Mazda Heritage Collection program makes debut at Daytona with HSR

Following an extensive restoration program, two iconic Mazda racing machines will return to the track this week as the Mazda Heritage Collection program makes its first outing at Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA, November 3 – 5.

The Mazda Heritage Collection marks a new chapter in Mazda Motorsports’ history as the brand launches an ongoing campaign to celebrate the culture of Mazda Motorsports with fans, owners, and cus tomers. As HSR stages the annual event at the ‘World Center of Racing,’ the Mazda Heritage Collection will bring its 1991 RX7 GTO and beautiful 1989 767B to Daytona International Speedway.

“I hope all the motorsport fans enjoy this small piece of Mazda racing history that we’ve brought to Daytona,” said Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager, Mazda Motorsports. “The HSR Classic 24 is a high-profile event that we absolutely had to be a part of and I hope all the attendees appreciate what we’ve done with the Mazda Heritage Collection. Most importantly though, I can’t wait to hear the sound of those rotary engines around the banks of Daytona.”

The two entries will be driven by former Mazda prototype drivers Jonathan Bomarito (1989 767B in the GTP category/Group 6) and Tom Long (1991 RX7 GTO/Group 9).

Starting in 2014, the HSR Classic Daytona has quickly become a premier event for historic and vintage racers. The weekend is headlined by the Classic Daytona 24, a twice around the clock endurance race, and supported by a legion of sprint races. Both cars from the Mazda Heritage Collection will take part in the 25-minute sprint races.

The 1989 Mazda 767B is best known for its screaming rotary engine and unique orange and green livery.

Race 1 for Group 6 takes place Friday, November 3 at 2:00pm ET. Race 2 takes place Saturday, November 4 at 9:45am ET.

“It’s an honor to showcase Mazda’s Heritage Collection at such an iconic event as the Classic24 at Daytona,” Long said. “These racecars are truly remarkable in their beauty, sound, speed, and history.  The acceleration and sound of that four-rotor engine is truly an amazing feeling and makes you appreciate the history of Mazda Motorsports. Screaming around the high banks of Daytona is just a glimpse of what it was like rocketing down the Mulsane straight at Le Mans!”