Ed and Ron Bergenholtz are championship caliber drag racers. Bergenholtz Racing won back-to-back NHRA Pro-FWD championships in 2005 and 2006, and owns the title of quickest and fastest front-drive import with a blistering 7.25 at 198 mph blast. As founding fathers of the import movement, Ed (the team driver, age 34) has been import drag racing half of his life, and Ron, age 35, has been right there every step of the way as his crew chief.
But, the big question is, how will these straight-liners transition into the multi-faceted USCC? Like many other sport compact drag teams, Bergenholtz Racing has expanded to field a Formula Drift car and has also dipped into the time attack scene, so maybe they aren't as far up the creek as many would believe.
"Once we heard about the USCC from the guys at SCC we knew it would be great for a motorsports team like us to get involved," quipped an enthusiastic Ed Bergenholtz. "The Mazda3 that we use for Super Lap Battle Street Class time attack purposes seems to be a 'shoe-in' for this event.
"The BR Tuning Mazda3 has been well modified for the USCC. I would say that one of its most advantageous mods is its Motec M800 engine management technology, which gives us the versatility to accommodate many of the USCC categories successfully. Matching this with our racing background gives BR Tuning a huge advantage," said Ed.
Having done hours of track testing with different component modifications and settings, the brothers feel at ease with their total formula. But, at around 3,000 pounds, the car is not exactly lightweight, and front-wheel drive is always at a disadvantage when making big power. Suspension technology is of the utmost importance since it encompasses a few key USCC categories. Having logged lots of testing time already with this car, Ed and Ron are banking on their car's extensive R&D time to help it overcome any power or drivetrain configuration disadvantages.
"The last mod that deserves attention is actually the lack of mods. The car started life as a simple Mazda3. It has a low base cost and the creature comforts have been relatively untouched. Unless you open up on this beast you would think it to be a regular run-of-the-mill street car, which I think may be a great advantage in this competition," said Ed.
"Even given that this is our first venture into the USCC, I think that BR Tuning's chances of winning are pretty good. My brother Ron and I are very competitive and very meticulous when it comes to automotive technology. If it involves a contest with cars, you better bet that BR Tuning will be up there with the best of them. We'll have to wait and see what happens."
As serious competitors, the Bergenholtz brothers are known for their over-the-top antics and should bring a bit fire to the belly of the 2008 USCC. Only time will tell how far their expertise can take the Mazda3 platform though, the lone front-wheel-drive entry in this year's competition.
2005 Mazda Mazda3
Engine
Engine Code: MZR
Type: 2,261cc, inline-four, aluminum block and head
Internal Modifications: Cosworth pistons, rods, engine built by BR Tuning
External Modifications: Tri-Point turbo kit (wastegate, front-mount intercooler, intercooler piping, up-pipe, stainless-steel 3-inch downpipe), custom modified Garrett GT28R, Cosworth intake manifold, 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust (modifed by BR Tuning), carbon-fiber engine cover, RX-8 oil cooler, Ron Davis radiator, SPAL radiator fan
Engine Management Modifications: 580cc/min injectors, Walbro fuel pump, Motec M800 ECU
Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: Mazdaspeed3 six-speed transmission, Sachs clutch, Cusco RS limited-slip differential, Cobb Tuning short shift lever
Suspension
Front: Mazdaspeed coilovers, Eibach springs, Racing Beat 28.5mm antiroll bar, front tower bar
Rear: Mazdaspeed coilovers, Eibach springs, Racing Beat 27mm antiroll bar, SPC Performance rear camber arm
Brakes
Front: Brembo four-pistion calipers, 11.8-inch rotors, pads, stainless-steel braided brake lines
Rear: Brembo pads
External
Wheels: 17x8, Volk Racing RE30
Tires: 235/40R17, Yokohama Advan Neova
Body: Mazdaspeed body kit, DG Motorsports custom splitter, Mazdaspeed3 rear wing, carbon-fiber hood
Interior: Recaro seats