Star Mazda Series

Howie Chizek is a radio talk show host for WNIR FM-100.1 in the Akron, Ohio radio market and the number 1 rated talk show host in the country with 300,000+ listeners in his market. His shows run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Saturday show usually airs live (via telephone) from the Klaben auto dealership in Kent, of which he also serves as it's main pitchman.

He graduated with a degree in communications from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Since 1972, Howie has had the longest running radio show in America, dating back to WNIR's predecessors, WKNT AM-1520 and at FM-100.1.

He was also the public announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers throughout much of the 1980s and 1990s. According to the official National Basketball Association website, Chizek is given credit as having one of the most memorable quotes in NBA history: “Larry Bird just throws the ball in the air and God moves the basket underneath it.” [1]The Star Mazda Series is a group of open-wheel road races conducted by Formula Mazda. Their stated goal is "to develop new race driving talent".

Star Mazda races are often held in conjunction with larger, more famous races at American Le Mans Series, IndyCar or Champ Car circuits. In these circumstances, the Star Mazda races are presented as "opening acts" for the featured race.

The series has six geographic divisions, each of which holds their own championship. In 2006, all races in the series are to be televised on SPEED Channel a cable TV channel which features various motorsports.

This is a form of "spec racing" in which all the cars in a given race have identical specifications, thus ensuring that driver ability is the greatest factor in determining success on the track. All the cars used in these races are produced by Star Race Cars of Pacoima, CA and powered by Mazda rotary engines. Cars are designed to be a comparatively low cost method of entering open road racing, although most teams still strive for corporate sponsorship.

The opening race in the 2006 season was held in Sebring, Florida the day before the American Le Mans Series held their 12 Hours of Sebring race. This race was won by Gerardo Bonilla.
By Rameshwor

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