Texas Autosports News

SOUTHWEST FORMULA MAZDA SERIES AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

2008-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Both Southwest Formula Mazda Series’ (Standard FM and Pro FM) raced at the SCCA Sunburn Grand Prix Double National held at Texas Motor Speedway on May 3-4.

On Saturday, Nur Ali qualified on the pole with Davis Parr in 2nd and R. David Jones in 3rd . By the end of Lap 1, Austin Snader had overtaken Jones for 3rd position. Last years Champion, Dave Zavelson finished 4th. On Sunday, Davis Parr qualified on the pole with Dave Zavelson in 2nd and Nur Ali in 3rd. Nur Ali got a great start at the green flag and took the lead immediately. Davis Parr fell into 2nd place and held his position comfortably. However, Zavelson and Snader battled it out for 3rd. On Lap 8, Zavelson got around Snader but by Lap 14 Snader passed him back and finished the race in 3rd. Nur Ali, with his 2 wins and 2 drops, took the lead in the race for the Championship. Davis Parr is currently 2nd in points with Snader in 3rd. Snader is also leading in the race for Rookie of the Year.

Keith Young won both days in the SWFM Pro Car Series retaining his lead for the Championship. Greg Byrne is currently 2nd in points with Marc Paganini in 3rd.

Both Series will hold their next round of races at Texas World Speedway on May 24-25. For complete race results and point standings go to www.texasautosports.com

SOUTHWEST FORMULA MAZDA SERIES RUMBLES AT HALLETT

2008-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Jose M. Castellano (#99 PFM in front) Richard Stephens (#56 FM in front)

Photo by Birds Eye Photography

Both Southwest Formula Mazda Series’ (Standard FM and Pro FM) traveled to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on
July 20-22 for some awesome racing. I must say that Hallett is not the same without our old friend Mike Stephens.
Mike, long time manager and owner of Hallett, took the checkered flag and crossed the finish line last month after
fighting an undiagnosed neurological illness for several months. His absence was felt, but wife Connie and sons Shayne
and Scott are carrying on his legacy with the same grace, friendliness and humor in which we had become accustomed. We
will never forget Mike Stephens and feel very privileged to have known him.

Jose M. Castellano

Photo by Birds Eye Photography

On Saturday, A1 Grand Prix driver Nur Ali qualified on the pole with Richard Stephens (Tulsa, Ok) in 2nd.
16 year old Austin Snader (Brookshire, Tx) qualified 3rd. The race was over for Richard Stephens after one lap when
his FM got stuck in 4th gear. Soon thereafter, Ali (Ft. Worth, Tx) started having problems with his FM and started
falling back. He pulled in after Lap 6. Snader then took the lead with Davis Parr (Dallas, Tx) and Kendall Smith
(Dallas, Tx) in 2nd and 3rd. Snader, leading his first FM Series race, spun out on Lap 15 and couldn’t restart. Davis
Parr won the race with Kendall Smith finishing 2nd. Roger Addison (Edmond, OK) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Richard Stephens
qualified on the pole with Davis Parr in 2nd and Austin Snader 3rd. Snader, who also wrenches on his car, knew immediately
that he had forgotten to tighten the jets he had replaced that morning. After a quick pit stop, he was back on the track,
but 3 laps down. Nur Ali, starting from the back due to mechanical problems during qualifying, made his way up to 2nd place.
Stephens, Ali, and Davis Parr had a great battle going on. But on Lap 16, Ali’s mechanical problems returned and he was done.
Richard Stephens won the race with Parr in 2nd and newcomer Kendall Smith in 3rd. Zavelson, with Hallett being his 2
permitted “drops”, continues to hold the lead of this Championship race with Parr in 2nd and Walter Gragert in 3rd.

Davis Parr

Photo by Birds Eye Photography

Jose M. Castellano (getting much more comfortable with his car) won both days in the SWFM Pro Car Series moving him
into the lead over Keith Young for the Championship. Bobby Gordon moved into 2nd place in the Series with Keith Young
dropping to 3rd.

Both Series will conclude at Texas Motor Speedway on Sept 1st with cash, prizes, and trophies being presented that evening.

