After months of planning, it was recently announced that the various Mazda powered series across the country would work together towards promoting all four of the regions and a national championship showdown under the official banner; The Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear.
Each region has their own unique characteristics that make them attractive to drivers in their locale. Some are primarily full of Formula Mazdas, while others have a very strong Pro Formula Mazda contingent. So, the Southwest Formula Mazda Series is now known as the Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear – Southwest.
The National website is www.formulacarchallenge.com You can find our info by clicking on the link to the Southwest Region. Info regarding our Series will be posted there as well as texasautosports.com
2010 Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear – Southwest – Opening Weekend
Rounds 1 & 2 of the Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear - Southwest (formerly known as the Southwest Formula Mazda Series) were held at the SCCA Queen of Hearts Double National run at Motorsport Ranch Houston on Feb 13-14. We had a lower car count than expected since some drivers were snowed in by the biggest snow storm to hit Dallas/Fort Worth in record history. Not to mention last year's Rookie of the Year who hurt his knee snow skiing right before the event.
The weather in Houston was snow-less but a bit chilly. Which may account for the early excitement in Saturday's race. Darryl Wills, Pole Qualifier and 3 time SWFMS Champion, spun out on the pace lap. Wills made his way up the field before the race started to assume his Pole Position. Wills won the race, but SCCA penalized him to last place. (If you spin out on pace lap you cannot assume your qualifying position). So, Davis Parr took the win, with 2007 SWFMS Champion Dave Zavelson finishing 2nd and Rookie Stuart Rettie in 3rd.
We were short another driver (Philip Miller) on Sunday due to the flu. Wills qualified on the pole with Parr in 2nd and Zavelson in 3rd. The race was completed as qualified. John Hugon, having missed practice on Friday, improved his lap times by over 5 seconds after Sunday's race.
Full race results and point standings can be found by clicking on our Results & Points page.
Our next event will be at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas held at the SCCA Double National on March 4, 5, 6, 7. Saturday’s race is one of the SCCA Super Sweep Races.
Texas Autosports will be attending with full FM parts support. For SCCA on-line entry or to download SCCA entry forms, go to www.sowdivscca.org There is also a great video at the SCCA site regarding this event. Direct link to video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqZcukKpf20
There should be lots of FMs in attendance. So, come join the fun in sunny South Texas!
