DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It was the first U.S.-built Mazda RX-7 race car, and it would become the most successful small GT/GTU race car in the world.
That’s pretty tough to beat if you’re looking for the “Most historically significant IMSA car” at last weekend’s Amelia Island Concourse d’Elegance near Jacksonville, Florida. There was some stiff competition, including a Penske Racing Porsche RS Spyder, a Brumos Racing Porsche 914/6 and a Busby BMW 320i, among others.
But the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Award at Amelia Island 2020 deservedly went to a car named, “LuLu.” It was the Kent Racing Mazda-RX-7, restored by Walt Berchak and now owned by former IMSA racer Kelly Marsh, a Rolex 24 At Daytona and Road America class race winner.
The car was selected by a panel of judges that included IMSA Senior Director, Race Operations Mark Raffauf. And presenting the award was IMSA President John Doonan, who was not a judge in the competition.
LuLu becomes the third recipient of the IMSA Award, which was first presented two years ago to Nissan for its GTP 88-01 race car. Last year, Rob Dyson took home the award for his Porsche 962.