Record Breaker for Mazda Motorsports!

Here’s a great update from Mazda Motorsports! They recently provided the first look at the new Mazda3 TCR race car. The new race car will hit the track as part of the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Keep reading for more information! more The first race for the Mazda3 TCR will be the four-hour Endurance Challenge. That race is part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona held in late January. By keeping the design of the 2019 Mazda3 hatchback, the Mazda3 TCR keeps the latest idea of Mazda’s signature Kodo - Soul of Motion design philosophy. The designer spent many hours making sure the aerodynamics of the Mazda3 TCR confirmed to the of the TCR requirements. “TCR represents a great opportunity for us to showcase the new Mazda3 and provide our customers another avenue to race Mazda vehicles,” said Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “Some of our most important successes in IMSA and SRO TC Americas have been thanks to dedicated customers who chose to race with Mazda, and we hope the next generation of Mazda racers see the same potential in the Mazda3 TCR.” “The Mazda3 features the outstanding design and engineering that Mazda is known for, and because of that, it is a fantastic foundation for our new Mazda3 TCR,” said John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports. “We have looked forward to returning to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for several seasons, and everyone at Mazda is very excited that we will do just that in 2020. We are eagerly anticipating success for the Mazda3 TCR in IMSA, SRO Americas and in TCR championships around the world.” The new Mazda3TCR is powered by a turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine. The engine produces 350 horsepower. It uses a paddle-shifted 6-speed transmission. All of us here at Beach Mazda are looking forward to all the great things possible with the Mazda3TCR.

Every Mazda has the soul of a sports car because more Mazdas are road-raced than any other brand. Click here to learn more about Mazda Motorsports! more What is Mazda Motorsports? Mazda Motorsports is responsible for all auto racing initiatives within the North American market. From promoting and servicing grassroots racers, to developing the open-wheel and sports car drivers of the future, to competing in the top-tier of North American endurance sports car racing, Mazda Motorsports oversees one of the largest and most diverse racing programs anywhere. Our mission is to ensure that anyone who wishes to race a Mazda at any level has the support they need to be competitive. Through our Mazda Team Membership Program, Mazda racers have access to parts at discount, and can earn a variety of contingencies as well as benefit from at-track support at many events around the country. From Grassroots to Professional Mazda supports racing and racers at every level from regional track days all the way to the IMSA WeatherTech Championship. At Mazda, racing isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are. In regions across the country, grassroots racers are revving their Mazdas to the redline in search of victory in a variety of classes. The Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires is among the most hotly contested and affordable, professional single-make championships in the U.S. Simply stated, it's the best value in sports car racing. The pinnacle of Mazda Motorsports is our two-car entry in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship along with the all-new Mazda RT24-P. The Prototypes feature Mazda’s KODO design  language. Across IMSA and World Challenge, Mazdas are competing for wins at professional road races around the U.S. and Canada. The Mazda Road to 24 offers a path to professional sports car and endurance racing. This includes the Rolex 24 at Daytona with more than $1.5 million in driver development scholarships and contingency. The Mazda Road to Indy is the official team, mechanic and race driver development program for IndyCar. It's also the most comprehensive open-wheel ladder system in the world. Amazing Program Mazda Motorsports is an absolutely amazing racing program. It doesn't matter if you're a hometown racer or striving for the pros. Mazda Motorsports has your back. By all means, check back with Beach Mazda Blog often for more updates about Mazda Motorsports!

