RECAP: Mazda entered three all-new, production-based, SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel powered Mazda6s in the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona. These were the first ever diesels to compete in either the Rolex 24 or any GRAND-AM race. All-three cars qualified for the race, but all experienced problems after a few hours of competition. The No. 70 and No. 25 cars retired after losing a cylinder, while the No. 00 car experienced a rear main seal failure. Neither problem had been encountered in dynamometer testing.

John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations: “Racing is a challenge. Launching a new product is a challenge. Launching a new car in America's premier 24-hour race is a really big challenge. Mazda has taken the lead in using the new GRAND-AM GX class to push the envelope on advanced clean diesel technology. Today will be noted as a learning experience, a data point if you will. The Mazda and SpeedSource engineers had over 400 hours on the dyno, but only a few on the track. Our on-track testing was limited in part due to the timing of our Mazda6 production car launch which prevented the team from getting on track as early as desired. The easy way out would have been a mid-season debut, but Mazda has never taken the easy path. We are a company of passionate car people with a passion for racing. Mazda and SpeedSource will be back in action a month from now at the next GRAND-AM race.”