Rounds 3 & 4 of the Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear - Southwest were held at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas March 4-7. It was an SCCA Double National.

We had 2 very fast visiting drivers (Jamie Slone from Tucson, Arizona and Russ Lindemann from Longmont, Colorado) who graciously joined our Series and provided our drivers with good competition and camaraderie. We would like to thank them for coming down to play with us and would like to invite others outside our region to do the same.

The Texas World Speedway 2.9 course is a very fast and technical race track. Fortunately, there was a Thursday test day with lots of sessions in addition to the Friday test day provided by SCCA.

For Saturday's race, Darryl Wills got the pole on his home track with Jamie Slone and Russ Lindemann qualifying 2nd and 3rd. Davis Parr, Dallas Texas, showed his knowledge of the track by passing Lindemann early on for 3rd position. However, with only 4 laps to go, Parr missed a gear and gave up his Podium Spot to Russ Lindemann. The real battle was for 6th between Rookie Stuart Rettie and long time Series driver Walter Gragert making his return after a racing hiatus. Rettie held the spot for most of the race with Gragert getting around him on Lap 12. But Rettie didn’t give up and re-passed Gragert with 2 laps to go.

Sunday's race started even before the green flag as a light rain started to fall about 30 minutes before race time. Some drivers showed up at the grid in Slicks, some in Rains, and some in Rains mounted backwards. Although the rain stopped before the end of the race, it was a little too late for those who chose Slicks. Darryl Wills demonstrated how many years of Sprint Car racing helps with rain driving by not only winning the FM race but also the Overall (beating FA, FB, FC, CSR, DSR, S2000) John Hugon was the hard charger of the day moving up from 9th to 4th on his new Goodyear Rains. Jamie Slone and Russ Lindemann finished 2nd and 3rd.

Goodyear Tire Drawings for the weekend went to Russ Hillenburg, Russ Lindemann, Jamie Slone, and Davis Parr. There were 11 FM's participating at this event.

Our next event will be an SCCA Reg/Nat to be held at Eagles Canyon in Decatur, Tx on March 26, 27, 28.

After months of planning, it was recently announced that the various Mazda powered series across the country would work together towards promoting all four of the regions and a national championship showdown under the official banner; The Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear.

Each region has their own unique characteristics that make them attractive to drivers in their locale. Some are primarily full of Formula Mazdas, while others have a very strong Pro Formula Mazda contingent. So, the Southwest Formula Mazda Series is now known as the Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear – Southwest.

The National website is www.formulacarchallenge.com You can find our info by clicking on the link to the Southwest Region. Info regarding our Series will be posted there as well as texasautosports.com

2010 Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear – Southwest – Opening Weekend

Rounds 1 & 2 of the Formula Car Challenge Presented by Goodyear - Southwest (formerly known as the Southwest Formula Mazda Series) were held at the SCCA Queen of Hearts Double National run at Motorsport Ranch Houston on Feb 13-14. We had a lower car count than expected since some drivers were snowed in by the biggest snow storm to hit Dallas/Fort Worth in record history. Not to mention last year's Rookie of the Year who hurt his knee snow skiing right before the event.

The weather in Houston was snow-less but a bit chilly. Which may account for the early excitement in Saturday's race. Darryl Wills, Pole Qualifier and 3 time SWFMS Champion, spun out on the pace lap. Wills made his way up the field before the race started to assume his Pole Position. Wills won the race, but SCCA penalized him to last place. (If you spin out on pace lap you cannot assume your qualifying position). So, Davis Parr took the win, with 2007 SWFMS Champion Dave Zavelson finishing 2nd and Rookie Stuart Rettie in 3rd.

We were short another driver (Philip Miller) on Sunday due to the flu. Wills qualified on the pole with Parr in 2nd and Zavelson in 3rd. The race was completed as qualified. John Hugon, having missed practice on Friday, improved his lap times by over 5 seconds after Sunday's race.

Full race results and point standings can be found by clicking on our Results & Points page.

Our next event will be at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas held at the SCCA Double National on March 4, 5, 6, 7. Saturday’s race is one of the SCCA Super Sweep Races.

Texas Autosports will be attending with full FM parts support. For SCCA on-line entry or to download SCCA entry forms, go to www.sowdivscca.org There is also a great video at the SCCA site regarding this event. Direct link to video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqZcukKpf20

There should be lots of FMs in attendance. So, come join the fun in sunny South Texas!

