CJ WILSON RACING WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ROAD ATLANTA

• Mazda MX-5 team wins driver and team titles in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge

Entering the race, they were only one point ahead of Mazda's Freedom Autosport team and driver Andrew Carbonell. But, in very wet conditions, Carbonell suffered a major crash in Turn 12. He was released from the care center with no serious injuries.

This is the first Mazda driver and team championships in the series since SpeedSource won the title with drivers David Haskell and Sylvain Tremblay in 2005.

Chad McCumbee, Championship Driver, CJ Wilson Racing No. 5 ModSpace Mazda MX-5

About his opening stint, where he seemed to easily take a lead of up to 12 seconds: 'We wanted to execute what we've done week-in, week-out, and that's exactly what happened. We were fortunate to start on the front row and that helped a lot with vision. I got into a rhythm early, and that rhythm happened to be the quickest pace in the field. I opened up a big lead, and gave it to Steven without a scratch on it. The guys worked so hard and really improved our rain balance and the car was phenomenal in that opening stint. I just can't thank everyone enough… it's pretty awesome bringing this championship home for everybody.'

'Chad did a good job giving me the car with no damage, but I was the opposite. The first restart was a little bit exciting as I got a tap in the rear and I think it messed something up in there. It was a really tough race, and it certainly wasn't easy. We knew where the contenders were, and unfortunately the 26 car Carbonell and what happened to them - we wanted them up there to battle with them. But it took a lot of the pressure off and I just tried my hardest to stay out of trouble. CJ Wilson Racing has been improving our car every week. The last half of the season, we were one of the strongest cars out there to earn this championship.'

Andrew Carbonell, Driver, Freedom Autosport No. 26 Mazda MX-5

Carbonell was not seriously injured during his significant crash: 'I was pushing really hard - maybe too hard. We had a big gap to when I got in the car and we were really closing-in quickly. We were down just a few seconds to getting back on the lead lap. I just got the left side tires on the inside curb and it sent me to the outside. Once I hit the paint there, it was gone. It was a big hit - maybe the hardest I've ever had.'

Mazda Motorsports

Mazda Motorsports boasts the most comprehensive auto racing development ladder system of any auto manufacturer in the world. The Mazda Road to Indy includes USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights racing categories with Mazda power. In sports car racing, a similar ladder system involves a number of racing series, culminating with the Mazda Prototype team which races in the top level of IMSA sports car racing in North America. In the grassroots categories, more Mazdas road race on any given weekend in North America than any other manufacturer.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

Photo credit: Mazda
posted on conceptcarz.com

Related Posts