On the day before collecting the NC from the dealership, out of complete coincidence, I received a call from Mazda UK asking if I’d be available to travel up to York to photograph the Mazda Owners’ Club attempt at breaking two Guinness world records.

The most Mazdas ever to be moving simultaneously on a single track (683 to beat)
The most convertibles moving simultaneously on a single track (270 to beat)

With Project NC now in with a possibility of helping out with the records and also be in for its first road trip test, of course I said yes! With the boot packed full of camera gear (which it surprisingly fit a healthy amount of), we set off North to Elvington Airfield.

Although it wasn’t the most spectacular day to be in a roadster, that didn’t bother the huge turnout of MX-5’s that arrived on the day. From MK1’s to MK4’s, every variation, special edition and garage conversion was accounted for as over 1500 cars in total circled the airfield. Although it was never officially verified that the records were beaten (due to some specific requirements for speed and distance between participating cars), it was a fun experience to simultaneously be shooting and playing a part in the event. A huge thanks to Zoe for doing the driving on the day!

Some impressions after the first road trip:

The electric roof is a novelty I won’t get bored of (despite accidentally holding up other drivers at a traffic light)
Sixth gear is handy for motorway cruising
The standard BOSE sound system is terrible
Tyres were a little bit on the used side
Dampers are softer than what I’d like. Great for the motorway, not confidence inspiring when on B roads.
Stock ride height is atrocious to look at