Mazda Hosts World's Largest Performance Driving School and Competitive Driving Event
MARINA DEL REY, Calif.--April 15, 2003--More than 20,000 Car Lovers Will Learn Performance Driving Techniques from Top Pro Instructors, Compete Nationally for Prizes and Acclaim;
First Three Sold-Out Events Captivate Enthusiasts, Neophytes Alike
Professional racing drivers are trained to drive at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. You sit in traffic for two hours -- but when you're on the open road, do you really feel comfortable behind the wheel? Professional racers have spent thousands of dollars to learn their trade. Now, thanks to Mazda, you can enroll in a high performance driving school for $39, and get the bonus of competing in a national driving competition.
Automotive enthusiasts in a dozen major markets around the U.S. still have a chance to get behind the wheel at Mazda Rev It Up(TM), the world's largest performance driving school tour. The first three markets -- San Francisco, Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif. -- were sensational hits, selling out far in advance, and bringing grins to the faces of the competitors. Seats for the other twelve cities are still available, but filling up fast. Participants may register at www.MazdaRevItUp.com.
"Mazda Rev It Up is designed for anyone who loves cars and wants to improve his or her driving skills," said Kristen Simmons, vice president of marketing for Mazda North American Operations. "For the truly competitive, it's a chance to prove they can be one of America's fastest amateur race drivers."
Mazda Rev It Up consists of several components: classroom instruction, performance driving instruction with professional drivers and a solo event that will pit the driver against the clock and competitors.
The classroom session is patterned after "Chalk Talk" instruction held at racing schools. A standard one-day session at a top performance driving school generally costs between $600-$900.
The Mazda Rev It Up "Chalk Talk" includes all aspects of driving -- from the best seating position to vehicle dynamics to how to find the proper racing line to skid recovery. The performance driving clinics allow participants to receive one-on-one instruction from a pro driver. Among the instructors are John Rutherford, son of Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford; CART Racer Ted Prappas; and Busch Grand National and Craftsman Truck racer Randy Tolsma.
Mazda's national competitive driving challenge is designed so that each participant has two practices and two chances to post the highest score on an autocross course behind the wheel of the new MAZDA6 sports sedan. Drivers will be able to see how they fare against all others in their class during the weekend. A special website, www.MazdaRevItUp.com, will show how drivers measure up against others across the country. The driver to post the highest score in each market will go on to a National Finals and be eligible to win a MAZDA6 as the grand prize.
Mazda Rev It Up is for more than just car enthusiasts -- it's a lifestyle event for anyone who enjoys an active or sports lifestyle. There are cool interactive activities -- karting, Microsoft Xbox autoracing video games, high performance equipment displays, ESPN The Truck2 and more -- to attract everyone seeking a great way to spend a weekend. Admission to the event is free to all; only the competitors must register and pay a $39 entry fee to participate in the school and driving challenge.
"At Mazda Rev It Up we believe in making better, safer drivers," says Rutherford, who serves as Chief Instructor. "What you learn here will make you a better driver on the nation's streets and highways. The nice part of Mazda Rev It Up is that you can have fun while you learn."
The next cities on the tour are Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. Participants may register online at www.MazdaRevItUp.com or by phone at 877-311-5771.
Mazda Rev It Up Tour Dates and Locations:
Houston, TX, Sam Houston Raceway April 26 - 27
Dallas, TX, Texas Motor Speedway May 3 - 4
Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Motor Speedway May 17 - 18
Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Coliseum May 24 - 25
Miami, FL, Gulfstream Park May 31 - June 1
Minneapolis, MN, Minnesota Fairgrounds June 7 - 8
St. Louis, MO, UMB Bank Pavilion June 14 - 15
Chicago, Balmoral Park June 21 - 22
Boston, MA, Gillette Stadium July 12 - 13
Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia Park July 19 - 20
Washington, DC, FedEx Field July 26 - 27
New York, NY, Belmont Park August 2 - 3
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.
Editor's Note: Additional release, digital photography and archived interviews are available at www.Media.MazdaRevItUp.com. Media wishing to experience Mazda Rev It Up, please call Jackie Lapin at 818/707-1473.