National Auto Sport News
2015 NASA Western States Championships Presented by Toyo Tires Highlights Videos
Published on August 13, 2015 21:26
The biggest race of the year for the West Coast Regions is in the books, and here are the highlights from the event. You will hear from racers on their quest to become a 2015 NASA Western States Champion, and why it is critical to get the most out of yourself, and your car, for the one race that matters the most - Sunday's final. We also have thrilling class recaps for Spec Miata and Honda Challenge aficionados, where door handles were becoming thoroughly acquainted. Share these videos with your friends and get in the mood for the NASA Eastern States Championships coming up Sept 3-6!2015 NASA Western States Championships Highlights
2015 NASA Western Championships Spec Miata Highlights
2015 NASA Western Championships HPD Honda Challenge Highlights
Winding Road Racing new Official Motorsports Equipment Supplier of NASA
Published on June 23, 2015 20:08
Napa Valley, CA – NASA is
thrilled to announce Winding Road Racing as the new Official Motorsports
Equipment Supplier of NASA. Winding Road Racing is one of the leaders in
motorsports equipment retail offering a wide range of driver safety gear,
performance components, set up tools, and racing lifestyle products online at www.windingroadracing.com and
trackside at many NASA events.
“We are proud to welcome Winding Road Racing into the NASA Family,” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA Director of Business Development. “Winding Road Racing has worked hard over the years to establish themselves as a dominant force in the area of Motorsports Equipment and it will be great to have them on board to offer meaningful new programs to the NASA membership that each can truly benefit from! WRR has a fantastic reputation for excellent customer service in our industry, which should serve our members well. Much of their insight into motorsports is due to the fact that they themselves are racers in our Texas, California and Great Lakes Regions. ”
"All of us at Winding Road Racing are proud to partner with NASA, which will allow us the opportunity to further connect with the racing community," said Thomas B. Martin II, owner and President of Winding Road Racing. "Through member benefits programs, including the Winding Road Racing contingency sponsorships, we can continue honoring the achievements of amateur racers, while supplying the gear racers need to go faster. We are excited to do so both online, in our retail store, and trackside at local and national NASA events."
“Our partnership with NASA reinforces our commitment to the amateur motorsports community”, said Maelstrom Kiewiet, Winding Road Racing’s Merchandising Director. “We couldn’t be happier to become the Official Motorsports Equipment Supplier to NASA and look forward to a long lasting relationship.”
Not only does Winding Road Racing offer all of the above, they also build race cars at their headquarters location in Austin, TX. Many of Winding Road Racing’s employees compete in both sprint and endurance races each year. Both car building and racing provide their staff with valuable first-hand expertise to assist customers. For more information on Winding Road Racing or to order Motorsports Equipment, please visit their website at: www.WindingRoadRacing.com or call (512) 994-0656.
About NASA
The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 with the premise of delivering high-quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a controlled professionally managed environment. NASA offers many different programs that will allow you to enjoy motorsports on a number of different levels, including our High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), Rally Sport, Time Trial, NASA-X and Competition Racing programs.
About Winding Road Racing
Founded in 2013, Winding Road Racing's mission is to offer everything you need to go road racing. Through our trackside operations in the southwest, west and at national events, and our store and race car shop in Austin, TX, Winding Road Racing offers auto racing safety gear and tools, race car builds and services, and racing information and tips (at www.windingroad.com). For more information on Winding Road Racing and Winding Road Media, visit www.windingroadracing.com and www.windingroad.com.
2015 Ford Performance Contingency Program Announced with Big Cash Rewards
Published on June 17, 2015 21:13
NAPA VALLEY, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is pleased to announce the Ford Performance Contingency Program for NASA competitors in 2015. The newly announced program will provide fantastic cash awards to NASA competitors competing both regionaly or at either NASA Championships event. The program provides awards to competitors in the American Iron Series, Spec Iron, Super Touring, Performance Touring, and Super Unlimited classes.
Spec Iron competitors are eligible for up to $1,000 in cash awards for regional top 3 finishes! Additionally, Spec Iron along with the other classes in the American Iron Series, Performance Touring, Super Touring, and Super Unlimited classes are eligible for $2,250 in cash awards for finishing in the top 3 of their respective Regional Championship. To sweeten the pot even further, Ford Performance will offer NASA competitors at either Championship event in these same classes the chance to collect $4,250 in additional cash awards!
“This new contingency program being offered by Ford Performance is extremely lucrative” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA's Director of Business Development. “This program shows that Ford means business and is really putting their best foot forward to support the NASA membership. I’m sure our Ford competitors will be most appreciative of the support from Ford Performance.”
The contingency program is available beginning immediately to all NASA competitors in these respective classes at each NASA regional and Championship event. For complete information on the contingency program, please visit http://www.nasaproracing.com/contingencies.
Survive the 25, the 2014 edition to air every Tues. in June on MavTV
Published on May 29, 2015 17:20
NASA’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill presented by Hawk Performance has become a staple of endurance racing, drawing top competitors and teams from all around the world. The changing weather, deep field of competitors and taxing track layout make the event especially exciting for teams, drivers and fans. Powers Wins Mazda Race of NASA Champions Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Published on May 03, 2015 19:48
| Matt Powers, center, winner; right Corey Rueth second; left, Jeremy Croiset third. |
Rueth and Croiset round out the Grand Champion podium
MONTEREY, Calif. (May 3, 2015) - Matt Powers (San Rafael, Calif.) won today's running of the inaugural Mazda Race of NASA Champions at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Powers was crowned NASA Grand Champion. He was followed to the checkered flag by Corey Rueth (Manchaca, Texas) and Jeremy Croiset (Tehachapi, Calif.).
The 20 NASA Champions were a part of a three class grid consisting of 48 Mazda MX-5 race cars representing the Mazda MX-5 Cup, Skip Barber Mazda MX-5 Series and the NASA Champions. Pole sitter Corey Rueth brought the 20 NASA Champions to the start flag for the 45-minute timed race.
Rueth was the early leader as Matthew Powers, Jeremy Croiset, David Ziegler (Baltimore, Ohio) and Ben Anderson (Minneapolis, Minn.) followed in a five car Mazda MX-5 train. On lap five Powers passed Rueth for the overall NASA Champions lead. Powers continued to lead through the one-third distance of the race. The top three NASA drivers were running near identical 1:45 lap times. On lap 11 Chi Ho (Orlando, Fla.) spun in Turn 10 and hit the wall bringing out the races first and only caution period. On the restart on lap 16, Croiset was able to take over second position from Rueth. On lap 19, Croiset, running in a 10 car pack, was able to take the overall NASA Champions lead going into Turn One at the 37-minute mark. Croiset, Powers and Rueth were running nose-to-tail for the final 10-minutes of the event. On lap 22 Croiset got caught in traffic coming down from the Corkscrews and got relegated to third place as Rueth and Powers took advantage of Croiset's delay. On the final lap Powers managed to get by Rueth to take the NASA Grand Champion crown.
The win gives Powers an invite to the Mazda Club Racer Shootout in November. In addition to being the 2014 NASA NorCal, Western States Champion in his GTS4
 |
| Matt Powers |
Class BMW M3 he can also boast about being the first ever NASA Grand Champion.
