Mazda Motorsports Sebring Post-Race Report

March 21, 2015 (IRVINE, Calif.) – It was both bitter and sweet for the Mazda Prototype team this weekend for the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, while the young stars of Mazda’s driver development scholarship system grabbed multiple trophies in the preliminary races.

Starting 17th in the 12 Hour race, Mazda’s 19-year old driver Tristan Nunez used quick laps and fuel efficiency to race into the top-10 overall during his stint of nearly three hours in the race car. After turning the car over to co-driver Jonathan Bomarito, the team continued to push hard, running consistently in the top-five of the Prototype category until a drive belt broke, sending the car to the paddock. Unofficially, they completed 111 laps and finished 37th.The sister car, the No. 07, ran well with starting driver Tom Long, who handed off to co-driver Joel Miller. A fuel leak in the car brought the 07 to the paddock for lengthy repairs. Once back on the track, Miller forged ahead until overheating knocked the entry from the race, finishing 38th.John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports:  “It was over before we’d like, but we were pleased to have run on the lead lap and in the top-five in the Prototype category for so long. It’s very encouraging to see the cars improve in each race - and even each practice or qualifying session - as we move ahead. We had a team meeting after the race, and everyone there can walk with their head held high as the entire effort improves.”Tristan Nunez, Driver, No. 70 Mazda Prototype:  “I had a blast. Our Mazda was strong all the way through my segment of the race. It was really amazing how much better we ran than ever before. Yes, it got pretty hot in there, but it was exhilarating.” About the extreme temperatures: “I’m guessing it was 120 degrees or more in the car today. But that’s when all of the training you do before the race comes in handy. That’s what separates the professionals from the rest: to not make mistakes even when you’re body is telling you ‘c’mon, let’s pull in. Let’s get out of the car.’ You have to push through it. That’s why I love racing: it’s very hard mentally and physically and you have to overcome it all.”Jonathan Bomarito, Driver, No. 70 Mazda Prototype:  “We were just managing pace and cruising along, doing what we needed to do. There were amazing pit stops by the guys, and really quick driver changes. As frustrating as it is right now, we can take a lot of positives from the day. Now it’s our job to keep positive and keep improving.”Prior to the 12-Hour race, it was a busy weekend in Sebring with round two of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and season-opening double-headers for the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites powered by Mazda. Each of the races included Mazda SportsCar Racing Academy Scholarship winners.