A special poppy-liveried Mazda MX-5 ‘art car’ will be on-track this weekend, supporting the 2026 Race of Remembrance.
Developed in collaboration with armed forces charity Mission Motorsport, Mazda has applied the unique livery to a 1995 Mazda MX-5 1.8 from its UK heritage fleet.
Although the bespoke MX-5 will not compete in the Race of Remembrance itself, it will be doing demonstration laps throughout the weekend.
In addition, the MX-5 will also be on static display in the paddock at the Anglesey circuit in North Wales.
This is the third time Mazda has worked with Mission Motorsport to create a poppy-themed art car. In 2015, a fourth-generation MX-5 took part in the race wearing a poppy livery, while in 2024 a Mazda MX-30 R-EV served as the race’s official course car.
Support for Mission Motorsport
First held in 2014, the Race of Remembrance is a two-part endurance event with a memorial service at its heart. It coincides with the Remembrance Sunday weekend every year.
For 2026, competitors will race for 12 hours across two days, starting on Saturday 7 November and concluding on Sunday 8 November.
The race gets underway at 3pm on Saturday, before pausing at 10pm. The overnight halt allows teams and drivers to rest and repair their vehicles before the competition starts again at 9am on Sunday.
Crucially, the Anglesey circuit will fall silent at 11am on Sunday. More than 1,000 people will pay their respects before resuming the race to the finish.
Prior to the 2026 Race of Remembrance, the latest Mazda MX-5 poppy car has been supporting the Armed Forces community, being displayed at several motoring and veterans’ events.
A moving MX-5 tribute
Revealing the Mazda MX-5 art car, Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda Motors UK, said: “The respectful and stunning livery of this Mission Motorsport poppy car is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of our service personnel and their families.
“I’m delighted that once again Mazda can play a small part in assisting Mission Motorsport to honor this with the Race of Remembrance and their fantastic ongoing work with service veterans. It’s also great that we can mark our long running association with Mission Motorsport with a unique design on one of our most iconic and timeless heritage cars.”
Managing director of Mission Motorsport, Alex Atherton, added: “For the last 15 years, Mazda has been an incredible supporter of Mission Motorsport, helping us create opportunities for those affected by military service through the power of motorsport.
“The new Mission Motorsport poppy car is a powerful symbol of that enduring partnership, honoring the Armed Forces community while showcasing our shared commitment to making a lasting difference.”
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