2007 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series Opener

2007-06-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Alex Ardoin, 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda (Standard Car) Series Champion, proved that one can learn a lot out of one season in a Standard Formula Mazda. Alex is running his Pro Formula Mazda in the 2007 Southwest Pro Car Series and did very well in the Series opener held at Motorsport Ranch Houston on February 17-18 at the SCCA Winter at the Ranch Double National. There were 9 Pro Formula Mazdas present with 8 gunning for Southwest Series points. Ross Smith (Ft Worth, TX) got the pole on Saturday with John Strickler (Olathe, KS) and Browning Williams (Houston, TX) in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin started from the back in his Pro Mazda due to a pass under yellow during qualifying. But, it wasn't long before the 17 year old Ardoin (Sunset, LA) made his way up to the front. Smith, Ardoin, and Strickler kept us all afloat on adrenaline as they battled for the lead. Ardoin overtook Smith on Lap 8. Smith's luck would only get worse a few laps later when a lapped FA made an unexpected move. Smith was out of the race with enough damage to end the remainder of his weekend. Strickler finished the race in 2nd and Keith Young (Dallas, Tx) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Alex Ardoin qualified on the pole, with John Strickler in 2nd and Keith Young in 3rd. Ardoin won the race with Strickler and Young in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin had the fastest race lap both days with an impressive 1.2538 and 1.2535. Ardoin, with a background in karting and the Standard Formula Mazda, not only will be running for the Championship in the Southwest Pro FM Series, but also the nationally acclaimed Star Mazda Series Presented by Goodyear. The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear is run in conjunction with the ALMS Series and is televised on the Speed Channel. Keep an eye on him and other Southwest Formula Mazda Series alums such as Russell Walker who have a good chance at winning the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. The SWFM Pro Car Series will be returning to Motorsport Ranch Houston for Rounds 3 & 4 at the SCCA Regional/National on March 31 - April 1.

Alex Ardoin Wins Championship in 2006 SW Formula Mazda Series

2007-03-02T15:40:00.001-08:00

The 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda Series concluded at No Problem Raceway near Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 7^th. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time. Alex Ardoin was “the man” of the weekend getting the Pole, winning the race, and winning the Championship. Lindsey Adams qualified and finished in 2^nd. Adams dedicated her race at No Problem to “Race for the Cure” and is currently helping to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Adams was chosen as “Person of the Week” on ABC’s World News for her activity with “Race for the Cure”. Debbie Adams, Lindsey’s mother, is a breast cancer survivor and Lindsey’s inspiration. The 2006 Awards presentation was held in the No Problem Sports Bar that evening with Cajun food and cash bar. Over $26,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the top ten finishers in the Series. Alex Ardoin was crowned Champion of the Series. Lindsey Adams finished 2^nd and Mark Olson 3^rd. Alex also took home the trophies for Teen Champion and Rookie of the Year. Alex will be moving up to the Pro Formula Mazda next year and will be competing in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. His trial run in the Star Mazda Pro Series this year (Atlanta) proved that he will definitely be a contender. We expect to see him on the Pro Series podium a few times if not more. Full Race Results and Point Standings can be found at www.texasautosports.com The Southwest Formula Mazda Series will celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary in 2007. To honor this benchmark, the Series will be awarding special “Anniversary” trophies, shirts, hats, and jackets. Come join the fun in 2007!

Hickham Wins Championship in SWFM Pro Car Series

2006-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

The 2^nd year of the Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series concluded at Texas Motor Speedway at the SCCA Double Regional on September 16-17. Coming in to the weekend, Steven Hickham Jr. had the Championship clinched, but 2^nd and 3^rd were still to be determined. There were 8 Pro Formula Mazdas participating in the event. On Saturday, Alex Ardoin got the pole with Browning Williams in 2^nd and Keith Young in 3^rd. It was Alex Ardoin’s inaugural race weekend in his Pro Formula Mazda. (Ardoin is currently leading the Championship in the SWFM Standard Car Series). At the end of Lap 1, Browning Williams was leading the race. Two laps later, Ardoin made a pass on the front straight to take the lead. The two swapped leads several times after that with Keith Young close on their tails. Ardoin completed his first win in the Pro FM with Williams in 2^nd and Young in 3^rd. JW Roberts, battling for 2^nd Place in the Series, finished 4^th. Ardoin had the fastest race lap of the weekend with a 1:19:45. Sunday, in the rain, Ardoin again got the pole with Keith Young in 2^nd and JW Roberts in 3^rd. By race time, it seemed as if the rain had stopped and the track was drying. Everyone gridded with slicks. About 3 minutes before the start of the race, the rain returned. Keith Young’s crew did a “Nascar” change to rain tires barely finishing before it was time to leave the grid. On Lap 1, Ardoin spun and was left at the back of the pack. Young was in the lead with Forest Barber in 2^nd and Roberts in 3^rd. Ardoin fought his way back toward the front and was in 3^rd place by Lap 6 of the 16 Lap race. On Lap 11, Ardoin passed Barber to gain the 2^nd place spot and set his sights on Young. However, Young had developed a very good lead for the win and Ardoin had to settle for 2^nd. Ardoin was soon to be disqualified in impound for not meeting weight requirements leaving Forest Barber in 2^nd . Browning Williams finished 3rd giving him the necessary points to capture 2^nd Place in the Series and Masters Champion.

