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Mazda Backs Rotax Max Challenge
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
05/22/2008 - 12:39 PM
Palm Springs, Calif.
 
Rotax karting ยป More Photos

Mazda USA has signed on as presenting sponsor for the Rotax Max Challenge, expanding the manufacturer’s involvement in auto racing from grassroots amateur racing in the SCCA and NASA, to series such as Formula Drift, Grand-Am, the American LeMans Series, and the Atlantic Championship powered by Mazda.

Mazda’s involvement in the Rotax Max Challenge sponsorship is an extension of its 2007 karting initiative. In 2007, Mazda sponsored the America’s Team at the Rotax Grand Finals in Dubai, and in addition to its new sponsorship with Rotax, will once again sponsor the America’s Team. Additionally, the Rotax Max Challenge will have a presence at select events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca throughout 2008.

“Needless to say, we couldn’t be more thrilled about our expanded association with Mazda,” said Joe Ramos, President of SSC Racing. “Mazda is a partner who is going to take an active roll in the promotion of the Rotax Max Challenge."

Along with the announcement, SSC Racing has unveiled the new Rotax Max Challenge logo, reflecting the series’ expanded relationship with Mazda.
“Mazda’s Motorsports strategy is built on grassroots racing and giving drivers of all ages the opportunity to grow their careers in the business of motorsports,” said John Doonan, Manager, Motorsports Team Development, Mazda North American Operations. “With the transitions that started taking place with regard to open wheel reunification over the last several months, we did our utmost to make sure than any and all Mazda series that were impacted (whether it was losing entire race events, adjusting television packages, and compiling prizes and awards, etc.) would remain strong for participants.

“The Rotax Max Challenge was certainly one of those elements that was impacted by losing the Champ Car title sponsorship. Our experience with the Rotax
community during our 2007 karting initiative was very positive. So, when we learned of the changes, we called Joe Ramos and his team and let them know we were behind them and wanted to increase our involvement. It was pretty simple to increase our involvement with Rotax for 2008, but over the long term, Mazda wants to provide ladder opportunities for those who wish to grow their careers in motorsports and continue to support those who wish to stay at the grassroots levels.”
About the Rotax Max Challenge

Whether your goal is to compete at the highest level or enjoy a weekend of racing with friends, the Rotax Max Challenge powered by Mazda is for you. It all starts at the local level and through a feeder system of local, regional, national, and world championships participants get the opportunity to test their skills against the best pilots in the world.

The series is based around the ROTAX kart engine. There are 5 classes, satisfying ages 8 to 80 and 4 of the 5 classes utilize the same FR-125cc engine. The newest class uses the revolutionary 2-Speed DD2 engine and races in a class by itself. All engines racing in the series are sealed, allowing for no modifications. This keeps costs down and ensures a level playing field -- letting driver skill pave the way towards victory.

With demographics ranging three generations the series targets a wide array of people: young, old, families and individuals. The largest class in the series is the Master Class catering to those 32 years and older. The average Master class driver is in his 30's to 40's, middle to upper management, well educated, looking to suffice his need for speed but not wanting to invest a lot of time or money. Its ability to attract individuals from this wide base is the reason Champ Car Rotax has catapulted itself to one of the fastest growing and exciting events in motorsports. For more information, visit www.rmaxchallenge.com.
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