Mazda MX-5 Cup Series
Mazda’s launch of the MX-5 Cup series in 2006 was a rousing success, and the momentum continues in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin as the series positions itself for the future through more robust prize funds, continued development of the MX-5 Cup car and sanctioning with International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
Mazda awards more than $1.2 million annually to MX-5 Cup drivers, including a $150,000 scholarship to the winner of the MX-5 Cup Shootout, where up-and-coming talent compete for a chance to make the move to professional racing. Both the runner-up and the best female driver in the Shootout each receive $100,000 scholarships.
The largest prize payout goes to the MX-5 Cup season champion who receives $250,000. Other finishers earn significant payouts; the runner up driver will earn $85,000, the third-place points earner will emerge with $50,000; the Rookie-of-the-Year earns $80,000.
Significant prize money is also paid to the top 10 finishers in each race and the highest finishing female driver.
Mazda MX-5 Cup racers have the benefit of dedicated on-site team support at every race. This includes technical support and driver coaching as well as parts sales and service along with professional marketing and PR. All MX-5 Cup races are streamed live via the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels with some of the largest viewership numbers for a single-make series.
About the MX-5 Cup race car: Each starts as a brand new, complete MX-5 road car from the Mazda factory in Hiroshima, Japan, before being transported to engineering development partner, Flis Performance in Daytona Beach, Florida where they are transformed into a complete race car and sold. The process includes disassembly of the production car, followed by welding of a full roll cage. The final assembly of the race car includes more than 250 motorsports-specific parts. Other components of the car, including the Mazda SKYACTIV 2.0-liter engine, are sealed to ensure even competition and a cost-effective platform, as well as the SADEV Sequential 6-Speed Gearbox, which has solidified the durability of the ND2 car and elevated performance within the MX-5 Cup Series.
For more information about the MX-5 Cup schedule and the series, see MX-5Cup.com.
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