Series for NA-model Spec Miatas expands to NB-model Spec Miatas with a marquee event at Road America
After a successful launch in 2017 that saw steadily growing fields of 1990-1997 NA Miatas, the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Mazda Miata Heritage Cup will welcome 1999-2005 NB Miatas, creating a second podium, beginning in 2020. And there is one more special opportunity – SVRA is going to waive the entry fee for one marquee event to be held at Road America May 14-17.
“I am very excited to continue and grow the Mazda Miata Heritage Cup,” commented SVRA’s President and CEO Tony Parella. “The racing has been very competitive, but the drivers have really embraced the no-contact, SVRA philosophy. It’s clear the drivers view racing with us as a unique motorsport experience.”
“We are fortunate for the partnership with SVRA, said David Cook, Business Development Manager of Motorsports for Mazda North American Operations. “Both organizations pride themselves on providing a unique and special customer experience. Growing our relationship with SVRA goes way beyond increasing the racing opportunities for our customers; it provides them with a fun racing experience surrounded by both amazing people and cars.”
One of these amazing people, Chris Windsor, principal of Windsor Customs, has both raced and supported racers (as a prep shop) at many SVRA events since the inception of the Mazda Miata Heritage Cup; his first event – Mid-Ohio.
“I grabbed Pop Pop (aka dad), who wanted to play too, and several cars, and we headed out to Mid-Ohio,” recalls Windsor. “Having only been at Mid-O once, I figured I’d have to show myself around. But, due to this being an SVRA event, it was not so. The event workers were great; they pointed out where things were and found me a spot, which is not always easy in a semi; we quickly got four cars unloaded and set up. The schedule was posted and ran like a clock; I had a few questions and always got a quick answer. So for us, it has not just been about the beautiful, historic cars, or the bucket list tracks; it’s the entire experience that makes SVRA special. With the addition of the NBs (Miata), we are excited to share this experience with more customers next year.”
One of those bucket list tracks – Road America May 14-17 – will be even a little more special in 2020. While it’s the site of the 2020 SCCA Runoffs, Spec Miata racers who choose to run with SVRA will not have an entry fee.
With more cars, may come more opportunity for on-track contact. But as a reminder, and more will be provided as with all race groups, avoidable contact is not acceptable at SVRA. As easy and quick as it will be to get on track (no SVRA license needed for SCCA and NASA competitors too), it’s even quicker to be removed from competition. To protect the safe, fair and fun experience, SVRA takes a zero-tolerance approach to avoidable contact. And this is part of why the experience has been so enjoyable for so many racers, helping to make SVRA the largest and one of the oldest vintage racing organizations in the United States.
For those who do choose the SVRA experience, don’t forget to collect your Mazda contingency awards, which can be found here on page 20.
2020 Mazda Miata Heritage Cup Tentative Schedule:
– Roebling Road, February 14-16
– Road Atlanta, March 26-29
– Road America, May 14-17 Note: Free featured Marquee program for Miata
– Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, June 25-28
– VIRginia International Raceway, September 24-27
– Savannah Speed Classic, Grand Prize of America
– Circuit of the Americas, November 5-8 note: Spec MX-5 only