Mazda MX-5 Cup

The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is Mazda’s official spec racing series and a popular starting point for aspiring professional drivers. All cars are built to the same standards for close, competitive racing, with over $1 million in prize money and scholarships offered each year. The race cars begin as stock MX-5 Miatas from Japan, then head to Flis Performance in Florida, where they’re transformed into full race cars with roll cages, racing parts, and sealed engines to keep the racing fair and affordable. The series runs on top tracks across North America and is known for tight battles and exciting finishes.

2025 MAZDA MX-5 CUP EVENT SCHEDULE

Daytona International Speedway

Jan 22 to Jan 26
Daytona Beach, FL

Circuit Length: 3.56 miles

Turns: 12

Event: Rolex24

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Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Daytona International Speedway

Feb 28 to Mar 02
St. Petersburg, FL

Circuit Length: 1.8 miles
Turns: 14

Event: The Firestone Grand Prix

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Barber Motorsports Park

Daytona International Speedway

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

May 02 to May 04
Birmingham, AL

Circuit Length: 2.3 miles
Turns: 15

Event: Children's Of Alabama Indy Grand Prix

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Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Jun 06 to Jun 08
Lexington, OH

Circuit Length: 2.258 miles
Turns: 13

Event: O'Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio

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Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Jul 11 to Jul 13
Bowmanville, Ontario

Circuit Length: 2.459 miles
Turns: 10

Event: Chevrolet Grand Prix

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Virginia International Raceway

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Aug 22 to Aug 24
Alton, VA

Circuit Length: 3.27 miles
Turns: 17

Event: Michelin GT Challenge at VIR

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Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Oct 08 to Oct 10
Braselton, GA

Circuit: 2.54 miles

Turns: 12

Event: Motul Petit Le Mans

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ND2

The Mazda MX-5 Cup car (ND2) is a race-ready version of the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, built specifically for the Mazda MX-5 Cup racing series. It uses a sealed 2.0-liter engine with 181 horsepower and a 6-speed sequential gearbox for fast, reliable racing. The car has upgraded brakes, suspension, and safety features, making it perfect for close, competitive racing. All cars are built to the same specs to keep racing fair and affordable, and drivers compete in exciting 45-minute races at major tracks across North America. It's a great entry point for drivers looking to race professionally.

Overall Championship

The Overall Championship in the Mazda MX-5 Cup is the top prize, awarded to the driver who earns the most points over the course of the season. Drivers collect points based on their finishing position in each race, with consistency and race wins being key to climbing the standings. The champion at the end of the season wins a $250,000 scholarship to help them move up in their racing career. It’s the most competitive title in the series and often features intense battles all season long.

Rookie Championship

Overall Championship

The Rookie of the Year Championship is for first-year drivers in the MX-5 Cup. It’s a chance for newcomers to shine and compete for their own title without going head-to-head with more experienced drivers for the overall win. The top rookie earns a $110,000 scholarship, which helps support their future in racing. It’s a big opportunity for up-and-coming talent and a major part of Mazda’s commitment to developing new drivers.