For years the Mazda RX7’s reigned as the most popular car among grassroots racing enthusiasts. They were affordable, handled better than a slot car and could go like hell and the best part of all.. they were plentifully. As many years of racing them as I was involved with, I am still amazed how any one car could ever be so popular. The National Auto Sports Association (NASA) created the RX7 programs and it wasn’t long after that the SCCA copied the exact same format. It wasn’t uncommon at all to see drivers from both affiliations running in each others series not to mention many of which ran in NASA’s popular endurance series. And why not, the Mazdas simply had to be the most affordable car known to racing.

But it seems every good thing must come to pass and now there is a new kid on the block. I am talking about a European car taking it’s turn with the grassroots crowd. Now BMW is taking it’s turn in the Spec E30 class. In the same way that the very successful Pro7 and PS2 Pro Sedan Series, the intent for the Spec E30 Series is to create high levels of competition between similarly prepared E30’s at a affordable expense. Once again it is NASA who has stepped up to the plate as the sanctioning body for this amazing new program. Click here for more information http://www.spece30.com/

Since the beginning of this program California’s Best Racing’s own Jon Emerson and Will Faules have jumped onto the band wagon and have almost completed their first entry. In the meantime Will Faules has been invited to help builders test and design their versions by racing them to give them feedback. It seems Will has a good handle on the development stages as last weekend at Thunderhill Raceway while he was running one for a builder not only did he set a new qualifying lap record but during the next race he went on to set a new lap record during the race as well. Needless to say, Will seems to believe this series is going to be the hot ride for the near future.

At witnessed by the photo below, Will Faules seems to be flying more than he is driving as he passes over the crest at Thunderhill Raceway last weekend.

Speaking of Mazdas… A few weeks ago a news reporter dropped by the track to ask if someone could take her for a ride. Never being one to let a lady’s wishes not come true, Will smiled, handed her a hement and told her he would be more than happy to oblidge as he said, “If you don’t mind going for a ride in my personal car then hope in.” From what I hear, that’s the last time that reporter will try to do an in-car report. Gotta love them Mazdas.