Sunday Group Management

Continental Tire To Serve As Exclusive Tire Supplier

for IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda

Global Technology Company Deepens Involvement with IMSA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2016) – Continental Tire will serve as the exclusive tire supplier for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda series starting in 2017.

The multi-year agreement will see all cars in both classes of IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda – Le Mans Prototype 3 (LM P3) and Mazda Prototype Challenge (MPC) – compete on Continental rubber.

“IMSA continues to enjoy a strong and mutually productive partnership with Continental Tire,” said David Pettit, IMSA vice president, marketing. “We appreciate Continental increasing its already deep commitment to our sport through this new agreement. The exciting competition coming in 2017 and beyond in the new-look IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda platform will be enhanced by the consistent durability and performance of state-of-the-art Continental tires.”

Continental Tire is the Official Tire of IMSA and the exclusive tire supplier for the Prototype, Prototype Challenge and GT Daytona classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The company also continues as the title sponsor and the exclusive tire of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, a role it has fulfilled since 2010.

“We’re thrilled to announce the integration of the Prototype Challenge series into our portfolio of racing properties,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire. “We’re honored to increase our partnership with IMSA to include this series and we look forward to showcasing our abilities on a global platform like the Prototype Challenge stage.”

IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda action will be divided into two classes in 2017, blending new and existing IMSA machinery. The LM P3 class will feature LM P3 chassis from as many as six different constructors powered by identical V8 engines. The MPC class will use the existing Élan DP02 chassis powered by Mazda engines that previously comprised the Lites 1 (L1) class of the series.

Thirteen rounds of competition will take place in IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda in 2017, starting in mid-March and ending in early October. Nine rounds will take place during IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekends, putting drivers and teams into the brightest sports car racing spotlight in North America. Most event weekends will include a pair of 45-minute sprint races.

The 2017 IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda season starts with two rounds, March 17-18, at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.

About IMSA

The International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) was originally founded in 1969 and owns a long and rich history in sports car racing. Today, IMSA is the sanctioning body of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the premier sports car racing series in North America. IMSA also sanctions the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and the IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda, as well as four single-make series: Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama; Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama; Ferrari Challenge North America; and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America. IMSA – a company within the NASCAR group – is the exclusive strategic partner in North America with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) which operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The partnership enables selected IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competitors to earn automatic entries into the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. For more information, visit www.IMSA.com, www.twitter.com/IMSA or www.facebook.com/IMSA.

About Continental Tire the Americas

Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Continental Tire the Americas, LLC manufactures and distributes a complete premium line of passenger, light truck and commercial tires for original equipment and replacement markets. Our ultra-high, performance tires include award-winning technologies that focus on safety, help save money, and reduce CO2 emissions. Continental’s premium products are available at leading independent tire dealers, car dealers, and mass retail companies across North America. Continental Tire is a proud supporter of IMSA, Major League Soccer (MLS), College Basketball, Team är-kªn’, West Coast Customs, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, and Petty’s Garage. For more information visit, www.continentaltire.com.

About Continental AG

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 218,000 people in 55 countries.

Mazda Unveils New Daytona Prototype international Race Car for WeatherTech Championship Prototype Class

Nov. 16, 2016

Staff Report

IMSA Wire Service

LOS ANGELES – During a standing room only news conference today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda confirmed a two-car Daytona Prototype international (DPi) program and unveiled its new race car, which will compete full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype class beginning in 2017.

“This new DPi race car reaffirms Mazda’s longstanding commitment to IMSA and the WeatherTech Championship,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “This first public unveiling of a DPi is the culmination of several months of collaboration between Mazda, the Riley/Multimatic partnership and IMSA. This car is nothing short of breathtaking, and represents a benchmark example of the vision we have for how manufacturers incorporate their production car design elements into a prototype race car. We eagerly anticipate its competition debut in the Rolex 24 At Daytona this coming January.”

The new DPi car – dubbed the “Mazda RT24-P” in a nod to the manufacturer’s successful “Mazda Road to 24” driver development program – will use the Mazda MZ-2.0T four-cylinder, turbocharged engine producing approximately 600 horsepower and a Riley/Multimatic prototype chassis with specially designed Mazda bodywork. The bodywork utilizes Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design philosophy and will include elements such as body contours and a five-point Mazda grille.

