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Mazda Optimistic About Diesel Engines despite Not Finishing Rolex 24

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Mazda’s Rolex 24 finish

Mazda at Rolex 24

Some of our best lessons are learned through failure, and although the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona all-day endurance race wasn’t a complete failure for Mazda, the Japanese automaker’s two prototype clean diesel engines weren’t able to finish the race. Regardless of the results being less than what they might have hoped for, Mazda is still excited at what the future holds for the new SKYACTIV powertrains.

Mazda’s all-new Clean Diesel-powered SKYACTIV engines powered two prototypes at the Rolex 24, but neither finished the race.  One came within an hour from finishing, while the other covered 1,300 miles before overheating due to a clogged radiator.

The results weren’t ideal for Mazda, but neither prototype was forced to exit the race because of the engine.  Racing accessory failure was to blame to each, and the new SKYACTIV engines performed very well, which has Mazda excited about their future.

“Racing is difficult, and few races match the grueling pace of the Rolex 24,” said John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, in a press release.

“Given the limited time we’ve had to develop the new Mazda SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel prototype, we are very satisfied with the progress our team has achieved… The job of motorsports is to push the limits of technology.  Every mile completed makes us stronger and smarter.”

What do you think of Mazda’s Rolex 24 finish?