro coaching with Bathurst 1000 Top-10 finisher Phil Alexander. Weekday & weekend dates. Jump into a professionally built RX8 Cup car for a full Arrive ‘n’ Drive experience at Pheasant Wood Circuit (1.5 hrs from Sydney/Canberra). Includes 5×15-min sessions, track entry, helmet hire, fuel, pit crew support and pro coaching with Bathurst 1000 Top-10 finisher Phil Alexander. Weekday & weekend dates.
THINKING OF JOINING THE RX8 CUP?
RX8 Cup Come ‘n’ Try — Your First Step Onto the Grid
Feel the unmistakable brrraap of a rotary and sample real RX8 Cup racing with a full, hassle-free Arrive ‘n’ Drive day. You’ll be in our professionally built RX8 Cup car with pro coaching from Phil Alexander — Bathurst 1000 Top-10 finisher and rotary racing veteran — guiding you through exactly what it takes to join the RX8 Cup. This experience is endorsed by RX8 Cup Series Director, Ric Shaw.
What’s Included
5 × 15-minute on-track sessions
RX8 Cup race car hire (professionally prepared)
Track day entry
Professional driver coaching with Phil Alexander
Pit crew support
Helmet hire
Fuel and consumables
Add-On: Observed Licence Test (OLT) available
📍Where: Pheasant Wood Circuit — just 1.5 hours from Sydney or Canberra
📅When: Weekday & weekend dates available
Cost: $2750 ex GST
How the Day Runs
Arrival & briefing — meet your coach and crew, run through safety, car controls and the plan.
Progressive sessions — five stints building pace, technique and consistency.
Coaching each step — targeted feedback from Phil between runs (lines, braking, racecraft).
Debrief & next steps — pathway advice for joining the RX8 Cup, with OLT available to tick off licensing.
Who It’s For
Track-day drivers ready to step into real race machinery
New racers wanting a clear pathway into RX8 Cup
Anyone who wants a day in a rotary race car without the wrenching, trailers or logistics
Why Choose RaceAway
We do the work so you can do the laps. Car prepared, fuelled and supported by our crew; expert coaching in your ear; clear guidance on licensing and category entry. Just rock up, suit up, and go fast.
Book Your Spot
Call: +61 472 535 354
Email: info@raceawaytracktime.com.au
Web: www.raceawaytracktime.com.au
Spots are limited and dates fill quickly — lock in your RX8 Cup Come ‘n’ Try and take the first step to racing.
Dates are available through out the year dependent on track and car availability
Want to race RX8 Cup? Get in touch ⤵️
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RX8 Cup R5 Rundown - Driver Debut @ Sydney Motorsport Park
RaceAway Track Time driver Jake Hextall made his RX8 Cup debut at Sydney Motorsport Park, climbing from 17th in qualifying to a top-10 finish by Race 4. With consistent personal bests and smart racing, Jake showed huge potential in the one-make series. Want to get started yourself? Try our RX8 Cup Come ’n’ Try package with coaching from Bathurst 1000 top-10 driver Phil Alexander.
Jake Hextall’s RX8 Cup Debut at Sydney Motorsport Park
The RX8 Cup was back in action at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship, and it was a special weekend for RaceAway Track Time as we welcomed Jake Hextall for his first competitive outing in the series. From qualifying at the back of the field to charging into the top 10, Jake’s debut was the perfect example of what makes the RX8 Cup such an exciting one-make championship.
Jake qualified 17th with a time of 1:53.4308, settling in quickly as he got to grips with the RX8. His first race didn’t go to plan, with an aborted start and inexperience with formation lap/starting procedure catching him out. He dropped to the back of the 21-car grid but fought hard to claw his way back to 17th, setting a new personal best along the way.
Armed with feedback from our coaches, Jake launched into Race 2 with a much stronger start. In a clean and confident drive, he battled through the pack, trading spots with Toby Donohue driving with Maisie Place Motorsport before crossing the line in 13th place, with another PB lap time of 1:52.500.
Sunday’s action showed just how fast the field was running, but Jake rose to the challenge. He strung together three consecutive PBs in Race 3, dipping into the 1:51s for the first time and finishing 14th in a competitive fight. By Race 4, his confidence was clear. Starting 13th, he stayed out of the chaos in a drama-filled race, pushing forward to finish an incredible 10th overall – seven spots higher than where he had started the weekend.
Head coach Phil Alexander summed it up perfectly:
“Jake did a remarkable job for his SMSP RX8 Cup debut. The closer you get to the front in a one-make series like this, the harder it is to gain places. To finish inside the top 10 without a scratch on the car is impressive.”
