August
8, 2001
To All Star Mazda Racers:
With some of the Divisional
Series now winding up, the North American Championship is in full swing with
only half the races completed. Scott Bradley and Chad Block have combined speed
with consistency to share the top spot in the standings, but Scott Jenkins and
Marc Devellis have been coming on strong and many others are still “in the hunt.”
It is noteworthy that rookies occupy 3rd place and 6th
– 12th in the Championship points.
Portland had a field of 45 beautifully
turned-out cars take the green and there was an impressive display of talent
throughout the weekend. There were, however, some notable errors from time to
time and they occasionally came from people who should know better.
Scott Jenkins had an apparent
win taken away for “brake checking” the field on the final restart, costing
him four points in the Championship. Oliver Rowen’s rev-limiter was found to
be adjusted 62 RPM too high and he was moved to the position of last running
car, costing him 21 points. Phil Fogg was penalized two positions for rough
driving. Matt Beardsley was disqualified and suspended for one additional Championship
event for ignoring the black flag. While all the penalized drivers thought the
actions were harsh, nearly all drivers agreed that if unacceptable behavior
went unpunished the Series would only see more of it.
Expect to see a continued very
low tolerance for technical infractions and for intentional violations of rules
of the road. As a training ground for developing drivers, the Series has been
somewhat
more forgiving of unintentional driver errors when they tend to fall into the
“racing incident” scenario. We think this is as it should be. Your comments
are always welcome.
On the calendar after the September
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca date comes the Runoffs at Mid Ohio. Better weather
is expected and the approximately $40,000 of prizes for FM should draw a large
field of strong competition. The customary “Formula Mazda Corral” in the paddock
has been arranged. Please contact this office to let us know the size of your
rig and how many cars are attending. We will set up space for you, while it
lasts, and let you know the parking procedure.
Please note that we are moving,
on or about September 1st, to a new, larger facility. The new address
and telephone will be:
10639 Glenoaks Boulevard
Pacoima CA 91331-1613
(818) 686-3350
There has been a new proposal
made (not by us) to the Competition Board to abandon the Formula Mazda tire
rules as “unenforceable.” The last time this came up, the Formula Mazda racers
were overwhelmingly in favor of the present rules. Perhaps feelings have changed.
Maybe tech personnel shortages dictate some new procedures for marking tires.
Years ago, when we had a spec tire for the class listed in the F.C.S., it tended
to work against some club racers. That is how we got to where the rule
is now. Let the Comp Board, and us, know how you feel. Remember: “Be careful
what you wish for,” but, if you stand on the sidelines, do not complain about
the outcome.
See you at the races!
Sincerely,
Gary E. Rodrigues