Parents want to know their kids are growing up happy. Bryan Hixon’s dad knew that racing made Bryan happy. In his final days, he made sure to encourage Bryan’s passion. From his hospital bed, Bryan’s dad told him to start his own race team.

The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is known for its epic battles for the lead and photo finishes, but there is one car that gets just as much attention despite never winning a race, being on the podium or even in the top five. Everyone wants to know ‘what’s the deal with the Soviet Union car?’

It has long been said that with a field full of cars that were all built and spec’d the same, the racing in Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is in the drivers hands. And when it comes to forging the way to victory that is also true…with hand signals.

Why is this series so incredibly, so consistently — and so nearly immeasurably — tight?

The recent Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires event at Mid-Ohio marked the halfway point of the season, and what a shake-up in the points championship it was! In both the overall championship and Rookie of the Year standings, things have really tightened up at the front, with both championships within just a few points of each other.