Mazda's viewpoint on racing...
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From: Diamond Bar, Ca
Mazda's viewpoint on racing...
Hey there, can someone give me a definite answer as to wether or not Mazda would frown upon someone indicating that they have raced?
By racing I mean any type of racing such as 1/4 mile, auto-cross, road racing or any other form where your pushing the engine to it's highest potential...
?? I dont think this has been discussed before but I could be wrong. I am just trying to get a feel for how Mazda would react to a warranty claim if you told them that you take the car auto-crossing and were an avid racer on the weekends...
Are there forms of racing that might be less of a shock to Mazda? All of these good questions....
Thankx!
By racing I mean any type of racing such as 1/4 mile, auto-cross, road racing or any other form where your pushing the engine to it's highest potential...
?? I dont think this has been discussed before but I could be wrong. I am just trying to get a feel for how Mazda would react to a warranty claim if you told them that you take the car auto-crossing and were an avid racer on the weekends...
Are there forms of racing that might be less of a shock to Mazda? All of these good questions....
Thankx!
Last edited by davefzr; Mar 2, 2005 at 09:54 PM.
as your owner's manual specifically states, if Mazda *finds out* that your car failed due to racing (defined as a competition of speed) of *ANY* form, they will NOT honor your warranty.
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
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From: Diamond Bar, Ca
how boring 
Well I guess that sums up this thread haha... I wonder what the warranty standards of say Saleen, Roush or Banks are and how they view track events... Is there any manufacturer that states racing is under warranty? Or will even Saleen say it's not covered?
Well I guess that sums up this thread haha... I wonder what the warranty standards of say Saleen, Roush or Banks are and how they view track events... Is there any manufacturer that states racing is under warranty? Or will even Saleen say it's not covered?
He's as bad as Can
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From: Manchester, NJ
Originally Posted by ZoomZoomH
as your owner's manual specifically states, if Mazda *finds out* that your car failed due to racing (defined as a competition of speed) of *ANY* form, they will NOT honor your warranty.
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From: Diamond Bar, Ca
I am having a similar issue with my car. It's been going on now for almost a month. When the RPM passes 6,000 in 4th gear (around 82 mph) my CEL light comes on. They have not been able to fix it as of yet. We have a meeting that will be set up next week to discuss my issues. The details can be found here...
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...9&page=7&pp=15
Thankx for the input on the term "competition".
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...9&page=7&pp=15
Thankx for the input on the term "competition".
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I wonder what would happen if you submitted for contingency money from Mazda Motorsports after winning your class at a Pro Solo and made a warranty claim for a grenaded tranny suffered in the Challenge round of the same event. 
I wouldn't expect, or even ask, Mazda to cover something I busted at an SCCA event or during a HPDE due to something directly related to the event (see above). OTOH, if my driver's seat starts squeaking again for the FOURTH time, I do expect them to cover it (and replace the whole frigging the seat the next time instead of continuing to monkey around with it
).
I wouldn't expect, or even ask, Mazda to cover something I busted at an SCCA event or during a HPDE due to something directly related to the event (see above). OTOH, if my driver's seat starts squeaking again for the FOURTH time, I do expect them to cover it (and replace the whole frigging the seat the next time instead of continuing to monkey around with it
).
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From: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by ZoomZoomH
as your owner's manual specifically states, if Mazda *finds out* that your car failed due to racing (defined as a competition of speed) of *ANY* form, they will NOT honor your warranty.
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
"1.2.2 Solo II Event
A Category II Solo event, or Solo II event, is a non-speed driving skill
contest such as, but not limited to autocrosses and slaloms. These
events are run on short courses that emphasize car handling and
agility rather than speed or power. Competition licenses are not
required, and hazards to spectators, participants, and property do not
exceed those encountered in normal, legal highway driving. All
Category II Solo events must be SCCA-sanctioned."
That being said, the Mazda web-page where you can sign up for their contingency program and parts program asks you to send in results to join. I'm skeptical that it is also a evidence collection system for them to cancel people's warranties. Someone should ask on a Miata web-site to see if people who have been paid contingency money in autocross events have had trouble with warranty claims.
Last edited by MA-TIM; Mar 3, 2005 at 09:33 PM.
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From: Lake Forest, IL
Originally Posted by ZoomZoomH
as your owner's manual specifically states, if Mazda *finds out* that your car failed due to racing (defined as a competition of speed) of *ANY* form, they will NOT honor your warranty.
