What is the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup series?
The next generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be raced in a new Global Cup series slated to be held in North America, Europe, and Asia; full details of the Global MX-5 Cup will be announced as they are confirmed. The series will culminate at the end of 2016 with a Global Shootout at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, to crown the Global MX-5 Cup overall series champion. A one-day test in Mazda’s top-level TUDOR United SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV prototype race car will top the list of prizes bestowed on the global champion.
In which series will I be able to compete with this MX-5 Cup car?
The 2016 MX-5 Cup car is being developed to a global specification for all MX-5 Cup series around the world. This MX-5 Cup car will be classified by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for competition after the specs are completed in June, and will run exclusively in the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup. Also, the MX-5 Cup car can participate in any number of track day and marque club events. Updates will be provided as they happen on MazdaMotorsports.com and Mazda Motorsports’ Facebook page and Twitter account – @MazdaRacing.
What’s the plan for autocross?
We are working with the SCCA to get the street car classified for competition. An autocrosser will be able to buy a street car from a Mazda dealership; if you desire to order one of the first 1,000 MX-5 street cars, check out www.longlivetheroadster.com.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2016 MAZDA MX-5 CUP CAR
Who is the development partner for the Cup car?
Long Road Racing was selected to assist in the development of the 2016 MX-5 Cup car. Long Road Racing has been an elite, full-service professional racing team developing Mazda MX-5s for over a decade.
What are the testing and development timelines and milestones?
March: Three pre-production Mazda MX-5s arrived at the Long Road Racing facility; in-house builds, testing and development begins.
April/May: The 2016 MX-5 Cup car will make its public on-track debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during round 3 of the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires championship.
June: Development partners are selected.
July: MX-5 Cup race car production begins.
September/October: Completion of the first batch of MX-5 Cup cars is planned.
Who is the main test driver during development?
For many reasons, we have selected Tom Long as the primary test and development driver. Tom has driven every platform of the Miata MX-5, both street and race cars. Tom is one of our Mazda factory Prototype drivers and a world-class, professional driving coach.
ORDERING THE MX-5 CUP CAR
With whom should I speak about the MX-5 Cup car or series? Can I buy the MX-5 Cup car?
Please send an email to Mazda Motorsports Business Development Manager David Cook ([email protected]) or call him at 949.929.8494.
What is the price? Will there be a deposit?
The price of the MX-5 Cup car will be released by June. There will be a required 20 percent deposit due upon placing your order.
How many MX-5 Cup cars are you expecting to build this year?
We plan to build as many as we have orders for.
When will the MX-5 Cup cars be built and ready for pick-up?
A limited number of cars are targeted to be available by October 2015, with another batch of cars expected to be available by December 2015. Current Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires competitors will be given first priority in placing their orders; second priority will be given to those who sign up and pay the entry fees for the 2016 MX-5 Cup season. After this, orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. We expect to supply a limited amount of non-2016 Cup competitors with race cars during this first wave. We expect to fulfill all orders received by July 2015 before the end of this year.
THE SPECS OF THE MX-5 CUP CAR
What parts manufacturers are being considered (e.g., shocks, brakes, etc.)?
We are testing several manufacturers’ parts for many categories. Out of respect for those who do not get selected, we decided it is best not to divulge which ones are being considered.
I’m 6’4”; will I be able to fit?
It is being built for those as tall as 6’4”. The cage will be built to FIA regulations with a minimum two-inch clearance.
What is the color of the Cup car going to be?
White – To allow you to paint it the color and scheme you prefer.
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