22 replies to this topic

[Johnny D]

2017 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge Announced

 

Mazda Motorsports today announced open registration for the 2017 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge featuring a $110,000 prize pool, with $75,000 going to the overall winner. The two-race, total points event will be hosted at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 12-15. Registration is now open at MazdaMotorsports.com to all racecar drivers around the world, excluding Mazda Motorsports’ factory drivers.

 

Previously known as the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Invitational, this high-stakes challenge met success in its inaugural race last year, with 19 racers from the U.S., Japan, Australia, the U.K., Sweden, Poland, Germany and Switzerland competing. It was the first time in the history of professional MX-5 racing that Mazda Motorsports had organized a truly international race for some of sport’s best up-and-coming drivers.

 

“Mazda MX-5 racing is known to be intense, from grassroots to professional levels,” said David Cook, business development manager, Mazda Motorsports. “The Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires is our signature spec sports car series within the U.S. It is our intention to make the Global MX-5 Cup Challenge the pinnacle of spec sports car racing in the world. Last year, our focus was to get this event off the ground and to showcase our brand-new car to racers and media beyond the U.S. Now, it’s about showing everyone what the top racers in the world can do in our Global MX-5 Cup car.”

 

Having delivered almost 150 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup cars, there will be ample opportunities for drivers to find or rent a seat to compete for the $75,000 first prize and get a head start on their 2018 season. Racers will need to have an INDYCAR license to compete, as it is the sanctioning body of MX-5 Cup.
 

Prizes:

    First: $75,000
    Second: $25,000
    Third: $10,000

 

Format:

    Two 45-minute races with points awarded.
    Races will be run to the same sporting and technical regulations as regular season MX-5 Cup races.

 

Eligibility requirements:

    Interested racers must apply for, and receive approval for, an INDYCAR-issued MX-5 Cup license to compete. All Mazda teams are eligible to enter.
    Complete details are posted at www.MazdaMotorsports.com

 

About the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Invitational:

Nathanial “Sparky” Sparks added the title of Global Invitational Champion to his racing resume after having just been crowned the 2016 Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires champion.

 

About MX-5 Cup:

The MX-5 Cup racecars start as complete MX-5 Miata road cars from the Mazda Hiroshima, Japan, factory before being transported to engineering development partner Long Road Racing in Statesville, North Carolina, where they are converted into a race car. The process includes disassembly of the production car, welding and paint of a full roll cage and interior and assembly of the racecar, adding more than 250 motorsports-specific parts. Other components of the car, including the Mazda SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine are sealed to ensure even competition and a cost-effective platform.

The Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires is the signature spec series for the Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24), the sports car counterpart to the Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI). On both paths, Mazda-powered champions earn a Mazda scholarship to advance their career. The MX-5 Cup champion earns a $200,000 scholarship.

Information on the car is online at www.mazdamotorsports.com.

 

About Mazda Motorsports:

Mazda Motorsports boasts the most comprehensive auto racing development ladder system of any auto manufacturer in the world. The Mazda Road to 24 program offers a number of scholarships to advance drivers up the sports car racing ladder, beginning with the Global MX-5 Cup series and culminating with the Mazda Prototype team. The Mazda Road to Indy is a similar program that includes Mazda-powered categories of USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. In grassroots road racing, more Mazdas race on any given weekend in North America than any other manufacturer. Mazda is also the title sponsor of the renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Follow all of the latest news at MazdaMotorsports.com, @MazdaRacing on Twitter, and MazdaMotorsports on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

 

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/Mazda

[Ron Alan]

The potential for carnage will be exponentially more for this race! 

[MPR22]

The potential for carnage will be exponentially more for this race! 

Remember Danny Weldon.  Won't be that bad but this will be an ask forgiveness not permission to pass sort of race. 

[Todd Lamb]

Going to be a stacked field for sure. I've fielded over 30 inquiries for car rentals so far, with 2 out of 4 cars spoken for already. Still have 2 cars available for the big show!

 

Place your bets!

[Danica Davison]

Going to be a stacked field for sure. I've fielded over 30 inquiries for car rentals so far, with 2 out of 4 cars spoken for already. Still have 2 cars available for the big show!
 