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
so you have 2 choices, you either don't race, or you don't let them find out :P
My dealership said they didn't have any issues when I bought the car. I certainly won't ask again though. There are 3 dealerships near my house that I can go to if one of them gives me grief anyway.
I would think that the burden of proof would fall on the dealer to prove the "competition" caused the failure.
HPDEs are not competition and as someone said autocross is not a speed competition so I'm OK. I don't drag race because it is not covered by my insurance whereas autoxs and HPDEs are covered.
It looks like drag racing would invalidate the warranty.
Things that you kill in an autox like shocks, bushings, clutch, tires, brakepads, rotors are not covered by warranty anyway because they are wear items.
Anyway, if something does blow on the track. Push the car back on to a public road before you call roadside assistance :p .
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From: San Diego, Ca
Originally Posted by Machan
Anyway, if something does blow on the track. Push the car back on to a public road before you call roadside assistance :p .
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From: GA
Originally Posted by MA-TIM
That being said, the Mazda web-page where you can sign up for their contingency program and parts program asks you to send in results to join. I'm skeptical that it is also a evidence collection system for them to cancel people's warranties. Someone should ask on a Miata web-site to see if people who have been paid contingency money in autocross events have had trouble with warranty claims.
I've been a member of the program for years and the people that run the competiton parts department really don't have any involvement with any warranty claims except to tell you that racing parts are sold without warranty. They really don't care or have any time to go "collecting evidence".
I know people who have leased Mazdas, raced them in Showroom Stock with a rollcage, etc. and collecting contingency from Mazda and then return the car at the end of the lease.
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So the local rumor here in the Chicago SCCA chapter is that Mazda folks look at SCCA autocross results with an aim towards voiding people's warranties.
I have seen no evidence of this, just a rumor, perhaps it's urban myth.
I'm not taking any chances though so I will sign my car up under a B-stock alias or a blank car name.
I have seen no evidence of this, just a rumor, perhaps it's urban myth.
I'm not taking any chances though so I will sign my car up under a B-stock alias or a blank car name.
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You can also cover up your vin # with electrical tape, and put a slap of tape over the license plate.
Honestly though, some dealerships actually seem to encourange it.
http://www.mazdamotorsports.com
discount on parts and s-plan if you participate in SCCA events.
Honestly though, some dealerships actually seem to encourange it
.http://www.mazdamotorsports.com
discount on parts and s-plan if you participate in SCCA events.
it all comes down to your relationship with the dealer service personnel, but generally I would advise going to great lengths to not give them any indication until you are absolutely sure where you stand with them.
Many Mazda dealers voided warranties on the slightest suspicion back in the RX7TT days. I never knew of any issue coming from MazdaMotorsports fingering anybody though. Potentially Mazda could nail a lot of people this way, but to the best of my knowledge they haven't to date.
Many Mazda dealers voided warranties on the slightest suspicion back in the RX7TT days. I never knew of any issue coming from MazdaMotorsports fingering anybody though. Potentially Mazda could nail a lot of people this way, but to the best of my knowledge they haven't to date.
Last edited by TeamRX8; Apr 13, 2005 at 12:19 AM.
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From: Boulder, Co
I know this is an old thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any trouble with Warranty service after signing up with Mazdaspeed? This was part of their "agreement":
Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events.
So I guess it probably is up to your relationship with the dealer. I think my ball joint might be going and I don't want to be cross-referenced with Mazdaspeed and denied a warranty because of this.
Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events.
So I guess it probably is up to your relationship with the dealer. I think my ball joint might be going and I don't want to be cross-referenced with Mazdaspeed and denied a warranty because of this.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
Originally Posted by MazdaRich
I know this is an old thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any trouble with Warranty service after signing up with Mazdaspeed? This was part of their "agreement":
Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events.
So I guess it probably is up to your relationship with the dealer. I think my ball joint might be going and I don't want to be cross-referenced with Mazdaspeed and denied a warranty because of this.
Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events.
So I guess it probably is up to your relationship with the dealer. I think my ball joint might be going and I don't want to be cross-referenced with Mazdaspeed and denied a warranty because of this.
Moe
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From: NH
Taking your car out on a track is not racing it is not a timed event or a competition. When mazda runs a ride and drive event for the dealerships and employees do they void the warranty on the cars they use. I think not. It is a sports car and i drive it like one. And driving on a track is not abuse.
