As the primary constructor for the GRAND-AM Rolex GT RX-8, SpeedSource led a field of Mazda products in capturing the 2010 Manufacturers championship. Since the program's inception, SpeedSource has been the exclusive supplier of rotary engines to Mazda GRAND-AM Rolex GT teams. SpeedSource's latest project has been the development of the Mazda SKYACTIV-D compound turbo diesel motorsports engine for use in GRAND-AM's GX class in 2013. Image Credit: Pro Mazda Championship
Pro Mazda Championship Gaining SpeedSource Focus
The Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires has contracted the services of SpeedSource Race Engineering as the Official Engine Builder and Technical Consultant of the newly formed Mazda Road to Indy series which fills the opening vacated by Star Mazda. The Coral Springs, Fla., company will begin the re-manufacturing of all Mazda Renesis rotary engines currently used in the championship to 2013 specifications and also provide internal modifications to ensure parity between engines and greater longevity of a season or more.
In addition to a long and
notable history of racing under the Mazda banner, SpeedSource is
the exclusive engine supplier of rotary engines to
Mazda-powered GRAND-AM Rolex GT teams and is currently
developing the Mazda SKYACTIV-D compound turbo diesel motorsports engine for the 2013 GRAND-AM GX class. Founded and led by
accomplished driver and team owner Sylvain Tremblay in 1995
to provide full-service race services and custom
components to club level and professional drivers, the company operates
out of a 50,000 square foot facility that houses both
development and racing applications.
"I am very pleased to add SpeedSource to our
list of high-quality partners," said Dan Andersen, Owner
and CEO of Andersen Promotions, the series promoter. "Although I have
not had prior dealings with SpeedSource, it is clear to me
that they not only have an impressive resume and reputation
but also have put together a great new Pro Mazda engine program. I am
very confident that this will result in a better
championship for our competing teams."
SpeedSource will begin the remanufacturing
process on Pro Mazda engines this month. The program will
be fully implemented by May 1. Prior to this date, competitors will have
the option of using either SpeedSource engines or prior
specification engines built and sealed by the former Star
Mazda Series with SpeedSource mapping to ensure parity. All cars entered
after May 1 and any one-off entries which have not been
through the SpeedSource process will undergo a rev limiter
adjustment to offset any disparity.
"We are very proud to have been chosen as
the engine supplier for the Pro Mazda Series," said
Tremblay. "The series itself has a great standing and we look forward to
continuing the fantastic reputation of Mazda's Renesis
rotary engine. Andersen Promotions has been great to work with
and it is easy to see why they are the primary resource for Mazda's
ladder program."
The Mazda Renesis rotary
engine used in Pro Mazda is capable of producing 260 horsepower
– providing an additional 90 horsepower over the Mazda MZR
powerplant utilized in the Cooper Tires USF2000
Championship Powered by Mazda, the first step on the Mazda Road
to Indy. The internationally award-winning engine also powers the
Mazda RX-8 passenger car.
"With years of Mazda racing experience and
specifically rotary engine experience on their resume,
SpeedSource Race Engineering was the logical choice to serve as the new
engine builders for the Pro Mazda Championship," said John
Doonan, Director Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American
Operations. "They have put Mazda rotary engines to the ultimate tests in
endurance racing and have hundreds of victories to show
for it, including two Rolex 24 victories in the last five
years. Mazda has every confidence that the work SpeedSource does for the
Pro Mazda Championship will provide reliable engines that
have a performance window that will continue the great,
close racing that this series has been known for throughout its
history."
(ht: Pro Mazda Championship)
... notes from The EDJE
** Article first published as Pro Mazda Championship Gaining SpeedSource Focus on Technorati **
