FormulaTR Rookie of the Year Ace Carrio Tests World Speed Motorsports Pro Mazda

11/11/04
Buttonwillow, CA 

Only two days after be awarded Rookie of Year honors FormulaTR standout Adrian “Ace” Carrio took to Buttonwillow’s east loop in World Speed Motorsports Pro Formula Mazda.  After getting acclimated to the power, and other nuances of this particular car Ace was able to start making progress in his lap times. 

On day two with help from WSM engineer Mikel Miller, and Speed Secrets driving coach John Olsen Ace was comfortable enough to start making serious changes to the car.  Four other Star Mazda pro team cars were on track, but by day’s end Carrio was the fastest.  His fastest lap was only a few tenths off the fastest Pro Mazda time on this configuration.

“We were very impressed with Ace’s performance, said Team Owner Telo Stewart.  We have watched Ace in the FTR series all year and expected him to get up to speed quickly, but we were really surprised at the amount and quality of the feedback he was able to give us.  This really helped us get him a car that could post those times.”

World Speed Motorsports is getting ready for another test at Buttonwillow next week.  The Pro Mazda will be out again with Frank McCormick and Mikel Miller, while karters Cole Whitt, and Ryan Phinney will have their first pro team tests in the FormulaTR 1600.

World Speed Wins Both FTR Races and Secures Both Pole Positions at Sears Point
Moraes wins both races, and rookie Emile Tabb secures pole on Sunday and finishes on the podium in his first FTR weekend.

Oct 23, 2004
Sonoma, CA

Mario Moraes won both races at the penultimate FTR event at Sears Point this weekend.  Mario was quickest in every session except for Sunday's qualifier. On Sunday WSM driver and crew chief Emile Tabb pulled it out, and put the #16 out front for the race later in the day.

"It was awesome to be able to race against some of the fastest up and coming drivers. I had fun dicing with Mario, Ace, and Andretti.  I did all that I could to stay in the lead group after the start, and was glad to be able to get a podium finish in my first FTR weekend.

World Speed Prepares for FTR Event at Sears Point
Oct 19, 2004
Sonoma, CA

World Speed is getting ready to run a two car effort at the FormulaTR event this weekend at Sears Point. In addition to FTR race winning driver Mario Moraes, the team will also be running a second car for WSM Crew Chief Emile Tabb.

Moraes won during the last FTR weekend at Willow Springs, and Tabb was on the podium at his last event at Thunderhill. Official FTR weekend updates can be found at: www.formulatr.com 
World Speed Motorsports Competes at Star Series Finale
Oct 17, 2004
Monterey, CA

World Speed returned to the Star Series this weekend to compete at the series finale at Laguna Seca. WSM drivers Frank McCormick and Patrick O'Neill both showed up for the event.  Both drivers turned personal best times over the weekend, and both also made up serious positions in the race.  O'Neill was able to move up four positions in the race and McCormick moved up an amazing eleven spots.  With one lap to go O'Neill got into McCormick up at the corkscrew.  McCormick was turned around and lost a half dozen positions, while O'Neill's race was over.  "It was very frustrating to lose those positions, after working so hard during the race to gain them. The car was set-up well, and I still moved up a considerable number of positions however, said McCormick.

World Speed Motorsports driver coach Michael McDowell clinched the Star Series championship during the same event. "We were all very proud of Mike's accomplishment, said Team Owner Telo Stewart. He is such a hard worker, and great talent."

The race can be seen on Speed October 31st. Check your local listings.

Mike Guasch Successfully Tests FormulaTR 1600 at Sears Point
Oct 06, 2004
Sonoma, CA

Local racing enthusiast Mike Guasch tested a WSM FormulaTR 1600 today at Infineon Raceway.  Guasch was able to get in over 150 miles of testing before the day ended. "The test went extremely well, stated Team Owner Telo Stewart.  Mike responds well to coaching, and he was able to improve his performance in every session."

Guasch has a background in various types of racing including go-karts, jet-skis, and other high performance cars. This gave him the ability to approach the test with the proper attitude. Next week Mike will attend the Speed Secrets camp prior to his next test with WSM which will take place at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in November.

