Mike Wilds takes podium at Snetterton in MX-5

Road racing buddy, Mike Wilds took a fabulous podium place at Snetterton's new 300 Circuit – the race team’s third podium win of the season and Mazda MX-5 production race car’s second podium win, in the Britcar Dunlop Production GTN Championship, just weeks before the Britcar 24-Hour. Mazda said: "After qualifying seventh in class on Saturday, the Mazda MX-5 production car’s 50:50 weight distribution, handling and performance combined with the driving experience of legendary ex-F1 driver Mike Wilds saw the MX-5 race car fight its way to first in class in the first half of the race, further demonstrating its potential to challenge more powerful race cars in its class. During the halfway point on race day, Mike Wilds handed over to Piers Ward, Senior Road Test Editor, BBC Top Gear Magazine, to complete the final hour of the race. The Mazda MX-5 production race car continued to prove highly competitive and out handled rivals Seat Toledo, Seat Leon Cupra and the Synchro Motorsport Honda Jazz to give the production car its second podium of the season and third podium win for the team." Graeme Fudge, PR Director, Mazda UK added: "Despite the new Snetterton 300 circuit lending itself to the faster cars on track, we had a great result on Sunday, which is testament to the drivers and the handling and reliability for which the MX‑5 is renowned." The next race is the Britcar 24hr at Silverstone Circuit on 1-2 October 2011. Well done to Mazda and Mike. Life in the old dog yet, and you Mike!