Mazda3 TCR racer axed before first race

Mazda has abandoned plans to create a wild Mazda3-based race car to compete in the global TCR race series.

Originally, the turbocharged Mazda3 TCR racer was supposed to complete its maiden race first at the Rolex 24 Daytona and then the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race series, but following the cancelation of both events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mazda USA has decided to pull the plug on its entire race program.

It’s not known how far down the line development of the Mazda3 TCR car had progressed, but the completed car would have seen Mazda join 12 other brands from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen in some of the 36 TCR-sanctioned races around the world.

Mazda’s TCR program in the USA was being run through Long Road Racing, which has previously been responsible for building cars for the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup series.

Mazda USA is competing in a number of high-profile championships in the US, including the top-level IMSA Sports Car Championship for Le Mans-style prototypes, and has a long racing history in America.

Technical details for the Mazda3 race car echo those of other TCR racers, with a modified engine producing 260kW, a six-speed sequential gearbox with shift paddles, competition suspension and brakes, plus all the required safety gear.

Although the $US175,000 price looks pricey in American dollars, the TCR cost cap meant that the Mazda3 TCR racer would have cost the equivalent of $A250,000.