Pacific F2000: Barrett to Drive in MX-5 Cup at Laguna Seca this Weekend

Los Osos,Calif.(May 16, 2007)
Patrick Barrett will step away from formula car racing for a weekend and drive in the SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway May 17-20. The event will be part of the US Sports Car Invitational which features the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototypes and GTs as well as the Koni Challenge GS and ST classes. Barrett's normal ride is in the 2007 Pacific F2000 Series where he leads the championship after capturing 4 wins and 2 seconds in six starts for PR1 Motorsports. An opportunity to drive the MX-5 with 2006 Cup champion Team MER was hard to pass up for the Los Osos, Calif. teenager who considers Laguna Seca his home track and where he has several wins in the Skip Barber formula cars series.

"I've always had an interest in sports car racing and this opportunity was something that I had to take advantage of." says Barrett. "I feel very confident about my chances for a good result this weekend."

Patrick Barrett
(Photo by John Barrett)

Barrett will drive the Marc Miller owned #29 car, which in addition to Team MER sponsors, has an awareness partnership w ith AutismSpeaks.org. Patrick will carry one of his personal sponsors, Alpinestars to the event.

The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two seat convertible sports car that produces 200 horsepower in race trim and is based on the newest generation of the popular Miata. Mazda has significantly stepped up their activity in motor sports in the U.S. as of late by branding venues, events and series, and have been involved in establishing ladder systems for drivers. Speed Channel will help showcase the MX-5 Cup by airing the seven North American races.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is located near Monterey, California. You can find out more about the SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup at www.mx-5cup.com. http://www.MX-5Cup.com/