Regular IMSA race fans will be familiar with the diminutive Global MX-5 Cup car, and the consistent entertainment it has provided for the better part of the last decade.
While the Mazda MX-5 has always been synonymous with simplicity, developing the racing version of the fourth-generation MX-5 (chassis code ND) was an exacting engineering feat for four companies with an interesting set of compromises to consider. The four were tasked with building an exciting, competitive, professional-level racecar that had to be approachable for racers of all abilities, cost effective and extremely reliable.
From the start, Mazda wanted a homologated car capable of running in multiple different professional and club categories around the world. This globally recognisable platform had to be synonymous with parity and accessibility.
Since Mazda wanted the Global MX-5 Cup drivers to primarily focus on car control and racecraft, it had to be relatively simple to operate and very robust. This car was not intended to help exercise engineering creativity, nor to require serious maintenance throughout a season. Ease of operation was emphasised, and it had to remain tuneable enough to accommodate a wide range of drivers. It’s a big ask to build a car sharp and competitive enough to fit within the professional sportscar ranks, but still be approachable enough for the amateur club racer to enjoy.
The four [companies] were tasked with building an exciting, competitive, professional-level racecar that had to be approachable for racers of all abilities, cost effective and extremely reliable
It therefore had to have enough adjustment to optimise for stickier tyres over a qualifying session on a bumpy circuit, but not so much as to mire the less experienced customer in set-up challenges.
With the basic objectives laid out, Mazda needed to find some gifted partners.