Darryl Wills Wins Championship in 12th Year of SWFM Series

By Sandy Magrath

The 12th Year of the Southwest Formula Mazda Series concluded at Eagles Canyon Raceway on
September 12th at the Texas Region SCCA Fall Roundup Double Regional. Eagles Canyon Raceway is in Decatur, Texas and the folks there are very hospitable and the track is great fun.
The weather, however, was very grumpy and everyone spent the entire weekend on their rain
tires. There were 8 FM’s present and all took the track for the morning Qualifying session
in the pouring rain. Davis Parr got the pole with newcomer Matt Stephenson qualifying 2nd
and Russ Hillenburg 3rd. Darryl Wills failed to get his transponder on his car for qualifying
and was not scored. But starting in the back (in the rain) didn’t keep Wills from his 11th
2009 Series win. Davis Parr finished the race in 2nd with Russ Hillenburg in 3rd.
Frank Newman, having his best finish of the year, finished 4th.

The 2009 Series Awards Presentation was held upstairs in the Eagles Canyon Raceway
Meeting Room following Saturday’s event. Frank Newman was crowned the Masters Champion
after battling for that title all season with David Vanhooser from Oklahoma. Newman, a
Motor Cycle Road Racer, just started racing FM’s this year. Russ Hillenburg, coming
to FM this year from Sprint Cars, was awarded Rookie of the Year.

The Top Ten were each awarded a case of Royal Purple and a fine bottle of wine with a
photo of their race car on the label.

Finishing the Series in 5th place was 17 year old John Logan. Louisiana racer Philip
Miller finished the Series in 4th with Russ Hillenburg taking the 3rd place Bronze Rotary trophy.

Davis Parr finished 2nd in the Series with 2 wins, 4 second place finishes, and 3 third
place finishes and was awarded the 2nd place Silver Rotary trophy.

Darryl Wills was crowned the Champion. Wills returned to the Southwest Formula Mazda Series
in 2009 after dedicating a handful of years to Sprint Car racing. Wills also won the SWFMS
Championship in 2003 and 2004. Wills was awarded the Gold Rotary Championship trophy.

Wills, along with many of the 09 Series participants, plans to run the 2010 Southwest Formula
Mazda Series. The 2010 Series looks to be better than 2009….and 2009 was AWESOME! We had a great bunch of drivers, some good competition, and a whole lot of fun! In 2010, Wills is setting his sights on being the only "4 Time" SWFMS Champion (Quad Boenker has also won 3) But Wills likes a challenge, so we need to get as many FM drivers as possible out to the races next year. If you think you’ve got what it takes, stop by our shop at Motorsport Ranch Cresson to check out the FM's and join us in 2010!

2010 will be Texas Autosports 14th year as a Formula Mazda dealer. Texas Autosports continues its quest to be the best in FM Parts Sales, Service, Arrive & Drive, Rentals, and Trackside FM Support.

2009 Southwest Formula Mazda Series Cash and Awards:

1. Darryl Wills - $3,700. Cash, $750 Taylor Race Eng Certificate, 1 case Royal Purple,
   8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Championship Royal Purple Jacket, Wine, Rotary Trophy


2. Davis Parr - $2,700. Cash, $500 Taylor Race Eng Cert, 1 case Royal Purple,
   8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Series Royal Purple Jacket, Wine Rotary Trophy


3. Russ Hillenburg - $1,900. Cash, $250. Taylor Race Eng. Certificate,
   1 Case Royal Purple, 8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Series Royal Purple Jacket, Wine, Rotary Trophy


4. Philip Miller - $1,200. Cash, 1 Case Royal Purple. Wine, Trophy


5. John Logan - $500. Cash, 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine, Trophy


6. Frank Newman - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine


7. David Vanhooser - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine


8. Roger Addison - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine


9. Dave Zavelson - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine


10. Jeff Tucker- 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine

Rookie of the Year—Russ Hillenburg – Sparco Jumbo Gear Bag and Trophy

Masters Champion – Frank Newman - Sparco Jumbo Gear Bag and Trophy

Awarded throughout the Season:

• Goodyear Tires ($5,730. Value)


• 2 cases Royal Purple ($430 Value)

Both Southwest Formula Mazda Series’ (Standard FM and Pro FM) raced at the SCCA Sunburn Grand Prix Double National held at Texas Motor Speedway on May 3-4.