"Great race," Powers exclaimed. "It was really simple for the first 30-minutes and then that yellow came out. It became a whole different race on the restart. I am just happy to have the car in one piece and at the front. It was a fantastic race. I really appreciate everyone from Mazda and NASA who put this great event together. There are some great drivers here. It was an awesome battle. I knew there was something going on with Jeremy and Corey. They were really battling. Jeremy tried to make a hero move and I was able to capitalize and take the win."
Rueth is the Eastern States Champion in his Spec Iron Mustang and finished second in the No. 27 Mazda MX-5.
"That was absolutely the best race of my life," Rueth said. "I've never had more fun in a car. I was having so much fun at the end of that race that I didn't care if I won. OK that is a lie. I had the best time. I want to thank Mazda, NASA, SCCA and Skip Barber Racing for a great event. The hospitality has been wonderful and it really showed me how a professional event is run. I am absolutely inspired. I am going to buy a Mazda when I get home. I was leading the race and Matt made a fantastic pass. He was racing like a true gentleman. So I fell in behind him and drafted a while. He got caught up in traffic in Turn 10, he went inside, I went outside trying to pull the hero move and I went into the dirt. I put the accelerator on the floor and prayed and drove it back on the track after Turn 10. I have to pass about 100 cars to get to back to Matt. I am happy to be on the podium today. Proud to be racing with these drivers and the NASA organization."
Third place finisher Jeremy Croiset is the 2014 NASA Western States Honda Challenge 2 Champion and is also the NASA Director of Sponsorship.
"It was really clean racing," Croiset said. "Some of the best and hardest racing I have done. I got a decent start and I let things play out running in the top three. After the full course caution it was mayhem, every man for himself. I had my radio slip out of the dash and it was at my feet. I ended up throwing it in the back and focusing on the race. The end of the race was fantastic. I tried to stay as clean as possible, there was great action between the top five cars. My hats off to the NASA racers, everyone did a great job all weekend."
Putting his sponsor hat on Croiset was happy with the cooperation of everyone and as well as the driving prowess on the track. "The action was more intense than anything I have ever done in my life. The racing was closer than I could have imagined. I can't say enough about Mazda, NASA, SCCA and BFGoodrich for putting this event together. This really showed that the cream of the crop in NASA rose to the top. I think we had one of the best races of the weekend, which is a testament to the NASA ladder program. I want to thank John Doonan from Mazda for his vision and support."
For more information contact Kyle Chura, NASA Media, kyle@kcapr.com, (248) 821-0468.
Mazda Race of NASA Champions Results:
- Matt Powers, San Rafael, Calif., 1:45.149 - Fast race lap time.
- Corey Rueth, Manchaca, Texas, 1:45.587
- Jeremy Croiset, Tehachapi, Calif., 1:45.782
- David Ziegler, Baltimore, Ohio, 1:45.814
- Tristan Littlehale, Saratoga, Calif., 1:1:47.465
- Michael McAleenan, Tacoma, Wash., 1:47.172
- Dan Williams, Scottsbluff, Neb., 1:47.768
- Edgar Cabrera, Queens, Ny., 1:47.022
- Dave Schotz, Chandler, Ariz., 1:47.104
- Paul Arnold, Franklin, Tenn., 1:46.784
- Tommy Lo, Sunnydale, Calif., 1:47.009
- Sandro Espinosa, Atlanta, Ga., 1:46.722
- Eric Powell, Orlando, Fla., 1:48.363
- Ricky Johnson, Queen Creek, Ariz., 1:48.096
- Jay Pellegrini, Covington, La., 1:48.915
- Ronald Nielsen, Gainesville, Ga., 1:51.429
- Chi Ho, Orlando, Fla., NASA Florida, 1:46.093
- Ben Anderson, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:45.545
- Larry Fraser, Novato,Calif., 1:47.131
- Craig Ames, Laguna Nigel, Calif., DNS
About NASA
The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 with the premise of delivering high-quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a controlled professionally managed environment. NASA offers many different programs that will allow you to enjoy motorsports on a number of different levels, including our High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), Rally Sport, Time Trial, NASA-X and Competition Racing programs.
NASA Membership
NASA members are entitled to enter and participate in any NASA event across the country, and membership includes an array of benefits, including vendor discounts and a subscription to the organizations online newsletter the NASA Speed News. Members will also receive a colorful membership hard card that will identify them as part of the organization and a welcome packet that includes more information on the many benefits and programs available to NASA members. While participating at events, all NASA members are covered by an extensive insurance policy, which includes General Liability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Excess Medical coverage. Best of all, membership is only $45. Refer to www.nasaproracing.com for member information.
NASA Thanks Our Partners
NASA would like to thank its National sponsors for their continued support: Toyo Tires, Mazda, Hawk Performance, OG Racing, Ford Performance Racing School, and GoPro. We also want to thank MAZDASPEED, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Nissan, and Ford Motor Company for supporting our members. We greatly appreciate those companies that offer our racers contingency support, including Toyo Tires, AIM Sports, AST Suspension, BFGoodrich, Ford Racing, Maxxis Tires, Traqmate, Hawk Performance, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Hoosier Racing Tire, MAZDASPEED, Nissan, Jongbloed Racing Wheels, Bimmerworld, Frozen Rotors, Optic Armor, Neo Motorsports, Spec Clutches, Driven Racing Oil, Altronics Inc., ANZE Suspension, GT Radial Tire, Tilton, Racefab Inc., Sampson Racing Communications and Yokohama. NASA competitors can also get discounts from Mazda, Maxxis Tires, Racing Fire Systems, Ford Performance Racing School, Fuel Safe, Vehiport, APR Performance, Avis, Cruise America, Eibach Springs, Exedy, Fastbrakes, Konig, The Mid-Ohio School, Konig, Molecule, OG Racing, Torco, TPIS, Porterfield and Monster Clutch.
NASA at a Glance
* NASA was founded in 1991 on the premise of providing motorsport competition programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full-performance capabilities of their cars in a safe and controlled environment.
* NASA has over 14,000 members in 16 regions.
* Key events include the Mazda Race of NASA Champions May 3 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; NASA Western Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 31 - Aug. 2; the Eastern Championships at Virginia International Raceway Sept. 4-6 and the season culminating NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Dec. 5-6.
* The NASA National Championships will run 36 race classes and nine Time-Trial classes during the event.
* NASA runs over 150 events each year encompassing over 250 races, including the association's Rally Sport and Time-Trial program.
* Manufacturer partners include MAZDASPEED, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Nissan and Ford Racing.
* NASA Management: Jerry Kunzman, Executive Director; Ryan Flaherty, National Chairman; Jeremy Croiset, Director of Sponsorship; Dave Ho, Business Operations Manager, Will Faules, National Event Manager.
Follow NASA
Internet: nasaproracing.com
Facebook: National Auto Sport Association
Twitter: nasaproracing
Instagram: nasaproracing
Corey Rueth on Pole for Mazda Race of NASA Champions Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Published on May 02, 2015 23:38
Corey Rueth on Pole for Mazda Race of NASA Champions Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Ziegler and Powers round out top three qualifiers
MONTEREY, Calif. (May 1, 2015) - Corey Rueth (Manchaca, Texas) will start the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) first ever Mazda Race of NASA Champions at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca from the pole position for Sunday morning's 45-minute race.