McCormick Victorious at Thunderhill / Tabb Podiums in first SCCA Road Racing Event
Oct 04, 2004

Frank McCormick won another FS race this weekend at Thunderhill Raceway Park.  McCormick has been fast all season, and secured pole by almost a second.  In the race McCormick led every lap in class and went on to win. "Frank finished second in the championship after completing only 50% of the events, noted WSM Team Owner Telo Stewart. We weren't going after the championship, but it is nice to know that Frank would have been a serious contender had we made all the races.

World Speed Crew Chief Emile Tabb ran in the FS class in a FTR 1600.  Tabb was certainly the long shot driving a car with less than half the horsepower of his competitor's vehicles.  Tabb finished third in class after powering past a number of CSR, DSR, FM, and other higher powered vehicles. "I was just using this event as track time in preparation for the FTR event at Sears Point in October, said Tabb. It was a lot of fun racing with Frank and the other drivers. I have to thank Frank, ONYX, and WSM for making this weekend possible."

The team is currently testing some new drivers, and preparing for the upcoming Star Series finale at Laguna Seca.

Moraes Wins Willow Springs FormulaTR Event
SEPT 13, 2004

Mario Moraes who has been quick and on the podium often during his rookie season finally got to the top step this weekend at Willow Springs.

Moraes had fastest time of every session, including both races. After the successful Willow Springs weekend, WSM is preparing cars for the upcoming SCCA Thunderhill Regional next month. The next FormulaTR event will be held at Sears Point on OCT 23-24.
Two Events and Three Podiums for World Speed Motorsports
O'Neill Wins FS at Sears Point Raceway
SEP 01, 2004
Sonoma, CA and Portland, OR

World Speed Motorsports ran 4 cars this past weekend, 3 in the SCCA Regional event at Sears Point and 1 in the FormulaTR event at Portland.

Both races were on Sunday and after a first lap incident at Sears took out 13 competitors the race was re-started. O'Neill jumped out front and took the win with McCormick finishing just behind him in second.

Later in the afternoon 500 miles away, Mario Moraes fought hard with Marco Andretti for first place. Andretti was able to hold off the hard charging Brazilian, and Mario finished in a respectable second place.

Now, WSM is preparing the cars for the upcoming Willow Springs FTR event, and the SCCA Thunderhill Regional in September.

WSM Drivers Net 3 Podiums at Laguna Seca Regional National Weekend
AUG 01, 2004
Monterey, CA

World Speed Motorsports ran 4 cars this weekend at the Laguna Seca SCCA Regional/National weekend. Paul Campbell in his #14 Standard FM ran both events in the FM class, while Frank McCormick in the #15 Pro Formula Mazda ran the regional event in the FS class.  Patrick O'Neill ran both events, but in two different cars/classes. He ran his #64 Standard FM in the national FM class and his #64 Pro Formula Mazda in the regional FS class.

O'Neill had some on track moments and started from the back of more than 50 cars twice. He was still able to put his head down and finish 3rd in FM on Saturday. On Sunday, McCormick brought his PFM onto the podium in second,and O'Neill finished right behind him in third.  Campbell had another excellent weekend and improved his times from the prior Laguna event.

World Speed is turning around the cars quickly as they prepare the cars for Wednesday's test day at Infineon Raceway. O'Neill will be out in his Pro Formula Mazda in anticipation of the SCCA event there August 28th-29th.
World Speed Motorsports Star Mazda Pro Series Weekend at Infineon
July 20, 2004
Sears Point, CA

Frank McCormick and Patrick O'Neill attended their first Pro Formula Mazda weekend of the season. O'Neill tested on the Thursday promoter day and posted his best times ever in his PFM.  McCormick had an equally good test day, but had a disappointing race day.  In qualifying and in the race itself Frank was taken out by a driver running below the 107% rule.

The team also hosted a few driver prospects for 2005 over the weekend. The drivers and their sponsors were impressed with the team's set-up and talks are underway for adding some quick and properly funded racers for next season.

