\u201cThat first drive got me hooked, and I immediately wanted an RX-7 of my own,\u201d says Sohn, a 33-year-old lab manager at the Uni- versity of Alabama at Birmingham.

Since then, this self-professed \u201crotorhead\u201d has bought and sold many rotary-powered cars\u2014including two second-generation RX-7s, four third-generation RX-7s, and even an RX-2. His all-time favorite, though, is the third-generation RX-7, of which he still owns two: a 1993 Montego Blue Touring Edition RX-7 and a 1993 black RX-7 that he\u2019s customizing for shows.

Despite his affinity for all things rotary, his most recent Mazda purchase was a Mazda MX-5, which he bought last April at Trussville Mazda, in Trussville, AL, with his then-girlfriend, Jennifer. What\u2019s more, it was while making this purchase that Sohn decided to propose to Jennifer.

\u201cAfter dating a year and a half, I already had the engagement ring and was just waiting for the right time to give it to her,\u201d says Sohn. \u201cWhile signing the paperwork on the MX-5, I asked the sales- person, Barry Brown, to write \u2018Will You Marry Me?\u2019 on the wind- shield. As we walked to the car with keys in hand, she saw the windshield and started crying. We got married on October 6, 2006, on our two-year anniversary.\u201d

Philip Sohn is a true-blue Mazda enthusiast, even
going so far as to propose to his fianc\u00e9e at his
local Mazda dealership.

In his free time, Sohn further cultivates his love of rotary-powered cars. In 2004, he founded the Mazda Rotary Car Club of Alabama (MRCCAL) with about 15 car owners. Today, this diverse but tight- knit group has grown to more than 40 members from throughout Alabama and neighboring states.

\u201cSome are hard-core track racers who mainly concentrate on boosting performance, while others, like me, enjoy customizing the cars with unique modifications,\u201d explains Sohn. \u201cThird-gener- ation RX-7s handle incredibly well\u2014far better than any car I\u2019ve ever driven.\u201d

Sohn is also the primary organizer of the annual Deal's Gap Ro- tary Rally, which takes place on an 11-mile stretch of public road that offers gorgeous scenery and 318 turns.

\u201cI wanted to create an enthusiast event that was free for every- one to attend, provide a free meal, give people a chance to share their love of rotary engines, and drive on a really cool track,\u201d said Sohn. \u201cI heard about Deal\u2019s Gap from various MX-5 owners, but I had never heard about the rotary enthusiasts going there\u2014and yet, RX-7s are the perfect car for it. It\u2019s a great event.

\u201cAs an owner of third-generation RX-7s, I\u2019m always trying some- thing new or looking for a new modification,\u201d he laughs. \u201cIt seems to take on a life of its own. When I\u2019m not working or hanging out with my wife, my Mazdas really are my life.\u201d\u25a0

Philip and Jennifer Sohn are about as devoted to Mazda
as one can get, in that they own and drive Mazdas,
customize Mazdas, and organize and participate in local
and national enthusiast events.

publication intended for employees of Mazda dealerships and Mazda North American Operations.
Please address all correspondence to mazdafuel@mazdausa.com or fax to (949) 727-6813.
The content of Mazda FUEL magazine is prepared in accordance with the highest
standards of journalistic accuracy and was deemed accurate when written.
\u00a9 2007 Mazda North American Operations

The Mazda North American Master Technician of the Year Competition will be held April 14, 2007. The date was in- correctly reported in the January/February 2007 Mazda FUEL.