2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Car at #SEMA2014

Mazda Motorsports has something new in store for the 2016 model year. They’re introducing a factory built Miata MX-5 Cup Car to coincide with the launch of the all new Global MX-5 Cup series. Autobytel’s T.J. Keon went to Las Vegas to check out the 2014 SEMA Show, where all sorts of factory and custom automotive goodies are on display, and the Mazda booth was no exception. T.J. chatted with John Doonan, who’s in charge of the Mazda Motorsports program for Mazda USA, and got some details about the new Global MX-5 Cup. Inspired by the success of the U.S.-based Cup series and the Spec Miata series, Mazda is introducing this new global championship, and taking the extra step of producing the race cars at the factory. Mazda still respects the process of grassroots racing teams building their own cars, but they’re excited about this new program and will still welcome champion grassroots racers into their program. At last year’s SEMA show, there were teasers of the new Miata Cup Car, but this year was the first time the finished car was on display. This special Mazda Motorsports Miata features a factory roll cage and is equipped with Mazda’s 2-liter Skyactiv powerplant, and will create a level playing field for racers around the world.