Mazda will be taking its MX-5 Miata to the Nürburgring next month for the annual 24-hour race that takes place on the arduous German race track. The move is part of Mazda’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year for the MX-5, and to mark the current-generation NC model’s departure from the market. An all-new ND model is due to bow in next year, and we’ve already been given a preview of its new SkyActiv chassis.

For its Nürburgring 24 Hours entry, Mazda is teaming up with JOTA Sport. The British outfit will prepare the MX-5 race car and manage the team. Drivers include former Formula One driver Stefan Johansson (he also drove for Mazda in the 24 Hours of Le Mans) as well as Wolfgang Kaufmann, Owen Mildenhall and Teruaki Kato.

The car they will be driving will be a regular NC MX-5 modified only with safety upgrades for motorsport use. It will compete in the V3 class for production-spec cars with naturally aspirated engines displacing 2.0 liters.

The 2014 Nürburgring 24 Hours will run the weekend starting June 21.

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