Mazda Motorsports

MX-5 Cup

Did you know that Mazda has a deep history in motorsports? The brand has participated in racing since 1968, beginning with the Marathon de la Route at Nürburgring, Germany‎. This rally has a reputation for being one of the most grueling courses in the world, requiring 3.5 days of driving around the 28-kilometer Nürburgring technical circuit and totaling 84 hours. Mazda’s participation in this demanding race was to show the world the capability of the rotary engine in the Cosmo Sports models (or the 110S). Two of these vehicles partook, and spectators were initially skeptical of the manufacturer’s participation and the engines the vehicles were using. Perception changed once the race began, with both cars performing well. Unfortunately, one of the vehicles didn’t finish due to a rear tire issue; however, the other Cosmo Sport finished fourth place overall, kickstarting Mazda’s legacy in motorsports! The company now has over 200 IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) race wins and, in 1991, became the first Japanese brand to win overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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Grassroots Programs

In the wake of the manufacturer’s success in motorsports, Mazda has participated in the racing community in several ways. The Mazda Team Support Program is a grassroots organization that offers benefits for those competing in Mazda vehicles. These include technical support, special pricing on parts, and contingency awards. 

Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup

In 2016 the MX-5 Cup Series presented by BFGoodrich Tires launched with rousing success, with each year’s prizes increasing substantially. The cup now offers more than $1 million in yearly prize money and scholarships. Each car comes straight from Mazda’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan, becoming a racecar thanks to Mazda’s engineering development partner Flis Performance in Daytona Beach, Florida. This process includes fully disassembling the original production car, painting and welding a full interior cage and installing more than 250 motorsports-specific parts. 

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Since the beginning, Mazda has strived for innovation and aspires to go beyond what is currently possible. In doing so, Mazda Motorsports has allowed the brand to create new and exciting opportunities for those seeking racing careers with its grassroots programs while also making its mark in professional events. 

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