The 20 NASA Champions took to the track in their equally prepared Mazda MX-5 Cup race cars for the 15-minute qualifying session this afternoon under sunny skies. The field of champions began to swap the pole position early. Larry Fraser (Novato, Calif.), Matthew Powers (San Rafael, Calif.) and Eric Powell (Orlando, Fla.) all throwing down early fast laps. As the session progressed Rueth put in a time of 1:45.619 on his third flying lap that, at the time, bested the field by over one second. The fans had to wait until late in the session when David Ziegler (Baltimore, Ohio) put in a time of 1:45.665 on his eighth lap to start next to Rueth on the all champions grid. Third place was a battle between Jeremy Croiset (Tehachapi, Calif.), Fraser and Powers. The coveted third place starting position was eventually won by Powers with a lap of 1:45.820.
Corey Rueth is the NASA Texas, Eastern States Champion in his Spec Iron Mustang. He will startSunday's race as the pole sitter in the No. 27 Mazda MX-5.
"So far it has been an amazing weekend," Rueth said. "NASA put it all together with the help of SCCA, Mazda, BFGoodrich and Battery Tender. The whole event has been run very smoothly. We have reviewed each other's video and data. We are working together as NASA brethren to get faster. I am proud to be a part of it. I typically drive a Spec Iron Mustang. The Mazda goes so nice I feel like I am in a warm bath. I managed to run a 1:45.619 and I just kept the car under me. The MX-5 seems to reward with you a 95% effort as opposed to trying to force it into the corners. For the race I plan to manage my tires and I am not going to make a move until I know I have an opportunity to go for the win."
Starting alongside Rueth will be David Ziegler. Ziegler will take the start in the No. 30 Mazda MX-5 and is the NASA Great Lakes, Eastern States Champion, driving a ST3 spec Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
"This whole experience has been pretty amazing," Ziegler said. "NASA, SCCA and Mazda have put together a great weekend. I usually drive a Corvette C5 so the Mazda MX-5 is a little different to drive. There is a little bit of a learning curve, but the car is balanced well and it is a real joy to race. I went out with the intention of going as fast I could. I kept the car on the track and put in a pretty good time. In the race I plan to be smooth and consistent and stay out of trouble."
Matt Powers is the NASA NorCal, Western States Champion in his GTS4 Class BMW M3. He will take the green in the No. 40 Mazda MX-5.
"My usual ride is a BMW M3," Powers said. "The Mazda MX-5 is quite a bit different. The power to weight ratio is almost double between the M3 and the MX-5. It is a great experience to drive the Mazda. So far the weekend is great. NASA and Mazda have put together a very cool weekend and I am glad to be a part of it. For the race, I think there are going to be some cautions. I want to move up a little bit and be close to the lead at the 35 to 40 minute mark. I am not sure it is going to be about tire management, but I know it is going to be a battle the whole race."
The 45-minute Mazda Race of NASA Champions will take the green flag Sunday, May 3 at 10 a.m. PT.
For more information contact Kyle Chura, NASA Media, kyle@kcapr.com, (248) 821-0468.
Mazda Race of NASA Champions Grid:
- Corey Rueth, Manchaca, Texas 1:45.619
- David Ziegler, Baltimore, Ohio, 1:45.665
- Matt Powers, San Rafael, Calif., 1:45.820
- Larry Fraser, Novato,Calif., 1:45.910
- Jeremy Croiset, Tehachapi, Calif., 1:45.981
- Ben Anderson, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:46.001
- Eric Powell, Orlando, Fla., 1:46.372
- Sandro Espinosa, Atlanta, Ga., 1:46.472
- Michael McAleenan, Tacoma, Wash., 1:46.526
- Chi Ho, Orlando, Fla., NASA Florida, 1:46.836
- Dave Schotz, Chandler, Ariz., 1:46.836
- Tommy Lo, Sunnydale, Calif., 1:46.849
- Dan Williams, Scottsbluff, Neb., 1:46.874
- Tristan Littlehale, Saratoga, Calif., 1:1:47.094
- Edgar Cabrera, Queens, Ny., 1:47.778
- Ricky Johnson, Queen Creek, Ariz., 1:48.629
- Paul Arnold, Franklin, Tenn., 1:48.634
- Craig Ames, Laguna Nigel, Calif., 1:49.061
- Jay Pellegrini, Covington, La., 1:51.429
- Ronald Nielsen, Gainesville, Ga., 1:52.339
About NASA
The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 with the premise of delivering high-quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a controlled professionally managed environment. NASA offers many different programs that will allow you to enjoy motorsports on a number of different levels, including our High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), Rally Sport, Time Trial, NASA-X and Competition Racing programs.
NASA Membership
NASA members are entitled to enter and participate in any NASA event across the country, and membership includes an array of benefits, including vendor discounts and a subscription to the organizations online newsletter the NASA Speed News. Members will also receive a colorful membership hard card that will identify them as part of the organization and a welcome packet that includes more information on the many benefits and programs available to NASA members. While participating at events, all NASA members are covered by an extensive insurance policy, which includes General Liability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Excess Medical coverage. Best of all, membership is only $45. Refer to www.nasaproracing.com for member information.
NASA Thanks Our Partners
NASA would like to thank its National sponsors for their continued support: Toyo Tires, Mazda, Hawk Performance, OG Racing, Ford Performance Racing School, and GoPro. We also want to thank MAZDASPEED, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Nissan, and Ford Motor Company for supporting our members. We greatly appreciate those companies that offer our racers contingency support, including Toyo Tires, AIM Sports, AST Suspension, BFGoodrich, Ford Racing, Maxxis Tires, Traqmate, Hawk Performance, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Hoosier Racing Tire, MAZDASPEED, Nissan, Jongbloed Racing Wheels, Bimmerworld, Frozen Rotors, Optic Armor, Neo Motorsports, Spec Clutches, Driven Racing Oil, Altronics Inc., ANZE Suspension, GT Radial Tire, Tilton, Racefab Inc., Sampson Racing Communications and Yokohama. NASA competitors can also get discounts from Mazda, Maxxis Tires, Racing Fire Systems, Ford Performance Racing School, Fuel Safe, Vehiport, APR Performance, Avis, Cruise America, Eibach Springs, Exedy, Fastbrakes, Konig, The Mid-Ohio School, Konig, Molecule, OG Racing, Torco, TPIS, Porterfield and Monster Clutch.
NASA at a Glance
* NASA was founded in 1991 on the premise of providing motorsport competition programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full-performance capabilities of their cars in a safe and controlled environment.
* NASA has over 14,000 members in 16 regions.
* Key events include the Mazda Race of NASA Champions May 3 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; NASA Western Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 31 - Aug. 2; the Eastern Championships at Virginia International Raceway Sept. 4-6 and the season culminating NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Dec. 5-6.
* The NASA National Championships will run 36 race classes and nine Time-Trial classes during the event.
