Star Mazda at Sebring

[jjspierx]

Did anybody catch the race this weekend? I know it was run a few weekends ago, but it was the first time being shown on TV(at least on Speed Channel and in the states). Good racing. The new Pro Formula Mazda's are very cool cars. Same HP as the Atlantics, but they have less ground effects and downforce so the cars slide around a lot more and don't look as glued to the track. Allows for more close racing and promotes passing. Not to mention it costs WAY less than Atlantics and has a comparable TV package(main difference being the tape delay) So am I the only one here who watches The Star Mazda Series?

[Russfeld]

I was seriously impressed. Brand new cars, going from shakey old tube frame cars to brand new Van Diemens with some(?) carbon bits, and a 30+ field! Incredible incredible cars. Just wish they had more than 10 weekends to help the costs, it should realistically be double-header weekends

[Kicking-back]

Are the cars similar to the Palmer Audi chassis?

[BobN]

Full carbon tub. Here is the spec page:
http://www.starmazda.com/promazda.htm

Russfeld, the series cost for arrive and drive runs in the $180,000-$250,000 for the entire season. With tv package it is probably the best value in the U.S. to go road racing at high speed.

[Russfeld]

For 250 you should be getting two races a weekend. A 10 race schedule starting mid-march is not the proper way to go raod racing.

[BobN]

I agree double headers would be a "better" deal and shouldn't cost any more than single race weekends (maybe one more set of tires), but when compared to any other series out there Star Mazda currently delivers the best value. The problem of double headers is finding room in the schedule. It would require a trade off in losing practice sessions, but probably worth it to competitors and fans alike.

[jjspierx]

Double-headers or not, its still hands down the best deal for open-wheel road racing out there. A ride in Toyota Atlantic is costing drivers $1.5-2m dollars a year. Star Mazda is a fraction of that, and they have similar specs cars, and a good TV package. Atlantics of course get better coverage in that their races are held in conjunction with Champcar events, vs ALMS events for Formula Mazda, but ALMS is no slouch series. Toyota Atlantic has same day TV coverage this year(I think) which is also a bonus, but not worth paying 6-8 times as much for.

[halecmini]

is this the same formula mazda series that look like the jedi's??? i caught a glimps of them on telly the other day......