Place your bets!

 

When and where will a driver lineup be posted?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I think it's gonna be hard to bet against Patrick Gallagher!

[Danica Davison]

I think it's gonna be hard to bet against Patrick Gallagher!

 

I agree. He has been dominating this whole season. Very Impressive and seems like a cool dude too!

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I agree. He has been dominating this whole season. Very Impressive and seems like a cool dude too!

 

He is a really nice guy, down to earth fun loving, comes out sometimes to race regionals with us is his POS and lets us all kick his ass, never whines about it never acts like hes the pro or any such horse shit!  Very hard to root for someone other then him, once you know him!!!! still pulling for Lamb also though!

[Johnny D]

http://www.mx-5cup.c...trick-gallagher

 

J~

[Johnny D]

2017 Mazda MX-5 Cup Global Challenge News

 

Since Mazda announced the MX-5 Cup Global Challenge, there has been great interest within many road racing paddocks and internet discussions around the world.  We caught up with David Cook, the Motorsports Business Development Manager for Mazda North American Operations and asked him a few questions about the event.

 

Q:     Who is running the Challenge event?

A:      The same team that runs the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires.  This is Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), Andersen Promotions, and INDYCAR.

 

Q:     What is the relationship between Mazda, Andersen, and INDYCAR?

A:      Mazda owns the series, Andersen Promotions manages the series and INDYCAR is the sanctioning body.

 

Q:     How will the Challenge event be run?

A:      As we announced, it will run with all of the same rules and procedures as our regular Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires race weekends.  The competition and technical rules will be enforced by the same team.  The champion will be determined by the combined points of the two races.

 

Q:     Who was the 2016 champ and what is he doing now?

A:      Nathanial “Sparky” Sparks won both the full-season 2016 MX-5 Cup and the 2016 Global Invitational.  He is racing in the 2017 MX-5 Cup as the defending champion.

 

Q:     How much is the entry fee?

A:      The entry fee is $1,000 and covers both races.  The $1,000 does not include the cost to own, rent or operate the car.

 

Q:     Is there a deadline for entries?

A:      Yes.  The deadline is October 9, 2017.

 

Q:     Is there a maximum number of entries being accepted?

A:      We will work to accommodate as many entries as feasible from a track management and safety viewpoint.  We recommend early entries in case we need to add a cap.

 

Q:     What do you anticipate as the total cost to compete?

A:      There are many variables so it’s impossible to quote an exact number.  We recommend that racers seeking to rent a car for the weekend, speak to multiple MX-5 Cup teams to determine an appropriate budget. http://www.mx-5cup.c...s/current-teams

 

Q:     What, if any, FIA licenses will INDYCAR accept?

A:      If not already licensed by INDYCAR, all entrants must apply for and receive an INDYCAR license to compete at this event regardless of which FIA license they currently hold. An FIA International Level “C” is a minimum, although INDYCAR will review all applicants regardless of their level of experience. Sending a racing resume to INDYCAR with the application is advised.

 

Q:     Are there any rules regarding testing at Mazda Raceway prior to the Global Challenge?

A:      No restrictions, other than Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup racers are not permitted to compete in a Global MX-5 Cup car in another sanctioning body’s event during that weekend, which would include the promoter test day.

 

Q:     Are there any restrictions on use of the prize money?

A:      There are no restrictions.  While Mazda annually posts over $1,000,000 in grassroots racing contingency awards, as well as over $1,000,000 in Mazda Road to Indy and Mazda Road to 24 scholarships, the Global Challenge prizes are cash and can be used in any manner the winner chooses.

 

Q:     Who has entered so far?

A:      Entries are coming in now and will be announced at a later date.

 

Q:     Will Mazda sponsor my entry into the Global Challenge?

A:      No.  This competition is open to all racers who meet the license requirements.  All costs associated with entering and competing are the responsibility of the drivers, the teams and their sponsors, where applicable.