The Series awards were presented following the race. Steven Hickham Jr. won the Championship. Browning Williams got 2^nd and JW Roberts beat Keith Young by 1 point for 3^rd. Thirteen drivers competed in the 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series with 5 different winners. Next year looks to be hotter than ever. For complete race results and point standings, go to www.texasautosports.com

Southwest Formula Mazda Series Heating Up

2006-09-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Rounds 4 & 5 of the SWFM Series were held at the SCCA Lone Star Grand Prix Regional/National on May 27-28 at Texas World Speedway.

On Saturday, Lindsey Adams got her first "pole" with Dave Zavelson and Alex Ardoin in 2nd and 3rd. Lindsey, in her first year of Formula Mazda, comes from a successful go karting background. Lindsey held her pole position to the end. The battle was between Dave Zavelson and Alex Ardoin. On Lap 12 of the 17 Lap race, Ardoin finally made the pass around Zavelson for 2nd. Zavelson finished 3rd with Mark Olson in 4th. On Sunday, again Lindsey Adams won the "pole" in her hot pink and florescent orange Formula Mazda. Alex Ardoin qualified 2nd with Dave Zavelson in 3rd. On Lap 2, Ardoin got tapped from the rear and spun off course. Ardoin's day was finished. Lindsey again held the lead for the entire race. Mark Olson held the 2nd place spot for 15 laps until Zavelson got around him at the end of the front straight. A Full Course Yellow appeared on Lap 20 and the race was finished under "yellow". Lindsey Adams won the race with Dave Zavelson in 2nd and Mark Olson 3rd.

The Southwest Formula Mazda Series then traveled to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit for Rounds 6 & 7 on June 24-25. There were 9 Formula Mazdas present with 8 competing for series points. On Saturday, Richard Stephens got the pole with Alex Ardoin in 2nd and Lindsey Adams in 3rd. Stephens lead the race for 14 laps of the 20 lap race. On Lap 15, while passing a lapped car, Stephens lost his line and went off track. Ardoin then got by and won the race with Richard Stephens in 2nd and Michael Stephens (Richard's Dad) in 3rd. Unfortunately, Michael Stephens didn't have as much lunch as he thought that day and came up a little light on the scales giving 3rd place to Mark Olson. Lindsey Adams had problems with her transmission and didn't finish the race. But her mechanics (John Calandra and Michael Conn) pulled an "all nighter" to get her back on the track on Sunday. They hauled her car back to Dallas, swapped out transmissions from another FM, and returned back to Hallett to get her on the track by 8:40 am on Sunday. Hallett is aprox. 5-6 hours from Dallas - that's 10-12 hours round trip. Good job guys!!!!

On Sunday, Alex Ardoin, who was recently selected out of 59 drivers for a Skip Barber Karting Scholarship, qualified on the pole with a 1:15:48. Richard Stephens qualified 2nd with a 1:15 82. Lindsey Adams qualified 3rd. At the start of the race, Alex went off the track in Turn 1. It took him a while to get the car restarted, so he was left far behind the pack. But, he fought his way back up to the top and finished 3rd. Richard Stephens won the race in front of his home fans and Lindsey Adams finished 2nd.

The Southwest Formula Mazda Series has had 4 different winners after running 7 races (Alex Ardoin, Darryl Wills, Lindsey Adams, and Richard Stephens). The Series travels back to Texas World Speedway on August 5-6. Alex Ardoin now leads the race for the Championship by 20 points. Lindsey Adams is in 2nd and Richard Stephens in 3rd. Alex is also leading for Rookie of the Year with Michael Stephens leading for Masters Champion.