Jake himself reflected on just how tough and rewarding the category is:
“The one-make series was definitely an eye-opening experience. It really amplifies driver skill. Whenever I thought I had a hold of it, one of the fast guys would pass me like I was standing still. But I learnt a lot and made progress every session.”
It was a brilliant debut made possible by the support of our RaceAway crew and coaches, who kept the car fast and Jake focused all weekend. Thanks also to @armstrongrider for capturing the moments behind the wheel.
For anyone inspired by Jake’s drive, there’s no better way to get started than our RX8 Cup Come ’n’ Try package. Spend a day behind the wheel of a professionally prepared RX8 Cup car with Bathurst 1000 top-10 driver Phil Alexander coaching you through every step. You’ll enjoy five on-track sessions, all the gear you need to race, and the chance to experience the intensity of a true one-make series. It’s the ultimate first step into RX8 Cup racing. ENQUIRE NOW
Jake Hextall – RX8 Cup SMSP Debut Results
Qualifying:
Position: 17th
Best Time: 1:53.4308
Race 1:
Start: 17th → Finish: 17th
Best Time: 1:53.2518
Race 2:
Start: 17th → Finish: 13th
Best Time: 1:52.500
Race 3:
Start: 17th → Finish: 13th
Best Time: 1:51.9861
Race 4:
Start: 13th → Finish: 10th
Best Time: 1:51.4308
Want to race RX8 Cup? Get in touch ⤵️
Check out these upcoming events ⤵️
RX8 Cup R4 Enduro Rundown @ Sydney Motorsport Park
RaceAway Track Time competed in the RX8 Cup Enduro at Sydney Motorsport Park with returning drivers Mark Wilks and Cassie Dellit. The team focused on endurance race strategy with consistent lap times, strong tyre and brake management, and clean racing across the weekend. RaceAway Track Time offers professional race car hire and Arrive ‘n’ Drive packages for RX8 Cup and more.
The RX8 Cup Enduro weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park brought good, clean racing and plenty of positives for our team. Behind the wheel were two drivers returning to racing – Mark Wilks (A) and Cassie Dellit (B) – both settling back into the groove of RX8 Cup racing.
The cars were heavily scrutineered through the weekend by Motorsport Australia and we were happy to pass with flying colours. Overall the tone of the weekend was good clean competitive racing.
Practice focused on re-familiarising with the cars and running an enduro mindset: keep it under 9000 rpm, using a longer brake pedal sequence, and avoid over-using the tyres. The goal was to maintain competitiveness of the car right through to the end of the enduros where the cars tend to drop off. This played out nicely during the two 50 minute enduros with the car maintaining excellent brake pedal and tyre grip.
Qualifying
Mark – 1:52.3232
Cassie – 1:58.0899
Enduro 1
Best Lap: 1:53.2651 (Lap 4)
Enduro 2
Best Lap: 1:53.0119 (Lap 11)
Mark began to find his competitiveness again after some years away from regular racing, moving up around five spots in the second enduro. Cassie built confidence with every session, sharpening her racecraft and improving lap times across the meet.
We finished the weekend in 15th overall, completing 26 laps with a race time of 53:02.2780.
Thanks to Ric, the RX8 Cup crew and Motorsport Australia for organising another fantastic event. Racing in this category always feels like home, especially with Phil’s long connection to rotary racing at the heart of it all.
Want to race RX8 Cup? Get in touch ⤵️
Check out these upcoming events ⤵️
RX8 CUP SERIES
The RX8 Cup Series, led by Ric Shaw, is an exciting and cost-effective grassroots motorsport category for Mazda RX8 enthusiasts. Compete in close, competitive racing with identical cars, ensuring a level playing field. With RaceAway Track Time’s Arrive 'n' Drive package, you can jump straight into the action with race car hire and professional coaching. Join the RX8 community and race at iconic tracks across Australia.
The RX8 Cup Series: Your Gateway to Competitive Motorsport 🏎️💨
The Australian RX8 Cup Series, masterminded by Ric Shaw, has quickly become one of the most exciting and accessible motorsport categories in Australia. Since its inception in mid-2017, the RX8 Cup has grown rapidly, attracting a loyal following of drivers and rotary enthusiasts. This blog post will delve into the vital information about the RX8 Cup Series, including category and licensing requirements, and how to get started, including details about our Arrive 'n' Drive package.
RaceAway RX8 Race car at the RX8 Cup
What is the RX8 Cup Series?
The RX8 Cup Series is a one-make racing category specifically for Mazda RX8 Series 1 manual transmission cars (2003-2008). The series operates under Motorsport Australia National guidelines and aims to be the most cost-effective grassroots motorsport series in the country.
