Series names Touring Car Joliet sponsor

Mazda to Present World Challenge Touring Car Round Six

TOPEKA, Kan. (July 15, 2009) -- WC Vision is pleased to announce that Mazda North American Operations has signed on as the presenting sponsor for Round Six of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship. The SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Grand Prix at Autobahn Country Club Presented by Mazda will take place July 24 -- 26, as part of the Harrah's Autobahn Grand Prix Presented by Mazda weekend in Joliet, Ill.

The SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Grand Prix at Autobahn Country Club Presented by Mazda marks the series' first visit to Autobahn Country Club, a 21-turn, 3.56-mile road course. The manufacturer played a large role in the organization of the first professional race event at Autobahn Country Club, and is thrilled to have the adrenalin-filled sprint racing of World Challenge on the bill.

"Mazda has great dealers and fans in the Chicagoland area, thus we're pleased to be the presenting sponsor for the inaugural World Challenge Touring Car race at the Autobahn," said Robert Davis, Mazda North American Operations Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality. "Over the past few years the World Challenge Touring Car series has been a great battle between Mazda, Acura and BMW. The battle this year is especially tight with MAZDA6 racer Jason Saini leading the drivers' points, and Mazda now just three points out of the manufacturers points lead."

Mazda is currently chasing Acura in the World Challenge Touring Car Manufacturers' Championship Presented by RACER Magazine, 36 to 33. BMW is third with 22 points.

"We're excited to have Mazda's support for the Round Six race at Autobahn," WC Vision VP of Partnership Relations Scott Bove said. "Mazda has always been a formidable competitor in World Challenge and a long-time supporter of the series. I applaud them for their work putting the weekend at Autobahn together and everyone in World Challenge is looking forward to the event."

The SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Grand Prix at Autobahn Country Club Presented by Mazda takes place July 24 -- 26. Live timing, lap notes, streaming audio, news, photos and more will all be available at www.world-challenge.com.

-credit: scca