The 15th edition of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout is only a week away and 12 diverse finalists are counting down the days to their shot at a scholarship valued at $110,000 from Mazda to compete in the 2023 MX-5 Cup season. What follows is a brief introduction to six of those candidates.

New per-race payouts added to current, generous prize fund brings total to $1,178,500

Mazda Motorsports has revealed which 12 young drivers will compete for three scholarships worth a combined $260,000 to start their Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires career.

Following the conclusion of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires season, its top performers were honored at the series’ annual awards banquet. This years event took place at the Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia.

It was an intense season-ending race in the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich as valuable championship points were on the line. For Max Opalski, he was looking to finish the season strong and close a rookie campaign that featured both highs and lows. Taking on Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Opalski ended the year with a ninth-place result.