R&D Motorsports

What R&D Motorsports does

DG Motorsports, founded in 1980 by David Green, is a privately held US manufacturer of aftermarket automotive body components produced from hand-laid fiberglass and carbon fiber composites. The company is headquartered in Burlington, Washington, and serves enthusiast owners of specific vehicle platforms — primarily Mazda MX-5 / Miata across the NA (1990-1997), NB (1998-2005), NC (2006-2014), and ND (2016+) chassis generations, with secondary lines for the Fiat 124 Spider, first-generation Mazdaspeed 3, the first-generation Hyundai Veloster, and MX-5 Cup Cars. The flagship product is the Miata hardtop, offered in fiberglass or carbon fiber in Street (with weatherproofing seals) and Race (ultra-light, seal-free, bolted polycarbonate rear window) configurations, supported by front splitters, rear spoilers, diffusers, fender flares, and wing extensions.

The technology stack is fundamentally composite manufacturing — handcrafted layup craftsmanship performed one part at a time, with carbon fiber components made to order on approximately a 10-business-day lead time and fiberglass parts carrying gel-coat finishes ready for paint. The newer Tech Vents system extends into modular accessory hardware for Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit adventure vans, built from hardened aircraft-grade aluminum with stainless hardware and a proprietary International Amps pattern slot/hole mounting grid that integrates a Molle panel system; the design carries patent-pending status. Manufacturing is performed in the United States, with replacement parts (molded rear windows, replacement weatherproof seals) sold as standalone SKUs.

Commercially, DG Motorsports operates as a direct-to-consumer Shopify storefront at dgmotorsports.com, fulfilling orders via UPS, FedEx ground, and freight carriers with same/next-business-day shipping on in-stock items. Pricing ranges from approximately $195 for small carbon accessories to $1,595-$2,095+ for hardtops, plus freight surcharges on large items; orders are one-time purchases with no recurring revenue component. Customer acquisition is driven by an organic social presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, recurring SEMA trade show appearances dating back to 2000 (including a 2001 Ford Best of Show - Pickups award), and direct email/phone consultation for custom builds. International orders are accepted to Canada and worldwide by request.

Name

R&D Motorsports

Legal name

DG Motorsports

Website

https://dgmotorsports.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DG Motorsports is a US manufacturer of hand-laid fiberglass and carbon fiber aftermarket hardtops and body components for Mazda Miata, Fiat 124 Spider, and other enthusiast vehicles, plus a new line of patent-pending modular Tech Vents accessories for Sprinter and Ford Transit adventure vans, sold direct-to-consumer via Shopify.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Aftermarket Parts

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing (336211), Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (336390)

SIC

Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies (3711), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Roof Systems & Convertible Top Components Manufacturing (Panoramic Roof Modules/Soft Tops) (IMACAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Body Panels, Doors, Hoods & Closures Manufacturing (IMACAGAH), Automotive Exterior Trim & Appearance Components Manufacturing (Moldings/Badges/Grilles/Chrome/Cladding) (IMACAKAE)

Keywords

• Aftermarket auto parts
• Fiberglass hardtops
• Carbon fiber body panels
• Mazda Miata accessories
• Automotive aerodynamic parts

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Automotive Aftermarket Parts Sales: DG Motorsports generates revenue through the direct sale of physical automotive parts including hardtops, body kits, spoilers, splitters, diffusers, fender flares, and replacement parts. Products are sold as one-time purchases with no recurring revenue component. Standard inventory items ship same-day or next-business day, while custom carbon fiber parts are made per order (10 business day lead time).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DG Motorsports designs, manufactures, and sells handcrafted fiberglass and carbon fiber hardtops and body components for specific enthusiast vehicle platforms. The flagship line covers Mazda Miata/MX-5 hardtops for all four generations (NA, NB, NC, ND), plus Fiat 124 Spider hardtops, Hyundai Veloster spoilers, Mazdaspeed 3 aero components, and a patent-pending Tech Vent and Molle Panel system for Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit adventure vans. All parts are made one at a time in Burlington, Washington, USA.