* NASA runs over 150 events each year encompassing over 250 races, including the association's Rally Sport and Time-Trial program.
* Manufacturer partners include MAZDASPEED, Honda Performance Development (HPD), Nissan and Ford Racing.
* NASA Management: Jerry Kunzman, Executive Director; Ryan Flaherty, National Chairman; Jeremy Croiset, Director of Sponsorship; Dave Ho, Business Operations Manager, Will Faules, National Event Manager.
Follow NASA
Internet: nasaproracing.com
Facebook: National Auto Sport Association
Twitter: nasaproracing
Instagram: nasaproracing
Michael Gershanok Announced as the New GTS National Series Leader
Published on April 28, 2015 17:41
NAPA VALLEY, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is pleased to announce Michael Gershanok as the new GTS National Series Leader. Michael has been with NASA since the inception of the North East Region in 2000 as its German Touring Series Leader.
Michael’s philosophy from the beginning for the GTS series has been to preserve its core principles of being open, simple and fair. Over that last several years, he has successfully steered the GTS Series in the North East Region Growing the fields to a consistent 25 – 30 cars at each event. Michael has also been a NASA instructor since 2002, and a five-time North East Regional Champion in GTS.
Away from NASA events, Michael is a double-degreed dentist (MD/DDS) and runs two full time practices, one in New York City and the other in a northern suburb, just to keep life interesting and busy. In his private life he is blessed sharing his life with his wife Lila and 9 year old daughter Marta.
NASA’s new Technical Director of Competition, Bryan Cohn stated, ‘Michael has proven to be a very qualified and experienced candidate, who possess a passion for the series. We are very much looking forward to having Michael contribute to the GTS Series on a national scale, and have no doubt the series is in good hands.’
Mazda Race of NASA Champions has Full Grid
Published on April 27, 2015 16:52
Mazda Race of NASA Champions has Full Grid
Grand Champion to be crowned May 3 at Mazda Raceway
Napa Valley, CA — The National Auto
Sport Association (NASA) together with Mazda will line-up 20 championship-winning
drivers from the 2014 season to race in the inaugural Mazda Race of NASA
Champions. This historic event will take place during the TUDOR United
SportsCar Championship Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix powered by Mazda at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca weekend, May 1-3.
The 20 NASA Champion drivers represent 13 states, from nearly all NASA regions across the country. Each racer will compete in identically prepared Skip Barber MAZDASPEED Pro Challenge Mazda MX-5s to vie for the title of NASA Grand Champion.
The Grand Champion will be eligible to compete in the Mazda Club Racer Shootout for a $100,000 scholarship to be used to fund a full season of racing in the SCCA Pro Racing Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires racing series.
“This program speaks volumes to the importance Mazda places on grassroots motorsports as they are truly devoted to finding the best driver in NASA to represent the association in the annual Mazda Club Racer Shootout later this year,” said Ryan Flaherty, NASA National Chairman. “Both of our companies share a common vision for offering new opportunities to grass roots racers and this program could help identify the next great driver in our sport. We can’t wait to see the action in two weeks at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."
“Over the past few years NASA competitors have been extremely impressive at our annual Club Racing Shootout,” said John Doonan, director of motorsports, Mazda North American Operations. “We expect the NASA champions to have a great battle in the identical MX-5 cars.”
Mazda Race of NASA Champions entry:
— Craig Ames, NASA SoCal, Western States Champion, ST1
— Ben Anderson, NASA Central, Eastern States Champion, PTE
— Paul Arnold, NASA Southeast, Eastern States Champion, FFR Challenge
— Edgar Cabrera, NASA Northeast, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, GTS3
— Jeremy Croiset, NASA SoCal, Western States Champion, Honda Challenge 2
— Sandro Espinosa, NASA Southeast, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, Spec E30
— Larry Fraser, NASA NorCal, Western States Champion, Spec E30
— Chi Ho, NASA Florida, Regional Champion, TTB, Eastern States Champion, TTC
— Tristan Littlehale, NASA NorCal, Western States Champion, GTS2
— Michael McAleenan, NASA NorCal, Western States Champion, ST3
— Ricky Johnson, NASA Arizona, Regional Champion, Western States Champion, PTB
— Tommy Lo, NASA NorCal, Western States Champion, TTE
— Ronald Nielsen, NASA Southeast, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, PTF
— Jay Pellegrini, NASA NOLA, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, Spec Z
— Eric Powell, NASA Florida, Regional Champion, Western States Champion, PTD, TTD
— Matt Powers, NASA NorCal, Western States Champion, GTS4
— Cory Rueth, NASA Texas, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, Spec Iron
— Dave Schotz, NASA Arizona, Regional Champion, Eastern States Champion, PTB, Western States Champion, TTC
— Dan Williams, NASA Rocky Mountain, Eastern States Champion, 944 Spec
— David Ziegler, NASA Great Lakes, Eastern States Champion, ST3
NASA Championships Awarded Grassroots Motorsports Editors' Choice Award for 2015
Published on April 03, 2015 19:10
Napa Valley, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA)
has been awarded a Grassroots Motosports Magazine Editors’ Choice Award for
2015. NASA’s decision to offer two Championships events in 2014 instead of one
was deemed one of the top 20 things which made the motorsports scene a better
place in 2014.
Grassroots Motorsport Magazine agreed that splitting the NASA Championships Presented by Toyo Tires into the Western and Eastern States Championships significantly lessened the tow, time, energy, and ultimately the expense needed to compete at the highest level of amateur road racing in the US. This has provided many more competitors the opportunity to taste national-level competition for the first time, while matching the grid sizes of NASA Championship events of the past.
“It was very rewarding to see Grassroots Motorsports Magazine select our NASA Championships events as an Editors’ Choice for 2015 after successfully deliver on our promise last year,” reflects Jeremy Croiset, NASA’s Director of Business Development. “That promise; to make national-caliber competition available to a wider array of NASA members, all whilst reducing the cost of the overall experience. We’re looking forward to seeing the Championships grow this year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Virginia International Raceway now that people have seen that this recipe works. This also provided us the perfect opportunity to match up the best of the best from our Champions in our Mazda Race of NASA Champions which is scheduled for later this month during the Continental Tires Monterey Grand Prix Powered by Mazda at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.”
MAXXIS to Offer New HPDE Discount
Published on March 25, 2015 14:19
Napa Valley, CA - NASA is pleased to announce a generous new HPDE entry discount program available to all participants. Beginning immediately, anyone that purchases a set of MAXXIS RC-1 tires will be eligible to receive a $50 discount coupon. This coupon will be good toward any HPDE entry in any NASA region. Thanks to Maxxis and their generous support of the community, any HPDE participant can now save $50 on their event weekend along with their purchase of a new set of RC-1 tires. For complete details regarding the offer, please visit http://www.maxxisrc1.com/content/track-day-rebate.
Scott Good to Step Down as GTS National Series Leader
Published on March 20, 2015 19:51
Napa Valley, CA. – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is announcing that Scott Good will be stepping down as GTS National Series Leader. Good, the 2008 and 2010 GTS2 National Champion, took over the role of GTS National Series Leader in 2012 and has served the series well, seeing it through tremendous growth and most recently, new rules that will level the playing field within each class of the series.
