Mazda Sponsors Introductory Race for 'RX-8'

Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 26, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation
announced today that it will sponsor the Mazda RX-8 one make
race in the NR-A category, authorized by Japan Automobile Federation
(JAF), to be held in Japan next year. 

This is the second type of NR-A category race to be sponsored by Mazda,
which already backs a similar race for Roadsters. It will be held at the
Tsukuba Circuit in 2004. 

NR-A category races are introductory motor sports competitions designed
to give drivers the chance to test their driving skills under equal
conditions in vehicles registered for daily use. As only a limited
number of alterations are required to equip vehicles to compete in the
race, start-up and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum. Established
in 2002, Roadster NR-A races are held 4 times each year and continue to
attract a large number of entrants. 

The Mazda RX-8, powered by the all-new "RENESIS" rotary engine, is an
entirely new type of sports car that features distinctive sports car
styling and excellent performance while providing ample interior space
for four adults and incomparable driving excitement. Launched in April
this year, the RX-8 is proving popular with a wide range of customers. 

Based on the success of the Roadster races, Mazda believes sponsorship
of the RX-8 NR-A Race will create further opportunities for families and
friends to enjoy participating in races on the weekends. The automaker
aims to increase the number of users who are interested in motor sports,
as well as enhance Mazda's Zoom-Zoom brand image. 

Under the Mazdaspeed brand, Mazda develops and sells tuning parts and
accessories including parts designed for motor sports, which are
marketed. An NR-A dealer option package (6-point roll cage, four-point
seat belts/seat belt anchor, and front/rear large pulling hooks) is
available for those planning to enter the upcoming RX-8 one make race in
the NR-A category. 

Outline of Mazda RX-8 One Make Race 2004

Race Category: NR-A authorized by JAF 
Venue: Tsukuba Circuit 
Vehicle Eligible to Enter: Mazda RX-8 Type S (Tentative) 
Number of Vehicles: Approximately 30 
Race Organizer: Japan NR-A Race Association 
Sponsor: Mazda Motor Corporation 
About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation was established in 1920 and is one
of Japan's leading automobile manufacturers. With its headquarters
in Hiroshima, Mazda has two plants in Japan and manufacturing and
assembly operations in sixteen other countries. Mazda cars and trucks
are sold in more than one hundred and thirty countries. Ford Motor and
Mazda agreed to collaborate in 1979, Ford Motor Company started
investing in Mazda and increased its shareholding to 33.39% as of March
31, 1999. For further information, please visit the Mazda Motor
Corporation home page at: www.mazda.com/flash.html
<http://www.mazda.com/flash.html>