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The Spec MX-5 Challenge is a series where third generation Mazda Miata’s duke it out for driver glory, has now opened to Touring 4 cars. Along with that, the series has also created shootouts where drivers can earn a new race car to reward their efforts at the end of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been working with Mazda since November of last year on the rule set, the technologies and the branding,\u201d said Tom Martin, director of the Spec MX-5 Challenge Series. \u201cThe whole thing is a coordinated effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be some significant changes technically to cars. We will have a new motor with more power. What\u2019s great about that is it allows us to run a NASA class very competitively as opposed to being in a class but not having the right power-to-weight ratio to really fit into that class.\u201d<\/p>\n
Martin hopes the changes will spur competition throughout the series.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost racers start thinking about running in a new class, but think, \u2018OK, I need car\u2026.\u2019 So giving an opportunity to rent a car, run one race weekend, potentially win a car, then you have the car you need to run a follow-on season,\u201d Martin said.<\/p>\n
The series\u2019 next race is at Sonoma Raceway on June 14-16, then has events at Road America (Aug. 17-18) and Utah Motorsports Campus (Oct. 5-6) before its finale at Road Atlanta (Nov. 2-3).<\/p>\n