Teen Mazda Challenge participation is already higher in 2026 than it was in 2025, but it’s important to note that registration for the young driver program will be open until May 1. All registrations for 2026 must be complete by midnight May 1.
The registration period is longer due to a delayed opening, but it ended up working out to the collective advantage. NASA and Mazda Motorsports are putting the final touches on changes and improvements to the Teen Mazda Challenge program to make it more competitive, more lucrative in terms of contingencies, and a better training ground for young drivers seeking a career in motorsports.
Drivers who register by May 1 for TMC in 2026 will have participation in March and April races automatically included, retroactively, in their 2026 season points totals. TMC season points close out the end of October to accommodate Mazda and its needs for the MX-5 Cup Shootout it conducts each fall.
Here’s how the new TMC structure works. TMC eligibility rules will change to a structure in which TMC becomes a “designation” for drivers competing in a region in TMC in Spec Miata. TMC drivers will compete against all other Spec Miata drivers in a given region, and any other TMC competitors in that region as one class.
TMC drivers earn regular Spec Miata regional seasonal points contingencies outlined in Mazda Motorsports contingencies program payouts.
Full contingency details are available on the Mazda Motorsports Contingency page.
