The development series that builds young talent to the Verizon IndyCar Series finds itself without a title sponsor heading out of 2018. Mazda Motorsports confirmed Tuesday in a statement that the manufacturer is to withdraw from the series at the completion of the season.
The move with not effect the scholarships awarded to winners or any of the operations as usual through 2018. Mazda is taking the opportunity to reevaluate their motorsports program, and in doing so will cease operations in the various IndyCar ladder series: USF2000, Pro Mazda, and Indy Lights.
“We have truly enjoyed our role in developing young racers into Indy 500 hopefuls,” Director of Mazda Motorsports John Doonan said in a statement. “The 2018 USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights champions will receive Mazda Advancement Scholarships for the 2019 season and the annual $200,000 Mazda Road to Indy Global shootout will also be held in December of this season.”
While the decision removes Mazda from the feeder series, it does not totally remove them from IndyCar due to their association with the Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup. Also, their sports car programs will not be effected.
“Motorsports is at the core of Mazda’s DNA,” Doonan said, “and the company remains committed to its variety of motorsports programs in the coming years including our grassroots club racing initiatives, the Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich, the Mazda Road to 24, and Mazda Team Joest.”
Over the past eight years, the Mazda Road to Indy has built the careers of IndyCar hopefuls and superstars with millions of dollars in advancement scholarships.
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