The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires Season marked the first year of Mazda’s partnership with Flis Performance. The Daytona, Florida-based race shop took over the task of converting road cars straight from the factory in Japan, into MX-5 Cup race cars. Flis Performance offered trackside support at every MX-5 Cup event as well as several tests. Here is a quick look back at 2020 with Flis Performance Managing Partner, Todd Flis…

Q: What was your favorite part of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Cup season?

A: Getting all the cars up and going with the SADEV gearbox at the Mid-Ohio was a huge accomplishment. Hearing them shift on the front straight for the first time was awesome! 

Q: What was the hardest part of the 2020 season?

A: The logistics of the ever-changing schedule during the pandemic.

Q: What was the biggest surprise?

A: The on- and off-track respect of all the competitors.

Q: This was the first year of the SADEV sequential transmission; what technical challenges did that present and how did you address them?

A: Acquisition of the series manufacturer position was the largest challenge. The SADEV was only 60 percent developed, so we had to get it out on track and prove the reliability and drivability A.S.A.P., while also getting all of the MX-5 Cup production aspects in place.

Q: How many cars did you build in 2020?

A: Currently 16 cars YTD 

Q: Do you have a favorite race from 2020?

A:  Road America

Q: What are you looking forward to in 2021?

A: The race at Daytona will be epic! 

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires starts January 27 – 29 at Daytona International Speedway alongside the Rolex 24 at Daytona.