What if you could experience the thrill of racecar driving without ever setting foot on a track? If you’ve ever driven a MX-5 Miata, one of the most recognizable and celebrated vehicles on the road, you’re closer than you might think.
On professional circuits, its racing counterpart takes center stage in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Series, a highly anticipated series where drivers compete in a custom, race-modified MX-5 Miata, relying purely on skill and strategy.
But what do pro drivers and everyday enthusiasts have in common besides the vehicle they love? Whether it’s speeding toward the checkered flag or cruising down a winding backroad, what unites these drivers is that the MX-5 Miata is designed to bring connection and exhilaration directly to the driver’s seat.
THE SHARED THRILL OF CONNECTION
There is a phrase in Japanese, “Jinba Ittai,” for when the horse and rider experience a feeling of connected “oneness.” It’s one of the core principles of the Mazda engineering philosophy, permeating both the racing and street driving experience. We prioritize this feeling as they craft vehicles, ensuring that each one is an extension of the person driving it.
The MX-5 Miata offers direct steering, responsive handling, and an engaging short-throw manual transmission. When combined, these provide the driver a sense of immediacy and control. For both the sports car enthusiast and the professional racer, this feeling can be captivating.
That control and responsiveness also creates a feeling of joy when you’re on the open road—or on the track. The MX-5 Miata is exhilaratingly lightweight; and its open-top helps drivers feel a sense of freedom and a connection to the environment around them, whether it’s a scenic drive along a coastal road, a beloved city block, or a track roaring with the screams of thousands of fans.
The pursuit of mastery and an inherent desire to improve driving skills is another thing most MX-5 Miata fans share. They push the car to its limits, shaving tenths of a second off their lap times or mastering a challenging corner on a backroad.
PRESSURE AND FOCUS
There are certainly significant differences between racing and casual driving, like the pressure faced and focus required. The competitive environment of racing amplifies every sensation, and it demands absolute concentration. There’s also a real element of risk inherent in racing that isn’t there for casual drivers which contributes to its adrenaline rush and emotional intensity.
FINDING THE FLOW
But all MX-5 Miata drivers are familiar with a certain, serene feeling, too. They might call it the "flow state," “the zone,” or some other name, but it always happens when the driver is focused, balanced and joyful. The cheering crowds and roaring engine sounds fade, the everyday stresses of your family or job melt away—and all that matters is the balanced handling and predictable behavior of your vehicle.
The MX-5 Miata can make any driver feel like a racer—and make any racer feel like they’re alone on an empty street. No matter where or who they are, the core feelings of connection, joy, and mastery are the same. That’s the enduring appeal of the MX-5 Miata: It can deliver a pure and engaging driving experience that transcends the boundaries of racing and the street.
REDEFINING RACING AND BEYOND
Tap into that exhilaration and joy of driving with First to the Finish, a new original series on Prime Video, chronicling the 2024 season of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship. The six-episode series follows three extraordinary women as they chase victories and overcome challenges in an intense and demanding sport. Their journey isn’t just about winning races—it’s about redefining what’s possible, both on and off the track.
To learn more about how two remarkable racers and a team owner deal with pressure and focus on their love of driving, watch First to the Finish now.
BE A PART OF THE TEAM
Whether First to the Finish is your introduction to racing, or you’re a longtime fan of the sport, shop the Mazda Collection and show your support for drivers and for Mazda. Get quality gear that matches your drive and looks great anywhere you go.
