Formula Mazda takes on the Texas Spring Fling at the Motorsport Ranch – Cresson.

Formula Mazda has staked its rightful spot in American Motorsports for over a decade. As the self-proclaimed

“home for the semi-pro racer”

Formula Mazda has earned a reputation as one of the premier open-wheel racing categories in club motorsport. Held at MotorSport Ranch (MSR) in Cresson, Texas, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Spring Fling takes place at one of America’s premier club racing circuits.

Opened in 1999, the 304-acre venue was designed as a ‘country club for motorsport’. It features three road course configurations with fast straights, technical corners and dramatic elevation changes. A favourite with SCCA competitors, MSR regularly hosts club racing, time trials and high-performance driving events.

Spring Fling at MSR had two different classes competing, the original FM category and the newer FMzR class. The latter being the next generation of racing for FM with a chassis designed and manufactured by SpeedSmith Industries.

The original Formula Mazda class

The original Formula Mazda was a purpose-built, affordable open-wheel racing car introduced in 1984. FM was designed to provide competitive single-seater racing at relatively low cost. This was achieved by combining a robust chassis with Mazda’s reliable rotary engine. The concept proved so successful that it remained a popular club racing class for more than three decades.

You’ll consistently find the FM chassis running in SCCA events all across America. More than 40 years after its debut, SpeedSmith Industries continues to support the original Formula Mazda class by supplying drivers and teams with parts, upgrades and technical assistance.

The Next Generation of Formula Mazda

Formula Mazda needed a new class to take the series to the next level. SpeedSmith delivered the FMzR chassis and, in doing so, brought increased competition to the series.

With the introduction of a new aero package and sequential transmission (with paddles), the new FMzR provides better driver confidence and higher performance. The new FMzR was able to put in consistent fast lap times around the MSR circuit.

Formula Mazda Race Day

Unfortunately, typical spring weather in Texas brought morning showers to the MSR circuit as competitors began their race weekend. The performance of the FMzR along with the Hoosier tires was able to keep up. Everyone loves pictures of cars at speed with rooster tails of water, and the Formula Mazdas on the track provided some great shots of just that.

Semi Pro Series, Pro Entertainment

If you ever find yourself at a local SCCA event—there are plenty across the United States—make a point of watching the Formula Mazda class. These lightweight open-wheel cars deliver thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing, with drivers battling side by side through every corner. It’s an action-packed spectacle that rarely disappoints.

Whether it’s the next-generation FMzR or the original FM class, Formula Mazda puts on a show of speed every time on the track. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a photo of one of the original FM cars shooting flames on a downshift going into a corner.

MSR Photographers Notes

Unlike major international circuits, MSR is an intimate, technical venue with significant elevation changes, making it popular with club racers and photographers. The close proximity of the circuit to spectator areas provides numerous opportunities to capture cars under braking, through sweeping corners and over crests, while the variety of layouts means the character of the circuit changes from one event to another.

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You can find more information about Matt Spano Photography from the links below.