35 Years of the Mazda Miata: Racing Champions and the MX-5 Cup Legacy
The Mazda MX-5 Cup series revolutionized Miata racing when it launched alongside the NC model in 2006. Initially run by SCCA Pro Racing, the series quickly became a proving ground for talented drivers like Jim Daniels, Eric Foss, and Michael Cooper.
The innovative Club Racer Shootout program emerged from MX-5 Cup, offering scholarships to promising young racers. Notable graduates include IMSA winners Elliott Skeer and Patrick Gallagher, plus NASCAR prospect Connor Zilisch.
Mazda race cars competing on circuit
The NC platform's success extended beyond MX-5 Cup, winning championships in Pirelli World Challenge's Touring Car A category and establishing the new Spec MX-5 class in SCCA competition. The NC also competed successfully in IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, with teams like Freedom Autosport and CJ Wilson Racing securing multiple victories.
Mazda racecars compete on track
A significant milestone came with the ND chassis in 2016, when Mazda began producing factory-built racecars. These identical spec cars, developed by Tom Long and built by Long Road Racing and Flis Performance, enabled global expansion of the series.
Man in racing suit beside Mazda
The series continues to thrive, with 36 drivers competing in the 2025 season opener at Daytona. Flis recently completed the 300th MX-5 Cup car, demonstrating the platform's enduring popularity across various racing categories.
Mazda race driver in suit
Recent years have seen the emergence of two-time champions like Jared Thomas and Gresham Wagner, while the series maintains its role as a crucial development platform for aspiring racers. As Mazda looks toward the next generation of the MX-5 Miata, its racing legacy continues to grow, cementing its position as one of the most widely raced vehicles in motorsport history.
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