Mazda Motorsports announced open registration for the 2017 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge featuring a $110,000 prize pool, with $75,000 going to the overall winner.

The two-race, total points event will be hosted at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 12-15. Registration is now open at MazdaMotorsports.com to all race car drivers around the world, excluding Mazda Motorsports’ factory drivers.
 
Previously known as the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Invitational, this high-stakes challenge met success in its inaugural race last year, with 19 racers from the US, Japan, Australia, the U.K., Sweden, Poland, Germany and Switzerland competing.
 
“Mazda MX-5 racing is known to be intense, from grassroots to professional levels,” David Cook, business development manager of Mazda Motorsports said. “The Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires is our signature spec sports car series within the US. It is our intention to make the Global MX-5 Cup Challenge the pinnacle of spec sports car racing in the world.

“Last year, our focus was to get this event off the ground and to showcase our brand-new car to racers and media beyond the US. Now, it’s about showing everyone what the top racers in the world can do in our Global MX-5 Cup car."
 
Racers will need to have an INDYCAR license to compete, as it is the sanctioning body of MX-5 Cup. The first place winner is awarded $75,000, second place receives $25,000 and third place receives $10,000.

Format:
·  Two 45-minute races with points awarded.
·  Races will be run to the same sporting and technical regulations as regular season MX-5 Cup races.
 
Eligibility requirements:
·  Interested racers must apply for, and receive approval for, an INDYCAR-issued MX-5 Cup license to compete. All Mazda teams are eligible to enter.
·  Complete details are posted at www.MazdaMotorsports.com.