Mazda Motorsports is inviting go-karters and quarter midget drivers to test Spec MX-5 race cars during a two-day test at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC. The test, which will take place Aug. 17-18, 2022, is intended for those new to sports car racing, with applicants required to have raced in at least one sanctioned outdoor go-kart or quarter midget race in 2021, while having no more than two sports car races under their belt. Drivers must also be at least 14-years old by Aug. 17, 2022.

For those looking to step into sports car racing or are considering making a run at Mazda’s annual year-end Spec MX-5 or MX-5 Cup Shootouts, this is an opportunity that should be seriously considered. Per the Mazda Motorsports announcement:

Mazda Motorsports will rent CMP August 17 & 18 to host up to 24 drivers in Spec MX-5 race cars. Several Spec MX-5 teams will join forces with Mazda Motorsports to provide the race cars, crew, coaches and more. In addition to the team’s coaches, Mazda will have its own coaches and staff on hand to work with the drivers.

While this two-day Mazda test is not to be confused with the Spec MX-5 or MX-5 Cup Shootouts held annually near the end of the calendar year, it is a great opportunity for racers to get exposed to sports car racing, and why there are more Mazda’s road racing on any given weekend than any other brand.

Applications are due June 13, 2022, with selected drivers paying a rental fee directly to the race teams that will be supplying the Spec MX-5s for the two-day test. From head-and-neck restraints to race suits, there are other requirements, so read through all of the details carefully before applying.

The application for the two-day exclusive Spec MX-5 test can be found here.

Photo by Bill Stoler