It's back to work for World Speed as they prepare the cars for Monday's test day at Infineon Raceway. O'Neill and McCormick will be out in their Pro Formula Mazdas, while Paul Campbell tests his Standard Formula Mazda in anticipation of the Laguna Seca Regional/National July 30th - August 1st.
O'Neill Shakes Down New PFM
July 07, 2004
Sears Point, CA

Patrick O'Neill took his new Pro Mazda on its maiden voyage today at Infineon Raceway. "We are very impressed with Patrick's performance," said Telo Stewart WSM team owner.  O'Neill, who is focused on the SCCA SFR FM championship for 2004, is preparing for the 2005 Star Series Championship.

Fullerton Wins FS on Sunday at Laguna Seca
O'Neill secures first career pole position in FM
McCormick and Williams celebrate 10 years with World Speed Motorsports
Frank McCormick Wins FS again at Laguna Seca on Saturday
June 12-13, 2004
Monterey,CA

World Speed Motorsports had a very memorable weekend at Laguna Seca with two wins, three pole positions and a ten year celebration for a driver and an employee.

The weekend marked ten years that Frank McCormick has been racing under the World Speed Motorsports banner. McCormick started his racing career in the Star Mazda Series in 1994. He moved on to FormulaTR in 2002, and won the Sportsman Championship in 2003. Frank won an FS race for the second time during his 10 year celebration. Rob Williams the World Speed Motorsports truck driver also celebrated ten years with the team. Rob drove the transporter for the first time the very same weekend Frank drove his first race.

Richard Fullerton had both FS poles for the weekend, set a new track record in qualifying on Saturday and won in Sunday's race.

Patrick O'Neill was competitive all weekend in FM, and was on pole for the first time in his career on Sunday. O'Neill led most of the laps in Sunday's race battling with Bill Weaver last year's champion. With 2 laps to go a backmarker crashed into the back of O'Neill's car ending his race. WSM also ran Paul Campbell in FM. Campbell turned his fastest lap ever during Sunday's race.

The team is preparing for additional Pro Mazda testing at Thunderhill with O'Neill this week, and during upcoming test days at Sears Point. The next WSM race event will be the SCCA Double Regional at Thunderhill July 10-11.

Frank McCormick Wins FS at Laguna
May 23, 2004 Monterey, CA

Running against turbocharged Atlantic cars, Zetecs, and ex-F1 cars Frank McCormick took  the FS class win after having to start from the back of the field. When the grid rolled onto the track McCormick fell back a few positions. SCCA rules dictate that if you are not in your position when the grid hits the track you must start from the back of the field.  The team was notified by SCCA Officials, and Frank was informed of the situation. In the first lap McCormick passed 10 cars on his way to finishing 5 overall in the race and first in FS.

WSM also ran in FM with Patrick O'Neill and Paul Campbell.  O'Neill was able to finish 4th in FM even after a mid race spin in turn 11.  Campbell turned a personal best lap, and finished in the top ten in only his second race.

The team is back at headquarters getting ready for the double regional coming up at Laguna Seca June 11th-13th.

WSM Alumni Update

05/12/2004 - Sonoma, CA

World Speed Motorsports Alumni continue to show up on podiums all over the country.  In sports cars, open wheel, prototypes, and drifting events these drivers have taken their WSM experience and parlayed it into top-level results.

2001 World Speed Star Mazda Champion Scott Bradley is in the Circuit City/Protomotive Racing Mazdas to compete in the 2004 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship and also the 2004 Formula Drift series.

2002 WSM FTR race winner, and 2003 WSM Driver Coach Michael McDowell is currently running up front in the Star Mazda Pro Series, and recently announced that he will be racing a Porsche 996 in the 2004 Grand Am Cup.

Guy Cosmo will also contest the full 2004 Grand-Am Cup schedule in a 996. In addition Guy will be driving for American Spirit Racing in 2 of the most prestigious endurance races in the world – the American Le Mans' 12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans. He will compete in the LMP 2 category, driving a Lola/Nissan with teammates Bobby Sak and John Olsen. Cosmo was a World Speed Toyota Atlantic driver during the 2001 season.

