From his early days of drag racing and car shows, then later focusing on circuit racing, it’s the adrenaline-fueled challenge of hill climbs and street sprints that Mark prefers to focus on. With a passion for over-revving rotary engines, it’s this love for all things rotary that drives him to push his period styled 616 well beyond its capabilities. Having competed for two years at Leadfoot and placing fifth in class both years, despite finding some extra pace in 2019, he feels there is some unfinished business with the 616 and Millen’s driveway.

Mark Strawbridge - 1973 Mazda 616

From his early days of drag racing and car shows, then later focusing on circuit racing, it’s the adrenaline-fueled challenge of hill climbs and street sprints that Mark prefers to focus on. With a passion for over-revving rotary engines, it’s this love for all things rotary that drives him to push his period styled 616 well beyond its capabilities. Having competed for two years at Leadfoot and placing fifth in class both years, despite finding some extra pace in 2019, he feels there is some unfinished business with the 616 and Millen’s driveway.

1973 Mazda 616:

Imported from Australia in original condition in 2006, a small team of friends spent four years completely rebuilding the 616 from the ground up, in preparation for racing. The build had a period focus that means many people now mistakenly assume it to be an ex-works car from Japan. The 12A PP engine (screaming to 11,000rpm) has been a mainstay in the car, and runs ag a 48mm IDA and Link ECU. The car is always a crowd-pleaser and last year it dropped over a second on its personal best at Leadfoot. With a few gearbox modifications, the team are confident it will go even quicker.