In honor of Brett Smrz, a professional driver of the #29 Autism Speaks / Team MER Mazda MX-5 in the Sirius Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Championship, Pinnacle Mazda will have a raffle to raise money for Autism Speaks, an organization with an advocacy to raise awareness and fund research pertaining to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex brain disorder that affects 1 out of 150 people. T

Neil Bryant, the Parts Manager at Pinnacle Mazda, said that they have wanted to do something that would show support for Brett and the MER team while the driver works his way back to the race car where he belongs. The manager added that they decided to donate a custom office chair as one of the prizes to the fundraiser and forward the proceeds to Autism Speaks on behalf of Brett. The chair is from Autoart, maker of auto accessories and detailed models like the limited edition 1/18th scale model of the Mazda 787b '91 Lemans winner. With coil over shock absorbers, the chair is a stylized race shell mounted on frame.

Bryant continued that it is the ultimate race fan's chair which is valued at more than $500.00 and they will ship it to the winner.

With tickets costing $10 each, the draw will be held after the race in August 4 at Pacific Raceway, the final Spec Miata Championship series. Participants in the race will all be given one entry each and have the chance to buy more at $5 each in an effort to give back to competitors. The first place winner will also get 5 more tickets; the second will get 3 more; and the third will get 1 more. This is so in order to push the participation of local racers. After the 1st prize, there will also be other prizes to be awarded to all ticket holders. As more of the prize is sorted out, there will be an update. The second place draw winner will receive a 1/18 scale model of the X-Men RX8 and more.

According to Bryant, they wanted to wanted to do something fun for all the participants in the raffle as well as the Spec Miata Racers. He added that Autism Speaks is a very worthy effort and most of them in Pinnacle Mazda know someone or a family affected by Autism. He assured that at the final race of the MX5 cup series in Salt Lake City at Miller Motorsports Raceway, they will present the check to Brett, whom they hope is back in the driver's seat.

Aside from the seat race, Victory Lane Data is offering a second-place prize to contribute to the fund, an AIM TG 6V Lap-timer which is valued at $249. Victory Lane Data is owned by Roger Caddell, the father of the 2006 Spec Miata National Champion and Brett's Team MER teammate, Andrew Caddell.

Cadelle said that Brett and his family have been friends of Andrew and his for several years. He added that Brett's great attitude and determination to get back into a racecar after his accident has been very inspiring for all of them.

Mazda's vision is to create new value, excitement and delight to their customers through the best automotive products and services. Their mission is to actively communicate with passion, pride and speed with their customers to deliver insightful automotive products and services that exceed their expectations. Aside from being the provider of top notch Mazda parts such as OEM Mazda parts to the enthusiast community, the company values integrity, customer focus, creativity, efficiency and nimble actions and respects highly motivated people and team spirit. It positively spurs environmental matters, safety and society; and its fund raising for the Autism Speaks is a huge proof.

About the Author

Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in Software Engineering. He now works at a software development firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive magazines.