The Sparco Sprint 5, or V as the Roman citizens call it, is a budget race seat widely used around the world. It is particularly popular in the Mazda MX-5 circles as it is one of the only seats that fits the small cabin while also bolting up to the rails with minor modifications involving a drill, broken Dremel, angle grinder, unicorn assistance and some band-aides. It’s pretty easy actually. Other seats fit fine but contact points mean torn fabric in a matter of weeks.
The Sprint is of a tubular steel frame construction so even though it looks like a proper racing seat, it is an imposter! Just have a look underneath the seat and you will spot the difference. Looks similar to a stock seat. This construction, with its springs and foam padding, means improved comfort and inevitably, added weight. The difference between my stock MX-5 seat and the Sprint 5 is a measly 1kg.
Not all is doom and gloom though. You will sit lower in your car, provided you use the same rails, and you will have all the proper support you would expect of a bucket seat. The difference is amazing and well worth the money. Speaking of which, the seat retails for AU$500 and US$320 for the Yanks. The latest version even comes with a hole for anti-sub belts which gives it an extra brownie point. Considering the price of some fibreglass and carbon fibre seats on the market, the Sprint 5 is a bargain and it’s no wonder they are so popular.
All things considered, it allows you to run a harness, provides great comfort for a bucket seat (which is important for long distance trips to the tack), is very well priced and looks pretty damned nice. Consider investing in bolster protectors if you can find some as the fabric will tear in no time without them.