-Mazda RX-8 edges out BMW to win Grand AM Cup title-

IRVINE, Calif. - Spectators witnessed history at last Saturday's Lexus 250 in Fontana, Calif., as the SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 racing team climbed the podium for the fifth consecutive race, clinching both team and driver championships in the Grand AM Cup. This is the first professional racing championship for the RX-8, the world's only rotary-powered sports car.

Throughout the 2004 race season in the RX-8's inaugural production year, the SpeedSource RX-8 team battled the Number 95 Turner Motorsport BMW wheel-to-wheel. But when the season's dust had settled, SpeedSource RX-8 team co-drivers Sylvain Tremblay and David Haskell had piloted their number 70 car to the top of the point standings.

"The RX-8 was designed to be a unique and powerful sports car with a platform just screaming for the race track," said Steve Sanders, Manager, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development. "The vehicle's popularity among enthusiasts along with its impressive racing records are a credit to Mazda designers and engineers, proving the Mazda RX-8 is a force not just on the street, but the racetrack as well."

The SpeedSource RX-8 remains one of many beacons for MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, Mazda's motorsports division, which was created for people who are passionate about auto racing and equally passionate about their Mazdas. MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development provides a support program for drivers racing or simply building a Mazda racecar, allowing them to purchase competition and stock parts at a deep discount directly from Mazda. As a membership program, parts are not for sale to the general public.

There are more Mazdas raced in Sports Car Club of America competition on any given weekend than any other brand of vehicle. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.