“KODO design is at the heart of any vehicle that carries a Mazda badge, and that is very evident in the design of the 2017 prototype,” said Ken Saward, senior manager of Design at Mazda Design Americas. “We considered the two main parameters of designing a successful race car for this series: aerodynamic performance and the new-for-2017 technical regulations. Working with Multimatic’s aerodynamicist and engineers, we discovered that applying the KODO design philosophy to the surfaces and the silhouette of the car enabled us to create a dynamic, purposeful-looking design and a very aerodynamically efficient one.”

The South Florida-based SpeedSource Race Engineering will manage the two-car program on behalf of Mazda Motorsports. The pair of Mazda RT24-P race cars will be driven by Jonathan Bomarito, Tristan Nunez, Tom Long and Joel Miller.

Mazda’s new DPi program is the next chapter in a lengthy history of prototype racing in IMSA. The manufacturer has fielded a two-car, factory-supported team since the inception of the WeatherTech Championship after previously supporting prototype and GT race cars in both the American Le Mans Series and GRAND-AM. Most recently, the manufacturer utilized a Lola LM P2 chassis and four-cylinder, turbocharged engine in the WeatherTech Championship.

“This is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and the entire Mazda family,” said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports North America. “To have a car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is meaningful for us as a brand. We believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis to win races and championships.

“Mazda has good, long-standing relationships with Riley and Multimatic, and is happy to be the first to test their new chassis. We look forward to seeing it make its racing debut at Daytona with Mazda bodywork and the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine. The strategic vision of IMSA to give auto manufacturers this opportunity to integrate our branding —to better engage our passionate fans— is unique and we’re proud to be the first to unveil what is possible.”

The team will begin on-track testing later this month in preparation for the 2017 WeatherTech Championship season, which begins on Jan. 28-29 with the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Mazda joins Nissan as confirmed DPi manufacturers for IMSA’s top Prototype class, which also will include international LM P2 prototype chassis from Riley/Multimatic, Ligier, ORECA and Dallara, powered by single-specification Gibson V8 engines.

Anticipation Builds For 2017 WeatherTech Championship

As New GT Daytona Models Begin Testing

Lexus, Acura Both Prepare To Field Two-Car Full Season Efforts

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2016) – Lexus made its long-awaited IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut on the first day of a two-day sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday. The Lexus RC F GT3, operated by Paul Gentilozzi’s 3GT Racing team, turned its first laps around Daytona’s 3.56-mile road circuit.

Though only one RC F GT3 is present at the two-day test, 3GT Racing will campaign a pair of the cars for the 2017 WeatherTech Championship season. Announced in early 2016, sports car legend Scott Pruett will co-drive one of the Lexus entries with Sage Karam.

“I’m so excited to be back at Daytona, I love everything about it,” Pruett said on Tuesday afternoon. “This is the start of everything with Lexus and everything they’re doing. Everything we have to learn about the car is new. We’re trying to get a lot done in a short period of time.”

While Lexus engines and vehicles have competed in the United States previously, the new program represents the first direct manufacturer involvement.

“We’ve had a fairly long history of racing here in the States, just not directly,” said Lexus Motorsports Manager Mark Egger. “We’ve had engines in prototypes, privateers run IS300 & GS400 cars and trophy trucks in the Baja series, but this RC F program in IMSA brings the whole package together. There’s a lot of excitement about starting a brand new program.”

In January, Lexus will debut at the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona, but for Pruett, the race is the continuation of a longstanding legacy. He has captured more than a dozen class wins in the historic race, and currently stands tied with Hurley Haywood for the most overall wins with five. Though he likely won’t break the overall category in a GT Daytona (GTD) ride, he’s still very excited about returning to Daytona.

“It’s really exciting now that we are finally here, without a doubt,” Pruett said. “When I rolled in yesterday, I was just all smiles and grins, because it’s real now – this is where it all starts.”

Pruett isn’t the only excited party – Lexus is very much looking forward to joining the series as well.

“There is much anticipation about entering the WeatherTech Championship, which is the premier sports car series in the United States,” Egger said. “With all the tracks we’ll visit, we feel we’re hitting the high notes of who we want to compete against and will also be able to showcase our technologies that we’ll take into our road-going cars.”

Acura NSX Officially Debuts at Daytona with Michael Shank Racing

The first day of testing at Daytona International Speedway also saw the familiar Michael Shank Racing (MSR) team bring out the unfamiliar Acura NSX GT3 for its first official test session.

With seven hours of testing available on both Tuesday and Wednesday, the test provides an opportunity for the team to learn what the new car can bring to the table.

“One car is working on chassis balance and the other is working on mileage for durability, and so far, so good,” said team owner Michael Shank. “We’re trying to over-deliver and just keep everyone headed in the right direction, try to keep everyone happy and make progress and knock our list down.”

