It seems like each year, the summer months in SoCal bring yet another new automotive fest or two: Bimmerfest, Subiefest, Nissfest, etc. Some of those seemingly have been happening since the dawn of time. Others are still very much on the ramp-up. After attending this season's latest sophomore "fest," one thing remains clear—they're all a pretty good time!
Enter Mazfest, a Mazda-only track day/show thrown by the good folks at eXtreme Speed Track Events for owners/drivers/tuners of all things Mazda. While die-hard rotary and vintage heads are always invited (even though they'd probably opt for that other annual Mazda event), Mazfest caters more toward enthusiasts of late-model piston-engine Mazdas, like the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-series utility vehicles, MazdaSPEED trims and, of course, the venerable MX-5 Miata roadster.
This year’s event included Mazda-only run groups around Willow Springs’ tight and tumultuous Horse Thief Mile circuit (best suited for small, nimble sport-compacts), a competition round of the Roadster Cup time-attack series and a judged show for everything Mazda.
In addition, eXtreme Speed hosted several open run groups for eligible cars of any make/model, from vintage Mercedes sedans to Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars.
Together with the adjoining general parking area, open pit/paddocks, great spectator vantage points and even an on-site Italian ice vendor (track temps were 110+ degrees, so...yeah), this year’s Mazfest gathering left us feeling content from a good day with friends at the track, but also looking forward to seeing one of SoCal’s newest fests grow in size and enthusiasm in the coming years.
For more from Mazfest, flip through our gallery above.