I help organize Mazda's participation in Hot Import Nights car shows on the west coast. There are two events coming up that could be fun for Protege owners in the Southeast, and I wanted to make sure you are aware of the events and can also participate if you want.

First, on October 12 in the Atlanta area, is Mazda Extreme Street car show that is being held as part of the Petit LeMans weekend at Road Atlanta. During the race weekend, part of the paddock will be devoted to an import car show. Mazda sponsors this event, and would love to have as many Mazdas as possible as part of the car show. For more information, please go to www.mazdaextremestreet.com . If you have a very nice Mazda, you might be able to get into the event free! Just contact the nice folks at Slipstream to get more info.

The Speed World Challenge Proteges will all be racing this weekend too, although they will be racing on Friday.

Secondly, there is the Hot Import Nights event in Orlando on October 19. Mazda also sponsors this show, and is always looking for well done cars to put in their booth at the show. In addition, Mazda sponsors the entry fee for the first 15 Mazda's that sign up for the show. Thats right, a free entry for your car! Even better, you and a friend get admission to the show too.

More information on this is at www.hotimportnights.com . BTW, there were 10 Proteges at Import Revolution in San Mateo last weekend, so try to beat that record at Orlando. Sign ups are done directly through Hot Import Nights, and contact them directly.

If you would like your car to be considered to put in the Mazda display, please send a digital picture to jjordan@mazdausa.com for consideration. They usually take 3 or 4 cars, and they are always looking for sweet Proteges.

Thanks, and keep tuning those Proteges!