Choosing the Annual Mazda Shootout Finalists

Mazda plays a leading role in the high energy world of professional automobile racing development by conducting an annual event known as the "Mazda Club Racer Shootout." The challenge awards a $75,000 prize to assist one ultimate finalist in funding an entry into the upcoming year's exclusive Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich. The winner of the 2014 Shootout will obtain an opportunity to apply to race in the 2015 professional sports event.

Naturally, the annual Mazda Club Racer Shootout generates a lot of excitement. But becoming a finalist requires tenacity, dedication, hard work and competitive spirit. This brief article will describe how the judges select the small number of Mazda Shootout Finalists.

The annual rules of the event change slightly from year to year, as Mazda perfects the selection process. The automobile manufacturing company first began the practice of conducting its popular Mazda Shootout in 2007. The challenge represents one of the most successful programs in North America for mentoring and developing promising new professional racing talent.

The First PhaseThe first phase of the challenge requires every entrant to enter and win a nationally recognized club racing championship conducted in Canada or the United States. This screening requirement restricts the number of applicants who can seek to participate in the Shootout, limiting the field to only very skilled drivers. By prevailing during a local club race, contestants essentially establish their worthiness to undertake the rigorous Shootout, if they are selected as Finalists.

The Second PhaseClub racing winners then apply to compete in the Mazda Shootout. But one more hurdle remains before they can demonstrate their racing abilities on the track. Each finalist must persuade a panel of judges that he or she can prepare and present a promising business proposal.

Why does this additional paperwork requirement exist? Some experts note that one of the biggest barriers facing new professional race car competitors relates to their persuasiveness in locating financial backers. The process of undergoing the rigorous second phase screening emphasizes the importance of sound business development in a successful racing career.

Although the precise requirements vary somewhat from one year to the next, usually during the second phase of the challenge, prospective finalists prepare a detailed proposal and video. Even if someone does not succeed in entering the Shootout, the discipline and practice involved in assembling the presentation offers some helpful support to people interested in the competitive racing field. It marks a win-win step for everybody.

Mazda selects an impartial judging panel consisting of sports racing and marketing experts. They study the presentations and eventually decide whether or not an applicant can proceed to the final, third phase of the competition.

The ShootoutThe successful finalists earn the opportunity to participate in the rigorous one day Shootout. They race their automobiles on a race course, vying to demonstrate their skill in meeting a number of selection criteria, such as driving with speed and consistency, offering useful feedback, completing laps quickly and displaying public relations abilities.

Judges select one winner from among these entries. That driver receives the monetary prize, plus mentoring to assist in entering the Pro-Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup. So far, all of Mazda's Shootout winners have succeeded in obtaining the right to participate in that professional race, and a few have gone on to enter other prestigious races, as well.

ConclusionBecoming a finalist in Mazda's famous Mazda Club Race Shootout represents an important goal for drivers who dream of someday competing in auto racing at a professional level. The support that Mazda furnishes to aspiring racers benefits the sport, and the fans as well.

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