Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom Live Makes First Pit Stop in D.C.

By Les Jackson

AIADA Contributing Editor

Zoom-Zoom Live came to D.C. last weekend and over 5,000 lucky participants got to blaze around four tracks in a variety of Mazda products. Taking control of a Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Mazda 5, RX-8, MX-5 Miata, CX-7 or MAZDASPEED 6, drivers were able to compete against the clock for points and prizes or test their skills on tight turns on autocross and gymkhana tracks.

The event, held at Fed Ex Field, was the first of Mazda’s ten-city Zoom-Zoom Live tour, the purpose of which, in the words of Chuck Miller, Mazda’s Marketing Analyst, "is simply an opportunity to introduce people to Mazda products." There are no sales people, no commitments on the part of the participants and no fees involved. Participants in each city can sign up on the internet or fill out a waiver form at the event itself, then start driving!

The most exciting of the track events is the MAZDASPEED6 Challenge, presented by Bridgestone. Drivers belted themselves into a 270-horsepower MAZDASPEED6 and attempted to match – or beat – the record time (42.5 seconds) through a tight, winding autocross track marked out on the tarmac. This test of skill was rewarded not only by the sheer fun of it, but also the accumulation of points toward prizes. Electronic photos were taken of each driver so that they could go on the web later to view themselves.

Another fun event was the CX-7 Target Hunt, in which a laser-equipped CX-7 SUV could be driven over reflectors on the track to score points. This was a test of directional skill (how well can you aim the vehicle?) and focus, rather than speed.

For pure, all-out speed and exhilaration, participants could drive MX-5 Miata’s and RX-8 sports cars over a non-timed gymkhana-like course. The smell of burning rubber and sound of squealing tires was the order of the day on that track, but Miller said there were plenty of spare tires and parts on hand.

The last of the tracks was devoted to a matched-time event, wherein drivers could select any of several Mazda models and compete on a gymkhana course to match a predetermined time. This provided a great way to drive briskly, while paying attention to one’s overall time.

The Zoom-Zoom Live event is definitely one to attend for any auto enthusiast. It combines the best of driving fun and no pressure. The next event is in Boston on August 19-20; New York on the 26-27. Following these the event goes to Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. All the details are to be found at www.zoomzoomlive.com.