TACOMA -- Brad Berger, of Lakewood, Washington, became the lucky owner of the first RX-8 delivered to a customer in the United States on Friday, July 11th. Having been summoned to the Russ Dunmire Mazda dealership that day, he found his new RX-8 cordoned off from admirers by caution tape and sporting a sign proclaiming it as the "1st RX-8 in the US". The Dunmire family and Salesman Andy Drew had organized a small party to commemorate the occasion, and presented Brad with cake and champagne in addition to the keys. According to Matt Dunmire this was the fastest delivery following corporate release in anyone's recollection. Russ Dunmire Mazda also has as it's claim to fame the delivery of the first Miata in Washington State.

There is no denying Brad is lucky. He lives just a few miles from the Port of Tacoma, one of only 4 points of embarkation for the first shipment of the precious cargo. His was also one of the first cars off the ship and is purported to have been used to train personnel how to perform port-installed options. But Brad certainly improved his odds by keeping in close contact with the Dealer, the Port, and individuals at MazdaUSA regarding delivery. He tracked the shipment from Japan and even received permission to videotape the ship, Pacific Leader, being unloaded upon arrival. The video and information provided was greatly appreciated by the hundreds of pre-order customers, many of whom are members of the RX-8 Forum (www.rx8forum.com) online. To Brad, this was a 'big deal' and he was successful in spreading the excitement to those who counted. Brad is also well known to MazdaUSA and many Mazda fans around the country as the owner of several very special rotary-powered vehicles, such as an authentic, right hand drive Mazda Eunos Cosmo 20B (3-rotor, twin turbo) -- the only one known legally registered in the US. Brad also owns a pristine, bone stock 1988 10th anniversary TurboII with just 20,000 original miles, and a heavily modified 1988 10th anniversary TurboII powered by a Cosmo 20B. Brad is also known for his involvement with Rotary Power Northwest (RPNW) RX-7 Club, for which he helps organize several big events. In fact, part of the subtle "pressure" Brad put on those with influence was his intention to display the car in the club's "collector car corral" at the Baxter Historic Races in Portland, Oregon the very weekend he was to take delivery. The event was a great opportunity to promote the new vehicle to many thousands of attendees, though it is unknown at this point whether that played any part in the quick delivery. Regardless, the RX-8 was easily the most popular display in the club's corral and no doubt many people walked away with newfound enthusiasm about the vehicle.

Brad enjoyed many other "firsts" this past weekend. First to take an interstate trip, first to display the car in a show, first to take the car on a racetrack (parade laps), first to take three adult passengers on a ride, and likely a hundred lesser "firsts" that go along with the privilege of being the first owner of a special car in this important market. Many other anxious owners are probably envious of that distinction, but Brad has paid his dues and few could have deserved it more. However, he wishes to leave a few "firsts" to others -- first to wreck one, first to get a speeding ticket, first to....

Notes: The ship Pacific Leader unloaded at the Port of Hueneme (CA) first then unloaded in Tacoma on 21 June. Of the 342 RX-8s off loaded in Tacoma, approximately 200 stayed at the port with the balance were railed to Woodhaven, MI. Reports indicate there are 4 water ports and 2 inland ports. The water Ports are Hueneme, Tacoma, Jacksonville and Jersey City. The inland ports are Woodhaven (MI) and Midlothian (TX). The vehicles were prepared for delivery and held for a coordinated release on or around July 11th. Russ Dunmire Mazda is only 5 miles from the Port of Tacoma.