33 1/3 Races in a Day and an Hour

Mazda utilizes 25 Hour race as the ultimate final test for 2016 Global MX-5 Cup car.

Mazda chose to debut four of the new 2016 Global MX-5 Cup cars in the always-brutal NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill race, equal to 33 1/3 45-minute Battery Tender MX-5 Cup races, far in excess of a normal race season. After 25 hours, or almost 8,000 combined miles completed by the four cars, the result was a resounding success."While not as well-known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the NASA 25 Hours at Thunderhill is just as tough on equipment," said John Doonan, Mazda's motorsports director. "With over 70 orders for the new car, we wanted a way to further showcase the quality, durability, and reliability of the race car in true Mazda fashion."Our drivers were Mazda employees and dealers. Our pit crew was made up 100% by volunteers, mainly Mazda employees taking vacation time to do this. 'Driving Matters' isn't just a slogan; it's a way of life for Mazda. Thanks to everyone at Robert Davis Racing, Long Road Racing, Mothers, BFGoodrich Tires, and everyone else who helped make this a success. Having Mazda class winners in both E2 and E3 made for an especially great weekend."