MazdaComp Membership anyone?
12-22-03, 02:32 PM
#26
Again, splitting hairs.
All HPDE's keep a record of wether or not you participated... heck your instuctor has to turn something in, even if its just a sign-off sheet.
All HPDE's keep a record of wether or not you participated... heck your instuctor has to turn something in, even if its just a sign-off sheet.
Originally posted by DamonB
I think the issue is proof that the driver is actually participating. Since there are no results from a lapping day how can you prove you actually entered and drove in your Mazda vehicle? A signed and paid entry form is not proof of this as you could easily not actually attend or attend but drive a different car. That's why Mazda needs "official" results.
I think the issue is proof that the driver is actually participating. Since there are no results from a lapping day how can you prove you actually entered and drove in your Mazda vehicle? A signed and paid entry form is not proof of this as you could easily not actually attend or attend but drive a different car. That's why Mazda needs "official" results.
12-22-03, 02:38 PM
#27
Originally posted by DamonB
Mazda Motorsports
All the info you need is right on the first page. Basically you fill out a form, provide proof of two race events in the past year and you're a member. You must continue to present 2 event results per year to remain a member.
Some membership info from the site:
... and be able to prove membership in a racing organization.
Mazda Motorsports
All the info you need is right on the first page. Basically you fill out a form, provide proof of two race events in the past year and you're a member. You must continue to present 2 event results per year to remain a member.
Some membership info from the site:
... and be able to prove membership in a racing organization.
Ok, but how do I become a member of a racing organization?
12-22-03, 02:38 PM
#28
Lives on the Forum
Originally posted by ptrhahn
Again, splitting hairs.
Again, splitting hairs.
12-22-03, 02:40 PM
#29
2 babies - no back seats
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: N. Wilm., Delaware?
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by HDP
When you guys finish bitch-slapping each other, can someone tell me how to get started? Do I have to be a member of any particular car club? Does my car HAVE to be race only? What do I need to do to prepare for a race... etc, etc.
When you guys finish bitch-slapping each other, can someone tell me how to get started? Do I have to be a member of any particular car club? Does my car HAVE to be race only? What do I need to do to prepare for a race... etc, etc.
Not necessary to have scca membership to autox but I believe Mazda would like to see your membership #.
12-22-03, 02:42 PM
#30
Originally posted by ptrhahn
The point is, my club autocrosses WOULD and DO count for Mazda Comp membership, but they are hardly a "real" race. They are simply a timed, bullshit fun event.
I was contrasting that with the HPDE events that I and many other enthusiasts participate in that are far more serious events in terms of the equipment used, and the need for specialty parts... and even the "enthusiast" level of the participants. BUT, since as you are likely aware, you don't get a timeslip from MADS or Trackmasters, or others, Mazda Comp won't play nice with you... even though they are "off road" events just like any other.
If i were running the company, i'd try and cater to the enthusiasts that are using my product in a "motorsports" environment, and not split hairs over wether they had the free weekend time to turn a lap or two at the local fun-o-cross a couple times a year.
And to offer a counter opinion, it is MAZDA that should be lucky that i bother to patronize their brand instead of some other... I'm not going to sit around feeling "lucky" that they bother to accomodate me in some way. Ever get a whif of how Chevy (corvette), Porsche, Viper and others treat their club members and enthusiasts? As an enthusiast, that sort of thing would factor heavily into wether i'd plan to replace my FD with Mazda's latest offering, or somebody else's.
The point is, my club autocrosses WOULD and DO count for Mazda Comp membership, but they are hardly a "real" race. They are simply a timed, bullshit fun event.
I was contrasting that with the HPDE events that I and many other enthusiasts participate in that are far more serious events in terms of the equipment used, and the need for specialty parts... and even the "enthusiast" level of the participants. BUT, since as you are likely aware, you don't get a timeslip from MADS or Trackmasters, or others, Mazda Comp won't play nice with you... even though they are "off road" events just like any other.
If i were running the company, i'd try and cater to the enthusiasts that are using my product in a "motorsports" environment, and not split hairs over wether they had the free weekend time to turn a lap or two at the local fun-o-cross a couple times a year.
And to offer a counter opinion, it is MAZDA that should be lucky that i bother to patronize their brand instead of some other... I'm not going to sit around feeling "lucky" that they bother to accomodate me in some way. Ever get a whif of how Chevy (corvette), Porsche, Viper and others treat their club members and enthusiasts? As an enthusiast, that sort of thing would factor heavily into wether i'd plan to replace my FD with Mazda's latest offering, or somebody else's.
