In Brief
A 1995 Mazda MX-5 Mk1 coated in poppies has been unveiled in the United Kingdom as a tribute to veterans, thanks to a collaboration between Mazda UK and Mission Motorsport. This one-of-a-kind model will take part in demonstrations during Race of Remembrance 2026 and at a variety of veterans’ events. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to support service members who are wounded or ill through motorsport. Mazda has partnered with Mission Motorsport since 2012 on similar projects, highlighting the sacrifices and bravery of the British Armed Forces. The Anglesey-based Race of Remembrance endurance event plays a key role in funding this effort.
A 1995 Mazda MX-5 decked out in poppies to honor British soldiers. That’s the spectacle Mazda UK is presenting, as it unveils its third poppy art car. Based on a Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1.8 of 1995, this special edition features a commemorative livery that’s unlike any other. The reveal took place at Thruxton Circuit during the Race of Remembrance 2026 media day.
This collectible MX-5 won’t take part in the full endurance event held at Anglesey. The Welsh circuit sits in northern Wales. It will perform demonstration laps during the race weekend, amid the endurance grid. It will then join, before and after the November race, a tour of automotive events and veterans’ meetups. Behind this Mazda MX-5 1995 poppy art car and Race of Remembrance 2026 lies the work of Mission Motorsport.
A 1995 Mazda MX-5 Mk1 Transformed into a Rolling Tribute
The base chosen by Mazda UK is a 1995 MX-5 Mk1 1.8 from its heritage fleet. This 1995 roadster becomes much more than a museum piece here. The car receives an all-over poppy livery, designed and applied by Mission Motorsport’s covering team. This marks the third poppy art car Mazda produced with Mission Motorsport. A racing MX-5 Mk4 kicked off the concept in 2015. In 2024, a MX-30 R-EV e-Skyactiv wore the same livery for the same event.
He describes it as a powerful creation for British audiences. “A striking reminder of the sacrifices and the courage of our service members and their families,” he tells Motor1.com. This livery isn’t a mere decal slapped on a showroom car. The Mission Motorsport team meticulously selects the placement of the poppies across the car’s curves. Each generation of Mazda used tells a different story, in step with its design and era. On this 1995 MX-5 Mk1, the roadster form further emphasizes the motif. Mazda and Mission Motorsport aim to make it a rolling tribute, visible on track but also at gatherings across the United Kingdom.
Race of Remembrance 2026 and Mission Motorsport’s Role
The Race of Remembrance 2026 will take place at Anglesey Circuit in North Wales. This twelfth edition runs from November 6 to 8. The charity endurance race lasts 12 hours, but is split into several segments. Competitors start on Saturday at 3:00 PM, run until 10:00 PM, then restart on Sunday at 9:00 AM. At 11:00 AM on Sunday, the track goes quiet for a remembrance service in the pit lane. More than 1,000 people participate in this moment of reflection. The overall results are determined by total elapsed time, rather than an uninterrupted relay as in a traditional endurance race. The event directly funds Mission Motorsport’s work, with the poppy cars serving as the visible throughline.
Behind the event is Mission Motorsport, a nonprofit founded in 2012. Its mission is to help veterans and active-duty personnel affected by injuries or illnesses, using motorsport as a tool for rebuilding and reintegration. Its motto, “Race Retrain Recover,” captures the idea of racing, retraining, and rebuilding. Mazda UK has supported Mission Motorsport since its early days and has helped create three poppy art cars. Its chief executive, Alex Atherton, emphasizes the strength of the relationship: “Mazda has been an incredible supporter of Mission Motorsport,” he says. According to him, the partnership helps create opportunities for those affected by military service through motorsport.
Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Type | Livery | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1.8 | 1995 | Roadster | Poppies | Race of Remembrance 2026 (demonstration) |
| Mazda MX-5 Mk4 | 2015 | Racing | Poppies | First poppy art car |
| Mazda MX-30 R-EV e-Skyactiv | 2024 | Racing | Poppies | Race of Remembrance |
| Race of Remembrance 2026 | ||||
| Dates | November 6–8, 2026 | |||
| Duration | 12 hours (in segments) | |||
| Memory Pause | Sunday at 11:00 AM | |||
| Location | Anglesey, Wales | |||
Key Takeaways
- Mazda UK unveiled a 1995 MX-5 Mk1 adorned with poppies to honor veterans.
- This poppy art car will join Race of Remembrance 2026 for demonstrations, not the full endurance race.
- The Mission Motorsport organization spearheads the project, promoting veteran reintegration through motorsport.
- The Race of Remembrance, held at Anglesey, includes a military tribute during Sunday’s pause.
- Mazda UK has supported Mission Motorsport since 2012 and has already produced three poppy art cars.
FAQ
What is special about the 1995 Mazda MX-5 shown in the UK?
It features a poppy-livery honoring veterans and is used as a commemorative art car by Mazda UK.
Will the Mazda MX-5 participate in Race of Remembrance 2026?
No, it will only run demonstration laps and will not take part in the full endurance event.
What is Mission Motorsport’s role?
Mission Motorsport helps injured or ill veterans and active-duty personnel rebuild through motorsport and collaborates with Mazda UK on the poppy art car project.
How is Race of Remembrance structured?
The race lasts 12 hours, starting Saturday at 3:00 PM, pausing at 10:00 PM, resuming Sunday at 9:00 AM, and including a remembrance moment at 11:00 AM.
Since when has Mazda UK supported Mission Motorsport?
Mazda UK has supported Mission Motorsport since 2012 and has helped create three poppy art cars.
