About Formula Mazda

Mission

Formula Mazda is the ideal introduction to the Open Wheel Motorsports Ladder, giving drivers a platform to learn, compete, and prepare for higher levels of motorsport.

What makes FM unique

Formula Mazda stands out for its affordability, high-quality engineering, and focus on driver development. The concept has provided aspiring professionals with the platform needed to succeed for nearly four decades.

Series info

Formula Mazda has built a unique place in American motorsports by delivering a true open-wheel racing experience to drivers who want more than just a hobby — but may not be chasing or funding a full professional ladder campaign. For decades, Formula Mazda has served as a home for the semi-pro racer: the committed driver who wants serious competition, real development, and a purpose-built formula car without the financial barrier of top-level professional racing.

At the same time, Formula Mazda has always been a valuable proving ground for aspiring pro racers looking to sharpen their racecraft, gain experience, and develop in a highly competitive environment. Its story is one of longevity, evolution, and passionate people — from the original FM to the modern FMzR, and from its roots in organized series racing to its lasting home within SCCA competition.

How we got here

Since the 1980s, Formula Mazda has been the proving ground for aspiring open-wheel drivers. With our long-standing involvement with the SCCA, Formula Mazda has ironed out an effective platform for driver development.

About Formula Mazda

Mission

What makes FM unique

Series info

How we got here

Development of the original Formula Mazda FM car begins at Star Race Cars

The FM makes its debut as part of the Star Mazda Championship, serving as a support race for the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend

Formula Mazda begins its long-standing relationship with SCCA, with participation earning the car its own dedicated FM competition class after previously competing within FC

Moses Smith works as an FM mechanic for Star Race Cars while also campaigning an FM in regional Sports Car Club of America events

Moses Smith makes his Formula Mazda series debut, successfully competing and winning in the FM Redline Oil Oval Series, the West Coast Formula Mazda Series, the Star Mazda Pro Series, and numerous SCCA regional and national races

Moses Smith acquires the rights and responsibilities for the Formula Mazda FM from manufacturer Star Race Cars

Formula Mazdas debut as the Formula Car Challenge support series for the IndyCar Grand Prix of Sonoma, beginning an eight-year run that continues through 2018

Formula Mazda moves its headquarters to Motorsport Ranch in Texas, where the central location and track access become key factors in the platform’s continued success

The concept for a new-generation Formula Mazda begins to take shape at the SCCA National Runoffs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Moses Smith and team begin the design and development of the next-generation Formula Mazda — the FMzR

Construction of the prototype FMzR begins at SpeedSmith Industries at Motorsport Ranch – Texas

Development of the FMzR program continues as the team refines the concept, manufacturing approach, and long-term direction for the next generation of Formula Mazda

Testing and development of the prototype FMzR expands to tracks across the Midwest

The Formula Mazda FMzR is approved for SCCA competition, and production of the first 25 cars begins

In March the first FMzRs roll off the assembly line and are delivered to customers

The Formula Mazda Challenge launches as a dedicated semi-pro FMzR series

MK Technologies comes on board as the official sponsor of the Formula Mazda Challenge