Mazda’s Two-Day Exclusive Test Event

Mazda Motorsports is excited to offer karters and quarter midget drivers the opportunity to test a Spec MX-5 (third generation MX-5) race car across a two-day test, Mazda-exclusive event at Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) August 17 & 18, 2022.

The two-day Mazda test at CMP: Mazda Motorsports will rent CMP August 17 & 18 to host up to 24 drivers in Spec MX-5 race cars. Several Spec MX-5 teams will join forces with Mazda Motorsports to provide the race cars, crew, coaches and more. In addition to the team’s coaches, Mazda will have its own coaches and staff on hand to work with the drivers.

While this two-day Mazda test is not to be confused with the Spec MX-5 or MX-5 Cup Shootouts held annually near the end of the calendar year, it is a great opportunity for racers to get exposed to sports car racing, and why there are more Mazda’s road racing on any given weekend than any other brand.

Eligibility and Requirements:

Must be 14 years old or older by August 17, 2022 to apply
Must be based in North America
Must have competed (race result required to be submitted with the application) in at least one sanctioned outdoor kart or quarter midget race since 2021. If clarification or confirmation is desired, please contact David Cook at DCook13@MazdaUSA.com
Must not have competed in more than two sports car race events in your career (this offer is intended for those who would be “new” to sports car racing)
Must apply by June 23 (Applicants will be notified of acceptance by end of June via email from a Mazda Motorsports representative. Selections will not be made on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the information submitted in the application form.)
Drivers must pay the race team the $2,500 fee directly. Mazda Motorsports will arrange the team for you, which will provide the arrive-and-drive experience, which includes all consumables (e.g., tires, fuel, brakes, etc.); transport of car; prep of car; crew; coach and more. Mazda will provide a catered lunch, complimentary, to each driver and for up to three attendees per driver (e.g., two parents and the driver’s personal coach, if desired/on-hand).
Drivers (or parent or legal guardian of the driver, if a minor), must sign a Mazda waiver, a team waiver, and the track’s waiver to participate on track at CMP.

To apply: Race seats will be selected via an application process to Mazda Motorsports found here. Applications are due by June 23, 2022.

Racing gear (Mazda Motorsports will provide additional information to the below, if requested. Please email David Cook at DCook13@MazdaUSA.com)

Hans devices will be loaned to those who do not have one.
Fire-resistant race suit, socks, race shoes, and balaclava will need to be worn by each racer. Mazda will not provide, but does sell a racing suit designed by Mazda and Max Papis Innovations.
Racer will be required to run an IMSA-style radio plug connected to their helmet.

The Tentative Schedule: Minute-by-Minute

With Mazda exclusively renting CMP, it is anticipated that there will be four on-track sessions on day one and five on-track sessions on day two, with video or data review between each session.

August 16: Day before getting on track

6:00 pm: Arrive to CMP for meet and greet and driving fittings (driver measurements will need to be provided to Mazda Motorsports by July 14. Mazda will communicate prior to share what measurements are needed, and how to measure. Plan on departing by 7:30 pm. It is recommended to eat dinner prior to arriving to the track. Waters and other hydrating beverages will be provided at the track by Mazda Motorsports.

Day one, August 17: Anticipate four on-track sessions with video or data review between each

6:45 am –7:10 am: Driver fitting for those unable to attend the evening prior

7:15-7:30: Drivers’ meeting

7:30-7:45: Each race team reviews their respective cars with the racers

8:00-8:20 am: Race cars will be shaken down

8:21-8:44: Van-arounds led by the coaches

8:45: Group one drivers enter cars

9:00-9:20: Group one drivers on track

9:35-9:55: Group two drivers

10:10-10:30: Group three drivers

10:40-11:00: Group one drivers

11:10-11:30: Group two drivers

Lunch provided by Mazda Motorsports. Track will be cold for one hour; if track goes cold prior to noon, then the track may turn green prior to 1:00 pm; Mazda Motorsports will communicate in real time.

1:00-1:20: Group three drivers

1:30-1:50: Group one drivers

2:00-2:20: Group two drivers

2:30-2:50: Group three drivers

3:00-3:20: Group one drivers

3:30-3:50: Group two drivers

4:00–4:20: Group three drivers

Of note:

Cars may run on track until 5:00 pm. The buffer is added to account for potential on-track delays. Times above, which are the targets, will likely change throughout the day.
Drivers may leave after their final session without notice to Mazda. We request you notify and thank your respective teams and coaches prior to departing for the day.

Day two, Aug 18: Anticipate five on-track sessions with video or data review between each

7:15-7:30 am: Drivers’ meeting (paddock)

7:45 am: Group three drivers enter cars

8:00-8:20 am: Group three drivers on track (group order to be reversed from day one on track)

8:30-8:50: Group two drivers

9:00-9:20: Group one drivers

9:30-9:50: Group three drivers

10:00-10:20: Group two drivers

10:30-10:50: Group one drivers

11:00-11:20: Group three drivers

11:30-11:50: Group two drivers

1:00-1:20: Group one drivers

1:30-1:50: Group three drivers

2:00-2:20: Group two drivers

2:30-2:50: Group one drivers

3:00-3:20: Group three drivers

3:30- 3:50- Group two drivers

4:00 – 4:20: Group one drivers

Of note:

Drivers may leave after their final session without notice to Mazda. We request you notify and thank your respective teams and coaches prior to departing for the day.
In your application, please notify us if you need to depart the track prior to 5 pm on day two and by what time. We will consider upon our scheduling of groups.

Damage to the race car:

All damage to the race car is the responsibility of the driver behind the wheel of that car. It not the responsibility of another driver, even if that driver was the cause of the incident; it is industry-standard that regardless of fault, drivers are responsible for their race car.

Race cars can also have damage caused in ways other than crash damage. A driver can miss a shift – causing an overrev, damaging the engine or transmission. This can be seen on data, which each Spec MX-5 will include (AiM data systems). A turnkey engine (prepped for racing application) would be billed at $6500 (a discounted rate) to the driver. The team selected will not charge more than $2,000 in labor for an engine replacement per an agreement that would be signed between driver (parent of legal guardian of the driver, if a minor). Transmissions, and sometimes engines, can be rebuilt. A transmission replacement from Mazda Motorsports would be sold at a discount at $2,280 to the driver (plus tax). Labor for the transmission replacement would cost no more than $800 billed by the race team (plus tax). Other components may be damaged and charged for. There are insurance options available. Please note on your application if interested to learn more.

For information about the Spec MX-5 Challenge Series presented by Toyo Tires, click here
For information about the Idemitsu MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tire, click here