Neil Alberico is the very picture of California cool. The affable 22-year-old Los Gatos native enjoys surfing, golfing and racing cars. But on the inside burns a competitive fire that belies the cool exterior, a fire that earned Alberico last year’s Pro Mazda Spirit Award, presented to the driver or team that embodies the heart of a champion as they strive to reach their goals.

Team Pelfrey’s Santiago Urrutia made an immediate impact in Pro Mazda competition, finishing second and fourth at the season-opener in St. Petersburg, Fla., and earning his first series victory two weeks later at NOLA Motorsports Park. The 19-year-old Uruguayan comes to the season finale with plans to take home the title – and to honor a fallen countryman.

There was lots to smile about under the JDC MotorSports tent last weekend (July 30-August 1) during the Mazda Road to Indy event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The first two levels of the highly successful Mazda Road to Indy – the unique driver development program providing a clear, scholarship-funded path for drivers to follow toward the pinnacle of the sport – are set for a revitalization as Andersen Promotions today announced plans to introduce a new chassis in each series.

Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing had another impressive Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 30 – August 2. The team picked up another win at the Cooper Tires Pro Mazda Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.