Scott will now focus his efforts on building what he explains as a tracked-based executive leadership development program that builds on the concepts developed in his latest book, ‘DRIVING LEADERS: Lessons in high-performance leadership drawn from endurance racing.’
With Scott’s retirement comes an opportunity for NASA to implement a new process created for recruiting National Series Leaders. Interested persons can now submit their resume for the position after review of the National Series Leader Outline. In the past, drivers have been hand picked for these roles. While that has worked well, NASA’s steady growth and current size requires that we explore a new process that will open this opportunity up to more people than ever before.
If you are interested in applying for the GTS National Series Leader position or being considered for any other series in the future, you can learn more about the requirements of this position and how to apply by following this link: https://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/NSLR.pdf
Contact:
Bryan Cohn
Technical Director of Competition
NASA Pro Racing
(417) 540 - 2595
Mazda Race of NASA Champions to be Held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Published on March 17, 2015 20:52
Napa Valley, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and Mazda Motorsport are pleased to announce that the 2015 Mazda Race of NASA Champions is scheduled to take place the weekend of May 1st at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship weekend. Registration is now open for any competition license holding 2014 NASA Champion. This event will provide each 2014 NASA Champion the opportunity to pit themselves against each other in identically prepared Mazda MX-5s in a winner take all format that will decide the inaugural NASA Grand Champion.
“We’re thrilled we’ve been successful in working with our great partner Mazda to bring this brand new event and opportunity to the NASA community,” said Ryan Flaherty, NASA National Chairman. “It took a tremendous amount of work involving a number of other partners to put this amazing opportunity together for our Champions to compete against one another in a single event competition weekend to find out who really is the best of the best! This program speaks volumes to the importance Mazda places in motorsports as they are truly devoted to finding the best driver in NASA to include in their annual Mazda Club Racer Shootout later this year. Both of our companies share a common vision for offering new opportunities in motorsports and this program could help identify the next great driver in our sport. We can’t wait to see the action in May at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for all of us involved. I expect we will see one of the great races unfold before our eyes at one of the most prolific race tracks in the world. The opportunity to grow the talent in the Mazda Club Racer Shootout, building on the Mazda Sports Car Racing Academy, is of great interest. To have this event during the weekend when our prototype team, the Mazda Continental Tire Street Tuner teams, and the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires competes, along with showcasing the 2016 MX-5 Cup development car, will make for one exciting weekend. The opportunity to make a name for oneself has never been better,” said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports.
To register for the Mazda Race of NASA Champions or to see full details regarding the event including entry fees, event format, and event rules, please visit https://www.nasaproracing.com/events/2053.
Bryan Cohn Announced as the New Technical Director of Competition
Published on March 11, 2015 15:59
Napa Valley, CA – The National Auto Sport Association is pleased to announce Bryan Cohn as its new Technical Director of Competition. Bryan has been involved in virtually every position required within motorsports since 1983 and the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to the table will be crucial as he takes on his new role within NASA. Mr. Cohn will help guide the development of class rules, manage series leaders, and ensure the rule revision process happens as quickly as possible.
“We are thrilled to have Bryan return to such a pivotal position within NASA after helping to spearhead the challenge of implementing the first NASA Championship event back in early 2006”, said Jeremy Croiset, NASA’s Director of Business Development. “Bryan should prove a valuable addition to the NASA team as our program continues to grow and expand.”
"I am really excited to rejoin the NASA team,” said Cohn. “When I made the move back in 2006, little did I know it was going to be a life changing opportunity. I look forward to serving NASA drivers again and enjoying motorsports with all the membership."
NASA Announces Spec E46 as a New National Class
Published on March 07, 2015 00:26
Napa Valley, CA – NASA is excited to announce the arrival of Spec E46 as a NASA sanctioned class for 2015. Competitors will now be eligible to compete in the Spec E46 class in all regions.
We’re pleased to announce Jason Tower as the National Series Director and Evan Levine as the Assistant National Series Director.
Spec E46 is designed with BMW enthusiasts in mind, looking for a newer platform with which to start, focusing on affordability and still maximizing the fun per dollar spent factor. With over 50 SE46 cars already built or underway, NASA expects a great turnout in SE46 fields in 2015 and beyond.
SE46 National Director Jason Tower states, “We are thrilled to see Spec E46 taking off as quickly as it is and are looking forward to many years of competitive spec racing. We've worked with racers, shops, and vendors to develop a ruleset utilizing components that yield a fun, fast, durable, and economical racing platform. Tightly regulated engines and a sealed spec ECU tune keep horsepower variance to a minimum, while high quality suspension parts and driveline components ensure that all of that power is put to good use. With donor cars available starting under $2500 it opens the door to close, exciting racing for beginning and experienced drivers alike" continues Tower.
Jason Tower began racing with NASA Spec E30 in 2010 in the highly competitive Mid Atlantic and Southeast regions. He is an accomplished and seasoned racer with a passion for the Spec E46 class. He lives with his wonderfully supportive wife and two dogs in Raleigh, NC where he works as a Linux systems administrator.
With the Assistant National Series Director Evan Levine also having contributed to the conception of the series, SE46 should have all the ingredients needed to flourish. With the passionate and motivated leaders we have in Jason and Evan, the series is perfectly positioned to realize its full potential.
NASA Divisional Director Will Faules believes there is a lot to be gained from introducing this new series to all NASA regions, and will in short time become a solid addition to our NASA competition program. “As a former SpecE30 racer myself, I’m glad to see the next step in spec racing with the E30 chassis becoming harder and harder to find as cheap as they once were,” Faules said. “Having an affordable, fast, fun, reliable car is what this series is all about and I’m confident it will prove to be a great class for years to come.”
NASA Announces Al Watson as New American Iron Series Director
Published on March 02, 2015 05:58
Napa Valley, CA – NASA is pleased to announce Al Watson as the new National Series Director for American Iron. Al has been involved as the North East Region’s American Iron and Spec Iron Series leader since 2007, and is now excited to be taking up the role on a national scale. Al will be taking over the reins from Todd Covini, the previous National Series Director immediately. “I want to thank Todd Covini for his years of service and I look forward to leading American Iron, American Iron Extreme and Spec Iron into the bright future ahead for the series” said Al Watson.
“We are very grateful to Todd Covini for the service he has provided the American Iron Series,” said Will Faules, Divisional Director, “Todd has kindly devoted his time, effort and energy toward the American Iron Series which has seen great car counts since its inception. We at NASA are excited to bring Al on board in fulfilling this position and look forward to seeing what he can add to the development of one of NASA’s most exciting series.”
Al has a wide-range of experience in different fields inside and outside of racing, which has equipped him with the knowledge and skills required to be a successful Series Director. These included filling roles as a NASA Race Director, owner of Mustang performance shop Street Motorsports, a teacher, and experience in designing, developing, testing, and producing precise electronic medical products. You can look forward to seeing Al at various NASA events in 2015. If you have any specific American Iron Series questions, Al can be reached at alwatson@drivenasa.com.
