The series is part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder that promotes champions of Mazda series to the next level of their career. The motivation for drivers to enter the MX-5 Cup division is an opportunity to earn a factory-supported ride in next year’s SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Championship, which is valued at $250,000.

All Mazda MX-5 Cup cars receive only minor upgrades. Bolt-on modifications include a new intake manifold and exhaust system, which increases the engine output from 170 to 200-horsepower. All the vehicles are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The suspension uses a coil-over kit with double adjustable shock absorbers and roll bars. Khumo tires are mounted on 17X8” wheels. Brake pads, fluid and lines are upgraded for the demands of racing.

For safety, the Mazdas are fitted with an eight-point roll-cage welded into the car, racing seatbelts and a fire extinguishing system.

The season consists of eight 45-minute timed races. The first event of 2007 will be held in early-April at Houston. Three weeks later, teams travel to Road Atlanta for round two. In May, the championship makes a west-coast swing for contests at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Portland International Raceway. Following these two races, drivers will participate in a double-header at the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. Then the series heads north of the border to compete in the penultimate round on the streets of Trois-Rivieres. The finale is held in September at Miller Motorsports Park.

Round seven of the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup was held at Trois-Rivieres. Drivers would compete on the eleven-turn 1.521-mile temporary street circuit for 45-minutes.