Will next year’s MX-5 Cup schedule include a NASCAR oval?

Is this a hint regarding a future stop for the Mazda MX-5 Cup series? The series is testing today at Martinsville Speedway–yes, the NASCAR oval dating back to 1947.

From the press notice: “The Mazda MX-5 Cup will test at Martinsville Speedway in exploration of future racing opportunities at the half-mile track.”

As the release continues, open-top racing isn’t new to the facility, as Martinsville hosted the NASCAR Convertible Series from 1956 through 1959. Could the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires be heading there next?

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/21/23 12:10 p.m.

“Normal MX-5 Cup” racing is intense. This could be a bit off the scale.

Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/21/23 12:47 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I'm not too familiar with Martinsville, but, looking at photos, that looks like a tight track. I'd love to watch some racing there.

And if we're adding ovals to the schedule, may I suggest adding the L.A. Coliseum, too? Perhaps around the same time NASCAR is doing the Clash at the Coliseum?

Puddy46 Reader
8/21/23 1:03 p.m.

Apparently they've got some experienced Martinsville drivers in Dale Earnhardt Jr. And Bobby Labonte helping with the testing.

New test drivers

adam525i GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
8/21/23 1:37 p.m.

I just want them to come north of the border to Mosport with IMSA and put on a show.

DirtyBird222 PowerDork
8/21/23 3:22 p.m.

Just add Bowman-Gray to the schedule if they are going for a theater of the sport.

stafford1500 GRM+ Memberand Dork
8/21/23 4:10 p.m.

DirtyBird222 said:
Just add Bowman-Gray to the schedule if they are going for a theater of the sport.

If they run Bowman-Gray, they will have to add a few more items to the required components list, like boxing gloves and maybe lozenges for all the yelling and screaming.