[Johnny D]

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge Announces Worldwide Stream

 

For one fortunate racer, it will take just 90 minutes to earn $75,000, or more, this Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as Mazda stages the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge.  Both 45-minute races will be live streamed on Saturday, October 14.  Race one will be at 12:40 pm, while the second race will start at 5:00 pm.  Both are Pacific time zone.  The races can be viewed at:

 

    https://www.facebook.com/Mazda/
    MazdaLive.com
    fanschoice.tv

 

Every driver in the field will utilize the wildly popular Global Mazda MX-5 Cup machine, which will put the results in the racers’ hands. Using the same exact same production SKYACTIV 2.0-powered Mazda MX-5 as the starting point, the cars are race-prepared at Long Road Racing in Statesville, North Carolina to ensure parity across the field.

 

The Challenge event is the second international race weekend staged by Mazda, following up last year’s successful Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Invitational.

 

Last year, Nathanial “Sparky” Sparks added the title of ‘Global Invitational Champion’ to his racing resume after having just been crowned the 2016 Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires champion. 2017 MX-5 Cup Champion Patrick Gallagher will seek to do the same.  For Gallagher it will be an opportunity to add to his $200,000 Mazda Road to 24 scholarship.

 

But he will have some fierce competition, starting with some fellow champions. Sparks, 2015 champion John Dean, and 2014 champion Kenton Koch all bring their MX-5 Cup championship credentials to the race.

 

The four returning champion drivers, who have claimed over $1,000,000 in scholarship and contingency winnings from Mazda, all have the same goal on Saturday. Koch, who enters the Challenge event hot on the heels of his double-win weekend at Road Atlanta in IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda competition, is clear about his goal for the Challenge event.

 

“I wouldn’t be doing this race if I didn’t think I had a good chance of winning it,” said Koch. “I will have my same engineer at Murillo Racing as I had when I won the (MX-5 Cup) championship. And we will even be running the same number (No. 12) — no superstitions but we just wanted to keep that consistent! There is obviously going to be a lot of competition — past champions like Gallagher and Foley and Dean, and Kyle Kaiser coming in as well. I used to race against him (Kaiser) at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca seven years ago when we were both getting started. Having driven the new Global MX-5 Cup car, it is very quick and nimble. I’m looking forward to getting in it and racing against some cool guys.”

 

And it is far from winner take all, as over $120,000 in awards. Beyond the $75,000 to the race winner, $5,000 will be at the taking for the for the Pagid Super Pole winner, and a $5,000 check is in store for the BFG “Driver Enough” award for the driver who makes the most passes in total between both races.

 

It will be a happy podium, as $25,000 is earmarked for the runner-up and $10,000 for the third place finisher.

 

It isn’t just MX-5 Cup champions who will be fighting for the cash, as 2017 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires champion Kyle Kaiser (Santa Clara, Calif) will look to add to his significant haul of support from Mazda with a big close to a season that has already earned him the chance to race in IndyCar competition in 2018.

 

“I did my Skip Barber Racing Schools there, and I did two years of the regional Skip Barber series and the majority of the race were there,” said Kaiser about Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “I also had my Pro Mazda debut there in 2012. I’ve driven the track in many different cars and have always been fast, so I hope for more of the same. The races that I’ve had the most family and friends at have been my best races, so I’m hoping a lot of people end up coming to this one!”

 

In addition to Kaiser and Koch, also carrying the flag for local racers will be Mazda Road to 24 Scholarship winner Matt Cresci (No. 51 Slipstream Performance). There will once again be international interest in the event, as Japanese racers Tetsuya Yamano (No. 7 Winding Road Team TFB) and Takashi Oi (No. 56 Winding Road Team TFB) will be making their debut Stateside this weekend.

 

Yamano won the 2017 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Japan which allowed him the special opportunity to compete against some of Mazda’s top drivers. Yamano also has race experience in Super GT where he won the GT3000 category in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and is a 17-time champion of Japan Gymkhana. Oi hails from Tokyo, Japan and began his racing career in dirt trials when he was 18 and continued on to compete in Group A Super Endurance racing in Japan. Outside of racing himself, Oi is a journalist and race instructor.

 

Other notable racers include 2017 Rookie of the Year Robert Stout (No. 28 McCumbee McAleer Racing), who just earned Mazda’s $50,000 scholarship, and Bryan Ortiz (No. 29 Copeland Motorsports), who was the runner-up in the 2017 Rookie of the Year battle.  Europe will be represented by Bart Wubban from Utrecht, Netherlands (No. 27 McCumbee McAleer Racing). 

