wayloco

sent my email.
pointed out that it would be nice to see their mazdaspeed line of parts for us who are new to mazdas. I mean thats pretty much a no brainer but you never know what'll happen with corporate types. I just hope I won't be on duty when it happens.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

Email sent

DarkBrew

Emailed!

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

I emailed saying when they are forced to drop the bseries p-up next year they should make another RE/PU.
I miss my ranger.

RacerJason

Thanks to those including Andrew who acted on my initial post. If I understand Mazda Canada's post correctly this first get-together is to be a relatively informal gathering of a handful of people to collect some ideas on how Mazda can better participate in signature events and assist CDN Mazda motorsports teams.

If the opportunity exists we will, with Mazda's cooperation, organize a full-blown event at head office. And on a much larger scale then the first one I organized.

Kafka

Thanks for your post on facebook and actually also posting here.

So guys, this is not another MOM feel good ZOOM ZOOM event (no offence I love those too).

The first phase is to send your
1) Contact info,
2) Your opinion on how Mazda CANADA can support / represent / assist the Canadian Mazda motorsports scene

The second phase is then
1) Hosting full event at head office with representatives (who knows maybe Speedsource team will come visit us in the summer)
2) donation events for local racing team
3) Autocross / fun activities with Mazda to raise profile in media

From what we observed, Mazda Canada are way less interested in motorsports than the US counterpart. Why? 'cause it didnt matter in the Canadian market if your brand do well in racing? What about the VW TDI series? VW Canada got good mileage from it.

To Mazda Canada, the bottom line is, what is the ROI on doing these "publicity" stunt?
Supporting racing teams won't make them sell more Mazdas. Or thats what they think.

Maybe thats something we can suggest Mazda Canada to do:
1) Ask them to try support Canadian Mazda motorsports scene more and use online media to promote it. A great youtube series "liked" on Facebook is much better and have more staying power than those 30 sec TV ads...(e.g. Dairy of a Rotard, Dairy of Miata ownage in Autocross, etc)
2) Ask them to maintain their enthusiasts base while trying to expand the brand. don't be a Honda - they used to be great for enthusiasts too. Now they are so vanilla brand its sickening.

With Hyundai coming fast from behind, I think Mazda Canada should be more proactive in promoting and advancing the brand.

01Racing

Sorry for being a little scepticle, but we tried to get them to do this for years..............meeting of the Mazda's etc. Why the change of heart? I would be very curious to know why they needed everyones contact info....

Good luck to you all hope you get somewhere with them. Even though I campaign a Mazda right now I will not look to them for any support especially after the way I was treated organizing Mazdaspeed North. After 21 years of supporting the brand etc I believe their exact words were "to concerned with racing and not selling cars" which lead to my career change to Toyota. It truly feels nice to be welcomed by Toyota and recognized for accomplishments with Scion and Toyota both. I am in talks with Scion to start a contingency program for all Canadian enthusiasts, it may not roll out this year but I know it will be forthcoming at some point.
__________________

Speed_8

01 has a point, could it be a marketing scam where they get our emails or are they really interested in doing this. A lot of people flamed them on facebook and boom out of no where theres a meet. It would be cool if they had awards, in return we get speed parts, or some sort of draw.

01Racing

Or it also may be a way to get everyone to stop bashing on Facebook etc. Anyway best of luck hope it works out. Btw...If this was bening done through Mazda USA I would support them in a minute. They were a big reason Mazdaspeed North happened and to this day I get nothing but help and support from them. I got letters of thanks from the Motorsports manager and one of the top execs in the US after the event. That alone was worth all the time and effort put in. The zone manager in Canada sent me and I quote " Gentleman I hear the event went well" lol oh yeah and before that it was "to concerned with racing and not selling cars"

Speed_8

well maybe they got some advice from mazda usa.... we shall see how it goes, hopefully its not some sort of marketing plot, we get there and get handed brochures lol and on a mazda 5 , god thats a hideous looking car

wcs

iTrader: (2)

I don't have a Face Book account...
When's the date of the meet?

Speed_8

they said it will be sometime before the racing season starts, and I have no idea when that is lol..

wcs

iTrader: (2)

lol
me too

Kafka

Al, I understand your frustration....we will see

REV-illusions

iTrader: (3)

Skeptical as well... smells like too little too late, as the meet is only in response to some bad PR.

In addition, I still don't really understand why they would want our suggestions for such a thing. I guess they'd really know what to do with us if the meet did happen other than line up their current models and say "aren't they pretty?" as we mill around like we were in a Timmy's parking lot. It just sounds way too forced.. done more out of the fear of a backlash then a supporting spirit. I hope I'm wrong... but I'm not holding my breathe.

I've already come to the conclusion that my next car likely won't be a Mazda unless another rotary gets squeezed out.


Hey man... the 5 is actually a pretty good little car for what it is. Not the best looking to be sure... but functional.