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From: Northern Virginia near DC
The Word from MazdaUSA
I emailed MazdaUSA some months ago concerning Autox and track days with our 8's. They didn't give it a blanket "okay," but they at least leaned that way. They leave it up to the dealership and the District Manager to determine if racing caused any unusual damage. At the same time, they also pushed their motorsports division. See below for their reply.
Thanks for contacting Mazda.
Ultimately the Mazda dealerships Service Manager and possibly the local
Mazda District Customer Service Manager would determine if any damage
done to the vehicle was caused by an outside influence and is covered
under warranty.
Basically if something is damaged on your vehicle and it is found that
the vehicle has been "raced" or abused outside of normal driving, it
may void your warranty. Please keep in mind that your warranty only
covers defects in workmanship or materials, not items related to
maintenance, normal wear and tear, or outside influences.
Mazda does have a Motorsports division that you may want to contact for
further information. Mazda's involvement in automobile racing is
legendary. From sponsoring races to supporting race teams and assisting
professional and amateur racecar drivers, Mazda is proud of its rich
racing heritage. Amateur or professional, racers are invited to join
the Mazda Team Support Program to help them find the technical support
they need as well as stock and competition parts at discount prices.
As I'm sure you can appreciate, you will need to be a registered member
of our program, with current race results, to purchase any parts from
Mazda Motorsports.
For more information on Mazda Motorsports and the services they
provide, click on www.MazdaMotorsports.com or call 800-435-2508.
Again, thank you for contacting Mazda and have a good day.
Ultimately the Mazda dealerships Service Manager and possibly the local
Mazda District Customer Service Manager would determine if any damage
done to the vehicle was caused by an outside influence and is covered
under warranty.
Basically if something is damaged on your vehicle and it is found that
the vehicle has been "raced" or abused outside of normal driving, it
may void your warranty. Please keep in mind that your warranty only
covers defects in workmanship or materials, not items related to
maintenance, normal wear and tear, or outside influences.
Mazda does have a Motorsports division that you may want to contact for
further information. Mazda's involvement in automobile racing is
legendary. From sponsoring races to supporting race teams and assisting
professional and amateur racecar drivers, Mazda is proud of its rich
racing heritage. Amateur or professional, racers are invited to join
the Mazda Team Support Program to help them find the technical support
they need as well as stock and competition parts at discount prices.
As I'm sure you can appreciate, you will need to be a registered member
of our program, with current race results, to purchase any parts from
Mazda Motorsports.
For more information on Mazda Motorsports and the services they
provide, click on www.MazdaMotorsports.com or call 800-435-2508.
Again, thank you for contacting Mazda and have a good day.
Originally Posted by MazdaRich
I know this is an old thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any trouble with Warranty service after signing up with Mazdaspeed? This was part of their "agreement":
By the same token however, I've never expected Mazda to pick up the tab on things that could have been damaged due to autocrossing or track days. CD player didn't work? Warranty claim. Excessively worn tie rods? Replaced 'em myself, after ordering the parts through Mazdacomp at a nice disount over the dealership prices.
Treat a good dealer fairly, and they'll probably return the favor. Take a car with drag slicks in, complain about a slipping clutch, and bitch if they don't replace it for free? You deserve to have your warranty voided.
Last edited by altiain; Jun 23, 2006 at 08:24 PM.
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by altiain
During the extended warranty period on my Miata, I had over $1000 worth of warranty work done. This was a C Stock Miata with a roll bar, a lap belt, and SCCA stickers on the windows. I've been registered with Mazdaspeed for almost five years, and I've never had my warranty coverage questioned.
By the same token however, I've never expected Mazda to pick up the tab on things that could have been damaged due to autocrossing or track days. CD player didn't work? Warranty claim. Excessively worn tie rods? Replaced 'em myself, after ordering the parts through Mazdacomp at a nice disount over the dealership prices.
Treat a good dealer fairly, and they'll probably return the favor. Take a car with drag slicks in, complain about a slipping clutch, and bitch if they don't replace it for free? You deserve to have your warranty voided.
By the same token however, I've never expected Mazda to pick up the tab on things that could have been damaged due to autocrossing or track days. CD player didn't work? Warranty claim. Excessively worn tie rods? Replaced 'em myself, after ordering the parts through Mazdacomp at a nice disount over the dealership prices.
Treat a good dealer fairly, and they'll probably return the favor. Take a car with drag slicks in, complain about a slipping clutch, and bitch if they don't replace it for free? You deserve to have your warranty voided.