The new relationship between Acura and MSR has been an easy transition for both sides. With MSR headquartered in Ohio, the shop is already located near Honda’s manufacturing, research and development centers.

“It kind of became a natural fit when we looked for which teams to help support the introduction of the GT3 NSX,” explained Honda Performance Development, Inc. Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Stephen Eriksen. “Because he (Shank) is located in Ohio, we were able to capitalize on resources within Honda outside of just HPD. We’ve actually been able to pull in key members from manufacturing and R&D that know the production car really well to work on the racing program. The whole thing has made for really nice synergy.”

Shank and Eriksen also were aligned on what the objective of this week’s test was for Acura – log miles.

Said Eriksen, “It’s really a chance for us to pound out miles and start tuning the various things that can be tuned on the car. We’ve got some very experienced drivers who have been able to guide us because this is our first time to do a GT3 car. They’ve been really helpful in helping set our priority list of what to work on as we finish up the cars specifications.”

The Acura driver lineup was announced late last month at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada and all four drivers are on-hand for this week’s test. Andy Lally and Jeff Segal are paired together for the test, while Katherine Legge and Ozz Negri are teamed up in a second car after switching from Prototype to GTD.

“I’ve done Prototypes for so many years, so I went from the quickest class to the slowest class,” Negri explained during today’s session. “There’s a lot of difference between driving style in both cars. There’s a lot of things to take in but it’s all going in the right direction and I actually enjoy it a lot.”

NOTEBOOK

• BMW Team RLL stands as the lone GTLM entrant at the two-day test, and the team is gathering a significant amount of crucial data. The team’s technical director, Jay O’Connell, pointed out to driver John Edwards that the November Test is almost exactly the same distance away from the winter solstice as the Rolex 24 itself, meaning that the track temperatures should be nearly identical.

“That’s not something that I would have thought of, but apparently we’re getting a pretty good idea of what it’s going to be like during the race,” said Edwards. “That’s a good thing, as the last time we were here it was on a completely different spec of tire.”

• Stevenson Motorsports driver Robin Liddell on testing at Daytona: “The test has been quite good so far. The track started off a bit dirty and there aren’t enough cars to really get it rubbered-in very effectively over the course of the day. The car feels good, but we have some setup issues that we’re working on and trying to improve. Like everybody else, we’re just shaking off the cobwebs. We want to go through procedural stuff and what not in January. The bigger set-up stuff we can try to do now to see what we can learn from that.”

Porsche Motorsports Weekly Event Notes: Monday, October 31, 2016

Next Porsche Motorsport Event:

FIA/ World Endurance Championship.

Porsche Profile

Event Story Lines.

Match Point for Porsche in China. WEC Manufacturers’ Championship Has Two Races Remaining.
On November 6, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is having its eighth and penultimate round of the 2016 season in Shanghai, China. One year ago, Porsche celebrated clinching the manufacturers’ world championship here at the Six Hours of Shanghai on the Chinese Formula One circuit. So far this season the Porsche Team has achieved five race wins with its two 919 Hybrids and leads the manufacturers’ world championship with 263 points ahead of Audi (204) and Toyota (174). With the current advantage being 59 points, the team could clinch the title if the gap at the end of six-hours of racing is at least 44 points.
Concerning the news of Audi withdrawing from the WEC at the end of the 2016 season; Porsche very much regrets the loss of Audi as a great competitor from the 2017 WEC season. Porsche will compete in the entire 2017 WEC season as planned. So far Porsche has derived a huge benefit in terms of knowledge and innovations for production cars from the LMP1 program – this applies in particular to the 24-hour race at Le Mans.
In the drivers’ world championship, the trio of Romain Dumas (FR), Neel Jani (CH) and Marc Lieb (DE) top the standings with 140 points ahead of the best-placed Toyota (117) and Audi drivers (111.5). To secure an early title win, Dumas/Jani/Lieb would have to extend their current 23-point advantage in Shanghai to 26 points. The crew of the sister Porsche, Timo Bernhard (DE), Brendon Hartley (NZ) and Mark Webber (AU), has 93.5 points to its tally and ranks fourth.
The Weissach developed Porsche 919 Hybrid produces a system power of over 900 HP (662 kW). Its combustion engine is a ground breaking downsizing motor. The very compact two-liter, V4 turbocharged gasoline engine drives the rear axle with almost 500 PS (368 kW). Two different energy recovery systems – brake energy from the front and exhaust energy – feed a lithium ion battery that, on command, passes on the energy to an E machine to power the front axle with an extra boost of over 400 PS (294 kW).
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President LMP1.
“At the final race in Bahrain in 2015, it was the drivers’ title that seemed fairly easy to get. We had a dominant car and needed no more than P4 (fourth-position) for the trophy. But this title win was a nerve-wracking thriller, and we finished P5 because we had technical issues. Back then it only worked out because the sister car successfully fought for the race win. The lesson is: in a six-hour race everything can happen – be it in the first corner after the start or in the final minutes, like this year in Le Mans. The key challenge is always to complete the distance with no problems.”

