FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2002

The San Francisco Region of the SCCA and NASA to form a cooperative effort for the inaugural 'MAZDASPEED CUP' presented by Toyo Tires.

The San Francisco Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) will form the first-ever cooperative effort to bring their individual "Spec Miata Pro Series" to Laguna Seca.

Spectators at the June CART event should expect a thrilling site of 40+ Mazda Miata's on a rampage through the Laguna Seca hills. SCCA's Steve Archer and David Vodden note that "The Mazda Miata race could challenge the popularity of the former Renault Cup series which saw fields of 50-60 cars in the mid-80's". Mazda North American Operation's Steve Sanders and Jim Jordan could not agree more. "This will be one heck of a show for the fans. Mazda employees are even getting into the act, with Vice President of Product Development and Strategy Robert Davis planning to compete in the race" stated Jordan.

Jerry Kunzman and Ryan Flaherty of NASA also agree: "What a great opportunity to join forces in promoting the hottest single-make series in America, the Spec Mazda Miata Series!"

Ron Cortez and the Jordan brothers, Jim and Joe originated the idea after a 12 hour race last season in Northern California. The trio promoted the concept to the sanctioning bodies NASA and the SCCA as well as Mazda and Toyo Tires.

Cortez: "We cannot thank everyone at Mazda North American Operations, Earl Knoper of Toyo Tires (USA) Corporation, Gill Campbell of Laguna Seca Raceway, the San Francisco Region of the SCCA and NASA enough for their support and confidence in this project. Their enthusiasm for the Spec Miata concept and in particular this event has allowed us to offer a tremendous race purse as well as an awesome race-date for the Spec Miata Competitors. Competitors will be vying for an astounding $10,000.00 race purse on-hand for just this single event!"

The race is to be sanctioned by the San Francisco Region of the SCCA. Both the SCCA and NASA's respective "pro" spec Mazda Miata series offer additional year-end points fund money. The June 7-9 event will see both the SCCA and NASA will be awarding competitors points for their respective Spec Miata series.

More details to follow.

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