Star Mazda Series Television Package Confirmed

January 13, 2004. Pacoima, CA. The television package for the 2004 Star Mazda Series North American Championship presented by Goodyear was revealed today and for the second consecutive season will include international coverage on the Sky Sports World Motorsports program in addition to Speed Channel coverage in the United States.

"Television coverage is extremely valuable to drivers as they seek the exposure to advance their careers, and with growing international interest in the championship hopefully this will help them to that end," stated Star Mazda Series President Gary Rodrigues.

Though the broadcast schedules haven't been finalized, the Speed Channel coverage of the season will start with a one hour broadcast covering the first race of the year at Sebring International Raceway, with the remaining nine races being produced as half-hour shows. "The hour-long show from Sebring to start our season will give us more time to introduce the new Pro Formula Mazda as it makes it's debut, as well as the teams and drivers that make up the championship," Rodrigues explained.

Sanctioned by IMSA, the Star Mazda Series North American Championship presented by Goodyear is a ten-race championship in support of the American Le Mans Series events across the United States and Canada. The 2004 season will feature the all-new Pro Formula Mazda, a carbon-fiber chassis open wheel car powered by the Mazda "Renesis" rotary engine. Drivers will be competing for a total prize package of $500,000.

For more information about the series please visit www.starmazda.com or contact Series President Gary Rodrigues at (818) 686-3350.