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal.
“The circuit layout in Shanghai tends to suit the 919’s characteristics better than that of the Fuji Speedway where we were most recently. But a huge amount of factors matter and in the two recent races we have seen that the competition is at least on the same level as us. In Austin, as well as in Fuji, we had problems with our number 2 car, because the front picked up a lot of tire rubber from the track, and that disturbed the car’s balance until we changed the front bodywork. In Shanghai we want to fight for top positions again with our proven, very reliable 919 Hybrid and another error free team effort.”
Timo Bernhard, Driver, No. 1 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“The Shanghai circuit isn’t an easy one to drive, but I quite like racing there. Just the first corner doesn’t really float my boat. It is a snail-like right-hander and seems endless. It is getting tighter all the time and it is slow. After that, the lap features very different cornering speeds. There are some mid-speed corners and a few corner combinations especially for which you have to position the car precisely.”
Brendon Hartley, Driver, No. 1 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“After coming close but not taking victory at the most recent race in Fuji, it’s now extremely unlikely our number 1 car crew will get a chance to defend the drivers’ championship title. However, we can do our bit to secure the manufacturers’ championship title for Porsche and, therefore, we will fight for more victories. The Shanghai circuit should suit our 919 Hybrid.”

Mark Webber, Driver, No. 1 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“After the epic battle in Fuji with our rivals, I’m really looking forward to getting to Shanghai where I’m expecting more of the same. I believe that the Porsche 919 will suit Shanghai’s layout very well, and it’s a track that Timo, Brendon and I really enjoy driving at. Clearly the goal for the weekend is to stand on the middle step of the podium, but, as we’ve seen in the last four or five events, you have to have everything lined up perfectly for that six hour window. This is something we’re more than capable of doing.”
Romain Dumas, Driver, No. 2 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“In Shanghai we have to do everything we can to return to the good shape we used to have. Since the Le Mans 24 Hours we have been struggling, but for a reason we have yet to identify. For sure, finishing fourth or fifth does not represent our capabilities. We have to get back to our original strengths.”
Neel Jani, Driver, No. 2 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“So far we have always done well with the 919 in Shanghai, and I expect us to be up front there again. But it is going to be tough. The target is clear. For the drivers’ championship we have to finish the race ahead of our direct competition, namely the number 6 Toyota and the number 8 Audi. But both will be strong. The classic philosophy of endurance racing has long gone. The level in the WEC is extremely high, and it is sprint racing from the first until the last lap. After six hours of racing, only seconds decide on winning or losing. Our situation in the points is good, but we have to exploit our full potential in every single stint.”

Marc Lieb, Driver, No. 2 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“The last four races were not good. For the crucial period of the championship we want to pull ourselves out of this low and recall in Shanghai the performance that is expected from us, and that meets our own standards. Excitement is guaranteed.”
All points standings: http://www.fiawec.com/courses/classification.html
All results: http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com

