MAZDA6 Dragster First Import-Nameplate Pro Front-Wheel Drive Car to Run Seven-Second Quarter-Mile

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2004 -- MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development recently added a new chapter to its storied racing history as Ed Bergenholtz's PRO-FWD MAZDA6 dragster officially became the first import-nameplate front-wheel drive vehicle to tackle the quarter-mile in less than eight seconds. With a time of 7.934 seconds at nearly 184 miles per hour, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development and Bergenholtz now are members of an elite group of high-octane, high-speed performers.

Bergenholtz's record-setting run occurred on Oct. 23 at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact World Finals at Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. The seven-second barrier has been the brass ring for many front-wheel drive competitors in years past, and prior to Bergenholtz's blistering run, the only teams to grasp it have been multi-million dollar factory programs from domestic nameplate manufacturers.

"MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development's commitment to competition shines through once again -- this time on the drag strip," said Steve Sanders, manager, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development. "We share a common passion and dedication with Bergenholtz Racing, and we knew that reaching the seven-second mark was not a question of if, but when."

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development and Bergenholtz have catapulted import drag racing to a new level with their historic feat, further establishing their performance pedigree in drag racing and earning the respect of competitors and race fans alike.

While domestic-backed competitors have spent millions of dollars and numerous years transforming existing engines into 1200-horsepower beasts, the MAZDASPEED engineers worked closely with Bergenholtz Racing to unleash the capabilities of Mazda's 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder powerplant in under two years and for millions less than the competition. This cautious, empirical attitude allowed for unique solutions to problems such as clutch-grab at launch and traction control, which gave Bergenholtz unique advantages over his competition that became evident during his record-setting run.

Bergenholtz Racing will continue developing its MAZDA6 dragster throughout the year. For race fans interested in seeing the menacing MAZDA6 devour the quarter-mile, Bergenholtz will be one of the many MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development drivers on hand for an NHRA children's charity event at Pomona Raceway on Nov. 10.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.