The Pros Return to the Race at the Base: Mazda MX-5 Cup Circuit Competing for 2nd Year at Coronado Speed Festival

SAN DIEGO, July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Professional racing returns to the Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival September 21-22 (http://coronadospeedfest.com), home of vintage auto racing for the past 16 years.  The SCCA Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Circuit is an official event for the second year, (www.mx-5cup.com).

The 2013 MX-5 Cup series will consist of 11 races held on eight high-profile race weekends and is the entry level of production car-based competition in SCCA Pro Racing.  "Being able to host the Mazda competition for two years now shows just how popular the Cup is with the military and San Diego racing fans in general," says Cody Nelson, Director of Operations and Business Development. 

"Part of what makes a 'Professional' race special is in going places that club racers cannot," says John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports.  "The MX-5 Cup racers loved their debut at Coronado in 2012 and are looking forward to this year's race. Racing on the Navy base was indeed very special to all of our drivers and teams, and the awards ceremony on the Navy ship was nothing less than amazing."

Local MX-5 Cup racer Elliott Skeer, head of the MX-5 championship standings this year, again promises to provide a lot of excitement.  The senior from High Tech High in San Marcos, CA ended his rookie season in 2012 with 6 podiums and 1 win. Now Elliott will fight for the championship and the next step in the MAZDASPEED ladder in 2013.  Skeer competes for CJ Wilson Racing.

Military and Kids FREE

Once again, all active duty, active reserve and their direct-dependent military ID-holders will enjoy free admission to this year's event. Active duty military, active reservists and dependent ID-holders will not need tickets and will enter through a specially-designated gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, both military and non-military.  Thanks to our sponsors who have enabled this event to honor our nation's military in this way.

For the public, tickets cost $25 for one day and $35 for both days, in advance and are available at http://coronadospeedfest.com.  Tickets will also be available at the venue ($35 one day and $45 for both days).

About Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego

The Coronado Speed Festival is Fleet Week San Diego's preeminent event featuring fast-paced, thrilling auto racing and exhibitions for car enthusiasts of all ages.  Staged at one of racing's most distinctive locations – Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of Naval Aviation – it's the only place to see live racing on an active U.S. Navy runway. Proceeds for the event benefit the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation and the Navy Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program.

Find Coronado Speed Festival at www.facebook.com/coronadospeedfestival or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SpeedFestSD.

About Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA)

The Coronado Speed Festival is produced and sanctioned by Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA). Established in 1977, HMSA specializes in race events with historic cars, emphasizing the preservation and proper use of historic race cars. For more information about HMSA, call 818-249-3515 or visit www.hmsausa.com or follow at www.facebook.com/hmsausa and www.twitter.com/hmsausa.

SOURCE Coronado Speed Festival