Key Features of the RX8 Cup Series
One Make Series
The RX8 Cup Series is a one-make series, meaning all competitors race in identical Mazda RX8 cars. This setup ensures a level playing field, where the emphasis is on driver skill rather than car modifications. The controlled parameters for performance and vehicle components promote parity, making the racing close and highly competitive. This format highlights the talents of the drivers, creating a thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators.
Community
The RX8 Cup Series is not just about racing; it's about building a community. The series fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where drivers of all skill levels can come together, share their passion for motorsport, and build lasting friendships. The camaraderie among competitors is a defining feature of the RX8 Cup, making it a welcoming space for newcomers and experienced racers alike. Maisie Place, the series ambassador, embodies this community spirit, actively promoting and supporting fellow racers. Maisie has been a pivotal figure in the series since 2018, both as a driver and race mechanic. She is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the motorsport community.
RX8 Cup Ambassador Maisie Place at Sydney Motorsport Park
Value for Money
The RX8 Cup Series offers exceptional value for money. Building a competitive RX8 race car costs between $10,000-$14,000 if you do the work yourself. The series is designed to be cost-effective, ensuring that motorsport remains accessible. Moreover, the RX8 Cup is renowned for providing an unparalleled amount of drive time. Participants have access to a wide array of tracks across Australia, allowing them to maximise their track time and hone their skills. This focus on affordability and extensive drive time makes the RX8 Cup a standout choice for grassroots racers.
Licensing and Registration
To compete in the RX8 Cup Series, drivers must meet specific licensing and registration requirements:
Licensing: A valid Motorsport Australia or AASA racing license is required.
Registration: Drivers must pay the applicable registration fee and receive acceptance from the Category Manager. Registration for the series or any event implies agreement to comply with all Sporting and Technical Regulations and directives from the event organisers.
Getting Started in the RX8 Cup Series
Starting your journey in the RX8 Cup Series is straightforward, especially with RaceAway’s comprehensive support.
Steps to Get Started
1. Obtain a Racing License: Ensure you have a valid Motorsport Australia or AASA racing license. You can sit your OLT in house with RaceAway. READ MORE about getting your Motorsport Australia license.
2. Register for the Series: Pay the registration fee and get approval from the Category Manager.
3. Prepare Your Car: Build or buy a Mazda RX8 Series 1 manual transmission car that meets the series specifications or hire an RX8 race car.
4. Join the Action: Enter races and start competing!
Download RX8 technical regulations.
RaceAway's RX8 Cup Arrive 'n' Drive Package
For those who want to dive straight into the action without the hassle of car preparation, RaceAway offers an Arrive 'n' Drive package.
Arrive 'n' Drive Package Inclusions
Race Car Hire: Fully prepped RX8 meeting production specifications.
Coaching by Phil Alexander: Expert guidance to improve your performance.
Fuel and Transport: All logistics handled by us.
Support Team/Pit Crew: Professional assistance throughout the event.
Comprehensive Spares Package: Ensuring top performance and reliability.
Dorian Hire
Why Choose the RX8 Cup Series?
The RX8 Cup Series offers a unique opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills in a competitive, yet cost-effective, racing environment. The series emphasises driver talent over car modifications, making for exciting and close racing.
Benefits of Competing in the RX8 Cup Series
Affordable Racing: Low-cost entry point compared to other motorsport categories.
High-Performance Cars: The Mazda RX8 is well-balanced with excellent handling characteristics.
Community: Join a supportive and enthusiastic motorsport community.
National Exposure: Compete at a national level with high competitor numbers and entertaining races.
Quality Racing: Designed by racers for racers, ensuring top-tier competition and thrilling races.
RX8 Racing Opportunities
The versatility and performance of the Mazda RX8 make it suitable for other prominent races beyond the RX8 Cup Series. Notably, RX8 cars have been successfully used at Challenge Bathurst and in the Bathurst 6 Hour, an endurance race that tests the durability and reliability of both car and driver. The RX8's well-balanced chassis and robust rotary engine make it a competitive choice for long-distance racing events. This adaptability underscores the value of investing in an RX8 race car, as it opens up opportunities to compete in a variety of prestigious motorsport events.
Driver Manarth Prasad in the RaceAway RX8 Race car at Challenge Bathurst
Conclusion
The RX8 Cup Series, under the expert guidance of Ric Shaw is a fantastic entry-level motorsport category that offers affordable, competitive, and thrilling racing. With RaceAway’s Arrive 'n' Drive package, getting started in the RX8 Cup has never been easier. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exhilarating series.
Check out the RX8 Cup website for updates and more info.
For more information and to book your Arrive 'n' Drive package Enquire Below ⤵️
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