Mazda to supply Grand AM racing teams with diesel engines

Mazda Motorsports has announced that it will supply racing versions of its new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engines to customer teams competing in GRAND-AM's new GX Class for advanced/clean technologies, beginning with the 2013 season.

"This opens a new chapter in racing for us. We've won with rotary technology, and now we're looking to again put our customers in the winner's circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen," said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

The powertrains will be the turbocharged SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder that is expected to deliver outstanding performance and fuel economy together with quality, durability and reliability according to John Doonan, MNAO's Director of Mazda Motorsports. Mazda is the only Asian auto maker to bring clean-diesel technology to the US. Mazda Motorsports is the only Asian car company with an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans among many things.

Since 2007, Mazda has been competing in the GRAND-AM GT class with the rotary-powered RX-8. Mazda racers have secured manufacturers, team and drivers championships, along with 2008 and 2010 GT-class wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

SKYACTIV technilogy will allow Mazda to chart its own path in racing, showcasing the latest in fuel-efficient yet powerful and clean powertrains. The engines are developed by Mazda Motor Corporation in collaboration with, Mazda North American Operations and SpeedSource Engineering.