Mazda Motorsports Redefines Racing: Mazda Motorsports and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) are happy to say that Spec MX-5 (SMX) will become a highly sought-after National Class in SCCA’s Road Racing program. This is a significant change for motorsports because it gives fans and new drivers a new place to fight.
The Spec MX-5 Challenge was formed in 2018 to connect the SCCA’s Spec Miata (SM) class to the IMSA Mazda MX-5 Cup. The NC-model Mazda Miata couldn’t compete in Spec Miata or MX-5 Cup events, so this race was created.
Adding this class to the SCCA gives SMX riders access to over 200 spectacular road races. The Hoosier Super Tour is the greatest, featuring ten thrilling races on top tracks. This site has a dedicated crew and many streaming videos to bring the thrill to your screen.
Jonathan Applegate, Mazda Motorsports Senior Manager, stated best: “This class is ideal for younger racers who wish to move up from karting or new Miata racers without Spec Miata expertise. One model and one Mazda Motorsports-only build kit make everything standard and economical.
Mazda Motorsports painstakingly crafted the NC SMX build kit. Over 100 SMX build kits have been returned to their owners. SCCA will handle license, registering, technical inspection, officiating, and timing under the same procedures as other National Classes.
The SCCA Club Racing Board (CRB) Chairman, John LaRue, says, “The CRB voted to recommend SMX be added to the General Competition Rules [GCR] as a Runoffs-eligible class for the coming year, and SCCA’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation at its August meeting.”
Mazda Motorsports’ new customer service trailer is double the size of its predecessor and loaded with components and knowledgeable workers. This illustrates the company’s interest in amateur racing. The goal is to compete in as many Super Tours as possible to support the fast-growing SMX class. To sweeten the bargain, championship honors will be identical to the 2023 Spec MX-5 Challenge Series.
“This is a big step forward for Mazda Motorsports’ grassroots racing program,” stated Josh Smith, Business Development Manager. SCCA National Classes allow drivers to participate at more tracks and bridge the Spec Miata and MX-5 Cup gaps. Spec Miatas are popular, but maintenance will cost more as NA and NB parts become harder to locate. We’re investing seven figures on SMX to keep Mazda popular in local racing.
Two SMX “Mazda Factory Team” members are selected from a group of young, future drivers in an off-season Spec MX-5 shootout, adding to the excitement.
As we await the 2024 Hoosier Super Tour schedule and each SCCA Division’s National Road Racing events, the Mazda grassroots racing community is preparing for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Virginia International Raceway from September 23 to October 1. SMX leads this exciting new chapter of motorsport glory, and the racing world is waiting.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why is Mazda leaving IMSA?
Ahead of the upcoming regulation change to the LMDh class, which will compete for overall wins in both IMSA and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the decision has been made not to continue with the current DPi. Acura, Porsche, and Audi have already committed to the LMDh class.
Does Mazda still make race cars?
As the ultimate entry point into the world of motorsports, we cater to amateur racers who seek limitless opportunities. Our challenger spirit lives on through grassroots racers and neo-pro drivers who take on the wheel of both new and old Mazdas to pursue their dreams and push themselves to the limit. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, we empower racers to be their best and achieve their goals.
How much does a Mazda mx5 Cup car cost?
For those looking to hit the track in style, the turnkey MX-5 Cup racing car is a top choice. At a price point of $80,000, this vehicle is built from production MX-5s in Hiroshima, Japan. The car is stripped down and equipped with an FIA- and IMSA-standard roll cage, as well as over 250 dedicated racing components. With a six-speed sequential gearbox, this car is ready to take on any challenge on the track.
Who builds MX-5 Cup cars?
The MX-5 Cup race cars begin their journey as fully assembled MX-5 road cars straight from the Mazda factory in Hiroshima, Japan. These cars are then shipped to Flis Performance, Mazda’s engineering development partner located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Here, they undergo a transformation and are converted into high-performance race cars ready to take on the track.
