THE SERIES
What is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup series and Invitational?
The MX-5 Cup is the signature spec series for the Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24), the sports car counterpart to the Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI). On both paths, Mazda-powered champions earn a Mazda scholarship to advance their career. The MX-5 Cup champion earns a $200,000 scholarship.
The 2016 season features the all-new fourth generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. For the first time, Mazda has commissioned complete turnkey race cars, with the goal that all cars are as close to identical as possible, ensuring the best drivers rise to the top. Over 100 of the Global race cars have been delivered to date.
Top MX-5 racers around the world competed in a Global Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA, to crown the MX-5 Cup overall series champion September 9-11, 2016. The winner of the Invitational, Nathanial “Sparky” Sparks will be sent to Multimatic to train on the “Driver in the Loop” (DIL) simulator, in advance of a one-day test in the Mazda Prototype.*
In which series will I be able to compete with this MX-5 Cup car?
The 2016 MX-5 Cup car has been developed to a global specification for current and future MX-5 Cup series around the world. (In 2017, MX-5 Cup will be established in Japan.) It has been classified by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for competition, and will run exclusively in the 2016 MX-5 Cup; the MX-5 Cup car can participate in track day and club events; it is not street legal.
Where can updates on the MX-5 Cup car be found?
Updates will be provided as they happen on MazdaMotorsports.com and Mazda Motorsports’ Facebook page and Twitter account – @GlobalMX5Cup
What’s the plan for autocross?
SCCA has classified the 2016 MX-5 road car for competition in its CS, STR and CSP classes. Mazda Motorsports is currently developing the competition parts for sale to support the 2016 MX-5 competitors in these three classes. (An autocrosser can buy a street car from a Mazda dealership and parts from Mazda Motorsports.)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2016 MAZDA MX-5 CUP CAR
Who is the development partner for the Cup car?
Long Road Racing (LRR) was selected to assist in the development of the Global Cup car. LRR is a full-service professional racing team that has been developing MX-5s for more than a decade.
What are the testing and development timelines and major milestones?
March 2015: Three pre-production MX-5s arrived at Long Road Racing; in-house development began.
April/May: The 2016 MX-5 Cup cars made their public on-track debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during round 3 of the Idemitsu MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires.
June/July: Development partners selected. The first MX-5 Cup car built as the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca pace car.
October: Price announced and order taken.
November: Customer production and delivery of the MX-5 Cup cars began. First four MX-5 Cup cars compete during NASA’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill.
December: Partners for wheels, tires, shock dampers, and brake pads will be announced.
April 2016: 40 competitors competed during rounds 1 & 2 of the 2016 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Patrick Gallagher won the first race.
September: The first Global Invitational was held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with drivers competing from throughout eight countries.
Who is the main test driver during development?
Mazda Motorsports’ factory drivers Tom Long and Andrew Carbonell led the charge. Long has driven every platform of the Miata MX-5, both street and race cars. Long is a Mazda factory Prototype driver and a driving coach.
ORDERING THE MX-5 CUP CAR
How do I order the MX-5 Cup car?
Go to MazdaMotorsports.com; click the banner at the top of the home page; fill out the 10-question order form; a Mazda Motorsports’ representative will email with information on completing the purchase within two business days.
What is the price? Will there be a deposit?
The price of the MX-5 Cup car is $58,900 plus all applicable taxes. There is a required $17,500 deposit due upon placing your order. The MX-5 Cup car comes ready to race, less the racing seat that is to be selected and installed by the customer based on his or her preferences; the race car is delivered with the factory road car seat for easy transport.
When will I need to pay the balance?
Funds near to clear by the time you take delivery of the MX-5 Cup car or when Long Road Racing ships it to you; Long Road Racing will coordinate this with you.
How many MX-5 Cup cars are you expecting to build? When will they be available?
We will build as many MX-5 Cup cars as we have orders for. In 2015, we built 10; by September of 2016, we have built approximately 90 more. By the end of 2016, it is estimated an additional 30 will be built. For an up-to-date delivery timeline, contact Alana Long of Long Road Racing at (980)223-8547.
With whom should I speak about the MX-5 Cup car or series?
Please send an email to Mazda Motorsports Business Development Manager David Cook (DCook13@MazdaUSA.com) or call him at 949.929.8494.
SPECS OF THE MX-5 CUP CAR
What are the specs?
You can find the spec sheet here.
What parts manufacturers were considered (e.g., shocks, brakes, etc.)?
We tested several manufacturers’ parts for many categories. Out of respect for those who did not get selected, we decided it is best not to divulge which ones were they were.
I’m 6’4”; will I be able to fit?
It is being built for those as tall as 6’4”. The cage has been built to FIA regulations with a minimum two-inch clearance.
What is the color of the MX-5 Cup car upon delivery?
White – To allow customers to paint it the color and scheme they prefer (or wrap it).
Will I have the ability to purchase the MX-5 Cup car without a racing seat, so I can use my preferred one?
Yes. It will come with the road car seat to allow for easy transport.
Will it come with a hard top?
We are currently developing one. A hard top would be an incremental purchase.
*For more information, contact Mazda Motorsports.