Mazda's Enduring Legacy Takes Center Stage at HSR The Mitty Celebration

BRASELTON, Georgia – Automotive history enthusiasts and racing fans alike are eagerly anticipating the 48th Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) The Mitty, presented by Hagerty, where Mazda will be the featured marque, celebrating a remarkable array of historical milestones. Set to take place from April 23-26 at the iconic Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the event promises a deep dive into the Japanese automaker's rich heritage, acknowledging pivotal moments in its engineering and racing prowess.

A Quintet of Celebrations

This year’s HSR The Mitty is more than just a race; it's a grand anniversary celebration, commemorating five significant milestones that have shaped Mazda's identity in the global automotive landscape. Foremost among these is the 35th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5 as a competition car, a testament to the roadster's enduring appeal and track capability. Simultaneously, the event marks the 35th anniversary of Mazda's historic overall victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, an achievement that solidified its engineering credentials on the world stage.

Adding to the historical depth, HSR The Mitty will also honor the 65th anniversary of Mazda's pioneering use of the revolutionary Wankel rotary engine in a production car. This unique power plant became synonymous with the brand, setting it apart in an industry dominated by conventional piston engines. Furthermore, the celebration acknowledges the 95th anniversary of the Mazda brand itself, a testament to nearly a century of innovation and dedication to driving pleasure.

Legends on Track and Display

A highlight for many attendees will be the presence of the Mazda Heritage Collection, which will showcase and actively campaign several of the marque's most iconic racing machines. Fans will have the rare opportunity to witness legendary vehicles such as the 1989 767B, the 1990 787-002, the 1991 RX-7 GTO, and the 1992 RX-792P. These cars represent pinnacles of Mazda's racing development, each with its own storied past and contribution to motorsport history.

Adding to the spectacle, renowned drivers from the Mazda Motorsports family, including Tom Long, Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, and Alex Bachoura, will be behind the wheels of these cherished heritage vehicles. Their participation ensures that these classic racers aren't just static displays but living, breathing examples of automotive engineering pushed to its limits.

In a nod to the grassroots racing community that has long championed the MX-5, a special feature race will be held, open to all Spec Miata and Spec MX-5 (SMX) competitors. This inclusive approach by HSR, working in conjunction with IMSA and Mazda, allows a wide array of licensed racers to participate in the prestigious Mitty event, further cementing the MX-5's legacy as an accessible and thrilling competition car.

The Enduring Appeal of Mazda's Heritage

Mazda's commitment to its heritage is evident in these celebrations, showcasing how deeply interwoven its past is with its present and future. The Wankel rotary engine, despite its unique characteristics and challenges, powered Mazda to its greatest international racing success at Le Mans in 1991 with the iconic 787B. This victory remains a powerful symbol of the brand's innovative spirit and ability to overcome conventional thinking.

Similarly, the MX-5 Miata, introduced in the late 1980s, revitalized the lightweight, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car market. Its immediate success on both roads and racetracks quickly established it as a modern classic, beloved by enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in competition underscores its foundational role in accessible motorsport, inspiring generations of racers.

The 48th HSR The Mitty provides a unique platform for both seasoned collectors and new fans to experience these historical touchstones firsthand. Through both competitive racing and static displays, the event offers a vivid narrative of Mazda's journey, from its inception to its triumphs in engineering and motorsport, emphasizing the passion and ingenuity that have defined the brand for nearly a century. It is a vibrant reminder that automotive history is not just about static exhibits but about dynamic stories of human endeavor and mechanical brilliance.