Shanghai Facts and figures.
– The six-hour race on the Shanghai International Circuit is the eighth and penultimate round of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and starts on November 5 at 11:00 p.m. EDT, (11:00 a.m. local Chinese time).
– The official WEC App can be downloaded free of charge in its basic version and can be extended (not free of charge) by a live stream. Several live features, such as on-board cameras, timing and GPS tracking, are implemented in the Porsche Motorsport App (free of charge) and at porsche.com/fiawec.
– In 2015, Hartley/Webber (1:42.719 minutes) and Dumas/Lieb (1:43.488 minutes) locked out the front row of the grid. (In the WEC the average of the respective best laps of two drivers counts for the grid position.)
– Last year about two-thirds of the race was held on a wet track. Bernhard/Hartley/Webber won ahead of Dumas/Jani/Lieb. Porsche secured the title win in the manufacturers’ world championship.
– The WEC efficiency regulations limit the amount of energy that can be used per lap. In Shanghai the Porsche 919 Hybrid can use 4.95 megajoule of electrical power from energy recovery systems and 1.395 kg/1.910 liters of gasoline.
– At normal race speed (no safety car) the Porsche 919 Hybrid is due for refueling after every 31 laps at the latest.
– Refueling and changing Michelin tires may only be done sequentially, not at the same time. Only four mechanics may work simultaneously when changing tires and also may use only one wheel gun at a time. That takes a lot longer than in NASCAR or F1, for example.
– The drivers are normally only changed when new Michelin tires are needed.
– A set of Michelin racing slick tires should ideally last two fuel tank fills. However, in order to set the best lap times, it may be sensible to change tires more often.
– These different types of tires can be used: three different compounds of slick tires for dry conditions, a hybrid tire (no profile either but softer cover) for mixed conditions and wet weather tires. 6.5 sets of dry weather tires are available per car for qualifying and the race.
– A lap of the Shanghai International Circuit, used for Formula One Grands Prix since 2004, is 3.39-miles (5.451 kilometers). It has 16 corners – nine right-handers and seven left-handers – of which the well-known “snail corner” at the beginning of each lap counts as a double right-hander. From a bird’s eye view the track’s layout is reminiscent of the Chinese characters of “shàng” that translates into “upward” or “up” and also is part of the city name of Shanghai.
– The circuit is located about 25-miles outside the Shanghai city center.

Growing Foundation. PCA Club Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East Eight Races in Second Year.
The PCA Club Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East series will grow from six events in its inaugural season to eight events for the 2017 season. Again, the Porsche Club of America has organized events at some of North America’s most challenging courses, including a new addition in Canada.
The series announced the tentative 2017 schedule at its championship celebration banquet on October 23 at the Daytona 500 Club at Daytona International Speedway following the last race of the 2016 season. Barber Motorsports Park, Monticello Motor Club and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be three new additions, increasing the series’ growing profile with competitors and fans following an extremely successful first season. Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East is also welcoming several new drivers to the competitive, semi-professional series.
The 2017 season will kick off March 31-April 2 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. The second event will be May 19-21 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, which marks the series’ first visit to the iconic road circuit.
Two races will be held in June – the first June 2-4 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York and the second June 23-25 at VIRginia International Raceway in Danville, Virginia. The series competed at both of these venues in 2016.
New this year, the series will visit Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York July 14-16. Monticello Motor Club is one of the most exclusive private country club racetracks in the world and has more than 400 car enthusiasts as members, including Cayman GT4 Clubsport drivers John Frank, Adam Merzon and Joe Courtney. Around 50 members of this club also have PCA Club Racing licenses.
Drivers and teams will then travel north to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario, Canada Aug. 4-6. This event marks the series’ first trip over the border of the United States.
Rounding out the season will be a race September 15-17 at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana. This track is home to NOLAsport race team – the Championship class (Keith Jensen) and Pro class (Jason Hart) winners of the 2016 season. The Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East series finished its 2016 season on a high note at Daytona International Speedway and will once again have the 2017 season finale at the iconic track in Daytona Beach, Florida Oct. 27-30.
Drivers compete in a separate group within the traditional PCA Club Racing races in the 385-horsepower, mid-engine racer, which features a sealed engine and transmission and a spec Pirelli tire. The car was developed by Porsche Motorsport and based on the successful street-legal Cayman GT4 sports car.
The events feature three races in an exciting, varied format relative to PCA Club Racing standards. The first and second races are 30-minute sprint races. The third race is an endurance race lasting 80 minutes.
Competitors in the PCA Club Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East series are divided into two classes – Championship and Masters. Each class is awarded with its own podium at the end of every race and an individual champion at the end of every season.
Vicki Earnshaw, PCA Club Racing chair.
“The PCA Club Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East series is continuing to expand following our strong inaugural season. We’re looking forward to our 2017 season with the addition of both new drivers and new tracks.”
Allen Shirley, PCA Club Racing Porsche GT4 Clubsport Trophy East Series coordinator.
“We can’t wait for our series to head to some of the most iconic facilities in North America. These new venues are important for the growth of the series and we know our teams and drivers will love the additions.”

*Tentative
Back in the Nest. Flying Lizard Motorsports Announces GTS Program and Porsche Motorsport Partnership.