For more info on Formula Mazda and the Southwest Formula Mazda Series, go to www.texasautosports.com

Congrats to Southwest Formula Mazda Series Driver Alex Ardoin

2006-07-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

59 drivers recently competed in the Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shoot-out at Sebring International Raceway. Only 6 of those 59 drivers were selected for scholarship prizes. Alex Ardoin, Southwest Formula Mazda Series driver was one of the six selected. Alex won a $10,000. sponsorship for his efforts. Drivers were selected based upon speed, judgment, and personal presentation. Congrats to Alex and we look forward to enjoying his talent in the 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda Series.

Southwest Formula Mazda Series Concludes

2006-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

On October 15-16, the Southwest Formula Mazda Series ran Rounds 11 and 12 at Texas Motor Speedway. There were 18 Formula Mazdas participating with 11 competing for Series points. Going into the weekend, Russell Walker was leading the championship by only 4 points in front of David Stover. On Saturday, Stover got the pole. Walker, having technical problems with his car, qualified 6th. Walker fought long and hard during the race, but could only obtain a 4th place with his car troubles. 16 year olds Steven Hickham and Alex Ardoin had a fantastic battle going for 2nd. Hickham prevailed and finished 2nd behind Stover. Ardoin finished 3rd. Overnight, the problem with Walker's car was rectified. It seems that he had a defective part on his car. On Sunday, Michael Tari got the "pole" with Walker in 2nd and Stover in 3rd. After the first lap, Stover had recaptured his usual lead position. Walker, having his technical problems cured, put the pressure on Stover. They battled it out going side by side for many laps. Stover won the race with Walker in 2nd. The Series concluded with Round 13 at No Problem Raceway near Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 12th. Stover qualified on the "pole" with Walker only .005 seconds behind him. 2004 Series Champion Darryl Wills, returning from an FM hiatus, qualified 3rd. Ardoin and Hickham were back at it qualifying 4th and 5th. However, Hickham failed the weight tech and had to start the race in the back. Stover, kept his lead in front of Walker for the entire race. It looked as if it would be the usual "1-2" finish, but Walker got a cut in his tire and had to pit for a tire change. The tire change went as well as any NASCAR pit stop, and Walker was back in the race loosing only 2 positions. With only 7 laps left, Walker made it up to 3rd and finished the race behind Wills. Hickham, running a remarkable race from the back, finished 5th. The Awards Banquet was held that evening at the No Problem Sports Bar and David Stover was crowned the Champion with Russell Walker in 2nd and Michael Tari in 3rd. JW Roberts was awarded "Rookie of the Year", Robert Baker the "Masters Champion", and Steven Hickham the "Teen Champion". Awards were presented as follows:

1. David Stover - $6,000. Cash, $750 Taylor Race Eng Certificate, Ringers Driver X Gloves, Apron and Hat

2. Russell Walker - $4,500. Cash, $750 Racetech Certificate, 1 Case of Royal Purple

3. Michael Tari - $3,400. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

4. JW Roberts - $2,500. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

5. Steven Hickham - $2,000. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

6. Robert Baker - $1,700. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

7. Frank Tomlinson - $1,500. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

8. Dave Zavelson - $1,300. Cash, Two Goodyear Tires, 1 Case of Royal Purple

9. Walter Gragert - $1,100. Cash, 8 Sessions at Motorsport Ranch, 1 Case of Royal Purple

10. Richard Stephens - $1,000. Cash, 8 Sessions at Motorsport Ranch, 1 Case of Royal Purple

Rookie of the Year - JW Roberts- $500 Taylor Race Eng Certificate

Masters Champion - Robert Baker -$500 Racetech Certificate

Teen Series Champion - Steven Hickham - $250 Taylor Certificate, Ringers Split Fit Gloves, Apron and Hat

Awarded throughout the Season: Goodyear Tires ($4,564. Value) Ringers Gloves ($390.00 Value)

