Mazda has announced the 2015 schedule for the ‘Be a Driver’ Mazda Driving Academy,” a program of lessons aimed at deepening students’ joy of driving Mazda vehicles. In addition, it also announced that it would continue its support of participatory motorsports.

‘Be a Driver’ Mazda Driving Academy
Through classroom lessons and actual driving techniques taught by professional instructors and Mazda development staff, these driving lessons are aimed to have students acquire all the driving techniques necessary to allow them to realise Mazda’s ideal of complete symmetry between driver and machine, along with the joy of driving.

Going into its second year since inauguration, the Mazda Driving Academy is separated into two categories of classes: the “basic class,” for individuals who would like to learn from the fundamental basics of driving technique, and the “advanced class,” for those who have already undertaken the basic class. Both categories utilise exclusive facilities, such as race circuits, which allow students to safely experience fundamental driving lessons like pylon slaloms, controlled spins and proper braking technique when leaving highways, along with safe circuit driving. As long as drivers are using a Mazda vehicle, there are no restrictions placed on aspects such as the car model or level of driving skill. Whether it be those who want to become better drivers, or individuals who want to take there beloved car to its maximum potential, the class is open to anyone who would like to increase their love of driving and their own machines.

-2015 Class Dates:
April 4 (Sat) Fuji Speedway (Shizuoka Prefecture) Basic Class
May 30 (Sat) Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture) Basic Class
June 26 (Fri) Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture) Advanced Class
August 8 (Sat) Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture) Basic Class
October 3 (Sat) Fuji Speedway (Shizuoka Prefecture) Basic Class
November 3 (Tue / Pub. Hol.) Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture) Advanced Class
November 8 (Sun) Fuji Speedway (Shizuoka Prefecture) Advanced Class

■ Organizer:
– Fuji Speedway (recruitment notice is scheduled to be uploaded onto the Fuji International Speedway’s website in late February)
– Okayama International Circuit / B-Sports http://driving-academy.mazda-fan.com/

Participatory Motorsports
Mazda will continue to back up the three race series, the “Roadster Party Race II,” the “Mazda Fan Circuit Trial,” and the “Mazda Fan Endurance,” which all allow anyone to participate with a registered Mazda vehicle. As with last year, these races will continue to be held in various locations around Japan. For more information please check with the organizer’s web site.

– Roadster Party Race Ⅱ http://www.party-race.com/
– Mazda Fan Circuit Trial (MFCT) http://circuittrial.mazda-fan.com/
– Mazda Fan Endurance (“Matsu Tai”) http://endurance.mazda-fan.com/

*Each event requires participating vehicles to meet technical regulations. For more information please check the organizer’s website. Furthermore, please note that the dates provided are provisional calendar dates announced by the organizer and there is a possibility that the dates will be changed in future.

It appears that this year also, there will be more than plenty of events to enable everyone to experience the “joy of driving.” For all those driving Mazda vehicles, please take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.

Photo by MZRacing