Persevering with a convention that has lengthy matched expertise with alternative, Mazda has introduced the names of the 12 drivers who’ve been chosen to take part within the 18th working of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout. The profitable driver will obtain a scholarship valued at $150,000 to take part within the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup offered by Michelin.
The finalists got here from a pool of drivers with success primarily in Spec MX-5, Spec Miata and karting. Every driver was requested to submit a racing resume with profession highlights, a bio explaining why they’re an amazing match for Mazda and a video detailing their curiosity in MX-5 Cup, what makes them profitable and the way they plan to assist their racing profession long-term. A panel of racing professionals and Mazda Motorsports workers reviewed the entries earlier than deciding on 12 people to ask to the Shootout.
Drivers chosen for 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout:
Justin Adakonis
Stephanie Anderson
Ethan Goulart
Ethan Jacobs
Noah Harmon
Ethan Lampe
Helio Meza
Luke Pullen
Camryn Reed
Christian Sarnecki
Ashlyn Velocity
Logan Stretch
These finalists will journey to Homestead-Miami Speedway, November 11 – 12. Every driver might be fitted to one among three Mazda MX-5 Cup vehicles ready by Flis Efficiency. All drivers may have a number of timed lapping classes across the monitor and obtain information to debrief with a driving coach afterwards.
The winner of the Shootout will obtain a scholarship valued at $150,000 to compete within the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season. A runner-up will obtain a $100,000 worth scholarship. As a part of the Mazda Girls in Motorsport Initiative, one of the best performing feminine driver will even obtain a $100,000 scholarship.
“The lengthy historical past of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout demonstrates the model’s dedication to creating racers goals come true,” stated Jonathan Applegate, Senior Supervisor, Mazda Motorsports. “Since 2007, we’ve witnessed the MX-5 Cup Shootout Scholarship turn out to be the additional weight that suggestions the scales in a driver’s favor and helps launch their skilled racing careers. As at all times, it’s going to be a troublesome name, choosing three scholarship recipients, not to mention one winner.”
Lap occasions will not be the only real figuring out think about selecting a winner; drivers will even be judged on their skill to grasp information, implement suggestions from coaches, media savvy and normal perspective.
Quite a few drivers who’ve received the Shootout have gone on to achieve success in Mazda MX-5 Cup. The final three Shootout winners have gone on to win MX-5 Cup Rookie of the 12 months. Jared Thomas, who received the Shootout in 2019, went on to turn out to be the primary two-time MX-5 Cup Champion and not too long ago received the sequence’ first oval race at Martinsville Speedway.
The 2025 MX-5 Cup season kicks off at Daytona Worldwide Speedway, January 22 – 24.