As part of a continued expansion of its customer racing program, Flying Lizard Motorsports announced it will be adding a two car entry to its Pirelli World Challenge efforts for 2017, entering two Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR racecars in the GTS class. Flying Lizard’s continued relationship with Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) will strengthen the effort, becoming a part of the North American Young Driver Development program.
Flying Lizard proudly joined the Porsche family upon its professional racing inception in 2004, entering into full season competition in the American Le Mans Series. From 2007 to 2012, Flying Lizard Motorsports ran as a factory supported effort, with 2013 being the final season the team would run full season with Porsche Factory Drivers. In the nine-year relationship, the Lizards and Porsche acquired three driver championships, three team championships and two manufacturer championships. Much to the delight of the devoted fan base, in 2016, the team unveiled a Lizard liveried Porsche 911 GT3 R for competition in select amateur and professional racing events.
The 2017 season with the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will mark the first time the team has run a full season Porsche entry since 2013. The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR has been homologated by the SRO, making it eligible for national and international competition in the GT4 class. The two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will race the entirety of the estimated nine-race GTS season, and in the traditional Lizard livery that has been the popular hallmark of the team since its founding.
The combined effort of Flying Lizard Motorsports and PMNA will provide up and coming young racers the opportunity to develop their race craft and compete on a challenging level within the Pirelli World Challenge while being watched by the Porsche Young Driver coaches.
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge begins March 10-12 in Florida for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Drivers for the two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will be announced at a later date.
Jens Walther, Porsche Motorsport North America, president and CEO.
“We are pleased to welcome Flying Lizard Motorsports back into the Porsche Motorsport fold, fulltime. Our fans still fondly remember the 911 RSRs they campaigned in their unique livery. For the ‘Lizards’ to come back with the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the Pirelli World Challenge Series, is welcoming news for all. Their interest and involvement with young drivers is a great reminder of their unwavering dedication to motorsport.”

Darren Law, Flying Lizard, Program Manager.
“This just feels right to see Flying Lizard Motorsports back again with a Porsche program. We have had so many successful and memorable races with Porsche. Much of my driving career has been with Flying Lizard Motorsports, so I am happy that we will have the opportunity to join forces with Porsche for the upcoming season.
“For Flying Lizard, this is a great opportunity to work with Porsche both on and off the race circuit to develop young drivers. We are giving them the opportunity to be viewed and evaluated by one of the most successful and iconic manufacturers in the industry.
“The GT4 cars are ultra-competitive and I am confident the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will be able to race for a championship. The goal is to not only win races and championships but to develop drivers to give them the opportunity to have a career as a professional.”

FIA/ World Endurance Championship.
Total Car Count: Six (6) Porsche entries will be competing in the FIA/WEC Six Hours of COTA.

Where to Watch.

Upcoming Porsche Events:
FIA/ World Endurance Championship

Porsche Motorsport Video News Releases
https://vimeo.com/159661478
Photography:
http://press.porsche.com/media/gallery2/v/photos/motorsports/happenings
Porsche Cars North America Media Site:
http://press.porsche.com/
Porsche Cars North America Motorsports Site:
http://www.porsche.com/usa/eventsandracing/motorsport
Porsche North America Race Team Portal:
porscheusa.com/racing
Porsche Motorsports Media Information:
Current news, images and notes relating to Porsche can be found on our press kit. Please contact Dave Engelman or Tom Moore for the latest Porsche Motorsports media kit.

Kyle Kirkwood’s impressions following his first weekend of Formula Ford racing in England. His blog is posted at http://teamusascholarship.org/?p=3647

Kyle Kirkwood: Crazy Fun

LONDON, England – Unfortunately, the Formula Ford Festival is officially over… This past weekend was one of the most enjoyable and exciting I have ever spent at a race track. The world-class track, extremely tough racing and the overall atmosphere in the paddock is what made the event so much fun. Although I didn’t finish where I would have wanted, I can guarantee that I learned so much more by racing in the middle of the pack – where I had to out-think the other very talented drivers – than if I had been running out front. We will now take everything I’ve learned from this past weekend and throw it all into the mix at the Walter Hayes Trophy, which is less than two weeks from now!

From Wednesday to Friday practice, our pace was very strong. We then shot everything we had at qualifying. I had a car good enough for the pole but a couple of my quickest laps were destroyed by slower traffic, so I ended up fifth in my group. In the heat race I had a pretty awful start and lost a few positions, but fortunately I regained a couple back before the checkered flag.

On the first lap I watched a driver put his car almost all four tires fully in the grass to get around another competitor heading into Druid’s (corner #2) and thought to myself “these drivers are 100 percent going to crash!” But the one on the inside somehow launched his car over the curb and proceeded to complete the pass. That move was kind of a slap in my face, reminding me just how aggressive I needed to be to run up front.