2000 WSM Star Series race winner, and 2002 WSM Atlantic driver Alex Figge is in his third season in the Toyota Atlantic Series. Figge was fast in 2003, and was off pole at the 2004 season opener at Long Beach.
World Speed Motorsports Update
04/15/04– Sonoma, CA

World Speed Motorsports has been keeping very busy in the first quarter of 2004 focusing on the development of the new Pro Formula Mazda (Pro FM), while maintaining their Formula TR and first generation Formula Mazda programs.

"Development of the new car is going well, and WSM’s third Pro Mazda is expected any day," said World Speed Motorsports' president Telo Stewart. World Speed’s original plan for 2004 was to compete in all the pro races, but after much consideration the team has decided to focus on Pro FM testing and development. The team will compete in half of the nationally televised Pro FM Championship events in preparation for a run at the Championship in 2005.

The team has also been preparing first generation Formula Mazdas for a half dozen West Coast racers, and has been working with Bay Area racer Patrick O’Neill at Sears Point and Thunderhill. “Patrick has really been a great student of racing, he listens to feedback and applies it,” said Team Owner Telo Stewart. Patrick’s gains include beating the track record at Sears Point by more than a second in testing. He will be racing in 2004 SCCA FM events in the San Francisco region with WSM support and moving into the Pro FM for 2005.

In addition, World Speed's extensive experience with the Tatuus Formula Renault 1600 is not going to waste in 2004. World Speed has won many races and been on the podium countless times with Michael McDowell, Jason Kritikos, and Brad Coleman in this car. World Speed’s driver, of ten years, Frank McCormick won the 2003 Sportsman Championship in the 1600. This season the team has formed an alliance with Brazilian Formula Renault Team Bassan Motorsports to contest the entire Formula TR season running Brazilian go-karter Mario Moraes. At the first event at Fontana, Mario had the fastest lap of the weekend and finished on the podium. At Buttonwillow Mario lead every lap except the last, when he was finally overtaken by Marco Andretti, in race two of the weekend. The car and driver have been quick, and the team is looking forward to more podiums and wins in this series.

Off track, World Speed's marketing department has been busy getting prepared for 2005. “ It may seem early to some people," said the team’s Marketing Director Mark Milazzo, "but we feel it is essential to our team and drivers to get involved with new partners as early as possible."

Drivers looking to do select events in FormulaTR, and/or the Star Mazda Pro Series should contact the team to discuss available opportunities. “We are planning to do some one-offs with drivers that are looking to run with us in 2005,” added Telo Stewart.
Two Events - One Weekend
March 31, 2004. Sonoma, CA

World Speed Motorsports will be running 2 Formula Mazdas, and 2 Pro Formula Mazdas this weekend at the Sears Point SCCA event. Drivers of the FMs are Patrick O'Neill who in testing beat the track record last week by almost a second, and Paul Campbell who will compete in his first SCCA event.

The team will also be racing in the FormulaTR series at Buttonwillow Raceway Park this weekend with Brazilian rookie Mario Moraes. 
McCormick in Pro FM at Thunderhill
March 19, 2004. Willows, CA

Frank McCormick, tested his recently completed Pro FM at Thunderhill today. World Speed Motorsports took the car down to the tub, painted it in team colors, and replaced the shipping hardware with proper racing fasteners before setting out for the initial break-in.

"It took us more than 100 hours, but the car is now safe and ready to race," said Emile Tabb the team's Crew Chief.

Testing the new car will continue on the 25th at Sears Point.

WSM Pro Mazda testing commences
March 10, 2004. Sonoma, CA

World Speed Motorsports tested their first Pro Mazda today, ran more than 225 miles, and set a new track record.  Drivers Richard Fullerton, and Patrick O'Neill were very impressed with the performance of the car, and everyone at WSM is looking forward to the next event.

WSM driver Mario Moraes fastest at Fontana
March 07, 2004
Brazilian driver Mario Moraes showed up at the first event and proved that he will be a contender for the FTR championship in 2004.

