By RACER Staff | January 16, 2024 3:56 PM ET
Whelen Engineering will partner with Mazda Motorsports to become the title sponsor of the Mazda MX-5 Cup series beginning in 2024.
The relationship marks a new chapter for Whelen, which has a long history of involvement with motorsports that includes supplying tracks with emergency lighting equipment, sponsoring drivers, teams and series in a variety of disciplines, as well as an active engagement with a range of safety response programs in the sport.
The Mazda MX-5 Cup safety car has featured Whelen products for numerous seasons.
“We’re thrilled to be part of MX-5 Cup and believe in the value and opportunities this partnership will bring to both of our organizations,” Whelen Engineering Company President & CEO Geoff Marsh said.
“I had the pleasure of watching one of the MX-5 Cup races in person at Daytona this past January and I believe the popularity of this series will continue to grow as more people experience the excitement of all these talented drivers.”
“Whelen has been a mainstay of the racing industry for decades and everyone at Mazda MX-5 Cup is thrilled to become a part of that family,” said Jonathan Applegate, Mazda Motorsports Senior Program Manager. “Having a strong partner like Whelen enables us to take the series to the next level and get more eyeballs on the series.”
The 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season begins at Daytona International Speedway as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona event. Race One takes place at 4:15pm ET, Thursday, January 25, while Race Two is slated for 10:15am ET on Friday, January 26. Both races will be streamed live on RACER.com and IMSA.com/tvlive.