I started ninth for the Semi Final and knew I had to finish much better to get a good starting position for the 20-lap Final. My start was good and I neither gained nor lost positions, but mid-way through the race I found myself in eighth and in contention with a long train of cars dicing for third when I strained something in my shoulder, which made me almost incapable of shifting from second to third gear. This issue cost me a couple of tenths per lap, and even though I was able to catch the group on the last lap, I was unable to make a move.

My eighth-place finish in the Semi set me 16th on the grid for the Final. I knew there was a lot for me to gain, so I threw everything on the line. I had another good start off the line but lost one position on the first lap due to a moment of confusion when a corner marshall put a Safety Car board out, only to see a green flag in the next corner. The first few laps were crazy. There was one point where two cars spun out mid-straight right in front of me. I had to smash the brakes and almost hit the inside wall avoiding them, but I came out with a few less spots to gain on the leader. From there I picked drivers off as quickly as possible and not all of them were easy. A handful of them proved that they knew how to defend and that cost me more time to the leaders. It was as if I had to make them comfortable with me in their mirrors, then attack when they left a door open. After a few tough battles I found myself in clean air, quite a long way behind the next car, so I finished the race in seventh, which I was very happy with considering my starting spot.

I’m back “home” now in London after an exciting weekend that I will never forget. A huge thank-you goes out to Jeremy Shaw and the Team USA Scholarship, everyone at Cliff Dempsey Racing, my mechanic Andrew Jones and all the supporters who have allowed us to experience this. Oliver and I will be doing some touring around some race teams this week so we’ll keep you updated!

Thanks for reading,
Kyle Kirkwood

IMSA News Roundup: October 26, 2016

Notebook Items Include: Ferrari World Finals Head To World Center of Racing; Continental Tire

Brings Fresh Rubber To SEMA; MINI JCW Pursues Both Dreams And Championship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 26, 2016) – This year, the start of December will make a bit of history as the Ferrari Finali Mondiali (World Finals) heads to the United States for the first time.

The world-class weekend, which will take place at Daytona International Speedway, will be headlined by a massive grid of Ferrari Challenge cars from across the globe battling for top honors in one final race on Sunday, December 4.

“For all of us at Ferrari North America it is a very proud moment to bring the Finali Mondiali to North America for the first time,” said Edwin Fenech, CEO of Ferrari North America. “Daytona International Speedway is the perfect venue for the Finali. It has not only been the site of some of Ferrari’s most important moments in sports car racing, but with the recent completion of the Daytona Rising project, it has become an even more exciting venue for the drivers and spectators.”

On Saturday evening, Ferrari owners will have a chance to be a part of history as Ferrari attempts to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Parade of Ferraris. If the goal to have over 1,000 Ferraris circling the World Center of Racing under the lights is accomplished, it is sure to be a sight to behold.

In addition to the main race and record-setting attempt, Ferrari is preparing an exciting event for fans, as the weekend will include a Fan Zone, Ferrari-specific Concours d’Elegance, Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 demonstrations and guest appearances by Ferrari factory sports car drivers including 2016 Petit Le Mans winners Giancarlo Fisichella, Toni Vilander and James Calado, as well as Davide Rigon, Sam Bird and Gianmaria “Gimmi” Bruni.

“Spectators will see a show like they have never seen, with the world finals of the Ferrari Challenge, demonstrations of the XX Program, and of course the demonstration of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 cars on Daytona’s high banks,” Fenech said.

Tickets for the Ferrari Finali Mondiali are on sale now, and can be purchased through Daytona International Speedway by visiting the ticket office, www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Kids 12 and under are free throughout the event when accompanied by a ticketed adult, and all tickets include access to the garage area.

Continental Tire Brings Fresh Rubber To SEMA

Continental Tire will be bringing its new performance street tire to the people next week at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada. For four days (Tuesday, November 1 through Friday, November 4), attendees of the trade show can visit the Las Vegas Convention Center to experience the new ExtremeContact Sport tire.

Located just outside of the South Hall, the Continental Tire Extreme Experience features exciting rides in BMW Performance Driving School vehicles fitted with the new ultra-high performance tire. The ExtremeContact Sport, which will be available for purchase in February of 2017, was developed with the help of WeatherTech Championship racing drivers Andy Lally, Joao Barbosa, Lawson Aschenbach, Ozz Negri and Ryan Dalziel.

