Mazda Motorsports has announced that registrations are now open for the 2017 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge, which features a US$110,000 ($150,121) prize pool and a US$75,000 ($102,356) first prize. The two-race, total points event will be hosted at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California, U.S.A from 12^th to 15^th October. Registration is now open at MazdaMotorsports.com to all race car drivers around the world, excluding Mazda Motorsports' factory drivers.

Previously known as the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Invitational, this high stakes challenge met success in its inaugural race last year, with 19 racers from the U.S.A, Japan, Australia, the U.K., Sweden, Poland, Germany and Switzerland competing. It was the first time in the history of professional MX-5 racing that Mazda Motorsports had organised a truly international race for some of sport's best up-and-coming drivers.

Having delivered almost 150 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup cars, there will be ample opportunities for drivers to find or rent a seat to compete for the first prize and get a head start on their 2018 season. Racers will need to have an IndyCar licence to compete as it is the sanctioning body of the MX-5 Cup.