In 2020 Mazda will go racing in its newest race car, the Mazda3 TCR (Touring Car Racing). Based on the current Mazda3, the car will be built by US-based Long Road Racing, which creates the official Global MX-5 Cup Car. Power will come from a turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine (producing 350hp) and the car will compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

The series pits sports cars, coupes and sedans from a variety of manufacturers against each other. All vehicles are based on cars that are available to the public, with limited modifications catering to safety and competition requirements.

Former Mazda Motorsports director John Doonan said: “The Mazda3 features the outstanding design and engineering that Mazda is known for, and because of that, it is a fantastic foundation for our new Mazda3 TCR. We have looked forward to returning to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for several seasons, and everyone at Mazda is very excited that we will do just that in 2020.”

As of next year, customers will be able to buy their own Mazda3 TCR to race in one of the many international championships the car is qualified to enter. Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, said: “The TCR represents a great opportunity for us to showcase the new Mazda3 and provide our customers another avenue to race Mazda vehicles.”

The Mazda3 TCR will debut on the four-hour Endurance Challenge Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend of racing on January 26, 2020.