TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008

The Battle of the Imports announced today that MAZDASPEED has signed an agreement to become a contingency sponsor for the 2008 racing season. "We are very excited about continuing our partnership with MAZDASPEED," commented Frank Choi, Battle of the Imports. "MAZDASPEED has shown their support for competitors racing Mazda brand vehicles in many different areas of racing including but not limited to road racing, drifitng, drag racing and time attacks."

MAZDASPEED is posting a total of $42,300.00 in all of the classes offered throughout the season. To be eligible for contingency awards, racers must be a member of the MAZDASPEED motorsports racing support program. Enrollment is free and available by clicking the following link: CONTINGENCY ENROLLMENT.

Once a member, you do not need to pre-enroll for any events. If eligible for a contingency award payout, you'll need to send in a contingency request form along with a color photo of your vehicle showing proper decal placement, and a completed W-9 form.

MAZDASPEED was originally established in 1967 under the team name "Mazda Sports Corner" at Mazda Auto Tokyo, Japan's largest Mazda dealer. The goal of the innovative team was to succeed in establishing a Mazda presence at major motorsports events worldwide and they found success quickly. During the next 15 years, hardcore Mazda racers campaigned almost every Mazda model, from the famed Cosmo 110S sports cars to RX-7s, at every road racing circuit from Japan to the U.S. In 1983, Mazda Motor Corporation brought the MAZDASPEED team from Tokyo to the company's corporate headquarters in Hiroshima to help drive Mazda's factory racing ambitions.

Under the Mazda umbrella, MAZDASPEED continued to receive extraordinary recognition for its amazing on-track performance and its many victories around the globe. In 1999, Mazda Motor Corporation took full control of MAZDASPEED.

In the U.S., Mazda's racing efforts and support were under the Mazda Motorsports banner.

In 2003 MAZDASPEED came to the U.S. first as the critically acclaimed MAZDASPEED Protege. Mazda Motorsports became MAZDASPEED MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT at the same time.

Today, MAZDASPEED MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT still concentrates its focus on grass-roots racing, while amateur and professional drivers throughout the racing scene select Mazdas as their best chance at victory. From SCCA Solo events to Speed World Challenge Touring Cars to the Star Mazda open-wheel series to the Grand-Am GT series, here is your best source for the latest in the vast world of Mazda racing.

For up to date contingency postings, please click the following link: 2008 Contingency Postings.