The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has announced that the inaugural Toyo Tires Classic will take place during the 2018 NASA Championships presented by Toyo Tires, set for Sept 13–16, 2018, at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.  

This newly created event will include Spec Miata competition during the championships and will provide competitors with the largest purse ever in modern amateur competition history, say NASA officials.

This unique race will award the overall winner at the event with a cash payout of up to $80,000, with more than $131,000 in cash awards made available to Spec Miata racers taking part in the competition. Two random cash awards will also total $5,000, while a “hard charger” award will land one driver $10,000.

“This will be the richest purse in Spec Miata competition,” said Marc Sanzenbacher, Toyo Tires, Senior Manager of Motorsports. “Our hope is that this new program will provide Spec Miata competitors with an annual pilgrimage that combines the camaraderie and festivities that NASA events are known for—combined with a financial benefit that has never been seen in the community.”

“We’re really excited to announce this new program with our long-time partner Toyo Tires,” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA Director of Business Development. “We fully expect this to be the largest Spec Miata competition in history at one of the best tracks in the country and we’re just getting started.”