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.

With six drivers that have claimed wins in the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires competition including two previous champions, the talent and experience in the 2021 field runs deep.