Mazda tries to make their program easy to qualify for, and you complain that you can't do 2 races. Then you complain that it should be harder to qualify. Of course, if it were harder to qualify, fewer people would buy parts, and maybe they couldn't continue doing it. I guess their program isn't that important to you. If it were, you would make sure you qualified.
I have to drive 130 miles (one way) to attend an autocross. I make sure that I get at least two events in each year, so that I can save money on parts. It's that important to me.
12-22-03, 02:43 PM
#31
I've never called, its true. But i've never heard of anyone successfully negotiating such an arrangement, and their rules specifically say it must be timed.
FWIW, Damon i've got nothing whatsoever against autocrosses.. and enjoy doing them. I would just question the "competitive" nature of some qualifying events in comparison to those that don't... and perhaps the real goal of the program.
FWIW, Damon i've got nothing whatsoever against autocrosses.. and enjoy doing them. I would just question the "competitive" nature of some qualifying events in comparison to those that don't... and perhaps the real goal of the program.
12-22-03, 02:45 PM
#32
Ex fd *****
Many HPDE groups like SpeedVentures and NASA (in Group 4) also provide timing and publish results that can be used to qualify for MAZDA COMP membership, Allthough the Easest way is to just participate in a couple "street legal" or "GRUDGE MATCH" drag races at a santioned drag strip for $10-20/run and turn in your timeslips. 
12-22-03, 02:47 PM
#33
2 babies - no back seats
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: N. Wilm., Delaware?
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Has MazdaMotorsports ever given anyone a hard time about not having the approved Mazda logos on their car when racing? I thought it was required to have these along with a pic with them on the vehicle for their program...
12-22-03, 03:05 PM
#34
Originally posted by ptrhahn
I would just question the "competitive" nature of some qualifying events in comparison to those that don't... and perhaps the real goal of the program.
I would just question the "competitive" nature of some qualifying events in comparison to those that don't... and perhaps the real goal of the program.
Racers are "car experts" in the minds of many people. When your neighbor sees you in the driveway working on your Mazda (race) car, thats good for Mazda. The neighbor may ask you questions, and that may influence his car buying decisions.
Mazda offers a simple program to help its members. It's just one more thing that they to to make people like Mazda, and continue to buy Mazda cars.
I have saved thousands of dollars over the years by participating in the program. They certainly have a lot of goodwill in my mind.
12-22-03, 03:05 PM
#35
Lives on the Forum
Originally posted by rotary-tt
Has MazdaMotorsports ever given anyone a hard time about not having the approved Mazda logos on their car when racing? I thought it was required to have these along with a pic with them on the vehicle for their program...
Has MazdaMotorsports ever given anyone a hard time about not having the approved Mazda logos on their car when racing? I thought it was required to have these along with a pic with them on the vehicle for their program...
12-22-03, 03:09 PM
#36
Originally posted by rotary-tt
Has MazdaMotorsports ever given anyone a hard time about not having the approved Mazda logos on their car when racing? I thought it was required to have these along with a pic with them on the vehicle for their program...
Has MazdaMotorsports ever given anyone a hard time about not having the approved Mazda logos on their car when racing? I thought it was required to have these along with a pic with them on the vehicle for their program...
They have an awards program that has specific requirements. If you race in certain races, and want to try and get money from Mazda, you have to follow specific rules regarding decals and appearance of your car.
12-22-03, 03:14 PM
#37
Thats great. Now how much better an I dea would it be to extend that courtesy to others in the enthusiast family?
Honestly, my neighbors see me work on my Mazda, and as far as they are concerned, what I do (HPDE's) IS racing., and I AM an expert (scary thought). They don't know (or care) about the finer points... and for the purpose of spreading "goodwill", neither should Mazda.
Honestly, my neighbors see me work on my Mazda, and as far as they are concerned, what I do (HPDE's) IS racing., and I AM an expert (scary thought). They don't know (or care) about the finer points... and for the purpose of spreading "goodwill", neither should Mazda.
Originally posted by adam c
The real goal of the program is goodwill. I attended several seminars with the Motorsports people many years ago. They got a bunch of us local racers together, bought us dinner and paid us for our time. They asked us many questions about what "enthusiasts" wanted in a sports car. For one of the meetings, they brought in 3 brand new cars: A 300Z, a Supra, and an RX7. They had us answer a bunch of questions about what we liked and didn't like. They wanted suggestions to send to Japan for future cars (maybe the 3rd gen RX7).
Racers are "car experts" in the minds of many people. When your neighbor sees you in the driveway working on your Mazda (race) car, thats good for Mazda. The neighbor may ask you questions, and that may influence his car buying decisions.
Mazda offers a simple program to help its members. It's just one more thing that they to to make people like Mazda, and continue to buy Mazda cars.
