We’re not exactly sure why Mazda decided to see if its little Mazda2 could defy gravity, but they have. To do so they went to the ‘Wall of death’ at the Demon Drome in Cornwall, UK and asked ‘Dynomyte’ Dave Seymour if he wouldn’t mind ditching his trusty motorcycle and doing a few laps in a wee Japanese hatchback.
Only minor modifications for ground clearance were made to the Mazda2 prior to getting really sideways. A seemingly modest 50km/h and some driver skill was all that was required to make the stunt a reality. You can see video of the Mazda2 in action after the break.
Mazda2 Conquers the Wall of Death
Mazda2, the smallest member of the Mazda family, has shown its versatility and ability to punch above its weight by launching a successful bid to conquer the famous Wall of Death.
Successful assaults on the wall of death are usually confined to motorcycles but with Demon Drome owner and experienced Wall of Death rider ‘Dynomite’ Dave Seymour at the wheel the Mazda2 was able to stay on the wall for approximately 8 laps.
Achieving this was no easy feat with Mazda having to make subtle adjustments to the suspension and ground clearance to ensure that the Mazda2 could successfully position itself on the lower track and mount the wall.
On the main section of the wall, ‘Dynomite’ Dave Seymour increased the Mazda2’s speed to around 50km/h which enabled him to maintain height safely in the middle of the wall.
G-forces affecting the driver as he clung to the wall of the Demon Drome were another factor which had to be considered by Mazda when planning this daring feat.
It is estimated that g-forces of approximately 2.5g were induced by ‘Dynomite’ Dave and the Mazda2 as it lapped the Wall of Death at 50km/h.
For the Mazda2 to claim a successful assault on the Wall of Death, it also had to descend safely into the middle and this was a task which proved to be just as precarious as actually mounting the wall.
Balance was the key to a successful descent and with a slight left pull on the steering wheel and constant pressure on the accelerator ‘Dynomite’ Dave brought the curtain down on a Wall of Death assault for the plucky Mazda2.
The Demon Drome is based in Cornwall, UK and tours Europe each summer appearing at events such as the Goodwood Revival.