Mario had support from World Speed Motorsports, and Brazil's Bassan Motorsports. He was able to have the fastest lap of the weekend, pole position in race two, and a podium finish as well.
Star Mazda Series Television Package Confirmed
January 13, 2004. Pacoima, CA. 
The television package for the 2004 Star Mazda Series North American Championship presented by Goodyear was revealed today and for the second consecutive season will include international coverage on the Sky Sports World Motorsports program in addition to Speed Channel coverage in the United States.

"Television coverage is extremely valuable to drivers as they seek the exposure to advance their careers, and with growing international interest in the championship hopefully this will help them to that end," stated Star Mazda Series President Gary Rodrigues.

Though the broadcast schedules haven't been finalized, the Speed Channel coverage of the season will start with a one hour broadcast covering the first race of the year at Sebring International Raceway, with the remaining nine races being produced as half-hour shows. "The hour-long show from Sebring to start our season will give us more time to introduce the new Pro Formula Mazda as it makes it's debut, as well as the teams and drivers that make up the championship," Rodrigues explained.

Sanctioned by IMSA, the Star Mazda Series North American Championship presented by Goodyear is a ten-race championship in support of the American Le Mans Series events across the United States and Canada. The 2004 season will feature the all-new Pro Formula Mazda, a carbon-fiber chassis open wheel car powered by the Mazda "Renesis" rotary engine. Drivers will be competing for a total prize package of $500,000.

WSM drivers stay sharp in preparation for 2004


01/06/04
Infineon Raceway, CA

Today at Sears Point Raceway Frank McCormick braved the cold temperatures, and spent the day lapping in his FR1600. McCormick's new Pro Mazda should be here soon, and getting on track is part of his program to stay sharp and ready for the new car.

"We've been on track with many of our drivers through November and December, said Telo Stewart team owner. We really don't see an 'off season' as drivers need to drive to retain their competitive edge even during the race lull. Being on track also keeps our staff sharp, and ready for the upcoming season"

World Speed Motorsports and StandingStart.com announce partnership for 2004

12/17/03 
Infineon Raceway, CA

World Speed Motorsports announced today that they have acquired Internet Startup StandingStart.com as a new marketing partner.  “We are excited about the marketing possibilities available to both of our businesses,” stated Telo Stewart of World Speed. “We plan on getting the word out about StandingStart.com to racing fans around the country.  Our team site sees 500-3500 visitors a day, and we believe that our visitors would be interested in StandingStart.com’s product.

StandingStart.com is a racing directory that focuses on the open wheel ladder system.  This new web destination features racing information from SKUSA, Stars of Tomorrow, Skip Barber, Russell Racing, USFF2000, Fran-Am, Formula Mazda, Toyota Atlantic, and The Infiniti Pro Series. The IRL, CART, and F1 information pages make StandingStart.com a one-stop site for the open wheel enthusiast.  Through pay-per-click advertising programs StandingStart.com is able to generate income that is channeled directly into the American ladder system.

StandingStart.com’s official release date was January 2004, but the site was completed a few weeks early with assistance from the World Speed Motorsports web department. The StandingStart.com web team is requesting opinions from visitors, and will review site suggestions that are sent to webteam@standingstart.com 

For more information about StandingStart.com:
http://www.standingstart.com

World Speed Motorsports/MMI Rising Star Award Winners Announced

11/17/03
Las Vegas, NV

For the third consecutive year World Speed Motorsports has awarded a test to drivers at the SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas, NV. The awards were given to the winner of the 80 Junior race and a “pick at large” in the same race. The winner of the event was 12 year old Cole Whitt.  Ryan Phinny was selected as the pick at large due to his quick race times, excellent kart control, and impressive showings during the regular season.

 “Both drivers showed great determination in the final, and I was thrilled to be able to show them that their skills didn’t go unnoticed,” said Michael McDowell who was on hand to present the racers with their certificates. Telo Stewart, World Speed Motorsports President added, “This is the third year we’ve been able to provide this test, and the second year with MMI’s support. I’m looking forward to seeing what Cole and Ryan are capable of in a racecar.  All of the previous Rising Star Award winners were impressive, and while Cole will definitely be the youngest driver we have tested, I expect these drivers will be just as remarkable.”

