2007 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series Opener
Alex Ardoin, 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda (Standard Car) Series Champion, proved that one can learn a lot out of one season in a Standard Formula Mazda. Alex is running his Pro Formula Mazda in the 2007 Southwest Pro Car Series and did very well in the Series opener held at Motorsport Ranch Houston on February 17-18 at the SCCA Winter at the Ranch Double National. There were 9 Pro Formula Mazdas present with 8 gunning for Southwest Series points. Ross Smith (Ft Worth, TX) got the pole on Saturday with John Strickler (Olathe, KS) and Browning Williams (Houston, TX) in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin started from the back in his Pro Mazda due to a pass under yellow during qualifying. But, it wasn't long before the 17 year old Ardoin (Sunset, LA) made his way up to the front. Smith, Ardoin, and Strickler kept us all afloat on adrenaline as they battled for the lead. Ardoin overtook Smith on Lap 8. Smith's luck would only get worse a few laps later when a lapped FA made an unexpected move. Smith was out of the race with enough damage to end the remainder of his weekend. Strickler finished the race in 2nd and Keith Young (Dallas, Tx) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Alex Ardoin qualified on the pole, with John Strickler in 2nd and Keith Young in 3rd. Ardoin won the race with Strickler and Young in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin had the fastest race lap both days with an impressive 1.2538 and 1.2535. Ardoin, with a background in karting and the Standard Formula Mazda, not only will be running for the Championship in the Southwest Pro FM Series, but also the nationally acclaimed Star Mazda Series Presented by Goodyear. The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear is run in conjunction with the ALMS Series and is televised on the Speed Channel. Keep an eye on him and other Southwest Formula Mazda Series alums such as Russell Walker who have a good chance at winning the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. The SWFM Pro Car Series will be returning to Motorsport Ranch Houston for Rounds 3 & 4 at the SCCA Regional/National on March 31 - April 1.
Alex Ardoin, 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda (Standard Car) Series Champion, proved that one can learn a lot out of one season in a Standard Formula Mazda. Alex is running his Pro Formula Mazda in the 2007 Southwest Pro Car Series and did very well in the Series opener held at Motorsport Ranch Houston on February 17-18 at the SCCA Winter at the Ranch Double National. There were 9 Pro Formula Mazdas present with 8 gunning for Southwest Series points. Ross Smith (Ft Worth, TX) got the pole on Saturday with John Strickler (Olathe, KS) and Browning Williams (Houston, TX) in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin started from the back in his Pro Mazda due to a pass under yellow during qualifying. But, it wasn't long before the 17 year old Ardoin (Sunset, LA) made his way up to the front. Smith, Ardoin, and Strickler kept us all afloat on adrenaline as they battled for the lead. Ardoin overtook Smith on Lap 8. Smith's luck would only get worse a few laps later when a lapped FA made an unexpected move. Smith was out of the race with enough damage to end the remainder of his weekend. Strickler finished the race in 2nd and Keith Young (Dallas, Tx) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Alex Ardoin qualified on the pole, with John Strickler in 2nd and Keith Young in 3rd. Ardoin won the race with Strickler and Young in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin had the fastest race lap both days with an impressive 1.2538 and 1.2535. Ardoin, with a background in karting and the Standard Formula Mazda, not only will be running for the Championship in the Southwest Pro FM Series, but also the nationally acclaimed Star Mazda Series Presented by Goodyear. The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear is run in conjunction with the ALMS Series and is televised on the Speed Channel. Keep an eye on him and other Southwest Formula Mazda Series alums such as Russell Walker who have a good chance at winning the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. The SWFM Pro Car Series will be returning to Motorsport Ranch Houston for Rounds 3 & 4 at the SCCA Regional/National on March 31 - April 1.
