Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has named Nelson Cosgrove as the organization’s new director of motorsports, replacing John Doonan.

Cosgrove previously spent five years in senior technical positions for Toyota Racing Development (TRD). He also worked as the engineering director and the chief technical officer for the Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR program.

Cosgrove will be responsible for Mazda’s racing operation in North America, including its efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup, and the Mazda3 TCR project in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

“We are committed to continuing to build upon Mazda’s position in North American motorsports,” said MNAO CEO Masahiro Moro, who will oversee Cosgrove’s activities, according to published reports. “Nelson is the right person to steer Mazda Motorsports, as he brings a tremendous amount of engineering and motorsports experience that will enhance the work being done by the Mazda Motorsports team, as well as all of the technical partners across all our programs.”

For more information, visit mazdamotorsports.com.