Bill Mayer President of MMI had these comments for the winners and their parents; “The idea behind my helping young karters move up the ladder and into cars is that through the experience they will learn a lot about life in general. I call it Building Kids Through Motorsports and things like this test are experiences that will, hopefully, give these kids something to shoot for and an idea what it takes to succeed.”  

Both drivers will test in the latest World Speed Motorsports Fran Am 1600 car. The test dates and locations will be announced later in the year, but most likely will take place at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California.

World Speed Motorsports/MMI SuperNats Rising Star Award for 2004

11/7/03
Sonoma,CA 

For the third consecutive year World Speed Motorsports and MMI will offer a free test to a winner at the Las Vegas SuperNationals.  The driver who finishes on top in the 80 Junior class will be awarded a free test in the team’s Fran-Am 1600 car.  The car is a purpose built carbon tub racecar with a no-lift shift sequential gearbox, and has been a favorite of Karters looking to move into cars. 

Previous winners of the “Rising Star Award” have been Scott Speed, Alan Sciuto, and Brad Coleman.  Speed tested in the World Speed Star Mazda, went on to win his first Star Series event, and was selected for the Red Bull Drivers Search.  Sciuto and Coleman got a free test in the Fran-Am 1600. Sciuto continued his winning ways in SKUSA while testing with World Speed during 2003. Coleman ran the entire season, was on the podium five times, and brought home runner up Rookie of the Year Award for 2003. 

World Speed Motorsports' intention is to bridge the gap between karting and professional motorsports in hopes to field more young American drivers in the top ranks such as F1, CART, and Indy. For 2004 WSM will be returning to the Star Mazda Series. They’ve competed in the series for 10 years, won 6 Championships and were runner-up every year they didn't take the Championship. The team will also continue in the FTR West Series for 2004. FTR allows training of drivers as young as 14, preparing them for more powerful cars like the new Pro Mazda and Toyota Atlantic. The Fran-Am West Pro Series is run on the west coast, so travel and transport costs are kept very reasonable.

World Speed Motorsports Year in Review

Sonoma, CA 11/05/03

World Speed Motorsports announced final stats for the 2003 Fran Am West series today.  The team ran all 13 rounds and won the 2003 Sportsman Championship with driver Frank McCormick in the Onyx Pharmaceuticals #16 car. World Speed driver Brad Coleman picked up fourth place in the championship and was surprised with an additional award from the series. Due to his outstanding rookie effort and consistent performances for World Speed Motorsports he was presented with the Rookie of the Year runner up Award for the Fran Am 1600 Series. Overall the team had a total of 11 podiums in 13 events.  Highlights were Frank’s Championship, the win with Jason Kritikos in his first Fran Am event at Sears Point, and back-to-back 2nds at Buttonwillow with Coleman.

When World Speed wasn’t on the road vying for wins in the Fran Am series, they were testing and setting up multiple racecars in the Northern California area. In addition to testing a multitude of karters including Alan Sciuto the team prepared a majority of the Formula Mazdas running in the SCCA San Francisco Region. 

“Many of the FMs we’ve been maintaining are cars that were in the World Speed stable when we used to run in the SCCA, stated Telo Stewart team owner.  It’s great that the local racers appreciate what we do, and make sure that their cars stop here before heading out on track.” 

For 2004 WSM will be returning to the Star Mazda Series. They’ve competed in the series for 10 years, won 6 Championships and were runner-up every year they didn't take the Championship. The team will also continue in the Fran-Am West Series for 2004. Fran-Am allows training of drivers as young as 14, preparing them for more powerful cars like the new pro Mazda and Toyota Atlantic. The Fran-Am West Pro Series is run on the west coast, so travel and transport costs are kept very reasonable.

World Speed is seeking drivers for both series for next season. For more information contact WSM.
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