Mazda is stepping up its support for motorsports to include extended TV coverage on Discovery Communications’ new Velocity network (previously HD Theater). The broadcasts will be a regularly-scheduled hour-long weekend show on Velocity: “The Mazda Motorsports Hour.” Rick Benjamin, award-winning motorsports broadcaster, will host.
24 shows will be broadcast on a tape-delay basis from April-November. Content will be a variety of Mazda-centric series, with an emphasis on the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear, and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. All three series are a part of the MazdaSpeed Motorsports Ladder, while the Star and USF2000 Championships are also a part of the Mazda Road to Indy.
Joining Benjamin in the booth will be racers Randy Pobst for the MX 5 Cup, and James Hinchcliffe on Star and USF2000. Todd Lewis will be the pit reporter.
“Hardcore fans know that some of the most intense action can be found in the Playboy MX-5 Cup, Star Mazda and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship. But if you weren’t at the race, you are left to take our word for it. Now, thanks to a partnership with Velocity, and Carolinas Production Group, fans can enjoy the action on a regular basis from their living room,” says Jim Jordan, Alternative Marketing Manager, Mazda North America.
