Back in the saddle!

[PMather]

I'll be back in an SB car, if only for one weekend, at the SBPRO weekend at Mid-Ohio! I've been doing some instruction with local clubs and ran the 13hr at VIR last fall (winning SM car with Tyler Cooke and Jonathon Cznary)! I can't wait to get some more racing time, this time at the pro level. Hope to see some of you guys there!

[dalyduo]

That's great news Phil... Welcome back!

Got to see that series up close at Sebring and you're going to have a ball. The cars were so good that the Playboy admins made Skippy add weight to the cars to slow them down. Randy Pobst drove one outfitted with multiple camera's for a video project and came in praising its handling and balance. The new shocks seem to make everyone smile.

Not sure if the new BFG slicks will be on the cars by then but when they do arrive they should be a noticeable improvement as well. New G-Force Sport compounds for both the street treads and R1A slicks should produce significantly better times and smiles for all SBRS race series drivers.

[PMather]

June 10, 2012 – Lexington, Ohio

Phil Mather Racing Captures Second Place in their First Professional Race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course!

Phil Mather joined the Skip Barber Racing School in their new for 2012 Mazdaspeed Pro Challenge Racing Series this past weekend at the world famous Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He was racing in the world’s best-selling sports car, the Mazda MX-5.

There were four racecars in the Skip Barber Mazdaspeed Pro Challenge class joining the 18 other Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup racecars on the track. There are some minor differences between the two groups of racecars. The Cup cars run a different exhaust and suspension package than the Skip Barber cars. They are also allowed to make more adjustments and run fresh BF Goodrich g-force R1 tires for qualifying and the race, where the Skip Barber cars are only allowed tire pressure and damper adjustments, and must run the same tires all weekend.

Mather arrived to Mid-Ohio on Thursday for testing. This allowed him to get used to the racecar and track conditions. Saturday’s qualifying brought very different track conditions with much less grip. Phil qualified third, less than a second behind second place, and about half a second ahead of fourth place.

Sunday brought 90 degree temperatures and bright sun for the race. The 45 minute Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup races begin with standing starts. Mather got an excellent start, and made it cleanly through turn one. He was able to out brake his competition into turn two, running almost three wide. Ahead, several cars made contact, sending two sideways. Mather was able to take evasive action and avoid any contact and found himself in the lead! He was able to maintain the lead for another lap before being passed, dropping to third in class. At about the half-way point, the leaders were still in sight. The second place car went wide and into the grass allowing Mather to jump into second place. First place was too far ahead at this point to pass unless the leader made a mistake, which never came. Mather was able to drive consistent laps for the rest of the race, finishing second place in class and 14^th overall!

“I’d like to thank the Skip Barber coaches and mechanics for all of their help this weekend,” Mather said. “Mazda has put together a great program for up and coming professional drivers to be able to show their talent in front of thousands of racing fans. I’d also like to thank CG-Lock, SeatSnug, and Mechanical Simulation for their continued support. I was able to handle the heat today thanks to my training at The Health and Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College and my trainer Keith, and Kart2Kart has helped me keep my driving fast and consistent. And thank you to all of my friends and family for your support, especially my girlfriend Mandy and the Ohm family for making the trip out to the track to cheer me on!”

The race from Mid-Ohio is scheduled to be televised July 7^th at noon on the Velocity Channel.

The Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup press release may be viewed here:
http://www.mx-5cup.com/2012/news.php?id=2589

Phil Mather Racing will be instructing throughout the summer with local car clubs. PMR wants to continue on the professional circuit, but we need help. If you know of any companies that want to advertise on national television and in front of thousands of race fans, please contact us at advertise@philmatherracing.com!

Please visit PhilMatherRacing.com for more information!