Inside Mazda MX-5 Cup: Alex Bachoura Sets Record with 117 Race Starts
Alex Bachoura's remarkable journey in Mazda MX-5 Cup racing has made him the series' all-time leader in starts with 117 races and counting. His path to motorsports began after immigrating to the United States from Russia and Syria, settling in Glendora, California at age 14.
Two Mazda racers at Daytona
Despite his late start in racing, Bachoura's passion for cars developed while rebuilding his first vehicle in high school. After completing his education as an oral surgeon at USC and establishing his practice in Houston, he progressed from track days to Spec Miata racing, and eventually to the Mazda MX-5 Cup series.
The transition to professional racing proved challenging for Bachoura, who describes competing in MX-5 Cup as "one of the hardest things I've ever done." His persistence paid off when he joined Spark Performance in 2022, leading to improved performance and consistent top-10 finishes.
2024 has already shown promise with two top-10 finishes in the first six rounds, including sixth place at Daytona and eighth at Laguna Seca. His career highlight came in 2023 with a third-place finish at St. Petersburg.
For Bachoura, racing serves as both meditation and personal challenge. "When I'm in the race car, it's like my form of meditation, my escape from life's daily pressures," he says. Currently sitting 11th in overall points, he continues to pursue his goal of consistent top-10 finishes while adding to his record number of starts.
The next rounds of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup will take place at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with Round 7 on Saturday, June 8 (3:25pm ET), and Round 8 on Sunday, June 9 (10:25am ET).