December 15, 2003

To All Star FM Racers:

Here is the Star Mazda Series West schedule. Ten races on six weekends, nine Nationals and one Regional, after SCCA sanctions.

January 16-19 Phoenix Double Nationals
January 30 – February 1 California Speedway National / Regional
February 21 – 22 Willow Springs National
May 1 – 2 Buttonwillow Double Nationals
May 14 - 15 Portland Nationals
May 29 - 31 Pacific Raceway Double Nationals

This year, all ten races will count toward the Championship. No dropped races. We will continue with the sponsors, rules, and prizes basically unchanged. Since participation determines the size of the year-end awards fund, we expect total prize money should be up a bit over last year (2003 total value was $72,000 including 44,500 in cash), based on the volume of phone calls indicating the level of interest combined with the improving trend of the overall economy. The Star Mazda talent search will continue for 2004.

To reiterate, each participating Star Mazda Series around the country for the standard FM class cars is eligible to nominate one of that Series' top five points earners to a season-end "shootout" style evaluation in the new FM Pro car. One driver in the evaluation will be awarded a sponsored race in the Pro car. Results of the 2003 talent search will be announced in February. This is our attempt to identify and encourage talented Star Mazda drivers and give their driving careers a boost.

The Rules Summary and Series entry forms are attached. Draft Rules and Supp Regs are also attached for the 2004 Star Mazda Series North American Championship presented by Goodyear. Those rules are published for comments by interested parties prior to being finalized. They apply only to the new Pro car. Feedback is not only welcome, it is requested. Do not procrastinate, please. Get your car and your paperwork ready for the Phoenix Double Nationals.

See you at the races!

Sincerely,

Gary E. Rodrigues