MRTI: International field assembles at MRLS

The all-Mazda race weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca features more than 80 drivers from 21 countries, represented in this Mazda-powered team photo. The weekend includes the Soul Red Mazda Road to Indy season finales, as well as the the inaugural MX-5 Cup Global Invitational.

The MX-5 Cup racecars are the same ones that raced at Mazda Raceway just five months ago, but there are many new faces behind the wheel. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as a part of the Mazda Road to Indy season finale weekend, the inaugural MX-5 Cup Global Invitational will take place. Ten American Mazda racers will be going head-to-head with five European racers, and two each from Japan and Australia, all in identically prepared Mazda MX-5 Cup racecars.

"This weekend reflects over two years of planning," said John Doonan, director of motorsports, Mazda North American Operations. "It will pave the way for our program to grow internationally in 2017 and beyond.

"When we launched the new car and series, we included the word 'Global' for a reason. Mazda affiliates and racers from abroad have wanted to get involved in what had previously been North American exclusive. We're thrilled to have our overseas friends join us at our home track for what we hope will be the first of many such events in the years to come. With all cars being as identical as possible, it's a perfect showcase for racers to prove that no matter if you are on the highway, or on the track, driving matters."