Speed_8

[/QUOTE] Hey man... the 5 is actually a pretty good little car for what it is. Not the best looking to be sure... but functional.[/QUOTE]

I know lol I used to sell them, I loved the old design and for the price you get a lot,
however, I just can't get passed the front and the side wave , man imagine a dent there, you're gonna need a new door lol

RacerJason

Alright, let's get a few things straight.

Firstly, Mazda Canada doesn't want to meet with "enthusiasts" just yet as this thread title states.

I took note of Mazda Canada's post concerning supporting motorsports, being the leading manufacturer in that respect, etc. and called them out on it. I took it viral to a light degree and wham, almost seventy "agrees" to my opening statement.

The ensuing discussion on Facebook is about supporting Mazda Motorsports in Canada, at all levels from purchasing parts to lap your car in Solo or Time Attack to professional teams entered in the Canadian Touring Car Championship like we are.

Mazda Canada posted:

"Again, thank you everyone for your feedback. We definitely understand where you’re coming from.

Mazda Canada does financially support several Canadian racing events, such as the ALMS, Star Mazda and MX-5 cup series at Mosport, and Continent...al and Star Mazda series in Trois-Rivières. And we are very proud to say that Mazda has had a number of Canadian racers compete within the MAZDASPEED ladder. Recent/current racers include Sylvain Tremblay, James Hichcliffe, Michael Furfari, Taylor Hacquard, Chris Cumming, Arrie Maree, Michael Vincec, David Ostella, and Mikael Grenier. In addition, Canadian Mazda-powered racers do have access to our MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development program.

Having said that, we agree that there’s more that we should be doing to support you. (as in Canadian Mazda race teams and grassroots competitors)

As a start, Andrew Wong had a good suggestion and we’d like to act on it...anyone interested in a meet-and-greet luncheon with Mazda Canada please send us an email with your contact info to: meetandgreet@mazda.ca "

This is not a "meet" in the terms most of you are use to. I am going to suggest that I put together a group of 9-10 people from various levels of Mazda-based motorsports participation to meet with the Reps and discuss future support including everything from:

* Working with Mazdaspeed in the states to secure another carrier so that we don't get dinged with the mandatory $40 UPS charge when you order parts

* An annual Mazda sponsored lapping day at the Mosport DDT perhaps

* Greater involvement in the annual MOM including supplying prizes.

* Possible financial support for professional teams in high visibility series.

* Contingency programs for a selection of series in Canada.

They are interested in gathering ideas on how to support Mazda's motorsports presence in Canada. Mazda Canada has only opened this door once or twice in the last decade so let us try and finally lay a foundation firstly with motorsports that can support and include enthusiasts once we've cleared the air over racing.

So please, hold off on your emails until I can assemble a group of people to meet with their representatives. If you actively participate in motorsports in your Mazda and have some valuable ideas or constructive opinions to share then PM me a brief description and leave me your email. Again, it makes sense that I select 9-10 people to join me at Mazda.

Footman

iTrader: (2)

RacerJason,

I think you are trying to bias the focus towards motorsport first and foremost as opposed to the support for the average Mazda enthusiast.

I think Mazda's response is equal in weight, it is trying to find ways to show support for the enthusiast [B]and[B] racers such as yourself.

Has Mazda directly contacted you and singled you out to assemble a group of people to talk about motorsport concerns in Canada?

My name was directly referenced that my idea was a good start. What I'm trying to say is, Mazda is trying to generate more publicity and PR for ALL ENTHUSIASTs and Racers and not just racers in general. They have already addressed the fact that they do support Canadian motorsports in the second paragraph.

Therefore, I don't agree with your saying that when Mazda referenced to "you" in the 3rd line (referencing to (as in Canadian Mazda race teams and grassroots competitors))

Speed_8

Thats an excellent point, We are the people who provide Mazda with their income, we are the people who buy their cars, their parts ect ..( I know Motorsports community does as well but we are the majority ). and not the people who race and want hand outs. I'm sure when Mazda Canada mentioned your name on Facebook it went to your head, but we do not want to be spoken for. I'm going for the bbq and to see other enthusiasts like myself and see what they did with their mazda product. I'm pretty sure thats Mazda's main priority as well....( and so people feel like they are doing something ) why would they all of a sudden start supporting more just because you had a few negative comments for them?

RacerJason

That's funny, because that thread topic is Mazda being the leading manufacturer in supporting motorsports:

http://www.nowpublic.com/sports/grea...s-mazda-really

I encourage anyone to review each comment thereafter again. 95%+ of the comments focus is on motorsports


Like I said, 95%+ of the posts and the original thread topic revolve around Mazda Canada not supporting homegrown motorsports efforts.


No, but I will be talking with my contacts there today.



Naturally Mazda wants to demonstrate that they have an interest in their owners group, but again, if you review the article, the thread topic and every post it is overwhelmingly motorsports focused.

