Mazda (1992 - 1994)

1992 1993 1994

Mazda 323

 Mazda Xedos 6 Mazda Xedos 6
P. Watts P. Watts D. Leslie
M. Neal

Patrick Watts - 1992 Mazda 323F

 A single car effort run by Roger Dowson Engineering represented Mazda's low-key BTCC comeback using it's 323F model.  After initial problems early in the year Mazda UK transferred engine development over to Weslake.  The car lacked power throughout the programme, drastically so at first, and the definitive Weslake 'from scratch' development of the engine never did appear.  Despite these problems Dowson's team managed to get to grips with the car's early handling snags which enabled Watts to gain some respectable positions later in the season.  His best finish of the year was a well earned fifth place during the second race of the day at the Knockhill double header meeting.  Watts eventually ended the season in joint 16th place of the driver's championship.
After testing the BTCC water with a low key effort in 1992, Mazda came back for a more serious assault, again with Patrick Watts behind the wheel.  Roger Dowson was still in charge of the team but the relatively small 323F was replaced by the more suitable Xedos 6 saloon, complete with a Zytec-prepared V6 engine.  Mazda's efforts remained a low-budget affair however, Dowson managed the team and engineered the car, heading a tiny RD Motorsport team of just three full-time members.  The lack of a second team car also limited the amount of research that could be carried out.  Watts gave it his best, albeit heavily out gunned by the larger factory outfits, and managed to put the car on the front row twice during the season.  Unfortunately there were too many race retirements during the year, although the Xedos proved it was quite able of finishing mid table if it ever reached the chequered flag.  The best results of the year were two 4th places in the double header races at Knockhill, and another 4th at Donington Park.  In what proved to be something of a mediocre year for Mazda Watts finally finished the season 15th in the drivers table.

Patrick Watts - 1993 Mazda Xedos 6

Matt Neal - 1994 Mazda Xedos 6

 RD Motorsport were still in control for 1994 and, with the help of ex-Team Dynamics boss Steve Neal, entered a two car project again utilising the Xedos 6.  David Leslie and Matt Neal, Steve's son, were called to do the driving.  The team had grown in numbers since the 1993 season and now totalled seven permanent staff.  Unfortunately the least-well funded of the manufacturer/importer teams failed to make any mark on the year.  Neither driver achieved anything of note gaining a total of only seven points between them.  Matters weren't helped when both drivers were involved in a spectacular accident at Silverstone, during round 5 which resulted in Matt Neal barrel rolling his car, luckily escaping unhurt.  RD Motorsport/Mazda were forced to pull out of the series after the round supporting the British Grand Prix when sponsorship did not materialise and it became clear that there would be no money for development and testing.
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