The series also aims to provide support for additional drivers. “We realize that competition in Spec MX-5 Challenge is very tough: our top 3 championship finishers last year were separated by 0.1 seconds at the finish of the deciding race,” observed Tom Martin, series co-director. “Drivers have repeatedly told us how much they have learned during the Spec MX-5 Challenge season. So, we have added prize money for P2 and P3 to assist those drivers in coming back to Spec MX-5 Challenge in 2020 to continue up the curve and take another shot at the overall championship,” said Martin.
The Spec MX-5 Challenge Series is open to more drivers than ever in 2019. In addition to the previous full arrive & drive offering — which includes use of a series-owned car — the series now offers the option for drivers to own their own cars and to provide their own services. A complete rundown on Spec MX-5 Challenge packages is available at SpecMX-5.com.
Individual race entry is being encouraged in 2019 as well. “We want as many drivers as possible to get a taste of Spec MX-5 competition, so we are providing slots for drivers who own T4-class NC MX-5s to run with us, likely when we come to a convenient track,” said Lamb. “We have special pricing for the single-event entrants, and Mazda is providing race-by-race contingency funds to provide additional encouragement,” he noted.
The Spec MX-5 Challenge Series is an entry-level professional sports car racing option with over $100,000 in prizes. The series runs specially-prepared Mazda MX-5 race cars at pro tracks like Circuit of The Americas, Sonoma Raceway, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, Watkins Glen, and Road Atlanta. The series offers challenging competition, expert driver coaching and multiple sponsorship opportunities for aspiring professional drivers.