Mazda Announces 2011 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda Mx-5 Cup Schedule And Prize Structure

IRVINE, December 27, 2010: MAZDASPEED announced the 2011 SCCA Pro racing Playboy MX-5 Cup Schedule and a new prize payment structure on Wednesday via a live webcast on www.justin.tv/mazdausa. The 2011 schedule features single events and doubleheaders at many of the iconic tracks and events across the United States.

“Building a race schedule is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, while riding shotgun in an off-road race,” Jim Jordan, Alternative Marketing Manager, Mazda North American Operations said. “You are constantly reacting to input from the racers, time and paddock availability at tracks, and working to insure a sane travel schedule. We think the 2011 schedule will allow our teams to showcase their talents in front of great crowds, and in front of team owners and racers from other series. With the demise of several other spec series in 2010, we welcome those who are looking for an affordable place to race, one that provides a clear path upwards.”

The 2011 race schedule is as follows:

Round Date Track

1 March 4-6 Homestead Miami Speedway
2 April 29-May 1 Road Atlanta
3/4 May 27-30 Lime Rock
5 June 17-18 Road America
6 July 9-10 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
7/8 September 2-5 Brainerd

Up to two additional races are still being discussed, which will bring the total to a potential ten races on eight weekends. Any additions to the schedule will be announced as they become available.

Mazda also announced a new prize payment structure that will pay increased amounts for positions fourth through 20th. Independent teams will also receive a 25% bonus. Details will be posted to www.mazdamotorsports.com

The MX-5 Cup series champion is promoted to a series above via the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Ladder. 2010 MX-5 Cup Champion Brad Rampelberg will be racing a MAZDASPEED3 in the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge.

Additional series announcements will be made in January of 2011.