Rising Demand For Spec MX-5 Challenge Invitational Events

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Interest in the Spec MX-5 Challenge Invitational Events has been growing steadily since this single-event, two-race option to qualify for the Spec MX-5 Challenge Championship was announced in October.

34 Applications to Date

The Series now has 34 applications for the 25 seats open during the regular season. All licensed drivers are encouraged to apply, especially those with an interesting story about their current or planned racing career and how it might be helped by Spec MX-5 Challenge.

“We are gratified by the strong positive reception that the 2020 Spec MX-5 race car and the Spec MX-5 Challenge presented by Toyo Tires has received,” said Tom Martin, Managing Director of Spec MX-5 Challenge, LLC. In particular, he noted, “The Invitationals are proving popular because they allow drivers to run just one Spec MX-5 Challenge weekend with full arrive- and-drive services, including the new Spec MX-5 race car, and the opportunity to earn contingency prizes. Successful drivers in Invitationals may then run for the $100,000 Spec MX-5 Challenge Championship.”

Acceptances and Scholarships

Invitational applications are coming in at a rate of 3-5 per week according to Series officials. From the 34 applications so far, 22 acceptance letters were sent out in early January, with more expected as applications rise and discussions with drivers proceed. Once a driver has been accepted, Mazda Motorsports will review his or her application and begin awarding the ten $1000 scholarships that it announced in November. “With 22 acceptance letters already issued, now is a good time for drivers considering the Invitationals to apply,” said Martin. “Mazda will consider applications that are made up to January 27, 2020, but they are awarding scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis,” he added.

Getting to the Championship

Invitationals will be held at 5 Spec MX-5 Challenge regular season venues: Willow Springs International Raceway, Summit Point Raceway, Thunderhill Raceway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Sebring International. Drivers will compete with one another in groups of 5 per event, using Series-prepared cars. Invitational drivers will be on track with East or West Regional Series drivers and other Spec MX-5 drivers at each event, but will earn points in competition solely with other Invitational drivers. Invitational drivers will also earn points for teamwork, social media and clean driving. For those Invitational drivers who make it to the Championship, competition will then be against drivers from all Spec MX-5 Challenge Series.