Team MER (Motorsport Enterprises Racing) is happy to announce the signing of Andrew Caddell to the team for the 2007 season. Caddell, from Graham, Wash., was victorious in the 2006 SCCA National Championship Runoffs in the Spec Miata class and recently was the recipient of a new 2007 Mazda MX-5 to campaign in the SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook for 2007.
“It has been like a dream for the past sixmonths, †Caddell said. “First winning the SCCA Spec Miata Championship and then being selected by Mazdaspeed to be awarded the 2007 Mazda MX-5 Cup race car was great. Partnering with the reigning championship winning team will help me work towards the goal of winning races and the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship. “
Caddell got his shot at competing in the 2007 MX-5 Cup thanks to a special “shootout†that was open to anyone who won a National Championship at the 2006 SCCA Runoffs in a Mazda-powered car. Four drivers were invited to submit proposals to Mazda and compete in several days of on and off-track competitions. The winner would be given the keys to a new Mazda MX-5 to compete in the 2007 MX-5 Cup series. In addition to the car, Mazda is providing several accessories such as complete racing suspension, cold air intake, exhaust header and system, and a very large box of MAZDASPEED parts to turn the street car into a racecar. SCCA Pro Racing offered to comp the entry fees for the entire 2007 season and Hankook offered a set of tires for each of the eight races, bringing the total value of the prize to well over $50,000.
Caddell was awarded the top prize but the missing ingredient was a team that could assist him in making the transition from amateur road racing to professional motorsports. The 2007 SCCA Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion was on top of the list. Team MER scored several victories in 2006 as well as taking home the Drivers’ Championship with Jim Daniels. Team MER also scored the runner-up position with Jason Saini and tied for 4th in the championship hunt with Deborah Loth.
“We are excited to have Andrew on board this year, †said Shannon McMasters, majority owner of MER. “He has proven to be not only a fast driver, but also possesses many of the other attributes we look for to be a part of our team. Andrew will be in good company as our team is made up of other exceptional drivers like Saini, Loth, Anders Hainer and Forest Barber. We will also have a few other drivers running out of our stable on a limited basis that will certainly bring in solid results. â€
Team MER is hard at work preparing race-winning MX-5 Cup cars for the 2007 season, with race seats still open for drivers interested in select events or the entire season. The team boasts an experienced staff, public relations & marketing services, design department, driver coaching and testing facility as well as a new transporter for the 2007 season.
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