Southwest Formula Mazda Musical Chairs

2005-12-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Southwest Formula Mazda Series returned to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit for Rounds 9 and 10 on August 27-28. There were 13 Formula Mazdas present with 9 competing for series points. This time, the track was run in the opposite direction from our last visit in July. On Saturday, David Stover qualified on the pole with Russell Walker and Steven Hickham in 2nd and 3rd. They finished the race in the exact same order. Most of the tight racing was going on between Michael Tari, JW Roberts, and Richard Stephens. Roberts passed Tari on Lap 12, and kept him behind him for the remainder of the race, finishing in 4th. With Saturday's race being fairly uneventful, the drivers more than made up for it on Sunday. There were 2 "Full Course Yellows" and every position (other than first) changed hands numerous times. Again, Stover qualified on the pole with a 1:15:15. Steven Hickham had a remarkable morning with a qualifying time of 1:15:35 placing Walker (1:15:50) in an uncharacteristic 3rd place starting position. At the start of the race, Hickham's inexperience showed and he drove off the track on Turn 1 of the first lap of the race. Michael Tari took the same route and ended up at the very back of the pack. At the conclusion of Lap 1, Richard Stephens was in 3rd and JW Roberts (starting last because of a date Saturday night in Dallas with his wife) was in 4th. But Roberts had trouble and again found himself trailing at the back. A Full Course Yellow was called to clear debris from the track giving Walker a great opportunity at Stover who was holding his lead comfortably. But Walker still could not get by. On Lap 14, Richard Stephens noticed his wheel was loose and had to "call it a day". This left new teen driver Alex Ardoin (Sunset, Louisiana) in 3rd - but not for long. JW Roberts made his way up the pack for the 3rd time and got around Alex - only to spin out 2 laps later. Alex, with nowhere to go, hit Roberts, taking them both out. By now, Tari had made his way up from the back and took the revolving 3rd place position. With a 2nd Full Course Yellow sucking the pack up, Russell Walker had a second chance to put the hammer on Stover. But Walker spun leaving Tari in 2nd and Robert Baker (current Masters Champion leader) in 3rd. Walker slid in with a 4th and Steven Hickham finished in 5th. David Stover leading for the entire 25 laps - won the race. The Southwest Formula Mazda Series wishes to thank the WONDERFUL people at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit. They are so hospitable and we really enjoy racing there. At the conclusion of the weekend, Robert Baker is still in the lead for Masters Champion and J.W. Roberts is leading for Rookie of the Year. There are only 4 points between Walker and Stover for the Championship. Come see them battle it out at Texas Motor Speedway for Rounds 11 and 12 on October 14-15-16. The final race will be held at No Problem Raceway in November (if Katrina was nice enough to leave us a track). For more info on Formula Mazda and the Southwest Formula Mazda Series, go to www.texasautosports.com.

15 Year Old Steven Hickham gets First Podium in SWFM Series

2005-09-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Rounds 7 and 8 of the Southwest Formula Mazda Series were held July 23-24 at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Temperatures were in the 100's, but the drivers still had loads of fun and tight competition. There were 12 Formula Mazdas present with 10 competing for series points. New to the Series, were Chris Bedford (Dallas, Tx) and Richard Stephens (Broken Arrow, Ok). A big thanks goes to the new Series drivers. The battle between Russell Walker and David Stover was again continued with qualifying times and fastest race laps extremely close. The two competitors put on quite a show with lots of action and very "clean" racing. Walker qualified on the pole Saturday with Stover in 2nd. Stover took the lead on the first lap, but lost it to Walker on Lap 4. Thereafter, Stover made a pass on Walker but ended up "off course" and never regained the lead. Michael Tari, who qualified 3rd, "went off" in Lap 6 leaving J.W. Roberts in 3rd position. However, Teen Series competitor Steven Hickham was soon pressuring Roberts and got around him on Lap 9. But Roberts did not let young Hickham take his podium gently. Hickham had to hold Roberts off for the remaining 11 laps to finish in 3rd behind Stover and Walker. On Sunday, Stover pulled out a 1:15:52 on his last lap of Qualifying, taking the pole away from Walker who "threw down" a 1:15:58. Michael Tari qualified 3rd. Stover and Walker again had a very exciting battle with leads swapping back and forth. A "Double Yellow" brought the field together on Lap 13. On the re-start, Stover and Walker put on another display of great racing by going side by side for 5 corners. They had all the spectators on their feet and yelling. Stover came out on top and won the race with Walker in 2nd. J.W. Roberts, still hot for a podium finish, gave Michael Tari a "run for his money". Tari gave it his all and finished in 3rd. Other great battles emerged between Mike Fling and Richard Stephens who were both racing on their home track. Fling finished 5th on Sunday in front of Stephens who had finished right in front of Fling the previous day. At the conclusion of the weekend, Robert Baker is in the lead for Masters Champion and J.W. Roberts is leading for Rookie of the Year. The SWFM Series will return to Hallett for more action on August 26-27-28.

