Solo Car Build: The RX-8 Guide for DSP

The guide to converting a Series 1 (2004 - 2008) or Series 2 (2009 - 2011) RX-8 into a D-Street Prepared autocrossing beast.In 2013, the SCCA Solo Events Board moved the Mazda RX-8 from B Street Prepared (BSP) to D Street Prepared (DSP). Since the change, racers have considered building an RX-8 for the class because it is more competitive. When it comes to Street Prepared rules, however, it can be hard to determine what to modify first. With a wide array of allowances, between adding wide wheels and tires, fender cutting, aerodynamic pieces, engine work, update/backdate allowances and much more, determining priority can be overwhelming.

Mazda Motorsports turned to Marc Monnar, who has been autocrossing since 2008, to write a guide intended to help those who own a Series 1 (2004 - 2008) or Series 2 (2009 - 2011) RX-8, and are looking to get their feet wet in DSP. We hope Mark's guide helps!

Below is a list of recommended steps to take and parts to purchase when building your RX-8, ordered by suggested priority. With a modification budget of $10,000 (not including maintenance and update and backdate), you will be able to complete everything on this list and turn your car into a contender! If your RX-8 is already modified and/or built for another class such as Street Touring Xtreme (STX), then the jump to Street Prepared is not as big as it would be for someone starting from scratch.