April 12, 2002

To All Star FM Racers:

Moses Smith claimed his third win out of four West Division races, this time on the one-mile oval at Phoenix. Eric McComb’s story and the results/points are attached. Congratulations to Hasa for the impressive 1-2 finish.

The schedules and entries for the Buttonwillow Double National and for the Sears Point ALMS weekend are enclosed.

We know it seems early to be talking about the year-end banquet for the North American Championship, but the Renaissance Resort at Pine Isle is holding a block of rooms for Star Mazda Series teams at a promotional rate ($134/night). We suggest you make your reservations early because rooms in the area are at a premium for “Petit Le Mans.” Call (770) 945-8921.

We are considering the possibility of rescheduling the West Series date at Thunderhill. It is no longer a regional/national and some have suggested we go to the “new” track at Kent, Washington. Let us know if you like the idea, or if you would prefer another National somewhere else.

If you visit the www.starmazda.com website, you are aware we showed the new “MSR” at Phoenix. The pictures on the website are of the prototype, which is now undergoing final development and testing. It is basically a rebody of a standard FM. We are finalizing the specs on the kit (P/N 140-101) and should be ready to deliver sports racers complete, or kits to convert existing FMs, starting in July. We are requesting SCCA create an “MSR” regional-only class and allow the cars in MSR form to race Nationals in the CSR class. This is the same approach as when FMs ran Nationals in the FA class.

The intent with MSR is to provide low-cost, one-design racing for the people who have told us in the past that they like the FM concept, but do not want to race an open-wheel car. With the new body kit, it will be possible to convert back and forth from formula to sports racer. We do not think it will be practical to try to run two classes with one car on the same weekend, however. Final pricing will depend on testing results, since contents of the kit are to be determined, but we think the complete car, in sports car form, will be about $45,000, all new. Kits will probably be around $6,000 or $7,000. As always, we are working to “grind” the prices down as much as possible. You can order a kit or car now through your local Star Race Cars dealer.

Special thanks to the Mazda Design Studio for the advice and the help getting the clay model done. The reaction to the MSR has been very positive.

See you at the races!

Sincerely,
Gary E. Rodrigues