Russell Walker Sweeps Rounds 5&6 of Southwest Formula Mazda Series

2005-08-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Rounds 5 & 6 of the SWFM Series were held at TWS on May 28-29 at the Lone Star Region SCCA Aggienapolis 500 Regional/National On Saturday, Russell Walker qualified on the pole with Michael Tari and JW Roberts in 2nd and 3rd. Walker and Tari comfortably held their positions to the end. The real battle was for 3rd. JW Roberts, who started in 3rd held that position for most of the race. However, unbeknownst to him, a dogfight was going on behind him. Dave Zavelson, Frank Tomlinson, and Steve Hickham Sr were swapping positions repeatedly. The momentum of their battle caught them up with Roberts by Lap 13 in the 17 Lap Race. With a little drafting coming into the picture, Hickham and Tomlinson both got by Roberts. Hickham, who started in last place due to a tire change, was now up to 3rd. (SCCA requires FM's to qualify and race on the same set of tires) Unfortunately, Hickham missed a shift on the last lap and Tomlinson triumphed into 3rd position. Hickham finished 4th and Roberts 5th. On Sunday, Russell Walker qualified on the pole with Michael Tari and Dave Zavelson in 2nd and 3rd. Tomlinson got around Zavelson at the start, but Zavelson recaptured his position a couple of laps later and set his sights on Tari. He passed Tari on Lap 10 of the 25 lap race. Tari regained his position on Lap 19. Walker won the race with Tari in 2nd and Zavelson in 3rd. JW Roberts is still in the lead for Rookie of the Year with Dave Zavelson only 3 points away. The new leader for Masters Champion is Robert Baker. Rounds 7 & 8 of the SWFM Series will be at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on July 23-24.

David Stover wins 2004 Star Mazda Redline Oil Shootout

2005-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Star Mazda has announced that David Stover has won the 2004 Star Mazda Redline Oil Shootout. David was nominated by the Southwest Formula Mazda Series. Even after a late start in 2004, Stover finished 2^nd in the SWFM Series with 8 wins and one 2^nd place finish. The Shootout was held a couple of weeks ago at Buttonwillow Raceway in California. The competition was amongst 5 drivers selected by each of the regional 2004 Star Mazda Series. The 5 drivers each drove a Pro Formula Mazda for the challenge. Stover will collect his prize by racing in a Pro Formula Mazda at the next Pro Star Mazda North American Championship race to be held at Road Atlanta April 16,2005. He will drive the ex-Nick Steele factory team car, to be crewed by MJ Motorsports. A big congratulations to David!!!!

Russell Walker Gets First Win in Southwest Formula Mazda Series

2005-04-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Rounds 3 & 4 of the SWFM Series were held at TWS on April 2-3 at the Houston Region SCCA April Fools Day Reg/Nat. There were a total of 14 Standard Formula Mazdas racing with 13 of those being SWFM Series participants. Coming into the weekend Frank Tomlinson was the points leader with David Stover in 2nd and Michael Tari in 3rd.

On Saturday, Russell Walker qualified on the pole with David Stover and Darryl Wills in 2nd and 3rd. At the start of the race, Darryl Wills (2004 Champion) got squeezed off the track and lost the nose from his car. David Stover took the lead with Walker in 2nd. Mike Bradshaw held on to 3rd place until the last lap of the race when Ben McCrackin got around him. Stover won with Walker and McCrackin in 2nd and 3rd. Mike Bradshaw finished 4th and David Zavelson 5th. Zavelson, a newcomer to Formula Mazda, also received the Hard Charger Award on Saturday and Novice Awards for Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s qualifying was very close with the Top 3 being .08 seconds apart. This time it was Stover on the pole with Wills and Walker in 2^nd and 3rd . However, Stover had a leak in one of his tires and elected to replace it with a new tire. Under SCCA rules, he was required to start the race at the back of the grid (27th place overall). By the end of Lap 4, Stover had made his way up to 3rd place in the FM’s (6th overall). From lap 4 to Lap 20 Wills had a small but comfortable lead with Walker and Stover in 2nd and 3rd. It looked as if the race was going to finish in that order until a full course yellow came out along with the pace car to tighten up the field. After the restart, Wills, Walker and Stover were all running “3 wide” down the front straight with 1 lap to go. On the final lap coming up to Turn 1, Walker went low, Stover went high, and Wills got held up by a lapped car and had to take the center line. Walker came out in front. Wills and Stover still battled it out in Turn 3 going side by side. Wills went of the track briefly and Stover got by him. Walker won the race (1st Win) with Stover in 2nd and Wills in 3rd. Michael Tari finished 4th (coming into the weekend after his 1st win at MSR). JW Roberts is the current leader for Rookie of the Year.

