DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2025) – Mazda racing history was written and remembered at Daytona, January 23 – 25. Following two record-setting Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin races and the unveiling of the 35th Anniversary Edition Miata, a classic RX-7 from the past roared to life once again.
The Mazda Heritage Collection brought its 1991 Mazda RX-7 GTO to the very first Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) event held during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. The car, chassis 001, has a rich history in IMSA and shined once again during Saturday’s inaugural race, which was staged in the morning buildup to the 63rd running of the Rolex 24.
Driver Tom Long piloted the 1992 IMSA GTO Championship-winning RX-7 GTO to victory at Daytona in dominant fashion. Starting from fourth, he took hold of the lead on lap two and never looked back. The HSR race had a large crowd to witness his performance as it took place before the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona, the season opener of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Challenge.
“Having the opportunity to race the RX7 GTO at Daytona for the inaugural HSR IMSA Classic was a thrill,” Long said. “Especially celebrating the heritage of this iconic Rolex 24 event in winners circle with the Mazda Heritage group, supported by Flis Performance is truly special. The Flis team did such a fantastic job prepping this four-rotor monster which ran flawlessly for each race, sweeping the weekend! Seeing all the fans enjoy these cars and the amazing sounds they make is really exciting to witness. I’m looking forward to seeing this event continue to grow for years to come!”
After two thrilling Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup races on Thursday and Friday, the unveiling of the 35th Anniversary Edition Mazda Miata on Friday, a Mazda-organized 50-car strong car corral that brought brand enthusiasts together to celebrate at an iconic venue and the run to the HSR checkered flag on Saturday for the RX-7, Mazda certainly made its presence known at Daytona.
Next up on the Mazda Heritage Collection calendar is “The Mitty,” April 24 – 27 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.