1982 Mazda RX-7 IMSA GTU Coupe

Built by Jim Downing and Downing/Atlanta Racing, this RX-7 competed in the IMSA GTU class from 1982 - 1987. Known best as the Malibu Grand Prix RX-7, wearing its distinctive white and blue with red arrow livery. This chassis is the winningest RX-7 in history and one of the winningest single cars in all of sports car racing. It won the 1982 IMSA GTU title carrying the #63. It was sold to Ira Young who owned the Malibu Grand Prix fun centers around the country. Jack Baldwin drove the #76 to the 1984 and 1985 IMSA GTU titles. Team Manager Clayton Cunningham purchased the car before the 1986 season, forming CCR. With reluctance on the part of Mazda to commit to a young driver, Tommy Kendall was on a race-by-race deal until partway through the year when he won in the #75 at Laguna Seca. He went on to become the youngest champion in IMSA history at age 19, then won again in 1987. In total, this car won five season championships, and 21 race wins, including Rolex 24 and Sebring 12-Hour wins in 1984.