My name is Ernest Frankl. My wife and I are the Southeast Representatives to the Mazda Advisory Council.

The purpose of this post is to advise any and all Rotary Clubs/Organizations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, that we have available for distribution to Mazda Enthusiast Clubs, the 2005 Mazda Sponsorship Document.

This document, to be completed by a Mazda Enthusiast Club, will be the official means by which each group will make application to Mazda for funding of 2005 Regional/National Events.

If you are an officer or member of a Rotary Club in the above referenced states, and you wish to make application for funding of an event to be held by your group in 2005, please contatct us at the email address of this posting, identifying yourself and your organization, we will be happy to forward to you the appplication.

Ernest and Betty Frankl
SE Reps to the Mazda Advisory Council

So what does it take to get Mazda to sponsor say a Track Event?

I don't believe that Mazda, per say, will ever "sponsor" a track event or in fact any event. That is not the intent of of Sponsorship Program.

Based on the event(s) outlined in the application by the applicant (club/organization), and taking into consideration the costs as outlined in the application, Mazda will provide some funding toward the event. However, it would be the responsibility of the club to plan for the event, determine the costs and outline how the event will be paid for - a fee for each participant, other sponsorship (local dealership or something like an auto shop), and what the club wants from Mazda. All this is outlined in the Sponsorship Document.

Obviously, a track event will be more expensive just based on the cost of renting the track and the appropriate insurance.

Some Miata clubs who have held National events (open to all model Mazdas, not just Miatas), and in conjunction with that event, have had track events, have contracted with a driving school to hold a "driver education" event. Although this may restrict, in some respect the type and "speed" of the track event, it also allows the club to host a track event in light of the cost of insurance and the track.

If this doesn't answer any or all of your questions, let me kow and I will try again.

Ernest

Rotary Taz,

My name is James and I am the treasurer of the Brotherhood of the Dragon. Last year we began our annual meet in North Carolina and this year the event has grown 10 fold. We have a very organized website and are currently fundraising for the event. Could you please forward the application to jcgrim@comcast.net so that I can fill out the application and submit it?

Thanks,
James

I have been sponsoring Mazda oriented track events for many years. You are more than welcome to join us. Hundreds of Mazda enthusiasts participate with us each year. More information/registration is posted at www.MazdaDriverS.com.