Mark Jones Launches New Scholarship to Support the Next Generation of Motorsport Talent

A brand-new Mazda MX-5 scholarship has been launched by motorsport enthusiast and businessman Mark Jones, with a clear mission: to bridge the financial and developmental gap facing emerging racing drivers in the UK and beyond.

Driven by a lifelong passion for motorsport, Jones says the scholarship is about creating accessible, structured progression for young drivers who have the talent — but not always the backing — to move forward in their careers.”

Inspired by Motorsport History

Jones’ vision is rooted in personal experience and inspiration from past success stories. He recalls how earlier scholarship initiatives helped launch the career of Kelvin Burt, who progressed from grassroots racing to become the 1993 champion of the British Formula 3 Championship, one of the UK’s premier junior single-seater categories.

Burt later went on to compete in the British Touring Car Championship, including driving for the factory-backed Volvo team during the highly competitive Super Touring era.

He also credits figures such as Martin Hines as major influences.

“People like Martin Hines inspired young drivers to go further. I recognised many years ago how important scholarships are as stepping stones. There are always pockets of drivers with real ability — they just need the opportunity.”

Why Mazda MX-5?

While the scholarship is rooted in UK competition, Jones deliberately chose the Mazda MX-5 platform for its global reach.

“Mazda isn’t just a UK series — it’s effectively a world series. You can race in America, you can race in Europe. That gives drivers access to international markets. The aim is to recognise that potential and help someone compete on a world stage.”

Jones ultimately hopes to see drivers progress into international endurance racing — even as far as the FIA World Endurance Championship — while acknowledging that every journey is different.

“The ultimate dream is Formula 1 — but not everything happens like that. What matters is creating real progression.”

Addressing the Development Gap

According to Jones, one of the biggest challenges in modern motorsport is stagnation. Too many drivers remain in the same category year after year due to financial constraints or lack of guidance.

“There are far too many people racing the same thing as the year before because they can’t make that next step. Some of it is budget, but some of it is support — helping them move from karts to cars, helping them understand the process.”

Jones emphasises that modern racing success requires far more than speed alone.

“It’s not just about driving fast. It’s about how you market yourself, how you present yourself, how you perform in interviews. Motorsport is global now — it’s across multiple media platforms. Drivers need to be promotable.”

Having stepped away from his own racing career to focus on business, Jones admits his journey heavily influenced his desire to give back.

“I loved racing. I learnt huge life lessons from it. But I realised I couldn’t make the living I needed to, so I stepped away completely. Looking back, I would have spent more time on it. I would have travelled more. That experience drives me now to help someone else go further.”

Building the Right Environment

The scholarship will operate in collaboration with experienced MX-5 specialist Paul Sheard Autosport, ensuring technical expertise and competitive equipment. Jones believes pairing the right driver with the right team is essential.

He also highlights the wider motorsport ecosystem as a powerful environment for opportunity, referencing recent experiences at Silverstone Circuit with United Autosports, and the value of community networks such as the British Racing & Sports Car Club.

“The car racing paddock is full of opportunity. It’s not just about racing — it’s about business, relationships, and environment. It’s a place where enthusiastic people come together.”

Defining Success

In its first year, the goal is ambitious but clear.

“Success for me in year one is getting the scholarship driver onto the podium — and winning a couple of rounds. That would show we’re genuinely competitive.”

But Jones stresses this is not a short-term initiative.

“This isn’t about one year. It’s about building something sustainable. It’s about fuelling the motorsport stars of today — because they are the stars of tomorrow.”

A Message to Young Drivers

Jones’ message to aspiring racers is simple:

“There’s something more. If you purpose yourself properly, you could be the next big thing. Not everyone gets the opportunity — so when it’s there, you have to take it.”

With a clear pathway, experienced backing, and a focus on long-term progression, the new Mazda MX-5 Scholarship aims to provide more than funding — it aims to provide belief, structure, and a genuine route forward.

Explore more: https://mazdarisingstars.com/