P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Continuing a tradition that has long matched talent with opportunity, Mazda has announced the names of the 12 drivers who have been selected to participate in the 18th running of the Mazda MX-5 Cup…
Mazda has announced the 12 drivers selected for the 18th Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, offering a scholarship of $150,000 for the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season. The finalists were chosen from talented drivers with backgrounds in Spec MX-5, Spec Miata, and karting. These drivers showcased their skills through racing resumes, bios, and videos, detailing their passion for MX-5 Cup and long-term racing aspirations.
The selected drivers include Justin Adakonis, Stephanie Anderson, Ethan Goulart, Ethan Jacobs, Noah Harmon, Ethan Lampe, Helio Meza, Luke Pullen, Camryn Reed, Christian Sarnecki, Ashlyn Speed, and Logan Stretch.
The finalists will compete at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 11-12 with timed lapping sessions in Mazda MX-5 Cup cars and coaching debriefs. The winner will earn the $150,000 scholarship, with a $100,000 scholarship for the runner-up and a $100,000 scholarship for the best-performing female driver.
The Shootout considers more than just lap times, evaluating drivers’ data understanding, coach feedback implementation, media skills, and overall attitude. Shootout winners often succeed in the MX-5 Cup, as seen in previous champions and Rookie of the Year recipients. The 2025 MX-5 Cup season begins at Daytona International Speedway on January 22-24.