And do you believe everything your told? I've never seen evidence of Mazda Canada financially supporting any of the efforts they listed ,and I've either been in a position to witness it or know the people in the exchange.


Seriously?

"Mazda Canada does financially support several Canadian racing events, such as the ALMS, Star Mazda and MX-5 cup series at Mosport, and Continent...al and Star Mazda series in Trois-Rivières. And we are very proud to say that Mazda has had a number of Canadian racers compete within the MAZDASPEED ladder. Recent/current racers include Sylvain Tremblay, James Hichcliffe, Michael Furfari, Taylor Hacquard, Chris Cumming, Arrie Maree, Michael Vincec, David Ostella, and Mikael Grenier. In addition, Canadian Mazda-powered racers do have access to our MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development program.

Having said that, we agree that there’s more that we should be doing to support you."

So that paragraph outlining their alleged support of various motorsports, and racecar drivers followed by that statement I've bold is not about supporting racing?!?

Getting this far is a huge step in the right direction. Like I said and Al chimed in on, Mazda Canada does not let down their guard often. This can be much more about racing, it can be something bigger including all enthusiasts but lets start by tackling the racing issue (which is what this is all about). Then we will have the leverage to increase their support in all enthusiast activities.

Footman

iTrader: (2)

I still don't agree. From a business standpoint, the owners and buyers are the ones generating IMMEDIATE revenue for the company in addition to immediate publicity and PR.

Motorsports generates revenue and PR only after you've actually won something and made headlines. If you finish in the bottom, no one remembers you, and no one sees Mazda as a leading brand.

Sales shot up in the few years following the LeMans win for the 787 in the early 90's.

Mazda first and foremost is a company that sells cars to the everyday person; they aren't a company like McLaren and even McLaren themselves are trying to go mainstream to sell more cars to the public.

Motorsports alone cannot support a manufacturer throughout. Only with the revenue stream generated from the common public can they support motorsports, therefore, generating good PR is the main focus, not motorsport support.

TheWulf

iTrader: (4)

I will laugh so hard if this happens...

Thank you all for coming. As I'm speaking to you right now, my team is quickly scouring the parking lot and writing down all your VIN numbers. Along with all of the contact information you e-mailed in, we have more than enough information on you to deny all your future warranty work.

Release the hounds!

TheWulf

iTrader: (4)

Oh, and Jason:

Andrew and the rest of the gang here tried really hard to get your concerns across to MC by supporting you in your Facebook crusade. I can understand that you might feel a little bit upset that we succeeded as a group where you failed as an individual (in getting MC's attention), but honestly, that's what you wanted, isn't it? To get their attention? Well congrats, now you have it.

That said, MC's post was not directed at you personally. They reached out to the entire community, so stop acting self-righteous and trying to keep people from sharing their opinions, ambitions and contact information. Some people are interested in in full-on racing, some are interested in autocross, and some may so solo sprint. That doesn't make them any less deserving than you.

You should be extremely grateful for what everybody here did for you, because without them, you would have nothing more right now than you did a few weeks ago. Contrarily to what you may believe, you're not any better than anyone else in here.

I encourage everyone to e-mail in whatever they want. I know I will.

Speed_8

Well said guys, I have nothing more to add

RacerJason

I sincerely appreciate everyone's support, that's a fact, and I've thanked people for their involvement and input and encouraged more throughout the process. And I did not fail as an individual, I asked for everyone to chime in on the thread from multiple Mazda forums:

RX7Club.com: http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=940365

RX8Club.com: https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/help-211271/

ToProtege.com: http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58568


I fully understand that the response was not solely directed at me. In each of my threads I stated:

"Regardless if you support us or have a goal of competing yourself at some level in Canada your opinion needs to be heard! Tell Mazda Canada we all deserve some level of factory support ourselves!!!"

Does that not include the entire community of Mazda motorsports participants? I'm not looking out for us alone but the Mazda racing participants in Canada at all levels.

And I'm not being self-righteous. I think we can accomplish more in an initial meeting with Mazda Canada by having a group of people that represents each facet and level of motorsports in Canada. Having a hundred people show up to stand around the parking lot at Mazda and have a passing say in what needs to be done will accomplish little if anything. Having a group with broad participation in Mazda motorsports including but not limited to Solo, Time Attack, Regional and National Racing will better deliver a package of ideas relevant to improving Mazda Canada's involvement and support Canadian racing.


I have said thanks often and in the threads asking for the community to support the FB thread which in fact is not focused only on my team but all Mazda Motorsports participants as clearly illustrated above. And where did you get the idea that I think I'm better than anyone else?!? lol I believe that I would make a good spokesperson given my 13 years involvement in the Mazda community and all levels of motorsports but I understand that is not for me to decide.


Yep, flood them with contact information, go for it. They'll either hold an event of some sort to distract people from the quest I set us on the path of or use it for marketing purposes and we'll never know what could have come from an organized group of experienced individuals stating their concerns and wishes for the betterment of Mazda motorsports in Canada.