For 2011, the Sahlen family owned Western New York Flash has renewed their partnership with Mazda USA to promote Women's Soccer. In 2010, the Flash players were proud to wear the Mazda branding on their jerseys, as the team succeeded in capturing the United Soccer Leagues' W-League (Women's League) National Title against a field of 38 teams across North America. As the 2011 Season nears, the Western New York Flash and Mazda will be taking the significant step up to the elite Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) League.

Mazda and the Sahlen family also have a dual partnership that extends to Motorsports Racing. The Sahlen family owned Team Sahlen competes in the Grand American ROLEX Sports Car Series. And the car of choice for Team Sahlen is of course the Mazda RX-8. During the 2010 race season, Team Sahlen assisted Mazda in winning the ROLEX Sports Car Series GT Class Manufacturer's Title. For 2011, Team Sahlen will be entering three Mazda RX-8s, #42, #43 & #49, in a quest to repeat that title for Mazda. Lead driver for the team will be former Indy Car driver Memo Gidley. Accompanying Memo in the Team Sahlen Mazdas will be the family of Joe Nonnamaker and his sons Wayne and Will.

One of the key aspects to the Flash and Mazda's promotion of Women's soccer will be a unique paint scheme on the #49 RX-8 that is driven by Joe Sahlen. The entire car will be painted to mirror image the Western New York Flash logo. The RX-8 will be primarily red, with black bumpers. And the car will be accented with yellow "Flash" lightning bolts. Emblazoned next to the Sahlen's logo on the hood and both rear panels will be the Flash name branding. Then to top off the distinctive look will be the roof that will be decaled as a large soccer ball. In that way, no one can miss the theme to this racer.