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Satellite Radio Named Title Sponsor of MX-5 Cup


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TOPEKA, Kan. (April 26, 2006) – SCCA Pro Racing and Mazda North American Operations announced today that SIRIUS will serve as the title sponsor of the all-new SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook.

“We’re thrilled to have SIRIUS join on as a partner in the new series,” SCCA Pro Racing President Earl Knoper said. “SIRIUS brings significant brand recognition and awareness to the program, and, along with partners Mazda and Hankook Tires, we’re excited to have them on board.”

"The new MX-5 Cup is the first step on Mazda's rapidly developing professional-racing ladder," said Robert Davis, Mazda's Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality, and the man responsible for Mazda's North American racing programs. "Budding drivers can start racing Mazda vehicles in autocross or Club Racing, graduate to the MX-5 Cup for their first professional series, move up to Grand Am competition in a Mazda RX-8 or SPEED World Challenge in a MAZDA6 and ultimately to ALMS prototype competition."

As the title sponsor, SIRIUS will have a significant presence on the cars and in the paddock, as well as benefiting from significant media and advertising support.

“We’re very pleased to be working with Mazda and the SCCA on this series,” said Rodney Pickett, Vice President Automotive OEM for SIRIUS. “The MX-5 Cup is an excellent venue to highlight the presence of SIRIUS in the automotive world, and the partnership between SIRIUS and Mazda.”

The series, which begins May 5-7 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, is the next evolution of the former Miata Cup, utilizing all-new 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miatas in a sealed-engine, fully spec class run on Hankook Ventus tires. The SCCA SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook runs in conjunction with American Le Mans Series, CASCAR, Champ Car World Series and Grand American Road Racing for its inaugural season. All eight events will be televised, with details to be announced soon.

Additional information on the MX-5 Cup, including the full season schedule, can be found at www.mx-5cup.com. An all-new Web site will be launched soon.