Toyo Tires Make Big Changes to Regional Contingency Prizes for 2015
Published on February 09, 2015 20:05
Napa Valley, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is excited to announce an extraordinary increase to the 2015 Toyo Tires Contingency program for many of NASA’s Spec tire classes. Competitors in our American Iron, Spec Iron, and CMC classes will now be eligible for nearly $5,000 in awards per weekend while participants in the Spec E46, Spec 986 and Factory Five classes will be eligible for up to nearly $4,000 per weekend. Toyo Tires will continue to run a fantastic program for the other spec tire classes as well. These program changes take effect immediately and are available to NASA competitors now.
“This speaks volumes to how committed Toyo Tires is to supporting their most loyal customers” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA’s Director of Business Development. ”This new program for 2015 is just simply fantastic! This change should be exceptionally well received in the NASA racing community and I can’t wait to see all the competitors enjoying their rewards this season.”
“At Toyo Tires we are always looking for ways to better reward NASA racers for their loyalty and support” said Marc Sanzenbacher, Senior Manager, Competition Performance Products Division at Toyo Tires. “This improved contingency program for 2015 reflects that commitment, ensuring NASA racers have the most lucrative contingency programs in the industry.”
Toyo Tires top tier prize payouts for Spec Iron, American Iron and CMC will increase to $650 for 1st, $500 for 2nd, $450 for 3rd, $250 for 4th, and $150 for 5th with $75 being available to finishers in 10th – 14th. The payouts for Spec E46, Spec 986 and Factory Five Challenge will increase to $550 for 1st, $450 for 2nd, $350 for 3rd, and $150 for 4th and 5th with $50 being available to finishers in 10th – 14th.
For complete details on these new programs and the rest of the details on the 2015 Toyo Tires Contingency Program, please visit https://www.nasaproracing.com/contingencies.
Mazda Race of NASA Champions Update
Published on February 06, 2015 01:11
Napa Valley, CA – The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is announcing that the 2015 Mazda Race of NASA Champions, which was to be held at Sebring International Raceway during the 12 Hours of Sebring, will be rescheduled for later this year. NASA and Mazda are working side-by-side to ensure the unique event lives up to the standards we believe need to be met to provide each NASA Champion equal opportunity to compete on a level playing field.“Our number one priority with the MRONC is to provide the opportunity to deliver a positive experience to our competitors while also allowing us to crown our first NASA Grand Champion,” said Ryan Flaherty, NASA’s National Chairman. “In the interest of this, we collectively made the decision that rescheduling the event would provide us a better opportunity for meeting that goal. Our goal is to put together a competitive weekend event that every NASA Champion can be proud to say they were a part of and that is what we are working with Mazda to provide.”
“This change will allow us an opportunity to provide competitors in the Mazda Race of NASA Champions a much better experience,” said John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports. “Good enough doesn’t work for any Mazda we build and it doesn’t apply to any event we align ourselves with. We remain committed to working with NASA and the other essential parties to ensure this is an event of a lifetime for our customers and are excited to announce further details regarding the event moving forward.
The single make race will pit 2014 NASA Champions from all classes at both Eastern and Western States Championship events against one another during a single weekend of competition utilizing identically prepared Mazda MX5’s to crown NASA’s first Grand Champion. The race will be rescheduled later this year for a yet to be determined date and location. Additional details will be posted to the www.nasaproracing.com website as soon as they become available.
NASA Announces Shawn Meze as New Spec E30 Series Director
Published on February 05, 2015 06:33
Napa Valley, CA – NASA is proud to announce Shawn Meze as the new Spec E30 National Director. Shawn has been the Spec E30 Series Director for the Southern California region since 2011, and will continue in that role. Shawn is replacing the Spec E30 series founder, Carter Hunt as National Director.
Shawn has been a member of NASA since 2005, and has since become the SoCal TTE Champion, placed 2nd in PTE at the NASA Championships in 2006, and competes in the Western Endurance Racing Championship whenever possible. He has been the assistant Time Trial, Performance Touring and Super Touring director for SoCal, in addition to being race director at four different NASA Championship Events.
Perhaps most relevant is Shawn has worked to build the foundation of the Spec E30 series in SoCal since 2010, which has seen growth every season to a regular 15+ cars. Shawn’s enthusiasm for the class can be seen when he states, “It’s a rare class where everyone is there to have fun, together. We all pit together and help each other with our cars to make sure everyone makes it to the next race.”
In the last four years, Shawn has become a big contributor for the Spec E30 class. “I have taken it upon myself to understand and know the rules and cars as they are applied. It’s a great honor to be asked to lead such a great racing series and be named the next National Spec E30 Series Director.”
Carter Hunt concludes, “I have worked with Shawn, have confidence in his abilities and devotion to Spec E30, and most importantly, he and I agree on the core philosophies of Spec E30 – low cost with a stable rules package.” Carter is the founder of Spec E30 and has been the National Director of the series until now. Carter will continue to race in Spec E30 in his home Mid Atlantic Region.
“As both part of the NASA staff and a Spec E30 driver myself, it’s been an honor working with Carter. I loved my time racing in Spec E30 and owe a big part of that to the dedication Carter put in to help ensure the growth of the series.” Will Faules, NASA Divisional Director had to say about Carter. “I look forward to working with Shawn on continuing to grow Spec E30 across the country. I’ve been lucky enough to race with Shawn,” continued Faules. “He’s a great driver, technically savvy, and one heck of a nice guy. I think the drivers are excited to be working with Shawn.”
Shawn can be reached by email at shawn@drivenasa.com.NASA Announces Innovative New Affordable Prototype Series at PRI Show
Published on December 11, 2014 20:37
NP Series will run the all-new NP01
Indianapolis, IN —The
National Auto Sport Association (NASA) unveiled today during the PRI Show an
exciting new prototype series that will be called the NASA Prototype series
(NP). The NP series will debut in fall of 2015.
The NP series is a collaborative effort between NASA and Élan
Technologies that will feature an all-new affordable prototype racing car
called the NP01. The goal of the NP series
is to give rise to the most affordable prototype class ever created.
NASA partnered with Élan Technologies to design and construct the NP01. Élan will build each NP01to order and ship them either as an easily assembled kit or completed vehicle per the customer’s request. The NP01will be unlike anything currently available in motor racing. With an introductory complete kit price of just $59,995, the affordable new prototype will feature a closed cockpit design for increased driver protection. The NP01 weighs just 1550 Lbs. and boasts an estimated top speed of 155mph. The NP01 will be powered by a sealed 185-horsepower, 2-liter Mazda power plant mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission.
“The NP Series will feature a brand new spec prototype chassis designed specifically around the goals that make NASA competition so attractive to competitors – easy access to local racing with the chance to compete for a season ending class championship,” said Ryan Flaherty, NASA National Chairman. “The NP Series will offer something unique in all of motorsports: the opportunity to race a prototype style vehicle designed from the ground up to be fast, fun, safe, and most importantly affordable. This new series is exclusive to NASA. Drivers will be able to compete at over 150 NASA sanctioned events nationwide. The series will visit many of the country’s greatest racing venues with the opportunity to run for a NASA Championship crown at either Virginia International Raceway or Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The NP01 will feature an innovative rules package focused on performance, affordability, cost containment, and driving ability.”
