TOPEKA, Kan. (October 16, 2007) – Following the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by AT&T, five SCCA National Champions who drove their Mazda-powered cars to victory will be given the chance to climb the SCCA Pro Racing ladder, courtesy of Mazda.
Mazda captured five SCCA National Championships at the 2007 SCCA Runoffs at the hands of Robert Huffmaster (Touring 3), Thomas Thrash Jr. (E Production), Jesse Prather (F Production), Brad Rampelberg (Spec Miata) and Jim Goughary Jr. (Formula Mazda).
Each of the five drivers are now invited to participate in a shootout hosted by Mazda at Buttonwillow Raceway later this year. All participants will be tested on their speed, data analysis, knowledge of chassis dynamics and PR prowess. The winner will receive a new Mazda MX-5 and MAZDASPEED parts kit valued at $50,000, to compete in the SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup.
This is the second year Mazda has offered the largest contingency prize in Club Racing history. In 2006, Spec Miata National Champion Andrew Caddell earned his spot in the 2007 MX-5 Cup and finished second in the Championship with Team MER. Caddell finished second to his teammate Jason Saini, who, the 2007 MX-5 Cup Champion, earned a spot with Mazda in the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship.
Expect the winner of the Mazda shootout to be announced later this year. Look for the 2007 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by AT&T and the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup to air on SPEED this winter.
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