Mazda Motorsports has unveiled the list of drivers nominated for the 2021 MX-5 Cup Shootout, and a full 10 SCCA drivers made the list and have their eyes on the $110,000 award scholarship to compete in the 2022 Idemitsu MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires championship. In addition, Mazda offers to additional scholarships each worth $75,000. And at least one of the three recipients will be a woman to further help attract and retain women in motorsports.
This year’s SCCA nominees:
- Preston Pardus – Spec Miata, SCCA Runoffs, NASA Championships and First Gear Mazda Challenge Southeast Champion
- Danny Steyn – STL, SCCA Runoffs national champion
- Vaughn Glace – FX, SCCA Runoffs national champion
- Sterling Hamilton – FM, SCCA Runoffs national champion
- Scott Rettich – FE2, SCCA Runoffs national champion
- Travis Wiley – Spec Miata, SCCA First Gear Mazda Challenge Southern Conference champion
- Tyler Ladd – Spec Miata, SCCA First Gear Mazda Challenge Mid-States Conference champion
- Matthew Morin – Spec Miata, SCCA First Gear Mazda Challenge Northeast Conference champion
- Brandon Collins – Spec Miata, SCCA First Gear Mazda Challenge Northern Conference champion
At-large SCCA-member nominees:
- Aidan Fassnacht – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Alex Berg – Spec MX-5 Challenge & Spec Miata
- Bryce Cornet – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Bryson Morris – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Connor Zilisch – Spec MX-5 Challenge & Spec Miata
- Grant West – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Harry Voigt – Spec Miata
- Jillian Fichter – Spec Miata
- Joey Atanasio – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Michael Borden – Spec MX-5 Challenge
- Michele Abbate – SCCA, WRL & Trans Am
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.
Photo by Jay Bonvouloir
