Mazda Motorsports Back at the Track in 2019

For 2019, Mazda Motorsports is again making an effort to place more people at the events Mazda racers attend, and that includes select Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour and U.S. Majors Tour® dates. David Cook, Mazda Motorsports Manager of Business Development, said the initiative was well received last year, so Mazda continued the effort into the current racing season.

“In 2018, we supported many of our racers with parts, tech support and more by attending eight Southeast-based SCCA events, plus the Runoffs and Solo Nationals,” Cook said. “We wanted to support as many racers in person as we could, while learning from the racers and applying those teachings to the overall Mazda Team Support Program. We were able to improve pricing, source new products, improve current products and more. In 2019, we are expanding our support.”

Mazda support was already seen at the U.S. Majors Tour event that took place in January at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the Hoosier Super Tour weekend at Sebring International. Mazda also plans to attend Hoosier Super Tour events at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, VIRginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen, and the WeatherTech Chicago Region June Sprints® at Road America, as well as the 2019 National Championship Runoffs®.

Again spearheading this year’s initiative are Cook, Mazda racer Steve Strickland, and Josh Smith, Mazda Motorsports’ technical lead building Mazda Motorsports’ competition parts selection and being a liaison between racers and the manufacturer. After 2018, Smith said a lot was learned.

“Our focus has been to support the Mazda racer and team in person with parts and technical assistance, and gain insight to develop new programs such as Prep Shop Rewards Program and the spec for the NC Miata, to name just a couple,” Smith explained. “We will continue to make many small adjustments to pricing and product that add up to significant benefit for all involved, while we are also working on ways to make some real, significant change to the sport in long-lasting ways. We continue to put club racing at the forefront of our motorsport strategy.”

Along with advice, other at-track services offered by Mazda include access to the factory Mazda scan tool to provide better tech support at the track, and a rotary compression gauge. Racers will also be happy to know that Mazda Motorsports provides lunch Saturday, where the Mazda folks are on hand to answer questions.

Beyond car prep, Mazda is also making available driver coaches at some events. Tom Long will be on hand at VIRginia International Raceway this season, along with more support in the works with Long Road Racing to support the Mazda customer.

To learn more about this and other Mazda Motorsports activities, visit www.mazdamotorsports.com.

Photo Credit: Jay Bonvouloir