April 30, 1999

To All FM Racers:

The schedule of Atlanta, with ALM, followed up by Buttonwillow Nationals, one week and 2500 miles apart, made for a challenge, but everyone who did both races seemed to cope very well. There was a very impressive field at Road Atlanta, 41 Formula Mazdas from all over the USA. Most drivers set personal best lap times as the level of competition was very high. The race report and Best Western Championship point standings through two of the six rounds are enclosed. Do not forget Sebring is on espn2 May 7!

We also were pleased to announce in Atlanta that PTG Racing, the BMW factory team, and three-time class champions at the 24 hours of Daytona, have agreed to award a comprehensive test to the winner of the Star Mazda Series Best Western Championship. It is our understanding that if the team is sufficiently impressed by the driver’s performance in the test, he or she may be nominated to drive one of the factory cars in the year 2000 Daytona 24 hours race! We are very gratified to have this recognition for the quality of the competition in the Series, and especially that the prospect of another career advancement opportunity is available to our drivers. Good luck to you all.

Interest in the Best Western Masters Championship has been piqued since the award of a day with Race, Inc., including lapping an F-1 car, has been publicized. This should be an exciting competition as well. Masters points standings are included here.

The first race of the Star Mazda Series – West took place at the Buttonwillow Nationals April 24 and 25. Those results and points standings are also enclosed.

The entry forms and schedules for the Phoenix Oval and for the Willow Springs Nationals are attached. We will spec 620 compound tires for the right side at Phoenix and for the left side at Willow Springs. The other side gets 430 compound. The upside is you can use Phoenix leftovers to test on at Willow. We understand testing at Willow will be available, through the track, both Thursday and Friday of the race weekend.

It may seem early to be concerned about our November race in San Diego, but it is not. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hanalei Hotel, about three miles from the track on Hotel Circle in Mission Valley. This is where the year-end banquet will be held on Saturday night. Room rates are $89 per night. The Mazdas should be on track Thursday, Friday , and Saturday. Just call for reservations (800-882-0858) and identify yourself as with the Star Mazda Series. They will assign you rooms out of our block. Do not delay, as hotels near the track are already filling up. San Diego is a fun town and the track should be picturesque on TV, since it borders on the harbor. It should be the perfect place to wrap up the season and have a great party.

See you at the races!

Sincerely,
Gary E. Rodrigues
President