Mazda is not just a manufacturer of stylish and reliable vehicles; it has also carved out a significant place in the world of motorsports. With a history that spans decades, Mazda’s commitment to racing and performance has not only influenced the brand’s engineering and design but has also fostered a passionate community of enthusiasts and drivers. In this blog, we’ll explore Mazda’s legacy in motorsports, its notable achievements, and how racing has shaped the brand we know today. more A Passion for Performance Mazda’s foray into motorsports began in the early 1960s when the company started to recognize the potential of racing as a platform for showcasing its engineering prowess. The philosophy of “Zoom-Zoom,” which captures the essence of driving excitement, became a guiding principle for Mazda. This passion for performance translated into significant investments in racing programs, leading to numerous victories and innovations on the track. The Birth of the RX Series One of the most iconic contributions of Mazda to motorsports is the development of the RX series, particularly the RX-7 and RX-8 models, which featured the revolutionary rotary engine. The unique design of the rotary engine allowed for a lightweight and powerful vehicle, making the RX series a formidable competitor in various racing categories. Mazda RX-7: Launched in the late 1970s, the RX-7 quickly became a popular choice in motorsports, thanks to its agile handling and impressive power. The RX-7 achieved great success in multiple racing disciplines, including the IMSA GT Championship and SCCA racing. Mazda RX-8: Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the RX-8 continued to make waves in motorsports, thanks to its balanced chassis and high-revving rotary engine. It was widely used in grassroots racing and became a favorite among amateur racers. Success in Endurance Racing Mazda’s commitment to endurance racing is exemplified by its legendary victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. The Mazda 787B, equipped with a four-rotor Wankel engine, made history by becoming the first and only rotary engine-powered car to win the prestigious race. The 787B's success was not just a testament to Mazda’s engineering but also a symbol of innovation and determination in a field dominated by traditional piston engines. The win at Le Mans highlighted Mazda’s willingness to push the boundaries of automotive technology and its dedication to performance. The distinctive sound of the 787B’s rotary engine became an iconic part of motorsport history, forever linking Mazda to endurance racing. Participation in Rallying Mazda also made its mark in rallying, showcasing the versatility of its vehicles in various off-road conditions. The Mazda 323 GTX and later models competed successfully in rally events, including the World Rally Championship (WRC). Mazda's ability to adapt and succeed in diverse racing environments demonstrated the brand’s commitment to performance and engineering excellence. Grassroots Motorsports and Community Engagement Mazda’s dedication to motorsports extends beyond professional racing. The company has fostered a strong grassroots motorsports community through initiatives like the Mazda Road to 24 program, which aims to support and develop aspiring racers. This program provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities for drivers to advance in their racing careers. Additionally, Mazda’s involvement in events like the Mazda MX-5 Cup allows amateur racers to compete in a cost-effective and exciting environment. By providing a platform for grassroots racing, Mazda encourages the next generation of drivers and enthusiasts to engage with the sport. Technological Innovations and Influence Mazda’s motorsports involvement has led to several technological innovations that have made their way into production vehicles. The knowledge gained from racing has influenced the design of features such as: Chassis and Suspension Design: Insights from racing have helped Mazda develop vehicles with superior handling and stability, ensuring that their cars deliver an engaging driving experience. Engine Performance: Developments in engine technology from motorsports have contributed to improved efficiency and performance in Mazda's lineup, including the Skyactiv engines that emphasize a balance between power and fuel economy. A Bright Future in Motorsports As Mazda continues to evolve, its commitment to motorsports remains steadfast. The brand is actively involved in various racing series, including sports car racing and grassroots events, ensuring that its legacy of performance and innovation endures. Mazda’s partnership with organizations like IMSA and participation in electric racing events demonstrates the brand's adaptability and forward-thinking approach to motorsports. Shaping the Next Generation Mazda’s legacy in motorsports is a testament to its dedication to performance, innovation, and community engagement. From the iconic RX series and historic Le Mans victory to grassroots racing initiatives, Mazda has established itself as a prominent player in the racing world. The brand’s passion for motorsports not only enhances its vehicles but also fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts and drivers alike. As Mazda looks to the future, its commitment to racing will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the next generation of vehicles, ensuring that the spirit of competition and driving excitement remains at the core of the brand. Whether on the racetrack or the open road, Mazda’s legacy of racing will always resonate with those who value performance, innovation, and the thrill of driving.