On Saturday, Nur Ali qualified on the pole with Davis Parr in 2nd and R. David Jones in 3rd . By the end of Lap 1, Austin Snader had overtaken Jones for 3rd position. Last years Champion, Dave Zavelson finished 4th. On Sunday, Davis Parr qualified on the pole with Dave Zavelson in 2nd and Nur Ali in 3rd. Nur Ali got a great start at the green flag and took the lead immediately. Davis Parr fell into 2nd place and held his position comfortably. However, Zavelson and Snader battled it out for 3rd. On Lap 8, Zavelson got around Snader but by Lap 14 Snader passed him back and finished the race in 3rd. Nur Ali, with his 2 wins and 2 drops, took the lead in the race for the Championship. Davis Parr is currently 2nd in points with Snader in 3rd. Snader is also leading in the race for Rookie of the Year.

Keith Young won both days in the SWFM Pro Car Series retaining his lead for the Championship. Greg Byrne is currently 2nd in points with Marc Paganini in 3rd.

Both Series will hold their next round of races at Texas World Speedway on May 24-25. For complete race results and point standings go to www.texasautosports.com

Jose M. Castellano (#99 PFM in front) Richard Stephens (#56 FM in front) Photo by Birds Eye Photography

Both Southwest Formula Mazda Series’ (Standard FM and Pro FM) traveled to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on
July 20-22 for some awesome racing. I must say that Hallett is not the same without our old friend Mike Stephens.
Mike, long time manager and owner of Hallett, took the checkered flag and crossed the finish line last month after
fighting an undiagnosed neurological illness for several months. His absence was felt, but wife Connie and sons Shayne
and Scott are carrying on his legacy with the same grace, friendliness and humor in which we had become accustomed. We
will never forget Mike Stephens and feel very privileged to have known him.

Jose M. Castellano Photo by Birds Eye Photography

On Saturday, A1 Grand Prix driver Nur Ali qualified on the pole with Richard Stephens (Tulsa, Ok) in 2nd.
16 year old Austin Snader (Brookshire, Tx) qualified 3rd. The race was over for Richard Stephens after one lap when
his FM got stuck in 4th gear. Soon thereafter, Ali (Ft. Worth, Tx) started having problems with his FM and started
falling back. He pulled in after Lap 6. Snader then took the lead with Davis Parr (Dallas, Tx) and Kendall Smith
(Dallas, Tx) in 2nd and 3rd. Snader, leading his first FM Series race, spun out on Lap 15 and couldn’t restart. Davis
Parr won the race with Kendall Smith finishing 2nd. Roger Addison (Edmond, OK) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Richard Stephens
qualified on the pole with Davis Parr in 2nd and Austin Snader 3rd. Snader, who also wrenches on his car, knew immediately
that he had forgotten to tighten the jets he had replaced that morning. After a quick pit stop, he was back on the track,
but 3 laps down. Nur Ali, starting from the back due to mechanical problems during qualifying, made his way up to 2nd place.
Stephens, Ali, and Davis Parr had a great battle going on. But on Lap 16, Ali’s mechanical problems returned and he was done.
Richard Stephens won the race with Parr in 2nd and newcomer Kendall Smith in 3rd. Zavelson, with Hallett being his 2
permitted “drops”, continues to hold the lead of this Championship race with Parr in 2nd and Walter Gragert in 3rd.

Davis Parr Photo by Birds Eye Photography

Jose M. Castellano (getting much more comfortable with his car) won both days in the SWFM Pro Car Series moving him
into the lead over Keith Young for the Championship. Bobby Gordon moved into 2nd place in the Series with Keith Young
dropping to 3rd.

Both Series will conclude at Texas Motor Speedway on Sept 1st with cash, prizes, and trophies being presented that evening.

Alex Ardoin, 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda (Standard Car) Series Champion, proved that one can learn a lot out of one season in a Standard Formula Mazda. Alex is running his Pro Formula Mazda in the 2007 Southwest Pro Car Series and did very well in the Series opener held at Motorsport Ranch Houston on February 17-18 at the SCCA Winter at the Ranch Double National. There were 9 Pro Formula Mazdas present with 8 gunning for Southwest Series points. Ross Smith (Ft Worth, TX) got the pole on Saturday with John Strickler (Olathe, KS) and Browning Williams (Houston, TX) in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin started from the back in his Pro Mazda due to a pass under yellow during qualifying. But, it wasn't long before the 17 year old Ardoin (Sunset, LA) made his way up to the front. Smith, Ardoin, and Strickler kept us all afloat on adrenaline as they battled for the lead. Ardoin overtook Smith on Lap 8. Smith's luck would only get worse a few laps later when a lapped FA made an unexpected move. Smith was out of the race with enough damage to end the remainder of his weekend. Strickler finished the race in 2nd and Keith Young (Dallas, Tx) finished 3rd. On Sunday, Alex Ardoin qualified on the pole, with John Strickler in 2nd and Keith Young in 3rd. Ardoin won the race with Strickler and Young in 2nd and 3rd. Ardoin had the fastest race lap both days with an impressive 1.2538 and 1.2535. Ardoin, with a background in karting and the Standard Formula Mazda, not only will be running for the Championship in the Southwest Pro FM Series, but also the nationally acclaimed Star Mazda Series Presented by Goodyear. The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear is run in conjunction with the ALMS Series and is televised on the Speed Channel. Keep an eye on him and other Southwest Formula Mazda Series alums such as Russell Walker who have a good chance at winning the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. The SWFM Pro Car Series will be returning to Motorsport Ranch Houston for Rounds 3 & 4 at the SCCA Regional/National on March 31 - April 1.

