Mazda has already announced the new MX-5 Cup one-make race series events that will be launched globally in 2016, but this was the first time we’d seen the fully painted race version sitting on slick race rubber.
It is based on the US-spec Cup Car with six-point roll cage, with adjustable suspension, slick tyres, bigger brakes, race harness and seats.
There is an annual four-hour MX-5 Media Race at Japan’s Tsukuba Circuit in September this year with 25 examples of the coupe take to the 2 km long track. (Perhaps I should let Mazda know I am available!)
The US-spec car will incorporate a 2.0 liter engine, the Japanese version will get the 1.5 liter SKYACTIV engine that will be offered on the Japan-spec production model, which is due to be in the showrooms in June this year.
