Mazda Motorsports has unveiled the list of drivers nominated for the 2020 MX-5 Cup Shootout. The Shootout, targeted for November 16-17 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, will award the winner a $110,000 scholarship to compete in the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The winner’s car will carry Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal on his or her MX-5 Cup car throughout the 2021 season.

Winning a club racing championship while driving a Mazda or Mazda-powered car is the primary way to be nominated for the Shootout, while at-large nominees are also considered. Nominated drivers will submit a written and video proposal from which the finalists will be selected for the two-day Shootout. The full list of 31 nominees includes many SCCA racers.

The 2019 MX-5 Cup Shootout winner, Jared Thomas, captured his first win of the season this past weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Jared now homes in on earning Rookie of the Year and its $75K award. The 2018 Shootout winner, Michael Carter, is leading the series and the bid for the $200K championship scholarship with one event to go.

Since 2006, Mazda Motorsports has provided one deserving racing competitor a scholarship to compete in the Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The criteria for the shootout have been created to identify the aspiring professional racer who has the most complete set of skills required to succeed in motorsport. These skills include speed, consistency, race craft, technical understanding, and off-track business and PR skills. History has shown that a driver will be limited in success if he or she is lacking in any area.  

Good luck to one and all.