The 2005 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series opened at Texas World Speedway on February 19-20 at the SCCA Polar Prix Double National. Ross Smith got both poles and both National wins. William Daniel, finishing 2nd both days, was making progress on Smith all weekend and began to close the gap before the weekend was done. Daniel had the fastest Race Lap on Sunday. Both Smith and Daniel plan to run the Star Mazda North American Championship Series (which runs in conjunction with the American LeMans Series and is televised on Speed Channel). Best of luck to our “Texas” talents as they pursue that Series as well. Steve Hickham, Corpus Christi, qualified and finished in 3rd position both days. Keith Young, Jr. got his Pro Formula Mazda just in time to participate in the weekends festivities. It was delivered straight from the manufacturer to the track on Thursday.
Ross Smith will receive the following contingencies for his 2 National Wins: $800 cash from Mazda Motorsports, $1000 cash from SWFM Pro Car Series, and 4 Rear Goodyear Tires.
The SCCA Double National weekend proved to be very good for Formula Mazda in general. Of the 32 Open Wheel participants, 19 were Formula Mazdas (7 Pro FM’s and 12 Std FM’s). And, the Top 9 qualifiers each day were Formula Mazdas.
The next event of the SWFM Pro Car Series will be held at the SCCA Regional/National at Texas Motor Speedway on May 7-8.
William Daniel, Ross Smith, Steve Hickham
