Thirty-five years after Mazda rewrote motorsport history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mazda Southern Africa is bringing that pioneering spirit to a new generation of enthusiasts with the launch of #MazdaMasters2026 — an immersive sim-racing endurance event celebrating the iconic Mazda 787B, Mazda’s rich racing heritage, and the enduring pursuit of driving excellence.
Taking place on 20 June 2026, the Mazda Master Series forms part of Mazda’s broader 787B Le Mans Heritage Campaign and commemorates one of the most significant achievements in global motorsport history.
In June 1991, Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans overall. The Mazda 787B also became the first — and remains the only — rotary-powered race car ever to achieve this remarkable feat. More than a victory, it was a defining moment that showcased Mazda’s willingness to challenge convention, push engineering boundaries, and pursue innovation without compromise.
Powered by its unforgettable four-rotor rotary engine, the 787B became a symbol of courage, ingenuity, and Mazda’s belief that driving should inspire emotion as much as performance. The triumph embodied the spirit that continues to define Mazda today — a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to creating meaningful connections between driver and machine.
At the heart of this philosophy lies Jinba-Ittai, Mazda’s belief in the harmony between horse and rider. It is a principle that has guided the brand for generations, shaping vehicles and experiences designed to create a seamless connection between human and machine. While technologies evolve and platforms change, the pursuit of that connection remains timeless.
Now, 35 years later, Mazda Southern Africa is bringing the spirit of endurance, innovation, and human connection into the digital era through a large-scale sim-racing tournament developed in partnership with leading gaming and esports platform Mettlestate. The initiative also taps into South Africa’s rapidly growing gaming sector, with the country remaining Africa’s largest gaming market and home to approximately 26 million players.
The live event will feature South Africa’s top 40 sim-racing teams, each consisting of two to three drivers, competing in a six-hour endurance race inspired by Le Mans using the legendary Mazda 787B on the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe.
Registrations officially close on 18 June 2026, with the live race taking place on 20 June 2026.
The six-hour endurance livestream will begin at 15h00 and conclude at 22h00, with renowned motoring personalities Ernest Page and David Christie hosting the action live from the Mettlestate studio in Sandton.
Fans and viewers can watch the live broadcast on:
- Mettlestate Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/mettlestate
- IGNITION TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIgnitionTVchannel
The race will stream live on the Mettlestate Twitch channel and be simulcast on IGNITION TV, South Africa’s only dedicated motoring television channel, extending the event’s reach across both gaming and automotive communities.
“This campaign is about more than motorsport nostalgia,” said Bonite Van Der Merwe, Managing Director of Mazda Southern Africa. “The Mazda Master Series celebrates our heritage while connecting with a new generation of enthusiasts through gaming, performance culture, and digital storytelling. It reflects Mazda’s enduring commitment to innovation, human connection, and the creation of meaningful experiences that inspire people to engage with our brand in new and exciting ways. The 787B remains one of the most iconic symbols of Mazda’s challenger spirit, and #MazdaMasters2026 allows us to celebrate that legacy in a way that feels relevant, engaging, and future-focused.”
The tournament will see competitors racing for a share of the impressive R80 000 prize pool, alongside multiple sponsor-backed performance and competitor awards.
Main race prizes include:
- First Place: R30 000 cash powered by Mazda Finance, a product of WesBank, plus Tiger Wheel & Tyre vouchers worth R10 000 for each winning team member
- Second Place: R15 000 cash
- Third Place: R5 000 cash
Additional tournament awards include:
- VAPS HCV Insurance Driver of the Day Award – R5 000
- VAPS HCV Insurance Best Overtake Award – R5 000
- King Price Insurance Fastest Lap Award – R5 000
- King Price Insurance Consistency Award – R2 500
- King Price Insurance Mazda Challenger Spirit Award – R2 500
- Engen SA Xtreme Oil Grid Legends Awards – 10 x R1 000 prizes for 4th to 13th place finishers
Live viewers tuning in to the broadcast will also stand a chance to win R500 Steam gaming vouchers and additional sponsor prizes throughout the livestream.
The campaign forms part of a broader heritage strategy designed to celebrate the 787B’s historic Le Mans victory while showcasing Mazda’s performance credentials in a modern, engaging, and culturally relevant format.
More importantly, it reflects Mazda’s belief that heritage should not simply be remembered — it should be experienced. By bringing one of the most iconic moments in the brand’s history into a contemporary digital environment, Mazda is creating new opportunities for enthusiasts to connect with the spirit that continues to drive the brand forward.
From the unforgettable rotary scream of the 787B at Le Mans to the competitive intensity of modern sim racing, #MazdaMasters2026 is a celebration of endurance, engineering, innovation, and passion. It demonstrates how Mazda continues to honour its heritage while inspiring future generations through experiences that embody the brand’s global philosophy.
While technology evolves and generations change, the thrill of the connection between driver and machine remains timeless.
Wonderrrr Awaits.
To learn more about Mazda or find your nearest dealership, visit www.mazda.co.za or follow @mazda_sa across social media.
- Instagram: @mazda_sa
- Facebook: @MazdaSouthernAfrica
- X: @Mazda_SA
About Mazda Southern Africa
Mazda Southern Africa is committed to creating vehicles that transform everyday driving into extraordinary experiences. With a focus on human-centric design and emotional connection, Mazda vehicles are crafted to evoke a sense of wonderrrr and joy in every journey.
Our ‘Wonderrrr Awaits’ philosophy is a celebration of the unexpected moments of joy and wonder that our vehicles can bring to your everyday life. It combines advanced technology, refined craftsmanship, and a seamless driving experience, ensuring every drive feels meaningful and uplifting. Whether through innovative safety features, intuitive design, or the Jinba Ittai harmony between driver and vehicle, Mazda Southern Africa aims to inspire curiosity and freedom on every road.
