Hot off the heels of the 2023 Mazda Spec MX-5 Shootout and with the 2024 Spec MX-5 season quickly approaching, Slipstream Performance has been selected to run the Mazda Motorsports’ Club Racing Factory Team from 2024 onwards.
Founded by Kevin Stelly in 2015 to primarily focus on Mazda MX-5 Cup, Slipstream Performance aims to bring unparalleled professionalism to the club racing paddock as Spec MX-5 embarks on its first season as a National Championship eligible SCCA road racing class. With over 20 years of Mazda technical experience, Stelly has been mentored by the best-of-the-best in the racing industry, seeing Slipstream Performance win the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship just 2 years after entering the IMSA-sanctioned series in 2018.
Kevin Stelly, Team Principal Slipstream Performance: “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Mazda as Slipstream Performance takes on the role of Mazda Motorsports’ Club Racing Factory Team. I am particularly excited about the prospect of working with emerging talents through the Mazda Scholarship program. Mazda Motorsports’ initiative offers a fantastic chance for aspiring young racers to establish their reputation in the racing world. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to join Spec MX-5 as it embarks on its inaugural season as an SCCA National Class, and I’m eager to bring elements of the professional mindset from MX-5 Cup to aid these talented young racers in their preparation for a career in professional motorsport.”
Ethan Jacobs, Kamden Hibbitt, and Helio Meza have been added to the roster at Slipstream Performance after winning Mazda Motorsports scholarships at the 2023 Mazda Spec MX-5 Shootout. The trio will get to compete at select SCCA Hoosier Super Tour events in the Spec MX-5 class, while receiving racing school, plus testing and a full arrive-and-drive season that will include the 2024 SCCA National Championship Runoffs. All entry fees and consumables are covered, along with a travel budget, a car damage budget, and more.
Josh Smith, Mazda Motorsports Manager Business Development: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Slipstream Performance as the official Mazda Motorsports’ Club Racing Factory Team for the 2024 season. Kevin Stelly’s wealth of experience and Slipstream’s track record in Mazda’s MX-5 Cup series makes him an excellent addition to our program. The collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for emerging talents through the Mazda Scholarship program. We look forward to a successful season ahead, working hand-in-hand with Slipstream Performance to elevate the Spec MX-5 series and support the development of young racers.'”
Mazda Motorsports has gone all-in with Spec MX-5 becoming a National Championship eligible SCCA road racing class, seeing a seven-figure investment bring unrivalled support to the grassroots racing level, including; dedicated Mazda personnel to attend all SCCA Super Tour events, a generous contingency program, and a brand-new customer experience center which will be at select events in 2024.
Justin Cornelison, Spec MX-5 Series Manager: “Having Kevin take the helm of the Mazda Motorsports’ Club Racing Factory Team is a significant boost, not just for Spec MX-5, but for grassroots racing as a whole. The introduction of Slipstream Performance into the club racing community establishes a standard for our other teams to aspire to. My objective since joining Spec MX-5 has been to provide our racers with the necessary resources to prepare for professional motorsport, and I have full confidence that, under Kevin’s guidance and with the support of the entire Slipstream Performance team, Mazda’s Club Factory drivers are primed for success.”