The 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda Series concluded at No Problem Raceway near Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 7^th. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time. Alex Ardoin was “the man” of the weekend getting the Pole, winning the race, and winning the Championship. Lindsey Adams qualified and finished in 2^nd. Adams dedicated her race at No Problem to “Race for the Cure” and is currently helping to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Adams was chosen as “Person of the Week” on ABC’s World News for her activity with “Race for the Cure”. Debbie Adams, Lindsey’s mother, is a breast cancer survivor and Lindsey’s inspiration. The 2006 Awards presentation was held in the No Problem Sports Bar that evening with Cajun food and cash bar. Over $26,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the top ten finishers in the Series. Alex Ardoin was crowned Champion of the Series. Lindsey Adams finished 2^nd and Mark Olson 3^rd. Alex also took home the trophies for Teen Champion and Rookie of the Year. Alex will be moving up to the Pro Formula Mazda next year and will be competing in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. His trial run in the Star Mazda Pro Series this year (Atlanta) proved that he will definitely be a contender. We expect to see him on the Pro Series podium a few times if not more. Full Race Results and Point Standings can be found at www.texasautosports.com The Southwest Formula Mazda Series will celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary in 2007. To honor this benchmark, the Series will be awarding special “Anniversary” trophies, shirts, hats, and jackets. Come join the fun in 2007!

The 2^nd year of the Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series concluded at Texas Motor Speedway at the SCCA Double Regional on September 16-17. Coming in to the weekend, Steven Hickham Jr. had the Championship clinched, but 2^nd and 3^rd were still to be determined. There were 8 Pro Formula Mazdas participating in the event. On Saturday, Alex Ardoin got the pole with Browning Williams in 2^nd and Keith Young in 3^rd. It was Alex Ardoin’s inaugural race weekend in his Pro Formula Mazda. (Ardoin is currently leading the Championship in the SWFM Standard Car Series). At the end of Lap 1, Browning Williams was leading the race. Two laps later, Ardoin made a pass on the front straight to take the lead. The two swapped leads several times after that with Keith Young close on their tails. Ardoin completed his first win in the Pro FM with Williams in 2^nd and Young in 3^rd. JW Roberts, battling for 2^nd Place in the Series, finished 4^th. Ardoin had the fastest race lap of the weekend with a 1:19:45. Sunday, in the rain, Ardoin again got the pole with Keith Young in 2^nd and JW Roberts in 3^rd. By race time, it seemed as if the rain had stopped and the track was drying. Everyone gridded with slicks. About 3 minutes before the start of the race, the rain returned. Keith Young’s crew did a “Nascar” change to rain tires barely finishing before it was time to leave the grid. On Lap 1, Ardoin spun and was left at the back of the pack. Young was in the lead with Forest Barber in 2^nd and Roberts in 3^rd. Ardoin fought his way back toward the front and was in 3^rd place by Lap 6 of the 16 Lap race. On Lap 11, Ardoin passed Barber to gain the 2^nd place spot and set his sights on Young. However, Young had developed a very good lead for the win and Ardoin had to settle for 2^nd. Ardoin was soon to be disqualified in impound for not meeting weight requirements leaving Forest Barber in 2^nd . Browning Williams finished 3rd giving him the necessary points to capture 2^nd Place in the Series and Masters Champion.

The Series awards were presented following the race. Steven Hickham Jr. won the Championship. Browning Williams got 2^nd and JW Roberts beat Keith Young by 1 point for 3^rd. Thirteen drivers competed in the 2006 Southwest Formula Mazda Pro Car Series with 5 different winners. Next year looks to be hotter than ever. For complete race results and point standings, go to www.texasautosports.com