2016 Mazda Prototype Race Car

Mazda Prototypes Race New MZ-2.0T Engine

- Engine will make its race debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona The two-car Mazda Prototype race team will be powered by the new gasoline-fueled MZ-2.0T engine this season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The engine has been in development for much of the past year and has completed nearly 4,000 test miles prior to this weekend's 'ROAR before the 24' test session at the Daytona International Speedway.




John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports North America
70 car Daytona'We gained immense knowledge from three years of racing a stock-block diesel engine. That knowledge will improve the next generation of Mazda diesel engines. But, with the impending rules changes in 2017 which will not allow a diesel-fueled option, a purpose-built racing engine was our best choice to reach our long-term goals and contend for race wins and championships. After extensive testing, the MZ-2.0T is not only very fast, but reliable as well. There was no off-season for this team, as they've worked incredibly hard to prepare for the season. Mazda loves to race, and we couldn't be more optimistic about the prospect of this engine and our team.'

Jonathan Bomarito, Driver, Mazda Prototype team
'The drivability of the engine is incredible. The first thing you notice is how smooth the power is delivered in every gear through the RPM range. There is great low-end torque with zero turbo-lag, which is very impressive. All race tracks are different and the gearing is never perfect for every corner, so having an engine where you can short-shift or stretch a gear longer is very important. The MZ-2.0T does this easily.'

Marcus Shen, Chief Engineer, Mazda Prototype team
'This engine has transformed everything for us. Obviously, it's more powerful so we're going faster. Once you go faster, the aerodynamics work very differently - we have much more downforce - and the chassis works better. It's not just straightaway speed, the engine has improved every aspect of our overall performance.
'A gasoline, direct-injected engine - like many of the Mazda passenger cars - helps with the horsepower and throttle response and yet still produces great fuel economy. When the driver puts the pedal down, it goes. It's creating roughly 285 horsepower per liter, which is much higher than the estimated 110 horsepower per liter of the 5.5-liter V8 Daytona Prototype engines.'



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Source - Mazda

Spencer Pigot & Ben Devlin Join Prototype Team

Current Indy Lights champ and Prototype veteran to compete in Rolex 24 at Daytona -
IRVINE, Calif. (January 6, 2016) – Mazda Motorsports has two categories of driver development programs that support drivers on their way to the top of North American auto racing. The Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24) is a ladder system for sports car racers while the similar Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI) provides driver scholarships in the open-wheel ranks. For the Rolex 24 at Daytona, those two categories come together as Indy Lights champion Spencer Pigot will join the Mazda Prototype team. Veteran sports car racer Ben Devlin will also join the team for the third consecutive year at Daytona.
Spencer PigotThe 22-year-old Pigot is the first driver to ever win four Mazda development scholarships as he climbed from grassroots racing to the top of the open-wheel ladder. He will join the Mazda Prototype No. 55 team at Daytona, pairing with full-season drivers Jonathan Bomarito and Tristan Nunez. Following several lower-level championships with Mazda backing, Pigot won the Pro Mazda championship in 2014. The title earned him the scholarship to progress up to Indy Lights in 2015, where he won six races and the championship in his rookie season. With the Indy Lights championship, Pigot earned the $1 million Mazda scholarship, entitling him to three IndyCar races, including the historical 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team.




Ben DevlinBen Devlin, 33, of Norwich, England will again join the Mazda Prototype team at Daytona. Devlin has an extensive sports car and prototype resume, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as many starts in the Grand Am Series, American Le Mans Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In 2009, Devlin teamed with Marino Franchitti and Butch Leitzinger in a Mazda Prototype to win the LMP2 category at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. He will drive the No. 70 car with full-season co-drivers Tom Long and Joel Miller.

'My expectations are always high at the beginning of year,' said Devlin. 'But this year I think is going to be one to remember. I know I'm the old guy, but I can fill my role after driving these type of cars for over 15 years. I want to pass my experience on to the young guns, and I believe I still have the speed and, most importantly, consistency to help the team succeed.'



Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com

Source - Mazdamotorsports