2025 was a very special year for the MX-5 community: with the premiere of
the Roadster Challenge as part of Timeattack Germany, a new chapter in European
motorsport was opened. Five events, three classes, 36 starters from five
countries – and countless thrilling duels that showed just how vibrant and
passionate the Mazda MX-5 scene truly is.
The 2025 Season Stops
- April 5 – Hockenheimring (Tuning Masters)
- June 14–15 – Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (Fast Car Festival)
- August 1–3 – Lausitzring (Reisbrennen)
- August 23–24 – Salzburgring (Oldtimer Festival)
- October 12 – Double race Nürburgring GP Circuit (European Timeattack
Masters & Tuning Masters)
Classes at a Glance
Instead of dividing by driver experience, the Roadster Challenge defines
its classes by vehicle generation, power-to-weight ratio, and level of
modifications. This keeps the competition fair and exciting – whether NA, NB,
NC, or ND.
RC Club NA
- Vehicles: MX-5 NA, NB, NBFL, NC,
ND, and Fiat 124 Spider
- Power: approx. 210 hp
(NA/NB/NBFL) or 200 hp (NC/ND/124 Spider)
- Character: Close to stock, with
light performance upgrades. Focus on the original MX-5 spirit – light,
agile, pure driving.
RC Club 2WD
- Power: approx. 250 hp
(NA/NB/NBFL) or 230 hp (NC/ND/124 Spider)
- Modifications: Both naturally
aspirated and turbo-/supercharged builds are allowed.
- Character: More freedom in tuning,
but still strictly rear-wheel drive. Classic lightweight roadsters
meet modern performance upgrades.
RC Pro
- Power: up to 350 hp
(NA/NB/NBFL) or 320 hp (NC/ND/124 Spider)
- Modifications: Extensive changes
to engine, transmission, and aerodynamics permitted.
- Character: The most uncompromising
class – maximum performance, high-end setups, and spectacular duels.
Championship Battles 2025
RC Club NA
1. Daniele Tebaldini (MX-5 ND)
- Tebaldini
dominated the season almost at will: he won every race he entered – except
for the final two rounds.
- He
did not compete at Oschersleben, which briefly gave his rivals hope.
- In
the last two races, Dominic Lucas (MX-5 NA) struck back
and claimed both victories.
- Remarkably,
Lucas only entered four races in total, won two of them, and still
finished third in the championship.
- Alex Hummler (MX-5 NB) stayed
consistently close throughout the season and was the one who put the most
pressure on Tebaldini.
- In
the end, Daniele’s combination of wins and consistency was enough for the
title – despite skipping Oschersleben.
RC Club 2WD
1. Nico Hafner (MX-5 ND)
- The
season kicked off with clear dominance from Dominik Arnold (MX-5
NC) and Lennart Bick (MX-5 NB Turbo), who delivered
an epic wheel-to-wheel duel in the final lap at Hockenheim.
- In
Oschersleben, however, Bick competed in the Pro class with a
different MX-5 NB – and claimed a commanding victory. Arnold
skipped the race, allowing Hafner to take the lead in the Club 2WD
standings.
- From
then on, Bick launched an impressive comeback: with consistent top
results, he reduced the gap to just 4 points before the
Nürburgring finale.
- The
situation before the last two races: Bick was clearly faster, Hafner
practically without a chance. Since Bick would have gained 2 points per
race, the season would have ended in a tie. Thanks to his two Club 2WD
victories, Bick would have taken the championship on countback.
- But
then came the shock: engine failure in the decisive final race.
Hafner seized the opportunity, defended his lead, and crowned himself
champion in one of the most dramatic finales of the season.
- Dominik Arnold (MX-5 NC) was
the third man in the title fight: with four race wins he
showed his class and was always at the front when he competed. However,
missing two races cost him the points for the title. Still, he finished a
strong third and left a big mark on the season.
RC Pro
1. Lukas Kaesberg (MX-5 NC Turbo)
- The
season opener began turbulently: neither Kaesberg nor Jean Claudio
Flensberg (MX-5 NB Turbo) had their actual cars ready in time.
- Kaesberg
used a replacement car – and surprisingly built up
a 10-point cushion.
- After
that, it turned into a true head-to-head battle between the two:
- Oschersleben: Kaesberg narrowly
ahead, gaining 1 extra point.
- Lausitzring: Flensberg struck
back, won the race, and gained 3 points.
- Salzburgring: They traded blows
in qualifying and the final lap, but Kaesberg won the final lap and
gained another point.
- At
the Nürburgring, the big showdown came:
- Kaesberg won the first race.
- Flensberg countered in the second.
- But both were overshadowed by a surprise: Philipp Jornitz
(MX-5 NB), who stormed to victory in both final weekend races and
stole the spotlight.
- In
the end, Kaesberg’s early points cushion combined with his consistency was
just enough to edge out Flensberg and secure the title.
Lessons from the First Season
The debut season of the Roadster Challenge proved: each class has its own
dynamics and its own heroes.
- In Club
NA, 2026 will be tighter as the challengers grow stronger.
- In Club
2WD, an epic three-way battle is looming.
- In Pro,
Jornitz could emerge as a new title contender and shake up the established
order.
Community & Partners
The Roadster Challenge thrives on the MX-5 community, whose
passion, unity, and enthusiasm stand behind the series.
A big thank you goes to the partners: Advanced Performance Parts,
Hardrace, Silvers Suspension, Hawk Performance, Nankang, Coolerworx, and
Motalin.
Conclusion & Outlook
The first year of the Roadster Challenge has shown: MX-5 motorsport
is alive! Thrilling duels, international competitors, and a community
that lives motorsport with heart and soul – the foundation for a great future
has been laid.
We congratulate all the winners and are already looking forward to the 2026
season, when it will once again be: Roadster Challenge – Pure MX-5
Action!