“We took our knowledge from the track to the street in a whole new way with the ExtremeContact Sport,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire. “We chose five of the best sports car drivers in the world to help deliver the performance driving enthusiasts demand in a tire. These drivers pushed our tires to the limits to help develop a tire that includes superb dry handling while not sacrificing any of Continental’s award-winning performance in the wet. This summer tire is ideal for sports cars and sport and luxury vehicles and we’re excited to let people see it first-hand at SEMA.”

In addition to the ExtremeContact Sport, Continental Tire is bringing Honda/Acura factory driver Ryan Eversley to SEMA. The racing driver will providelive updates from all of Continental Tire’s social platforms: @continentaltire on Twitter, @continental_tire on Instagram and /continentaltire on Facebook.

MINI JCW Pursues Dreams And Continental Tire Challenge Championship

Luis Perocarpi, Team Owner of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge’s Mini John Cooper Works Racing Team, has spent numerous years chasing his dreams by working in the motorsports industry.

That pursuit is what brought him to Google’s headquarters in northern California earlier this month, along with racing driver Derek Jones and MINI USA’s Pat McKenna. The trio spoke to 200 Google employees about pursuing dreams as part of the “Talks at Google” program, which hosts innovators, world leaders, authors and more from around the world.

“It was great to be there and to get to discuss my passion and how it drives me when the results don’t necessarily come,” said Perocarpi. “There was a Q&A session, and there were a lot of questions about the car and racing, but the most difficult question was likely how we find drivers that fit the program. It takes a lot of chemistry to make this work, especially for the times when there’s not a lot of reward.”

The No. 73 MINI race car was on site as well, and seemed to steal the show once the talking was over.

“Around 30 of the employees waited around after the talk was complete to get in the car, look around, and ask more questions,” Perocarpi added. “Our cars are basically stock, no race engines – our race setup is very close to how you’d find them in the dealership. It’s really good to be competitive against cars that are well developed, to be consistently fighting for top fives and podiums.”

Perocarpi is pleased with what his team has accomplished, but he’s not settling down. His sights are firmly set on a larger goal for the MINI JCW team.

“When we debuted at Sebring in 2015, we were 18th out of 30 cars straight out of the box,” he said. “Having the driver continuity that we’ve had has been great, it has really paid off for our team’s development, but we don’t feel that we want to change too much moving forward. We honestly believe we can compete for the (Street Tuner) championship next year.”

End Quote: Action Express Racing driver Eric Curran on attending SEMA: “I like that there are a lot of racing-related people that attend SEMA. I’ve always gone to support Whelen Engineering and see all the engineering reps, but when I can I spend some time at the NASCAR/IMSA booth and do interviews and autograph sessions. In the past, I have done some things with Chevrolet where I drove around people in the Corvette Zo6 for a day. It’s really a great place to network and see people in the racing community.”

Entries Now Open For 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Teams Gearing Up For Highly Anticipated Racing Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2016) – As the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship closes in on what likely will be a landmark 2017 season, with the dawning of a new Prototype era and a number of new GT race cars and teams joining highly competitive, established programs, entry applications are now being accepted by IMSA.

The 2017 WeatherTech Championship season again opens with the 55th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, kicking off a 12-event calendar including North America’s premier road racing facilities and events. The Prototype (P) class, which will feature a mix of new Daytona Prototype international (DPi) and Le Mans Prototype 2 (LM P2) race cars, will compete in 10 events next season.

The GT Le Mans (GTLM) class – featuring the world’s finest factory-backed GT race cars – will have an 11-race schedule, while the GT Daytona (GTD) class – which adds Acura and Lexus to an already deep and extremely competitive field – will race in all 12 events. The venerable Prototype Challenge (PC) class will contest eight races in its final season of WeatherTech Championship competition in 2017.

Entry forms have been distributed to 2016 WeatherTech Championship race teams and also are available for prospective new competitors at IMSAcompetitors.com. Entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 9. IMSA will review and confirm the selection of entries based on established criteria for the 2017 season.

While the actual race season does not begin until Jan. 28, Daytona International Speedway will be busy with testing activity in November and December leading right up to the start of the season. A two-day test for all WeatherTech Championship teams will be held Nov. 15-16, 2016 on the 3.56-mile Daytona circuit, followed by a test for P, GTLM and GTD race cars on Dec. 13-14.

A third test, the annual Roar Before The Rolex 24 At Daytona, which is required for all 2017 Rolex 24 competitors, is slated for Jan. 6-8, 2017. The Roar test also will include IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge competitors.

Contact:

Nate Siebens
Senior Manager, IMSA Communications

(386) 310-6568

nsiebens