 

Follow along at http://www.mx-5cup.com as well as https://twitter.com/globalmx5cup.

[Johnny D]

Congrats to Patrick, great season!!

 

$200K for the season, $75k more for the challenge.

 

Pretty nice Mazda.

 

J~

[Danica Davison]

Big congrats to Pat on a dominant year! Also a big congrats to the SM kid, Matt Cresci who drove up from the midpack in the first race to finish P2.  He was eventually given P1 instead of Pat somehow. Does anyone know why that happened?

[Richard Astacio]

Big congrats to Pat on a dominant year! Also a big congrats to the SM kid, Matt Cresci who drove up from the midpack in the first race to finish P2.  He was eventually given P1 instead of Pat somehow. Does anyone know why that happened?

exceeded track limits.a few turns before the leader spun. 

[Danica Davison]

exceeded track limits.a few turns before the leader spun.

 

wowwww. i guess it didn't matter in the end ... but i didn't see him do anything blatantly wrong.

[Ron Alan]

Watching live above turn 2 was pretty freaking amazing for both races! The talent and the parity among the cars was/is impressive!

 

Race 1 seemed clean with no yellow flags. Cresci started 7th and slowly moved forward thru well executed passes in the 2nd group of 4-5 cars. Gallagher and Foley had a 2 car battle all race up front. Foley spun in the corkscrew with one or 2 to go allowing Gallagher to take the lead with Cresci falling into P2 when Ortiz was told to point him by for a previous incident. Post race Gallagher was penelized(no idea why) 1 spot giving Cresci his first win of the season.

 

Race 2 was CRAZY!!! No idea how many jumped the start or who missed a shift in the first couple of rows but it looked 4 maybe 5 wide coming over turn 1 and down into 2. Exit of 2 was bumper cars sending one car off track hard into the tires bringing out the first double yellow. In the cluster that was turn 2 Kenton Koch found his way from P9 to P2! After the restart it was basically a 5/6 car pack with Gallagher, Koch, Ortiz, Cresci and Oxner swapping spots. With about 6 minutes to go the RED flag flew when Ortiz and Koch came together in turn 11 sending Ortiz on a wild tumbling ride that was scary to watch. Ortiz's car ended on its roof...took awhile to get him out. Hopefully he was fine but I didnt hear anything either way after. Cars were sent out for a 2 lap shoot out. Gallagher took the green flag restart to the checkered. Oxner made a pass on Cresci to finish P2 with Cresci smartly maintained his position to secure his well deserved 2nd place winnings for the weekend! Great stuff!

 

On a side note...is it me or do others note how easy these cars become air born?? The design seems to crumple in the corners allowing the tires to ride up on whats in front.

 

Congratulations to Patrick, Matt and Luke for taking home the $$$ with a great weekend of driving. John Dean and Nikko Reger also received nice $5000 checks for hard charger and pole!

[J. Pressman]

I'd love to know what part of the track he was exceeding the limits on.  Was just at MRLS for the first time last weekend and there are really only two places to exceed I can recall.  Most of the track drops off to sand.

 

I watched race two yesterday; Live stream was awesome!

[ECOBRAP]

Thanks guys, Race 1 was by far the most intense and physical race I have ever competed in.

 

Considering how much money was on the line, shocked that we had no full course cautions in Race 1. But we set the car up for the long run so it played to our advantage. Tires came good 20 minutes into the race, allowing us to go 7th to 9th to 1st. I'll take it!

 

We had the pace to win Race 2, Gallagher knew it and tactically brake checked me into Oxner into Turn 5 to secure his win, nothing I could do! Would have done the same thing in his shoes. Still happy to walk away with $25,000.

 

As for penalties, we had strict rules on track limits, can't go four wheels off to gain a position, which Gallagher ended up doing into Turn 7 to pass Foley before the spin.

 

Thanks for the support!

[Johnny D]

https://m.youtube.co...h?v=XLpEisuNq7s

[Johnny D]

https://m.youtube.co...h?v=kbOgm922iCc