Time and again, the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires has produced talented and successful racers. With a big focus on parity of equipment that puts the results in the drivers’ hands, Mazda MX-5 Cup has not only produced some great racing, but it has also helped to develop some great racers through the years.

“Veteran driver turned Team Owner returns to the seat”

The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires heads to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as the season draws near its end, with only two more weekends on the calendar. Mazda’s history at this circuit is a storied one, with lots of success in IMSA competition. The track has also been home to the Mazda Scholarship Shootouts as well as the MX-5 Cup Global Challenge finale.

He’s at every Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires race. He’s been an MX-5 Cup test driver since 2015 and logged thousands of laps helping to develop the current car. He can be found in MX-5 Cup race control. He writes a regular column about MX-5 Cup for Mazda Motorsports. Who is this professional driver that has become so synonymous with MX-5 Cup? It’s Tom Long.

The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup produced yet another jaw-dropping finish Saturday in the Alana Long 100 at Road America. Michael Carter (No. 08 Carter Racing Enterprises) beat Sam Paley (No. 28 McCumbee McAleer Racing) to the finish line by 0.008-second with Selin Rollan (No. 87 Hixon Motor Sports) a slim 0.110-second behind them.