A diesel powered Mazda6 took the chequered flag in first place at the Grand-am-Brickyard on Friday 26th July. The car in question was competing in the GX class and was powered by a tuned version of the road-going 2.2-litre 'SkyActiv Clean Diesel' engine. In addition, the Mazda6 was the only entrant competing with a diesel motor, was the first diesel powered car to ever win at Indianapolis and this marked the fifth Grand Am win for Mazda this season.
"While this is our fifth win of the season, and fifth in a row, it is by far the biggest win to date. To win at Indy is every racer's dream and that dream came true for Mazda here today," commented John Doonan, Motorsports Director for Mazda North America.
This win for Mazda puts them ahead of Porsche in the GX class as they move onto number nine of the 12 race season. The SkyActiv engine that has put them there is more than 50 per cent factory standard; as Mazda feels this is the best and most honest way to 'demonstrate the quality, durability and reliability of Mazda cars'.
"To score the first ever win for a diesel at Indy, in our first year with the program, speaks volumes for Mazda and our team," said winning driver, Sylvain Tremblay. "It was not an easy day but the team remained focused and we came through for the win."
Anything else?
The next challenge for the team will be at the upcoming Road America race scheduled for 8-10th August 2013. Let's see if Mazda can make it six in a row...