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MAZDASPORT eNEWS MAY 2007





The new issue of Mazdasport Magazine is just about ready to hit the post! In it, we test the new MX-5 Miata with the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) and then compare it against the original 1990 model. Can't wait to see how the PRHT fared? Check out the video version, recorded for our TV show, Driving Sports TV. You can watch the complete episode online at the official site www.drivingsports.com.

What a better way to enjoy an RX-8 than to battle The Dragon! We have an exclusive report from this annual event along with an update on Champ Car Atlantic in this edition of the Mazdasport eNews. Check them out below.

Thanks for reading! Not yet a subscriber to Mazdasport Magazine? You can get 6 issues (about a year) for only $19.99. Click here to subscribe online.

Cheers,


Ryan Douthit, Publisher
Mazdasport Magazine

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Slaying the Dragon
By Chris Crane
Photo by Bobby Williams

Traveling along a serene and steeply winding road near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina, you hear a sudden thrilling roar. The distinct sound of rotary engines echoes through this peaceful haven, announcing the launch of the third annual Deals Gap Rotary Rally.

If you've ever had the opportunity to drive a rotary-powered car on a mountain road, then you know that they were built with curves in mind. There is no better place to experience that innovative design than at the world renowned Tail of the Dragon, tucked away in this scenic mountain hideaway. The Dragon, as it is affectionately known, is another name for an eleven mile stretch of US Highway 129 that spans the North Carolina - Tennessee border and comes to an end at Chillowhee Lake. This area is called Deals Gap, and it has become a mecca for motorcyclists and sports car lovers. With 318 curves in eleven miles, the road seems like it was cut specifically with enthusiasts in mind.

The rotary's chance to slay the Dragon occurred this year on April 21st. For the third year in a row, RX-7s, RX-8s, and other descendants of the rotary heritage (including an RX-2, RX-3, and even a REPU Truck) arrived in Deals Gap for a weekend unlike any other. Drivers from all across the country formed caravans and made the journey to pay homage to the Dragon and enjoy a few days away from the daily grind. Deals Gap is not only a place to release the soul of your sports car, but also to enjoy the spirit of driving, make lots of new friends, and meet with others who share the rotary virus.

We'll have full coverage of this event in Issue 5 of MazdaSport, due out in July. Until then, check out www.dealsgaprotaryrally.com and plan to put this great event on your calendar for next year.

Matos Dominates Champ Car Atlantics
By Jeff Zurschmeide

Champ Car Atlantic series leader Raphael Matos continues to raise the bar for the popular Mazda-powered series. The young Brazilian recently won his third consecutive race to maintain his shut-out position as the leader in the 2007 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda.

After scoring the win at the season opener in Las Vegas, the second-year Atlantic racer maintained his dominance through the Long Beach Grand Prix with a pole position start and a race victory. He also claimed the pole and the top podium position in the race at Reliant Park in Houston.

"What else can I say, it was a great weekend for us. It was very important for me this accomplishment, winning three races in a row. We just wanted to make sure that both cars were on the podium and we were able to do that. I am quite happy for the team right now," Matos said.

Carl Skerlong of Mukilteo, Wash. finished second in Houston in large part due to bold and risky moves that paid off on the tight street course. "It didn't seem like a big risk. To me there was quite a large hole on the outside and I figured someone should occupy it. I've seen James race for a long time and I knew he wouldn't make a stupid decision so I thought I was safe and took advantage of it," Skerlong said.

The series now moves on to Portland, Oregon for two races on June 9 & 10. Fans are anxious to see if the home field advantage works for Skerlong to knock Matos off the top of the podium. Find out more at www.champcaratlantic.com.

Photo Courtesy of Champ Car Media
In This Issue TWM Short Shifters Slaying the Dragon Champ Car Atlantic Valuable Links

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Sweet, thats me and yes I took that photo :-). I've been waiting for that issue.

 

well, mazda already has plans on releasing its own owners circle magazine called Zoom Zoom in the near future. it'll probably only be free to new owners in their first year, but i'm guessing there will be some way for us other owners to pay for a subscription.

 

No, not in this case. Especially since I get no benefit from, nor do I have any connection with the publication in any way. To me, it's "RX-8 Media News."

 

No it isn't. I have never received one issue in the mail. The only time I have seen this mag is at ZoomZoomLive. There were free issues available. I wasn't impressed.

 

Can't say whether US owners get it free for buying the car (I didn't when I bought my car back in 04), but it is a 100% official magazine published bi-monthly that you can grab at just about any bookstore (I'm only mentioning this because I don't want people thinking the magazine's not real as you alluded to). One of our very own members, namely me, is in the last issue. That alone is enough to buy it hahaha.

Disclaimer: I in now way get any benefits or compensation from the Mazdasport guys. I'm just enjoying my 15minutes of fame and want all of you to enjoy it too haha.

MP3Guy, you can end all of this by just removing the 'save blah blah blah' advertisements you have at the end of your post. Boom and the despamification would be complete.
edit: also, remove that 'you're getting this email because blah blah' crap from the top to further despamify your post. That part isn't news haha.

 

Hey all,

I mostly just lurk here, but will come out of the shadows to address a couple points:

US Mazda owners have the option to get a free trial issue when they register their new Mazda. That's our deal with MNAO and means that we have thousands upon thousands of Mazda owners read each issue.

If you haven't picked up a copy since ZoomZoomLive, I think you'll find it greatly improved. More changes are still coming, so give us your feedback, we like to hear about what you want to see! (email the editor at www.mazdasportonline.com)

As mentioned, Mazdasport is indeed a "real magazine" available at Barnes & Noble as well as many other booksellers across the country. (Though it's always easier to subscribe).

I've been trying to get a hold of Ryan Scott to talk about having him supply some more rotary content, but no luck getting him to return a call. If anyone sees him tell him to call me. He has my number.

Cheers,

 

Wait, i never got anything like this in my e-mail when i bought my car, and yes i bought it new.

 

Cleaning up this thread. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't post it.