I have saved thousands of dollars over the years by participating in the program. They certainly have a lot of goodwill in my mind.
The real goal of the program is goodwill. I attended several seminars with the Motorsports people many years ago. They got a bunch of us local racers together, bought us dinner and paid us for our time. They asked us many questions about what "enthusiasts" wanted in a sports car. For one of the meetings, they brought in 3 brand new cars: A 300Z, a Supra, and an RX7. They had us answer a bunch of questions about what we liked and didn't like. They wanted suggestions to send to Japan for future cars (maybe the 3rd gen RX7).
Racers are "car experts" in the minds of many people. When your neighbor sees you in the driveway working on your Mazda (race) car, thats good for Mazda. The neighbor may ask you questions, and that may influence his car buying decisions.
Mazda offers a simple program to help its members. It's just one more thing that they to to make people like Mazda, and continue to buy Mazda cars.
I have saved thousands of dollars over the years by participating in the program. They certainly have a lot of goodwill in my mind.
12-22-03, 06:52 PM
#38
2 babies - no back seats
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: N. Wilm., Delaware?
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for clearing up the decals for me. The problem I was having was that the Philly SCCA region was very poor at posting results. http://www.autox4u.com/main.htm
I would run at Boeing but I would never see my results until it seems like the next season on the web site.
I guess I should have contacted them directly about this so I could get my MazdaComp membership
I would run at Boeing but I would never see my results until it seems like the next season on the web site.
I guess I should have contacted them directly about this so I could get my MazdaComp membership
12-22-03, 07:37 PM
#39
DRIVE THE ROTARY SPORTS
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: CA (Bay Area)
Posts: 4,150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
so if i get a membership do i need to have the car completed and running in 6 mo.? my car may take over a year to complete... what would happen then? also is it 40% off on all parts including interior pieces? im building a show car/street car.
12-22-03, 07:55 PM
#40
Below- "Esses" at RA
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Tampa Bay, FL area.....
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow............I've been out all day and man how this thread has grown. I think there has been a great exchange of ideas.
FWIW, I agree mostly with PTRHAHN. I do about 5 HPDE's per year, at a cost of about $1250 ($250 per day). Since those days involve about 6 hours of ***** to the wall total track time each............I run the **** out of the car and it does in fact tear up your car a lot more (thus requires more parts) than a couple of event days autocrossing. As an example, I finally blew my water seal, necessitating the rebuild, and thus my search for a good deal on rotor housings.
Seems to me that they would want guys like me even MORE than autocrossers, since we spend more on the events themselves we may in fact have more to spend on parts as well.
I called MazComp today, and yes, the answer I was given was that I HAD to have 2 timeslips from "officially sanctioned" events, whatever the heck that means.
Since we in good faith run Mazda cars, and tear up Mazda cars, and need Mazda parts, then they in good faith ought to be willing to accept a written confirmation from the groups I run with such as Chin Motorsports, SAFE, or NASA, that I AM in fact participating and I AM in fact driving my FD when I do so. To not accept that, on official letter head, is tantamount to saying "we think you might be lying to us". Once again, they should have faith also.
Maybe the thing to do is go pay my $10 at the dragstrips, give them their silly 2 timeslips, and be done with it. But once again, there's so much more expense in what we do that I too feel it should qualify.
As far as Mazda "losing money" on this program; I doubt it. When I think of the cost of "genuine" Mazda parts, all I can say is boo-friggin-hoo for them. Hmmm, titanium (or stainless, I forget) gasket for turbo to downpipe connection - $48, gasket at other end for DP to Cat connection - $19. "Genuine" filler neck cap - $18 (for a cheap POS, but I needed it to troubleshoot prior to diagnosing the failing water seal).
Anyway, ..............
Peace.
David
FWIW, I agree mostly with PTRHAHN. I do about 5 HPDE's per year, at a cost of about $1250 ($250 per day). Since those days involve about 6 hours of ***** to the wall total track time each............I run the **** out of the car and it does in fact tear up your car a lot more (thus requires more parts) than a couple of event days autocrossing. As an example, I finally blew my water seal, necessitating the rebuild, and thus my search for a good deal on rotor housings.
Seems to me that they would want guys like me even MORE than autocrossers, since we spend more on the events themselves we may in fact have more to spend on parts as well.
I called MazComp today, and yes, the answer I was given was that I HAD to have 2 timeslips from "officially sanctioned" events, whatever the heck that means.
