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.
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Upcoming Events to Secure Your Motorsport Australia National Licence Signatures
Planning to race the Bathurst 6 Hour? You’ll need a Motorsport Australia National Circuit Licence — and that means completing your medical, online lecture, Observed Licence Test (OLT) and three sanctioned race events. With the season break from December to February, now’s the time to lock in your calendar. Here are the key events that’ll get you race-ready and Bathurst-eligible.
If you’ve got your sights set on the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2026 or any other national-level endurance race, you’ll need your Motorsport Australia Circuit Racing National Licence. And that means locking in the required observed race events before the cut-off.
Australia’s motorsport season slows right down from December through February, which can make finding enough race meetings before April a scramble. The solution? Get those signatures the year before — and we’ve got just the events to help you do it.
Upcoming Events That Count Towards Your Licence Signatures
Here’s a RaceAway Track Time-recommended racing calendar that ticks all the right boxes:
📅 August 29–31: RX8 Cup – Sydney Motorsport Park
A fiercely competitive, single-make series that’s perfect for sharpening overtaking skills and learning to race in identical machinery.📅 September 27–28: NSW Production Touring – Sydney Motorsport Park
A multi-class series that’ll test your adaptability, strategy, and consistency over race distances.📅 October 31–November 2: RX8 Cup – Morgan Park, QLD
Take your racing interstate and tackle one of Queensland’s most technical circuits.
Each of these events is Motorsport Australia-recognised, meaning they count towards the observed race requirements for your Circuit Racing National Licence.
Why These Events Are Perfect Prep for Bathurst
These race meetings don’t just get you your licence — they prepare you for the demands of the Bathurst 6 Hour:
Seat time: You’ll rack up valuable racing kilometres before hitting Mount Panorama.
Variety: Experience different circuits, racing formats, and competition levels.
Confidence: Arrive at Bathurst knowing you’ve raced in the heat of competition — not just in practice sessions.
Ready to Lock In Your Racing Calendar?
If you’re serious about making B6HR 2026 your year, now’s the time to commit.
📖 Read more about Motorsport Australia Licences ➡️ motorsport.org.au/licence
📞 Call us on 0472 535 354 to create a tailored racing plan
📧 Email us at info@raceawaytracktime.com.au
🌐 Visit us online: raceawaytracktime.com.au
Bottom line: Getting your Motorsport Australia National Licence is your ticket to the big stage. By planning your race calendar now, you’ll not only meet the requirements — you’ll arrive at Bathurst ready to take on Australia’s most iconic circuit with confidence.
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2025 RX8 Cup Calendar: Your Guide to Thrilling Rotary Racing
Join the 2025 RX8 Cup for door to door one-make series racing! RX8 Racing. Created by Ric Shaw, this one-make series is part of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship. With multi-day events and an Arrive N Drive option, you can hire a racecar in Sydney, Victoria or Queensland, refine your skills, and earn a National Racing License—all in a Mazda RX8.
The RX8 Cup 2025 calendar is here! RX8 Cup has established itself as a vibrant one-make series offering close, cost-effective RX8 Racing for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The brain child of Ric Shaw, the category focuses on balanced machines, minimal modifications, and maximum seat time. For those eager to jump behind the wheel without the burden of car ownership, our Arrive N Drive package delivers a turnkey solution.
RX8 Cup Grid - the fastest one make series!
Let’s break down the 2025 RX8 Cup calendar, including key details about each venue and the extensive track time you can expect throughout the season.
Calendar at a Glance
Round 1: March 1–2, Phillip Island Raceway
Round 2: May 9–11, Winton Raceway (Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship)
Round 3: June 20–21, Sydney Motorsport Park (Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship)
Round 4: August 29–31, Sydney Motorsport Park (Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship)
Round 5: September 26–28, Sydney Motorsport Park (Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship)
Round 6: October/November 30–2, Morgan Park
Most rounds are two or three-day events, featuring practice, qualifying, and multiple races, ensuring ample on-track action. With generous racing formats, RX8 Cup competitors enjoy some of the best seat time in Australian motorsport.
Round 1: Phillip Island Raceway (March 1–2)
Renowned for its sweeping corners and oceanside views, Phillip Island challenges drivers with high-speed turns and elevation changes. The RX8’s balanced chassis thrives here, highlighting driver skill. This two-day meeting includes a practice/qualifying session and multiple races, guaranteeing you plenty of laps.
Round 2: Winton Raceway (May 9–11)
Part of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship, Winton Raceway is a tight, technical circuit dubbed “Australia’s action track.” Its slower corners demand consistency, rewarding precise throttle control. Over three days, drivers undergo practice and qualifying before tackling longer-format races, making it ideal for those wanting to refine racecraft or work toward their National Racing License sign-off.
Round 3: Sydney Motorsport Park (June 20–21)
Also part of the NSW State Championship, Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) presents a mix of fast straights and demanding corners. A typical race weekend here includes a practice/qualifying block plus multiple races—cramming in plenty of wheel-to-wheel action over two days. With the Mazda RX8’s nimble handling, you’ll appreciate every twist and turn of this premier facility.
Round 4: Sydney Motorsport Park (August 29–31)
Returning to SMSP for another NSW State Championship round, competitors can fine-tune their setups from Round 3. This three-day format often includes extended practice and additional sessions, meaning even more seat time to sharpen your skills and accumulate those crucial license endorsements.
Round 5: Sydney Motorsport Park (September 26–28)
Back again at SMSP for the penultimate NSW State Championship round, drivers benefit from substantial practice, qualifying, and multiple races over three days. Expect tight battles as championship aspirations escalate, ensuring spectators and racers alike enjoy high-octane drama.
Round 6: Morgan Park (October/November 30–2)
The season finale at Morgan Park—a circuit known for straightforward layouts but demanding precision—wraps up the RX8 Cup year. Even here, multi-day schedules provide ample laps to test your mettle in the final run to the checkered flag.
Arrive N Drive: Hassle-Free Access to RX8 Cup
If you’re looking to hire a racecar Sydney or simply want a turnkey option to join the RX8 Cup, our Arrive N Drive package is for you. We supply a compliant Mazda RX8, manage pit support, handle event entries, and offer professional coaching. It’s especially convenient for those eyeing the NSW State Championship or working toward a National Racing License, as each round can provide valuable track experience and sign-off opportunities.
Ready to Race?
Phone: 0472 535 354
Email: info@raceawaytracktime.com.au
CHECK OUT THE RX8 CUP⤵️
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.
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