A new road racing series, the Spec MX-5 Challenge, will debut on tracks in the eastern and central portion of the US in 2018, including Virginia International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas and Road Atlanta, as announced by Atlanta Speedwerks and Winding Road Racing.

Spec MX-5 will feature identically prepared NC generation (2006-2015) Mazda MX-5s. Winding Road Racing will be conducting a six weekend/12-race Central series in conjunction with NASA events, while Atlanta Speedwerks will be hosting a six weekend/12-race Eastern series in conjunction with SCCA events. A total of 10 drivers will be selected to compete in each series, with the top seven drivers from each series coming together for the 14-car final championship event.

To ensure fairness, drivers will be randomly assigned a different car each weekend, with procedures in place to ensure each car is identically prepared. Drivers will only be allowed to use one set of dry tires per weekend (an official tire manufacturer will be announced soon, according to officials).

Mazda is integrating the Spec MX-5 Challenge into its industry-leading pro racing ladder system. With assistance from Mazda, the Spec MX-5 series will award the 2018 Spec MX-5 Challenge champion a $100,000 scholarship toward running the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires series in 2019. In addition, Mazda will pick one at-large nominee from the Spec MX-5 Challenge for the Mazda Road to 24 Shootout.

For more information, including the complete 2018 schedule, pricing and contact information, visit here.