“The power-to-weight-ratio will make quick work of any straightaway before approaching the corner where drivers will appreciate the downforce produced by the front splitter, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing,” said Mark Sanderson of Élan Technologies. The NP01 will run on spec Toyo Proxes RR competition tires to further equal the field and accentuate driver ability as well as help to keep costs in check.”
The NP01 is specifically designed around the idea that it must be fast, safe, reliable and easy to maintain. Élan Technologies utilized a component design approach for the bodywork that consists of fenders, engine cover and front hood sections as individual pieces. If one of the pieces is damaged, for example a small fender, it is easier and more cost effective to replace it than an entire front nose piece. Much of the hardware on the car has been standardized to simplify maintenance as well. This translates into cost savings that all competitors will really appreciate.
Director of Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations John Doonan weighed in: “NASA has outdone itself again. Through innovation and a clear vision to provide the grassroots community with competitive, safe, and affordable racing, NASA’s Prototype series will be a place for many to test their mettle. We are humbled by and proud of NASA’s decision to power these race cars with Mazda engines as reliability and performance are at the core of our technology.”
“Toyo Tires and NASA have enjoyed a long and successful partnership, and we are excited to work closely with the talented team at Élan Technologies on this new endeavor,” said Marc Sanzenbacher, senior manager, Competition Performance Products Division, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “The Toyo Proxes RR has proven to be in a league of its own when it comes to balancing the ultimate in performance with consistent lap times and a long life. These are all factors that make it the natural choice for affordable road racing such as this new spec series.”
“I’m very excited about this new NP Series” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA Director of Business Development. “It is truly unique and innovative in the world of motorsports. Most racing drivers only dream of piloting a professionally built prototype and this new series will provide everyone that opportunity at a truly affordable price point. I would even go as far as to say that this vehicle will likely be the cheapest to purchase and operate factory prepared purpose built race car on the planet. I can’t wait to see what the NASA membership thinks of this new offering. Working with Élan Technologies on this project has been a privilege. They have established themselves in the motorsports community as one of the premier chassis manufacturers. The level of professionalism and experience they bring really solidifies this program ensuring competitors will be provided a very high quality race car they can compete in for years to come.”
About NASA
The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 with the premise of delivering high-quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a controlled professionally managed environment. NASA offers many different programs that will allow you to enjoy motorsports on a number of different levels, including our High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), Rally Sport, Time Trial, NASA-X and Competition Racing programs. For more information, log onto www.nasaproracing.com and connect with the community at Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
About Elan
Élan Technologies is a Georgia based technology company providing design, engineering, fabrication, and manufacturing services to the automotive, motorsports, aviation, aerospace and defense industries through its three divisions: Élan Precision Products, Élan Composites, and Élan Power Products. The company is part of a technology group that includes Élan Technologies, DeltaWing Technologies Inc., and Panoz LLC. For more information please visit http://www.elangroup.com/.
Tune in tomorrow for big news from NASA at our PRI booth.
Published on December 10, 2014 20:50
Indianapolis, IN - The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) will be announcing some very big news from the PRI Show tomorrow, Dec. 11, 2014 at 3pm EST. The press conference will be live-streamed via Racer Connect from the NASA booth (#3309) at the PRI Show and be available for viewing here. http://live.racerconnect.com/index.php/nasa-pri-2014If you are at the PRI Show this week, please stop by the NASA booth (#3309) tomorrow at 3pm EST to see the exciting news announced or tune into the live stream above to watch the news.
#prishow #pri2014 #nasaproracing
Kyle Loustaunau Wins 2014 Mazda Club Racer Shootout
Published on December 04, 2014 21:30
Vacaville California Racer Awarded $100,000 Scholarship Package to Compete In the 2015 Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires
December 4, 2014 (IRVINE, Calif.) This past Tuesday was a wet and wild day at Buttonwillow Raceway Park with eight championship-level club racers chasing a $100,000 scholarship package, the largest prize in all of grassroots motorsports, at the annual Mazda Club Racer Shootout.
Despite a year of record drought in California, most of the day was run in pouring rain. How wet was it? None of the drivers ever had the chance to lap the course on the BFGoodrich g-Force R1-S slicks. All sessions were conducted on BFG rain tires.
At the end of the day, after the pavement had dried, Kyle Loustaunau, from Vacaville, California was judged to be the best of the best among Mazda-powered club racers in 2014. Loustaunau had won the 2014 NASA Western States Spec Miata Championship, earning his eligibility for the shootout. He will now have a scholarship budget to compete in the 2015 Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires.
Quotes:
Kyle Loustaunau – “Over the past three days I've had the most amazing experience of my life. This is both an honor and a privilege to represent Mazda and I can't wait to get started. It has taken help from a lot of amazing people to get here and I can't thank everyone enough.”
John Doonan – Director, Mazda Motorsports – “Mazda Motorsports is the leader in grassroots roadracing. This leadership has given us opportunities to do things that no one else has done. Our Club Racer Shootout has become a signature event for us and represents an amazing opportunity to help racers move from the club level to the professional ranks with a solid support program around them. We expect Kyle to have a great season in the 2015 Battery Tender MX-5 Cup and hopefully many more years with Mazda.”
Charles Espenlaub – Head Judge - “Every year the Mazda Club Racer Shootout just gets better and better. Having been involved since the beginning, I am continually amazed at the talent level that the Mazda champions bring. As the landscape of racing changes so does the competition on and off the track. This year we had another twist, with heavy rains the conditions were extremely difficult. This added to the challenge and as always made for a difficult decision as to who would win the coveted prize. Everyone did an outstanding job and put in efforts worthy of the champions they are. As in the very competitive Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup the winner can be decided by a few tenths of a second. Kyle Loustaunau was able to top the field by showing well in multiple categories all of which should provide success for his climb up the ladder.”
Peter Calhoun – Motorsports Manger BFGoodrich Tires - "The Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout annually showcases the brightest talent from the North American club racing championships. Giving each of the drivers the opportunity to win the richest prize in club racing by demonstrating their driving, business, and social engagement skills. Each year BFGoodrich is honored to participate in the Shootout alongside our friends from Mazda in a show of support for grassroots racing, which is a core ingredient to both our motorsport programs. Congratulations to Kyle Loustaunau on winning this year's Shootout.”
The eight shootout finalists were:
Sam Adams Hubertus, Wisconsin Skip Barber Racing School (Summer Series)
Ben Anderson Minneapolis, Minnesota NASA Eastern States Championships (PTE)
Steven Diem Kailua, Hawaii iRacing MX-5 Cup (Season 3)
Joey Jordan Santa Barbara, California NASA Spec Miata Teen Challenge (West)
Kyle Loustaunau Vacaville, California NASA Western States Championships (Spec Miata)
Evan Maillard Nesles La Vallée iRacing MX-5 Cup (Season 2)
Zachary Munro Granby, Colorado NASA Spec Miata Teen Challenge (Rocky Mountain)
Eric Powell Orlando, Florida NASA Western States Championships (PTD)
The criteria: Given that each of the finalists had proven themselves on the track by winning a championship, the criteria to move up needed to be more encompassing. To succeed on the professional level requires a balance of both on-track and off-track skills including the following:
· Driving ability – Fast laps
· Driving ability – Consistent laps
· Technical feedback – Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension
· Technical feedback – Ability to evaluate vehicle handling
· Technical feedback – Ability to analyze data
· Technical feedback – Ability to improve vehicle handling
· The business of motorsports – Business proposal
· The business of motorsports – Business presentation
· The business of motorsports – PR skills
The driving sessions were conducted at Buttonwillow Raceway Park using a pair of Mazda MX-5 Cup cars prepared by ProParts USA.
