The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout approaches, November 11 – 12, where 12 aspiring racers will vie for a scholarship valued at $150,000 from Mazda to compete in the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season. The Shootout candidates were selected after demonstrating potential in a wide variety of racing and will look to convert this opportunity into their next racing chapter in 2025. Here are the first six of the field of Mazda Shootout candidates.

Stephanie Andersen (Racine, WI)

Stephanie Andersen is the oldest finalist to ever compete in the Shootout at age 43. She’s been racing for 15 years, starting with Spec Miata where she won a regional championship in 2014. She then took her Mazda2 daily driver and turned it into a B-Spec car, a class that frequently has as many entries as Spec Miata. This season she finished fifth in the Hoosier Super Tour Standings with podium finishes at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Road America.

“I definitely stand out! I think there’s pros and cons to it (being the oldest). I think I have more racing experience, in terms of door-to-door scenarios. I have many years of experience, but at the end of the day I’m an adult and in my mind there’s still all these responsibilities when I leave the track. I think the younger drivers have the advantage of focusing on driving. It’s awesome that Mazda is not just focusing on the younger drivers. It’s super cool that I’m 43 and in the competition.”

Ethan Goulart (Shelton, CT)

He’s not just the reigning SCCA Spec Miata National Champion, he’s the youngest ever SCCA National Champion at 15 years-old. Ethan Goulart is a second-generation racer. His father Elivan was the 2011 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion and has numerous starts in MX-5 Cup.  Last year, Ethan was a finalist in the Spec MX-5 Shootout.

“The talent pool is just as good if not better than last year. There’s a lot of talented drivers this year. It’s going to be really tough. The times are going to be super close, so finding the extra tenth is going to be the most challenging. I definitely feel more confident knowing what the process is and what to expect, but it’s still going to be very difficult to get it done.”

Noah Harmon (Orlando, FL)

Returning for a second MX-5 Cup Shootout is Noah Harmon. He had a successful Spec MX-5 season, finishing fourth in the points with wins at Watkins Glen International and VIRginia International Raceway. Harmon made several starts in MX-5 Cup this year and earned top five finishes at Daytona International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“Last year’s shootout, I don’t think I was social enough. I don’t think I talked to many people and wasn’t very outgoing and I think that’s something I’ve worked on this year, but also being more consistent in the car. I think last year I was nervous to interact with people because I was worried about messing up.”

Ethan Jacobs (Milwaukee, WI)

The shootout format is nothing new to Ethan Jacobs, who was one of the winners in last year’s Spec MX-5 Shootout. He put that scholarship to good use by finishing second in the Spec MX-5 points this year, including a runner-up finish at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. Jacobs has already dipped his toe in the MX-5 Cup waters by taking part in Rounds 7 and 8 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He finished ninth in the second race of the weekend.

“I developed a ton as a driver this season. Having coach Justin Piscitell and the support of everyone around the Mazda paddock improved my confidence on and off the track. I think it will still be tough because of the level of competition, but it definitely helps having the past experience. I know what to expect and I know I have pretty good pace in the MX-5 Cup car. It’s about putting it all together and hitting my marks.”

Ethan Lampe (Hollister, CA)

Like many finalists, Ethan Lampe started his racing career in karts and then moved to Spec Miata. Unlike most finalists though, Lampe won the 2024 Spec MX-5 National Championship race at Road America his rookie year. He spent most of 2024 building his car, which makes his win even more impressive, as it was only his fourth event in the car.

“Winning the scholarship would definitely give me the boost I need to start my professional career in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Getting that $150,000 would give me that extra bit I need to compete and make a name for myself on a professional level. It will make it easier to attract sponsors as well. And I think it will open a lot of doors and give me opportunities in the IMSA paddock that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Ashlyn Speed (Arlington, TX)

When Ashlyn Speed was racing karts, it didn’t occur to her to move up to race cars until a friend offered her some track time in a Miata. That set the stage for a year racing Spec Miata, followed by a year in the Formula Mazda class where she won the SCCA Southern Conference Championship. This year she tried her hand at racing in the F1600 class, but lack of funding has limited her participation.

“The opportunity to race with MX-5 Cup and the scholarship would be a huge benefit for me. I know funding is almost every racer’s barrier and it really sucks, but the scholarship would allow me to race next year in MX-5 Cup and I think it would help my career in general.”