LAS VEGAS, USA: The Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling roadster in history, and the most road-raced car in the world. With the recent unveiling of the fourth generation MX-5, the most frequently asked question is "Where will it race?" Mazda gave the first part of that answer at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas today, as the company announced that the All-New Mazda MX-5 will be raced in a new Global Cup series, in North America, Europe and Asia.

Starting in 2016, there will be multiple Mazda Global MX-5 Cup series around the world, all using identically prepared cars. Full details of the Global MX-5 Cup, including which countries will be involved and when the races will take place, will be announced as they are confirmed. The Global MX-5 Cup will culminate at the end of 2016 with a Global Shootout at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., to crown the series champion. Among other prizes, the series champion will receive a one-day test in Mazda's top-level TUDOR United States SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV prototype racecar.

"Since the first Mazda MX-5 took the green flag back in 1990, the car has been the ideal platform for both veterans and rookies alike," noted John Doonan, director of motorsports for Mazda North American operations. "Because the MX-5 is inherently such a good car to drive, it is an ideal platform to learn basic and advanced race-craft, and this has made the professional MX-5 Cup series very successful to date."

"We're excited to take the elements of success of the existing Mazda MX-5 Cup series, and introduce them to a new global audience," added Masahiro Moro, managing executive officer in charge of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Mazda Motor Corporation. "It has long been our goal to see Mazda fans around the world competing in identical MX-5s, and the launch of the All-New MX-5 is the perfect time to make this goal a reality."

While Mazda did not release final specifications, equipment or technical partners for the car, it was confirmed that the Global MX-5 Cup racecar will be equipped with a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G four cylinder engine. Beginning this winter, Mazda Motorsports will undertake a development period to select the optimum tyres, suspension and powertrain and safety modifications. The final specifications will be announced in 2015 when Mazda is ready to accept orders for the 2016 series.

In a first for Mazda, the Global MX-5 Cup racecars will be sold "ready to race" from a single supplier.

For 2015, the third generation MX-5 will be utilised for its final season of professional racing in North America. The 2015 Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires will kick off at Sebring in March, and conclude at the Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda at Road Atlanta in October. For 2016 and beyond, the existing third-generation MX-5 Cup racecars will be eligible to compete in club racing only.