I found this online note- it described and fixed my problem.
from https://www.engine-codes.com/p2097_mazda.html
Tech Notes
Some 2007-2009 Mazda CX-7, 2007-2009 Mazdaspeed3, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles may experience hesitation or surging when accelerating after engine warm-up. These symptoms may be noticed by the customer before a MIL illumination with DTC P0134, P2096, P2097, P2177, P2187, P2188, P2195, or P2237 is stored in memory. This may be caused by a front O2 sensor signal failure due to a crack on the primary or secondary O2 sensor cells.
This was the correct fix. I was misled by the Mazda TSB 01-022/08 into reflashing PCM and replacing HPFP. Plus plugs, air filter, MAP sensor before the all-important upstream O2 sensor.
2008 Mazdaspeed3 53K
from https://www.engine-codes.com/p2097_mazda.html
Tech Notes
Some 2007-2009 Mazda CX-7, 2007-2009 Mazdaspeed3, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles may experience hesitation or surging when accelerating after engine warm-up. These symptoms may be noticed by the customer before a MIL illumination with DTC P0134, P2096, P2097, P2177, P2187, P2188, P2195, or P2237 is stored in memory. This may be caused by a front O2 sensor signal failure due to a crack on the primary or secondary O2 sensor cells.
This was the correct fix. I was misled by the Mazda TSB 01-022/08 into reflashing PCM and replacing HPFP. Plus plugs, air filter, MAP sensor before the all-important upstream O2 sensor.
2008 Mazdaspeed3 53K