The judges: Each year Mazda invites a panel of outside judges to make the selection. The judges brought a wealth of both on-track, and off-track expertise. More than a dozen professionals were involved in either the preliminary business proposal review, on-track activities, or both. The panel consisted of:
· Peter Calhoun - BFGoodrich
· Charles Espenlaub – Safecraft Racing
· Pete Evanow - Cal State Fullerton
· John Fabijanic - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
· Tim Frost - Frost Motorsports, LLC
· Julie Garner - Project Yellow Light
· Kenton Koch – 2014 Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion
· Karl Koenigstein - BFGoodrich
· Ken Payne – BFGoodrich
· Justin Piscitell – Past Shootout Winner
· Evin Prelec - Battery Tender
· Jeremy Shaw – Team USA Scholarship
· Scott Shelton - ABC Television/Past Shootout Winner
· Lyn St. James - Women's Sports Foundation
· Barry Toepke - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
The tally: After a day-and-a half of both driving, and classroom activities, the judges added the objective and subjective scores -- discussing the merits of each driver. The judges deliberated carefully before declaring Kyle Loustaunau the champion.
The prize package: The prize package, valued at $100,000, breaks out as follows:
· A budget for the running of his car for the season
· A parts support budget
· A Mazda Motorsports driving suit and helmet
· Professional media training (Courtesy of Mazda)
· Twelve sets of BFGoodrich tires, one set per race (Courtesy of BFGoodrich Tires)
· Twelve entry fee waivers (Courtesy of SCCA Pro Racing)
About Mazda, Mazda Motorsports, and MAZDASPEED
Mazda is a leading player in all aspects of sports car racing with an emphasis on endurance road racing. Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America among both club racers and professionals. Thousands of Mazda-powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world’s largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built. Via the Mazda SportsCar Racing Academy, Mazda supports racers at all levels of the sport from club racing up to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship where it races with production SKYACTIV Technology.
Mazda remains the only Asian car company to score an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1991). Mazda has had a naming rights agreement at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since 2000.
Mazda Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
Consumer information can be found at www.mazdausa.com, with press information at www.mazdausamedia.com. Racers and fans can follow the action on Facebook (Mazda Motorsports), Twitter (@mazdaracing), Instagram (MazdaMotorsport) andwww.mazdamotorsports.com
NASA Racers Make Up Majority of Mazda Club Racer Shootout Finalists
Published on November 20, 2014 21:18
Napa Valley, CA - NASA is proud
to announce that NASA racers have secured the majority of finalist positions in
the 2014 Mazda Club Racer Shootout. Specifically, NASA competitors will be
representing 5 of the 6 positions coming from real-life racing, and potentially
taking the step up the racing ladder into the professional ranks.
"NASA has a stellar track record of producing top level racers that have
excelled in the professional ranks" said Jeremy Croiset, NASA's Director
of Business Development. "Last year's eventual Shootout winner Joey Bickers
was a NASA racer and we're very proud to see NASA racers securing a majority of
the finalists position in this year's Shootout competition. This goes a long way
toward validating the fact that NASA competitors are as serious as they come
and that there isn't a better place to try accomplishing one's dream of moving
into the world of professional motorsports. We look forward to seeing the
outcome at the Shootout and wish all the finalists good luck."
The Mazda Club Racer Shootout is
the single largest prize in club racing. Since 2007 Mazda has annually
promoted one talented club racer to the professional ranks. The $75,000
prize will help fund one driver on his quest to the 2015 Battery Tender Mazda MX-5
Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires. A record 22 racers were
semi-finalists, having met the eligibility criteria for 2014: each won a
recognized championship over a minimum number of competitors. Now, after
each made a formal written business proposal, evaluated and ranked by industry
professionals, the field has been narrowed to eight.
The 2014 Mazda Club Racer shootout finalists are:
Sam Adams Skip Barber Racing School (Summer Series) Hubertus, Wisconsin
Ben Anderson NASA Eastern States Championships (PTE) Minneapolis, Minnesota
Steven Diem iRacing MX-5 Cup (Season 3) Kailua, Hawaii
Joey Jordan NASA Spec Miata Teen Challenge (West) Santa Barbara, California
Kyle Loustaunau NASA Western States Championships (Spec Miata) Vacaville, California
Evan Maillard iRacing MX-5 Cup (Season 2) Nesles La Vallée, France
Zachary Munro NASA Spec Miata Teen Challenge (Rocky Mountain) Granby, Colorado
Eric Powell NASA Western States Championships (PTD) Orlando, Florida
John Doonan, Director of
Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations noted, “Each year this shootout
evolves. 
For 2014 we have our first simulator-racing champions, from the
iRacing MX-5 Cup, and our first racers from outside of North America. The
criteria for the shootout is to identify the aspiring professional racer who
has the best range of skills required to succeed, including speed, consistency,
racecraft, technical feedback, and off-track business and PR skills.
History has shown that a driver will be limited in success if they are lacking
in any of these areas. Past shootout winners have performed well both on
and off the track, using this prize as a springboard for their career.”
The final shootout will be at
California’s Buttonwillow Raceway Park on December 1 and 2. The first day
will test the finalists’ communication skills, marketing plans, and other
essential attributes and skill sets required to continue to climb the racing
ladder. The second day will consist of significant track time, data analysis,
and a few surprises to help the judges gage the finalists’ skills behind the
wheel. It is a winner-take-all event with only one racer moving up the Mazda
ladder in 2015.
“The diversity of backgrounds and
racing experience across the competitors is truly 
remarkable. The proposals
reflect that diversity and highlight how social media and modern technologies
are embraced by Mazda Motorsports participants at all ages and around the
world. Each year the quality of competition on and off track continues to
improve. The finals at Buttonwillow should be fantastic," stated
Peter Calhoun - Motorsports Marketing Manager, BFGoodrich Tires.
Additional information about the Mazda Club Racer shootout and Mazda support can be found at http://www.mazdamotorsports.com
Photos from top-bottom: Ben Anderson, Joey Jordan, Kyle Loustaunau, Zachary Munro, Eric Powell.
Photos 1 & 5, Finishline Productions
Photo 3, Head-On Photos
NASA Championships presented by Toyo Tires headed to Virginia International Raceway and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2015
Published on October 09, 2014 10:09
Toyo Tires® Returns to the 25-Hours of Thunderhill™ To Support NASA Road Racers Using Proxes® Competition Tires
Published on October 07, 2014 10:45
2014 NASA Eastern States Championships Highlights Videos
Published on September 17, 2014 17:10
