Howdie ! I am looking forward to getting my first Mazda this week, a 2020 CX-5 Touring. I have been a member of SCCA since 1973, so am familiar with the Marque. Have always liked Mazdas, but for whatever reason, just never had one.
I live in Northern Illinois, about 15 miles from Blackhawk Farms Raceway, and 150 miles from Road America. I have been an SCCA Worker at many tracks for 49 years ( great fun ). My Specialties have included Pit Lane, Timing & Scoring, and Course Marshal. I've also been the "Cheap" Mechanic for a couple friends who were Formula Vee drivers.
My first new car was a '72 Pinto, followed by several other small sedans, interspersed with a CJ-7, Wrangler, 3 Cherokees, a Highlander, Pilot, 4 Mustangs, and, for the last 10 years, an Escape. Should be fun having a "driver's" compact SUV..
The waiting for paperwork, even just a few days, is maddening !