David Stover, Russell Walker, Darryl Wills

Ross Smith Sweeps Rounds 1 & 2 of SWFM Pro Car Series

2005-02-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

The 2005 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series opened at Texas World Speedway on February 19-20 at the SCCA Polar Prix Double National. Ross Smith got both poles and both National wins. William Daniel, finishing 2^nd both days, was making progress on Smith all weekend and began to close the gap before the weekend was done. Daniel had the fastest Race Lap on Sunday. Both Smith and Daniel plan to run the Star Mazda North American Championship Series (which runs in conjunction with the American LeMans Series and is televised on Speed Channel). Best of luck to our “Texas” talents as they pursue that Series as well. Steve Hickham, Corpus Christi, qualified and finished in 3^rd position both days. Keith Young, Jr. got his Pro Formula Mazda just in time to participate in the weekends festivities. It was delivered straight from the manufacturer to the track on Thursday.

Ross Smith will receive the following contingencies for his 2 National Wins: $800 cash from Mazda Motorsports, $1000 cash from SWFM Pro Car Series, and 4 Rear Goodyear Tires.

The SCCA Double National weekend proved to be very good for Formula Mazda in general. Of the 32 Open Wheel participants, 19 were Formula Mazdas (7 Pro FM’s and 12 Std FM’s). And, the Top 9 qualifiers each day were Formula Mazdas.

The next event of the SWFM Pro Car Series will be held at the SCCA Regional/National at Texas Motor Speedway on May 7-8.

William Daniel, Ross Smith, Steve Hickham

Darryl Wills Repeats as Champion

2004-11-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

The 7^th year of the Southwest Formula Mazda Series concluded at No Problem Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 13th. On Friday, November 12, Formula Mazda drivers started arriving at the track and found a racer’s dream. There was a Ferrari event being held and Ferrari’s were everywhere. The best Ferrari of all was a 1997 Michael Shumacher Formula 1 car. The Formula 1 car took the track on Friday afternoon and set the No Problem track record at 1:10:154. The next day, the SWFM Series Drivers beat the F1 record. The No Problem track record is now held by David Stover in a Standard Formula Mazda at 1:09:20. Others who beat the F1 lap time over the weekend were Darryl Wills at 1:09:43, Russell Walker at a 1:09:62, and Ross Smith with a 1:09:92. Stover took the pole in Qualifying with Wills and Walker in 2^nd and 3^rd. Ross Smith, back from running the Star Mazda Pro Series, qualified 4^th. At the start of the 40 minute race, Darryl Wills was out in front with Stover in 2^nd and Ross Smith in 3^rd. Walker, who qualified 3^rd, found himself in 5^th behind Ben McCrackin. By the end of Lap 3, Stover had taken back the lead. Walker made his way around McCrackin on Lap 5 and set his sights on Smith. Smith and Walker battled it out for many laps. Walker finally overtook Smith in Lap 17. David Stover captured his 8^th “win” in the 2004 Series. Wills finished 2^nd, but won the Championship. The Awards Presentation was held in the No Problem Sports Bar following Saturday’s event. Ben McCrackin was crowned the Masters Champion. Russell Walker was awarded Rookie of the Year and received a full set of BBS wheels. Darryl Wills was crowned the Champion for the 2^nd year in a row. David Stover finished 2^nd in the Series and was also selected to represent the Southwest Formula Mazda Series in the 2004 Star Mazda Talent Search Shootout. Stover will be testing the Pro Formula Mazda along with representatives from 6 other regional Formula Mazda series. The winner of the “Shootout”, will receive one race weekend in the Pro car during the 2005 Star Mazda Series North American Championship. Additional awards were presented as follows:

1. Darryl Wills - $6,000. Cash, $750 Taylor Race Eng Certificate, 8 Sessions at Motorsport Ranch, 1 Case Royal Purple, Ringer Driver Gloves, 2 Pair Ringer Mechanic Gloves, SWFM Series Jacket