Since we in good faith run Mazda cars, and tear up Mazda cars, and need Mazda parts, then they in good faith ought to be willing to accept a written confirmation from the groups I run with such as Chin Motorsports, SAFE, or NASA, that I AM in fact participating and I AM in fact driving my FD when I do so. To not accept that, on official letter head, is tantamount to saying "we think you might be lying to us". Once again, they should have faith also.
Maybe the thing to do is go pay my $10 at the dragstrips, give them their silly 2 timeslips, and be done with it. But once again, there's so much more expense in what we do that I too feel it should qualify.
As far as Mazda "losing money" on this program; I doubt it. When I think of the cost of "genuine" Mazda parts, all I can say is boo-friggin-hoo for them. Hmmm, titanium (or stainless, I forget) gasket for turbo to downpipe connection - $48, gasket at other end for DP to Cat connection - $19. "Genuine" filler neck cap - $18 (for a cheap POS, but I needed it to troubleshoot prior to diagnosing the failing water seal).
Anyway, ..............
Peace.
David
Last edited by MrZUMZUM; 12-22-03 at 07:58 PM.
12-22-03, 09:20 PM
#41
Racing is life!
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Grapevine, TX
Posts: 2,173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I may be wrong but I don't think a slip from the dragstrip works. I believe the event has to be sanctioned by like SCCA, Nasa, or the like.
Thanks to DamonB staying after us guys in the south forum, I dragged my lazy *** to two autocrosses this year and got my membership.
Thanks to DamonB staying after us guys in the south forum, I dragged my lazy *** to two autocrosses this year and got my membership.
12-22-03, 11:45 PM
#42
Originally posted by RotorMotor
so if i get a membership do i need to have the car completed and running in 6 mo.? my car may take over a year to complete... what would happen then? also is it 40% off on all parts including interior pieces? im building a show car/street car.
so if i get a membership do i need to have the car completed and running in 6 mo.? my car may take over a year to complete... what would happen then? also is it 40% off on all parts including interior pieces? im building a show car/street car.
I'm not sure, but I don't think the discount is a set percentage. I believe that we are able to buy parts at dealer cost. Keep in mind that certain parts are not available: interior parts, stereos, seats etc.. They are there to provide "mechanical" parts as opposed to aesthetic items.
12-23-03, 08:16 AM
#45
Originally posted by ptrhahn
What about the hardcore track guy that does 10-20 HPDE's or open-track events a year? He can't get the membership, but if you show up at two meaningless local mazda club autocrosses and stink up the joint you do?
What about the hardcore track guy that does 10-20 HPDE's or open-track events a year? He can't get the membership, but if you show up at two meaningless local mazda club autocrosses and stink up the joint you do?
As Max said earlier, some HPDE's do keep lap times so you may talk to MazdaComp and see if that will count. As long as there is a written record with results, I don't think MazdaComp would have a problem with it.
Originally posted by cpa7man
I may be wrong but I don't think a slip from the dragstrip works. I believe the event has to be sanctioned by like SCCA, Nasa, or the like.
I may be wrong but I don't think a slip from the dragstrip works. I believe the event has to be sanctioned by like SCCA, Nasa, or the like.
12-23-03, 10:17 AM
#46
Ex fd *****
Originally posted by Mahjik
....MazdaComp did have a part on their site which stated that a drag slip would be accepted *if* it was part of some competition/event (not that you just take your car there on a weekend and run it). It still had to be a competiton where you were competing against other cars. I'm not sure if that still stands but that would be better answered by MazdaComp.
....MazdaComp did have a part on their site which stated that a drag slip would be accepted *if* it was part of some competition/event (not that you just take your car there on a weekend and run it). It still had to be a competiton where you were competing against other cars. I'm not sure if that still stands but that would be better answered by MazdaComp.
Originally posted by maxpesce
participate in a couple "street legal" or "GRUDGE MATCH" drag races at a santioned drag strip for $10-20/run and turn in your timeslips
participate in a couple "street legal" or "GRUDGE MATCH" drag races at a santioned drag strip for $10-20/run and turn in your timeslips
To you (un-timed) HPDE guys, It does not matter how hard you run YOUR car at an event - if the laps are Not TIMED and your times are not compared to other drivers on track (or even your own previous times) -
IT IS NOT COMPITITION!
get over it and enter some COMPETITIVE Events!
MAZDA COMP supports drivers that drive in COMPETITIVE EVENTS!
12-23-03, 11:30 AM
#48
Ex fd *****
Originally posted by Mahjik
Dang Max, need a hug?
I was just backing up what you mentioned. However, the MazdaMotorsports site no longer has the mention of drag racing anymore (which makes me wonder if they have changed their stance on it).
Dang Max, need a hug?
I was just backing up what you mentioned. However, the MazdaMotorsports site no longer has the mention of drag racing anymore (which makes me wonder if they have changed their stance on it).
