Brad Rampelberg Wins Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout

How many racers did Brad Rampelberg beat to win a new Mazda MX-5 and the parts to build a Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Car? It depends upon your point of reference. There are approximately 9,000 people racing Mazda products in the U.S., ranging from the occasional autocrosser in their daily driver MAZDA3 to full-on club racers hitting the tracks a dozen or more times a year. From that pool of 9,000, over 200 qualified for the SCCA Runoffs and NASA National Championships. From the SCCA and NASA Championships emerged nine Mazda-powered champions, from which one would be selected to move up to the professional ranks.

The tally: After a full day of both driving and classroom activities, six judges scored nine drivers in eleven categories, resulting in 594 scores. When the scores were added up, and compared against the subjective gut feel of the expert panelists the answer was very close, but consistent: Brad Rampelberg had the greatest potential to succeed on the professional level in 2008. It was noted however, that several of the nine clearly demonstrated both the skill and commitment required to succeed in racing.

Brad’s prize package: The total prize package is valued at over $70,000 and is the largest prize in club racing. Brad will be receiving:

One 2008 Mazda MX-5
All of the MAZDASPEED competition parts required to prepare the car to race
One Sparco driving suit and helmet
Eight sets of Kumho tires, one per race weekend (thanks to Kumho)
Eight entry fee waivers (thanks to SCCA Pro Racing)

Brad Rampelberg: “Having been a Mazda racer for the last five years, I’ve come to admire the way Mazda takes care of us, the club racing driver. I’m so thankful to Mazda to be invited to participate in their motorsports ladder and I hope to repay their investment in me in 2008 and beyond. I know the Hooverspeed team will prepare a fast and reliable car, thus I can devote my off-track time to seeking sponsorship dollars and making sure our partners receive the best possible return on their investment.”

Next Up: The 2007 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup begins at the Grand Prix of Houston, the weekend of April 25-27.