Idemitsu MX-5 Cup

Series:	Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup
Car:	Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Cup – the best value in sports car racing – is designed to give sports car drivers the platform to run on high-profile race weekends in an economical, entry-level professional racing series. The North American-based series, the Idemitsu MX-5 Cup, features the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 race cars that will compete during International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) events, delivering considerable exposure and value to all stakeholders. With five of the six race weekends set, each hosting two 45-minute races, the race weekend is filled with excitement and value.

In the first inaugural global event, top MX-5 Cup racers around the world will compete in a Global Finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA to crown the MX-5 Cup overall series champion. A one-day test in Mazda’s Prototype race car that competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will top the list of prizes bestowed on the global champion.

Established in 2006, MX-5 Cup is a professional racing category sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). For more information, see articles on here or MX-5Cup.com.

Why compete in the MX-5 Cup?
Competition, fun driving and reliable race cars, affordability, parity, a $200,000 scholarship award to the champion, and the support staff available at and between events makes the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup appealing to a wide range of competitors. Whether a rookie or a veteran, people want to have fun and learn – build their craft. With an average of more than 30 competitors in 2015 and 40 expected in 2016, the six race weekend event schedule, each hosting two 45-minute races, promises to deliver the best value in sports car racing. According to Ara Malkhassian, team owner and competitor of ALARA Racing since 2006, “It’s the best value in pro racing. Period. It’s a tightly controlled spec class that’s a fraction of the cost of the next least expensive competing series. All that aside, it’s the most fun at ANY price!”

SEASON SCHEDULE:  Compete in 12 action-packed races, held over six race weekends, gaining exposure to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and other high-profile series.

RACE PURSE, YEAR-END PRIZE, AND CHAMPION’S SCHOLARSHIP: Claim your portion of the annual payout!
•    Annual payout will exceed $500,000 in race purses and year-end prize and scholarship money
•    The series champion earns a $200,000 scholarship to race a Mazda in an IMSA sanctioned series – the next rung in the Mazda Road to 24 (MRT24) professional sports car ladder.

ON-SITE STAFF SUPPORT:  Receive professional assistance from a consistent and dedicated team of marketing, operations and technical professionals at each event. These key individuals will provide tech support, conduct tech inspections, coordinate race operations, deliver PR and marketing support, and ensure live timing and scoring is available for all to see via the web.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Build your race craft and technical savvy working with a professional engineer, driver coach, data expert, and crew. Many of the teams in the series offer this full-service experience.

TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY: Rent a ride for a race weekend or the season with a full-service race team that provides transportation, race car prep and upkeep of its MX-5 Cup cars. If you prefer to own your MX-5 Cup car, many teams will provide the same full-service offer to you.

OPERATIONS TRAILER: Leverage the Idemitsu Technical Operations Center – the cornerstone of the vibrant Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup paddock is world-class. Not only employed for all series’ technical operations, competitors and team personnel can enjoy the hospitality offerings for both formal and informal meetings.