My previous posting was not directed at you but rather some other contributors to this thread. I was quoting you as reinforcment of my comments.
I have not visited the Mazda Comp site recently so will defer to you on that info. Maybe someone from MAZDA (and you know who you are) can confirm or deny?
12-23-03, 11:56 AM
#49
Everyone knows what the "definition of competition" is. I'm also telling you that the value of "competition" as opposed to "participation" with regards to being a promotional tool for Mazda, and therefore worthy of discounting parts for, is absolutely zero on a local level.
There are no more spectators at a local autocross than at any HPDE. The results aren't published in any public media source (such as a newspaper). Therefore wether or not there was actual timing involved is immaterial. Just like if a tree falls in the woods, and nobody is there to hear it, the "noise" doesn't affect anyone... so the fact that there "was" noise isn't worth a ****. I probably spread more Mazda "gospel" being the only RX7 at Trackmasters event than everyone put together at my local Mazda club autocross... everone there ALREADY LIKES AND DRIVES MAZDAS.
So, the "goodwill" being passed on by Mazda is purely to the PARTICIPANT at that level, and to that end, the discount encourages people to use a Mazda for their endeavors (whatever they may be), rather than say, a Honda. That incentive doesn't change wether theres recorded timing or not.
This thread was discussed on my local list, that includes a specRX7 racer (someone whom i would consider a "real" racer). It was suggested that the currect "program" deal was a compromise to appease dealer parts departments from whining about competing directly with Mazda for parts sales. THAT my friends is a valid reason to set things up as they are, NOT the actual distinction we are talking about. If thats the way it has to be, then I do support Mazda for developing a decent work-around, and appologize for any Mazda badmouthing on my part... and i'll just have to work a little harder to make my local autocrosses this year.
There are no more spectators at a local autocross than at any HPDE. The results aren't published in any public media source (such as a newspaper). Therefore wether or not there was actual timing involved is immaterial. Just like if a tree falls in the woods, and nobody is there to hear it, the "noise" doesn't affect anyone... so the fact that there "was" noise isn't worth a ****. I probably spread more Mazda "gospel" being the only RX7 at Trackmasters event than everyone put together at my local Mazda club autocross... everone there ALREADY LIKES AND DRIVES MAZDAS.
So, the "goodwill" being passed on by Mazda is purely to the PARTICIPANT at that level, and to that end, the discount encourages people to use a Mazda for their endeavors (whatever they may be), rather than say, a Honda. That incentive doesn't change wether theres recorded timing or not.
This thread was discussed on my local list, that includes a specRX7 racer (someone whom i would consider a "real" racer). It was suggested that the currect "program" deal was a compromise to appease dealer parts departments from whining about competing directly with Mazda for parts sales. THAT my friends is a valid reason to set things up as they are, NOT the actual distinction we are talking about. If thats the way it has to be, then I do support Mazda for developing a decent work-around, and appologize for any Mazda badmouthing on my part... and i'll just have to work a little harder to make my local autocrosses this year.
Originally posted by maxpesce
Note I stated RACES - not Test & Tune or FUN runs. as long as your running for time & Head to Head the event should qualify as COMPITITION.
To you (un-timed) HPDE guys, It does not matter how hard you run YOUR car at an event - if the laps are Not TIMED and your times are not compared to other drivers on track (or even your own previous times) -
IT IS NOT COMPITITION!
get over it and enter some COMPETITIVE Events!
MAZDA COMP supports drivers that drive in COMPETITIVE EVENTS!
Note I stated RACES - not Test & Tune or FUN runs. as long as your running for time & Head to Head the event should qualify as COMPITITION.
To you (un-timed) HPDE guys, It does not matter how hard you run YOUR car at an event - if the laps are Not TIMED and your times are not compared to other drivers on track (or even your own previous times) -
IT IS NOT COMPITITION!
get over it and enter some COMPETITIVE Events!
MAZDA COMP supports drivers that drive in COMPETITIVE EVENTS!
Last edited by ptrhahn; 12-23-03 at 11:58 AM.
12-23-03, 02:58 PM
#50
sorry to enter this... but mazda dosnt require u to complete only in auto cross. any CLUB with officail result is OK, no stubid stop watch, or some one say u do how fast... it has be offical. I think some track day offer time trial (not lapping day). the track day club I join all has time trial session( computer timing. HOT LAP. AMB etc..) here is link, under N CALSS u can see my RX7 there . http://www.arosc.org/competitionresults/03TT2.htm
and I renew my mazda comp with one of this result and auto cross
and I renew my mazda comp with one of this result and auto cross