Best Kept
This category is all about cleanliness, the winning car would be absolutely spotless. Bonus points are awarded by way of a mileage accelerator, the higher the mileage, the larger the bonus. Points are awarded from 1 to 9, looking at 8 categories such as interior, exterior, engine bay and undercarriage.
This is for cars that are almost standard, so points are only awarded for the conditions of the car not it's modifications.
All vehicles must be driven to the competition stand, no cars should arrive on trailers.
It was determined at the 2010 National Rally that the mileage bonus made to big an impacted on the final score, so this system as been revised. The point of the bonus is to give a score that represents the cars age and mileage (and possible wear and tear) against the cars condition. In theory, a car with very high age and mileage would have needed a great deal of time, effort and money to bring the car up to concours level. This is what the bonus is supposed to reflect. To make this system fairer the formula now works as follows...
E.g. Total mileage 75,000 (For Roadsters Km will be converted to miles)
Age 18
Dividing age by the total mileage gives you and average per year. = 4166.66 miles
You then give one point for every 2000 miles (within 250 miles each way) = 2 points
This makes the effect on the score less dramatic and thus does not dictate the final score.
For those drivers with major modifications to their vehicles such as non-standard, alloy wheels, style bar and body kits etc., their cars would be better suited to the Cool 5 category.
Cool 5
In this category we are looking for the most unique mix of style and performance.
This category is for cars with any level of modification. Points are awarded for the quality and uniqueness of the modifications. It is not important that the car be in the best of condition as long as the vehicle is clean and well presented.
This is a good category for those who haven't got time to clean every nut and bolt, but are proud of there cars and want to show them off.
Bonus points are awarded for unique "one off", custom made car parts. As well as custom graphics and paint work.
Hot 5
The key words in this category is "Power to weight" It's no good just having a big turbo if the car is weighed down with stereo equipment.
The winner will have sacrificed everything in the name of speed. Practicality, style and comfort are all irrelevant.
But a winning car can't just be about power. Tires, brakes, suspension are all taken into account and contribute to the final score.
Concourse
Introduced at this years Rally will be a full Concourse competition. Exclusively for the Mk.1 MX-5, this competition caters for the rare completely original cars with little or no modifications. This is because in this competition points will deducted if a car deviates from standard or modified with non-Mazda accessories.
It is also required that all competitor wanting to take part in the concourse competition pre-register. This is so that appropriate reference material can be produced to aid in the judging process.
Rules and Score Sheets
All available for your information and dowload here.