June 15, 2013 (IRVINE, Calif) First came Road Atlanta, then Detroit, now Mid-Ohio. The difference this time was that it was the team owner’s car taking the checkered flag with Sylvain Tremblay and Tom Long scoring the win. Long had won the pole position and the team led the bulk of the race. Similar to the races in Georgia and Michigan, it was a three-way battle for most of the race with a Porsche Cayman splitting the two Mazdas. Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez in the #00 VISITFLORIDA RACING Mazda6 scored third-place points after an oil leak took them off-track late in the race.
The all-new SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel engine in the all-new Mazda6 is a true production based engine. The engine is 51% stock by parts count, and 63% stock by weight. Mazda chose this path as it is the most honest way to demonstrate the quality, durability, and reliability of Mazda cars.
After six races Mazda is now just four points behind Porsche for the Grand-Am GX Manufacturers Championship. The two SpeedSource cars are second and third in team points, while Joel Miller is second among drivers, 14 points behind Jim Norman.
There are six races remaining to determine the champions, including Mazda’s ‘home race’, September 7-8 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The next race is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen on June 30th at Watkins Glen.
Quotes:
John M. Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations: “
For those who know racing, scoring a win in the first year of a program is never an easy task. To take three in a row, this early in the development, is very special. We’ve still got a long way to go with the Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel program, but it’s wonderful to see Sylvain and Tom score their first win with the car. This was once again a team effort with a great strategy call early in the race to maximize the Mazda6 and SKYACTIV fuel efficiency and the race’s pit window. We had fantastic pit work during the second round of pit stops, gaining valuable time. The Mazda6 loves a circuit like Mid-Ohio…flowing corners that require a very balanced platform…a long braking zone at the end of the backstraight … just a great day for the program to get three wins in a row…and a great lead up to the Sahlen’s 6 Hour at the Glen.”
Sylvain Tremblay, Owner, SpeedSource Engineering and co-driver, #70 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel Mazda6: “This was a great day for the entire team, and very special for me as a driver to get my first diesel-powered win. We fought a lot of little issues but never gave up. This win satisfies me as a driver, but wearing my team-owner hat, all three wins have been equal as everyone at SpeedSource and Mazda works flat out to make sure everything we build is fast and reliable. We are excited about the Glen and the entire second half of the season.”
Tom Long, co-driver, #70 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel Mazda6: “We knew this day was coming, it was just a matter of time. We’ve had the speed for several races now, but missed the win due to minor issues. This is what I hope to be the first of many wins. Jim Norman, BGB Motorsports, and Porsche have the points lead, but we are coming for them. I can’t wait for Watkins Glen.”
About Mazda, Mazda Motorsports, and MAZDASPEED
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. In 2006 Mazda Motorsports established the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder to assist racers in moving up through the ranks. In 2010 this was expanded to include the Mazda Road to Indy. Key to Mazda’s success is strategic partnerships with the Skip Barber Racing School and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
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 (Mazdaspeed Motorsports).