2. David Stover - $4,500. Cash, Test In Pro Formula Mazda, SWFM Series Jacket

3. Ben McCrackin - $3,400. Cash, $750. Racetech Certificate, 1 Case Royal Purple, SWFM Series Jacket

4. William Daniel - $2,500. Cash, $750. Panoz Racing School Certificate, 8 Sessions at Motorsport Ranch, SWFM Series Jacket

5. Walter Gragert - $2,000. Cash, $500 Taylor Race Eng. Certificate, 8 Sessions at Motorsport Ranch, SWFM Series Jacket

6. Russell Walker - $1,700. Cash, $500 Racetech Certificate, 1 Case Royal Purple, SWFM Series Jacket

7. Greg Labadie - $1,500. Cash, $500 Panoz Racing School Certificate, 1 Case Royal Purple, SWFM Series Jacket

8. Michael Tari - $1,300. Cash, $250 Ractech Certificate, 1 Case Royal Purple, SWFM Series Jacket

9. Frank Tomlinson - $1,100. Cash, $250. Panoz Racing School Certificate, SWFM Series Jacket

10. Steve Davison - $1,000. Cash, 1 Case Royal Purple, SWFM Series Jacket

Rookie of the Year – Russell Walker – Full Set BBS Wheels ($2236. Value)

Masters Champion – Ben McCrackin - $250 Taylor Race Eng Certificate

Awarded throughout the Season:

Goodyear Tires ($4,160. Value)

Ringer Gloves ($390. Value)

Panoz School Graduates $950. Cash

2004-11-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

Champion, Darryl Wills

2004-11-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

2nd Place, David Stover

2004-11-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

3rd Place & Masters Champion, Ben McCrackin

2004-11-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

5th Place, Walter Gragert

2004-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

6th Place & Rookie of the Year, Russell Walker

2004-11-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

7th Place, Greg Labadie

2004-11-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

8th Place, Michael Tari

Southwest Formula Mazda Series Blazes at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit

2004-10-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Rounds 11 & 12 of the Southwest Formula Mazda Series were held at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on August 28-29 at the COMMA Challenge. Thanks to all of the folks with Hallett for making our visit spectacular! We had 16 participants with 15 of those being Series members.

Compared to the lap times ran at Hallett last year, the SWFM Series drivers “raised the bar” dramatically. Maybe it was David Stover running at his home track that forced everyone to “pick up the pace”. Or it could have been the local youngsters Ricky Woods and Austin Embry who were too young to run the entire SWFM Series this year – but able to run the venues that don’t have age restrictions such as Hallett’s COMMA events. Woods and Embry both challenged the regular Series drivers this weekend and we look forward to seeing what they can do next year when they run the whole Series.

Last year, the best Qualifying lap time was 1:16:414. This year, that time would have had you gridded in 7th place on Saturday and 11th place on Sunday. Last year the best Race lap was 1:15:83. This year it was 14.65.

On Saturday, David Stover qualified on the pole with Austin Embry and Darryl Wills in 2nd and 3rd. Stover qualified with a 1:14:53 which was the fastest time of the weekend. At the completion of Lap 1 on Saturday’s race, Russell Walker was in 2nd behind Stover. Darryl Wills patiently pursued Walker. Walker held him off for 11 laps, but Wills finally got him on the Front Straight on Lap 12. 16 year old Austin Embry and Ben McCrackin fought long and hard for 4th position – but McCrackin prevailed.

Sunday’s Qualifying was spectacular with 3rd through 8th positions only being separated by .12 seconds. There were 8 drivers who qualified under a 1:16 on Sunday compared to only 4 on Saturday. Stover led the entire race with Russell Walker in 2nd. With Wills qualifying in an uncharacteristic 7th, Walker didn’t have to worry so much about him as he did on the previous day. However, Wills did make his way up to his typical comfort zone and overtook 16 Year Old Ricky Woods for 3rd on Lap11. Woods finished in 4th. Stover won the race with Walker and Wills in 2nd and 3rd. Dave Defnet, who qualified 3rd, finished in 5th. Complete Qualifying and Race Results are shown below.

After the weekend, Stover has moved into 2nd place in the points race behind Wills. Ben McCrackin still leads for the Masters Championship and Russell Walker has taken the lead in the race for Rookie of the Year.

News Blog Goes Online

2004-09-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Texas Autosports News Blog went online today. We hope you enjoy it.