Mazda Diesel Race Car



  Mazda Motorsports will enter the United SportsCar Championship (USCC) with a pair of SKYACTIV-powered prototypes.

Through competing in the top "P" class of the USCC, Mazda's objective is to "demonstrate Mazda SKYACTIV Technology to both hardcore racing fans and the mainstream public".

For the occasion, the Japanese manufacturer promoted drivers Sylvain Tremblay, Tom Long, Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez from its factory-backed GX class roster of last year.

"There is no shortage of great racing talent in America," explained John Doonan, Mazda North America's motorsport boss.

"Sylvain, Tom, Joel, and Tristan are all talented behind the wheel, but just as importantly, they act as a true team, supporting everyone at Mazda and SpeedSource."

The prototype race cars will be powered by a similar 2.2-liter turbodiesel as that used in the 2013 Grand-Am GX series Mazda6 sedan.

The race-spec engine shares 51 percent of its components with the production diesel engine by parts count, and 63 percent by weight. Whereas the production U.S.-spec Skyactiv-D is expected to produce approximately 170 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque when it finally reaches showrooms, the race engine makes 450 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque. The racing engine is fortified with Mahle forged racing pistons and Carillo connecting rods. Power hits the track through an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, and a feathery curb weight of only 1984 lb.

The Mazda USCC racer will make its public debut at the Roar Before the 24 test at Daytona, with its first race being the Rolex 24 Hour race on January 25-26.

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