Salinas, CA…Kicking off the 2013 race season, Mazda North American Operations has delivered a fleet of 15 special liveried 2014 Mazda6 sedans, CX-5 sport utility vehicles and powerful MX-5 sports cars to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Since Mazda became title sponsor of the iconic motorsports and events facility in 2006, located in the destination-rich Monterey Peninsula, Mazda has had a prolific presence. The “Soul Red Metallic” vehicles are stylishly emblazoned with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca identification, which was designed by the Irvine, Calif.,-based Mazda design team.

“The Mazdas serve a variety of purposes, from utilitarian duties to participating in parades and civic activities to serving as pace cars, and as such are instrumental in our jobs,” commented Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Mazda has been a phenomenal partner and continues to support our efforts, locally and internationally.”

Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, said the fleet of Mazda cars is vital to integrating the automaker and raceway into the community. “Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a not-for-profit organization, and as such is involved in myriad of activities. It is our responsibility and passion to provide the resources to help keep the facility in the public eye. We are privileged to be associated with such an entity and group of people.”

The redesigned 2014 Mazda6 is equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine, and is the first production vehicle to feature Mazda’s capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system called i-ELOOP. Every facet of the vehicle’s handsome sheet metal suggests power and elegance before the gas pedal is even floored. The sculpted Mazda CX-5 provides a punch of power with its SKYACTIV 2.5-liter, 184 horsepower engine, while retaining its cargo carrying capacity and segment-leading fuel efficient driving range. For sports car enthusiasts, the Mazda MX-5 is as uncomplicated as a sports car can be. It is equipped with a highly-responsive MZR 2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 167 horsepower for fast and stable acceleration to ensure driving exhilaration at all speeds.

Five major motorsport events fill the 2013 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca season. The recently concluded American Le Mans Monterey; United States Grand Prix, featuring the MotoGP World Championship July 19-21; Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, featuring the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette August 16-18; Continental Tire Sports Car Festival, featuring the Grand-AM Rolex Sports Car Series September 7-8; and the eni World Superbike Championship September 27-29.