June 19, 2003  

To All Star FM Racers:

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca did not disappoint. The weather was blue skies and low 80’s. The atmosphere was congenial and festive, and the 37-car field put on the great show we always hope for, especially at these big TV events. Eric’s story and the results and points from Suzi are attached.

Speed Channel has published the rest of our TV schedule, at last, after some major reshuffling of other series. Here it is, with the usual disclaimers: subject to change, consult your local listings, always use sunscreen, etc.

Nazareth                          Sunday, 13 July, 4:30 p.m.

Mazda Raceway              Saturday, 19 July, 8:00 p.m

Road Atlanta                   Saturday, 9 August, 8:00 p.m.

Infineon Raceway            Sunday, 17 August, 10:00 p.m.

Mosport                          Saturday, 6 September, 11:00 p.m.

Road America                 Saturday, 13 September, 10:00 p.m.

Mazda Raceway             Saturday, 11 October, 9:30 p.m

Road Atlanta                   Saturday, 1 November, 10:30 p.m

All times are Eastern. Anyone interested in an on-board camera, please contact me, preferably 30 days in advance of the event.

The initial 50-car order for the Pro cars is now fully subscribed. We are talking to Elan Motorsports Technologies about adding 5 or 10 cars to the initial order, as the last-minute scramble for the last cars has left a few people with the prospect of not getting their new Pro car from the first batch of cars to be built. We will be able to order more cars later, but the 2004 Pro season will have already started before those cars can be finished.

Some of you may have seen the hand-held scoring display we were trying out at Mazda Raceway. It is based on “Game Boy” technology and a card that receives data directly from our timing system. The “Pro” card is about $200 and plugs into any Game Boy, we are told. There is a similar card for $130, but it is not as durable as the “Pro” card, which is solid state. We will have a few cards available for trial or purchase at Atlanta. We think most of the teams will want them. You can reserve yours through Tony.  Tony’s number is (818) 686-3357.

Move in at Road Atlanta starts Wednesday at noon. Since I will be on an airplane at that time, I have asked Jean Sharp to help get everyone located in the prescribed Star Mazda paddock space. We will again have a large field, so there will be enough space to meet everyone’s needs. Your cooperation is always appreciated. We will be located this year in the “skid pad” area.

The entry form and schedule are enclosed for the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma. Please get your entry in before the late fee kicks in. We really prefer the on-time entries over the late fees.

We are enclosing the brake pad and rotor recommended break-in information, courtesy of Wilwood. It is good advice. Hopefully, you will find it useful.

See you at the races!

Sincerely,
Gary E. Rodrigues