TOPEKA, Kan. (Jan. 6, 2016) – Mazza Vineyards and the Sports Car Club of America have formed a partnership naming Mazza the “Official Sparkling Wine” of the SCCA U.S. Majors Tour and the SCCA Runoffs® Presented by Garmin VIRB, handing each podium finisher a bottle of wine with a custom label at all 27 Majors events and the Runoffs in 2016.

Mazza Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Bob and Frank Mazza, in the borough of North East, Pennsylvania. Since that time, the vineyard has gained prominence within the region, counting several awards to its credit. The business has also grown to the point where the Mazza family has moved into producing other high-end spirits and beers. Mazza Vineyards is the family’s flagship brand, while Mazza Chautauqua Cellars and Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing are the newer New York state-based brands.

The patriarch of the organization, Bob, has also served in an official role to help further the needs of wine makers in Pennsylvania. The flagship vineyard is also part of the Pennsylvania Winery Association and Lake Erie Quality Wine Alliance.

“I am very excited to be part of the SCCA family,” Bob Mazza, Founder and principal at Mazza Vineyards, said. “I was involved in a sponsorship deal, on a more limited basis, with the Northeast Region. However, I am looking very forward to the opportunity to be a part of the entire Majors program and the Runoffs at Mid-Ohio.

“I have been involved in sports car racing since the early 1990s when I raced a Porsche. My interest then shifted to open-wheel racing. So, I followed the SCCA ladder system, starting in Formula Vee then moving up to Formula Continental before building a Toyota for Pirelli World Challenge competition. It’s rewarding to give back to the Club that has given me so much over the last 20 years.”

Eric Prill, SCCA COO and Vice President, said that he looks forward to the partnership with Mazza Vineyards.

“With the addition of Mazza Vineyards as the Official Sparkling Wine of the Majors Tour and Runoffs, this is another example of what the top level of amateur racing provides its competitors,” Prill said. “With Mazza creating custom bottles for the podium finishers of the Majors and Runoffs, it provides another keepsake which each driver can save to mark his or her achievement and success.

“The SCCA community has vast expertise and talent in a variety of industries. It is nice when the Club can partner with the business interests of our membership, particularly a family operation that has been a part of the organization for 20 years.”

The SCCA U.S. Majors Tour is the premier level of amateur auto racing in the United States. The best non-professional racecar drivers will compete at 27 events throughout five Conferences, beginning in January.

The SafeRacer Club Racing program calendar is capped with the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by Garmin VIRB, Sept. 19-25, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in Lexington, Ohio. At this event, a National Champion will be crowned in each of the 28 national-level classes.

Image: Samples of the custom bottles for podium finishers at Majors events.