Mazda MX-5: I went to Modena to break the Guinness World Record

It is in such places that you can understand the philosophy of Jinba ittai – the unity of the rider and the horse – which inspired the creators of the most famous roads in the world and means perfect harmony between the driver and the car. Most importantly, its main concept, that is, driving pleasure, can be easily found in the last and first version of the MX-5. Therefore, over the years, elements such as the direct steering wheel or the short stroke of the manual gearbox have distinguished the entire body of the Japanese model. In addition, there are quick reactions to the movement of the accelerator pedal and good performance. Yes, this also applies to the classic, which still boasts acceleration to a hundred in less than 8 seconds. The new ones do it in 6.5 seconds.

We left the province of Pordenone in good condition. Three hours later, on the highway, we arrived in Maranello, where our convoy aroused more interest from passers-by than the various Ferraris that were passing through the streets of the city every now and then. As a break, we visited the museum of the Italian brand.

Mazda MX-5 – Test Day

Sunday, September 18 greeted us with a cloudless blue sky. On the route from Maranello to the Autodromo di Modena, the density of Mazda MX-5s increased rapidly, reaching an almost critical mass around the track. Many of these cars in different versions, generations and conditions were joined by smiling staff. The feeling that we were participating in something special made it even more satisfying that we had made it this far. The event staff worked with confidence and a total of more than 700 cars that arrived in Modena quickly found their places in the designated parking lot.

The first hours of the meeting became an opportunity to talk, share experiences, show your articles. Japanese engineer Nobuhiro Yamamoto, responsible for the third and fourth generation Mazda MX-5, was also among the guests at the event. The main event was the world premiere of the NM Concept single-seater barchetta, developed by Gorgona Cars and inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s. This research model is based on the first generation MX-5, but got the drive from the latest version. of example. He also had the honor of leading the parade.

Photo: Paweł Kucharski, Mazda / Auto Świat

Mazda NM Concept

Before the cars started to form on the track, we had the opportunity to cover a few laps of the track, which was used by Formula 1 cars until 1961. Initially, the track was 2.4 kilometers long and was also used for testing purposes. km by Ferrari, now its length is less than 2.1 km and local events take place there. It has 11 curves, a width of 12 m and a straight line with a length of 400 m, as well as several descents and ascents. It’s time to feel Jinba Itai once again…

Getting more than 700 machines onto the track started at around 2pm and it was no easy task – there were so many cars that lined up in a three-car line it took up almost the entire line. As soon as we got going, the first rows started to catch up with the last ones very quickly, and the braking started a chain effect and it took a lot of patience to keep all the cars moving. This is a record keeping requirement.

After several trials, the decision was made to reorganize the lineup into four-car lineups. There were still 177 of these “four”, but this procedure allowed to increase the distance between the top and bottom of the group, which in turn improved the smoothness of driving.

We did not have to wait for the effect for long, and when the judge in charge of the record-breaking course around 12.00 waved the flag, real joy began among the participants. A round of honor was already taking place to the accompaniment of singing, shouting and honking. Since then, the official Guinness World Record for the number of Mazda MX-5s on the track at the same time is 707!

I am happy to say that I contributed to this amazing chapter in the history of the world’s most famous road.