Product overview

DG Motorsports is a manufacturer of high-performance automotive aftermarket parts, primarily specializing in lightweight fiberglass and carbon fiber hardtops for Mazda Miatas and MX-5s across multiple generations (NA 1990-1997, NB 1998-2005, NC 2006-2014, ND 2016-present). The core product line consists of hardtop offerings available in Street (with weatherproofing seals) and Race (ultra-light, seal-free) configurations, plus complementary aero and body components including front splitters, rear spoilers, fender flares, diffusers, and wing extensions. The company also manufactures specialty hardtops for Fiat 124 Spiders and Cup Cars, as well as a separate product line of Tech Vents and Molle Panel mounting systems for Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit adventure vans. Products are designed for easy installation and require painting/finishing before use, with carbon fiber parts made to order. DG Motorsports was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Burlington, Washington.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Weight reduction through lightweight fiberglass and carbon fiber construction
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Flyin' MiataminorOthersFlyin' Miata provided the turbocharged 250HP powertrain for the Blazing Miata project car (2003 Mazda MX-5). This was a collaboration on a custom show car build, not a formal commercial partnership.
• TMI Design (Dan Hatch)minorOthersDan Hatch of TMI Design provided custom paint work for multiple DG Motorsports project vehicles including Blazing Miata, Hurricane Expedition, Mazda RX8, and Wickedly Red. This is a creative collaboration on show cars.
• AWR Racing (Tony Woodford)minorOthersTony Woodford of AWR Racing provided invaluable assistance converting the Mazdaspeed 3 Time Attack car to all-wheel drive. This was a technical collaboration on a racing project.
• Bell EngineeringminorOthersBell Engineering provided the turbo system for the Protege 5 project car. This is a component supplier relationship for custom builds.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationDG Motorsports uses Shopify as their e-commerce platform powering their online store at dgmotorsports.com. Shopify handles payment processing, order management, and store infrastructure.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Seibon Carbon: Seibon Carbon manufactures aftermarket carbon fiber body panels — hoods, trunks, fenders, and aerodynamic components — for a wide range of import and sports cars. Directly comparable to DGM's carbon fiber hardtop and body panel business on material, channel, and customer type.
• Carbon Creations: Carbon Creations produces aftermarket carbon fiber body panels and aero parts for sports, import, and tuner vehicles. Direct overlap with DGM on carbon fiber hardtops, splitters, and wing extensions.
• Anderson Composites: Anderson Composites produces carbon fiber and fiberglass replacement body panels for performance and enthusiast vehicles, including hoods, fenders, trunks, and aerodynamic parts. Directly comparable material/process overlap with DG Motorsports' composite manufacturing focus.
• Robbins Auto Top: Robbins Auto Top manufactures convertible and hardtop replacements for British and other classic/import roadsters. Direct comparable to DGM's hardtop manufacturing business on product type and customer use case.
• APR Performance: APR Performance designs and manufactures aerodynamic body components — splitters, wings, diffusers, and canards — in carbon fiber and fiberglass for performance vehicles. Overlaps with DGM's front splitter, rear diffuser, and wing extension SKUs.
• Van Compass: Van Compass manufactures suspension, armor, and accessory products for Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster adventure vans. Comparable to DGM's emerging Tech Vent/Molle panel line for the overland van segment.
• Goodwin Racing: Goodwin Racing is a direct competitor to DG Motorsports in the Miata/MX-5 aftermarket, offering hardtops, roll bars, and fiberglass body components for the same enthusiast customer base. It overlaps directly with DGM's flagship hardtop and body panel SKUs.
• VIS Racing: VIS Racing designs and sells body kits, hoods, spoilers, and aerodynamic components for a broad range of import and performance vehicles. Comparable to DGM on product category (aftermarket body panels) and D2C channel model.
• Owl Vans: Owl Vans makes aluminum accessory mounting products, ladders, and storage solutions for Mercedes Sprinter vans, serving the overland/adventure van build market. Direct comparable to DGM's Tech Vents and Molle Panel line for Sprinter vans.

Emerging players

• Five Axis: Five Axis designs and produces aftermarket aerodynamic body components and wheels for performance and luxury vehicles. Comparable manufacturing process (composites) and SEMA-driven go-to-market motion, though it serves a higher-end performance/luxury customer base than DGM's Miata-focused core.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DGMMazda
• Facebookfacebook.com/dgmotorsportsinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/dgmotorsports1
• Xx.com/dg_motorsports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advanced-fiberglass

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about R&D Motorsports