The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup car has had its first track-based testing session at Laguna Seca (Mazda Raceway) in the US.
TWO 2016 Mazda Cup cars have hit laguna Seca (Mazda Raceway) for testing head of their introduction into the one-make MX-5 Cup in 2016. Part of the development of the cars will see them get additional test time on the first test day of all remaining race weekends during the 2015 MX-5 Cup season.
According to Mazda, its Mazda SKYACTIV prototype racer Tom Long, who has raced in, and won with, all three previous generation MX-5s, will lead the development of the car. The Japanese car maker claims expectations for the 2016 Cup car are high and that it is evaluating seven tyre manufacturers, eight brake suppliers, and seven suspension kit partners for 392 base combinations.
While much of the evaluation work will be performed using advanced analytics and simulations, Mazda says the test team will have plenty of track time to test the computer modelling.
“The response from the industry has been amazing with a wide variety of companies approaching Mazda to become involved,” said Mazda North American Operations director of motorsports John Doonan.
“Our goal is to develop a car that is just as rewarding to drive for the expert as the novice. Tom Long has experience with racing every generation MX-5 and is enthusiastic about the latest car.
“Tom will work with our engineers and racers to develop the next generation MX-5 racecar to maintain our position as the most road-raced car in the world.”
Tom Long said: “Testing the new MX-5 racer for the Global MX-5 Cup has been an incredible fit so far. The lightweight nimble chassis design, along with its increased power-to-weight ratio, makes this new platform balanced and a real thrill to drive. Taking the key elements that made the original MX-5 chassis so popular and successful, has come back to its roots in a reborn look.”
Mazda Motorsports is expected to announce final specification and turn-key pricing in the next few months.
