Sunday Group Management

GRAND-AM Cooldown Lap: Circuit of The Americas (CTSCC)

GRAND-AM Cooldown Lap: Circuit Of The Americas

GRAND-AM Of The Americas Presented By GAINSCO And TOTAL

Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Recap

Bill Auberlen and Paul Dalla Lana won their first Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race in two years, scoring a thrilling victory in the first GRAND-AM competition at the Circuit Of The Americas.

Auberlen held off a hard-charging Spencer Pumpelly to win in the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3, with the pair changing the lead twice in the final seven minutes. Pumpelly, who took over for Dr. Jim Norman in the No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Cayman, closed to within four-tenths of a second with one lap remaining. Auberlen then was able to take advantage of lapped traffic in Turn 1 to pull away and win by 3.804 seconds.

The ST battle also came down to the wire. Stevan McAleer – racing for only the second time in the series – passed Tom Long and Terry Borcheller in the final two laps to give Austin-based CJ Wilson Racing its first GRAND-AM victory. McAleer took over for Marc Miller in the winning No. 5 Mazda MX-5, beating Long and Derek Whitis in the No. 25 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5, and Borcheller and Mike LaMarra in the No. 23 Burton Racing BMW 128i.

Texas 200: The Stats

GS 1st: Paul Dalla Lana and Bill Auberlen, No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3
GS 2nd: Dr. Jim Norman and Spencer Pumpelly, No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Carrera

GS 3rd: Bret Sandberg and Charles Espenlaub, No. 48 Fall-Line Motorsports BMW M3
ST 1st: Marc Miller and Stevan McAleer, No. 5 CJ Wilson Racing Mazda MX-5
ST 2nd: Derek Whitis and Tom Long, No. 25 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5

ST 3rd: Mike LaMarra and Terry Borcheller, No. 23 Burton Racing BMW 128i

Margin of Victory: 3.804 seconds (GS); .656 seconds (ST)

Average Speed: 74.046 mph (GS); 71.735 mph (ST)

Cautions: Three for 13 laps

Points (Unofficial)

GS: Nick Longhi/Matt Plumb, 60; Jim Norman/Spencer Pumpelly, 54; Matt Bell/John Edwards, Tonis Kasemets/Michael Marsal, Mike McGovern, 46.
ST: Ryan Eversley/Kyle Gimple, 55; Tom Long/Derek Whitis, 50; Seth Thomas/Daniel Rogers, Corey Fergus/Owen Trinkler, 45; Pierre Kleinubing/Jayson Clunie, 42.

Noteworthy

Ø Both of the Roush Performance Ford Mustangs led the race for eight laps. Shelby Blackstock led early in the event in the team’s No. 51 Boss 302R, while Johnson was leading in the closing 45 minutes before being forced to pit with a fuel feed issue.

Ø It was a weekend of firsts for CJ Wilson Racing. Chad McCumbee gave the Austin-based team its first pole position in Friday’s qualifying, knocking off third-place teammate Marc Miller and RSR Motorsports Corey Fergus in the final minute. Then on Saturday, Stevan McAleer went from third to first to give the team its first victory. McAleer co-drove with Miller in the No. 5 Modspace Mazda MX-5. Jason Saini gave the team its first fastest race lap after taking over for McCumbee in the No. 3 entry, but a spin resulted in a seventh-place finish.

Ø After running Subarus in the CTSCC since 2006, Phoenix Performance debuted a new Ford Mustang Boss 302R at Austin. Driver Andrew Aquilante and crew chief Kurt Rezzetano spearheaded building the car, taking a new body shell on Feb. 6 and converting it into a race car. Team owner Joe Aquilante estimates the pair put 300 hours into the project, finishing up on Feb. 22. It was the first time Phoenix ran a car other than a Subaru since the inaugural 2001 season, when John Heinricy, Bill Lester and John Yarosz drove a Corvette and Pontiac for the Philadelphia-area team.

Ø A two-car incident on Thursday’s test day eliminated the No. 140 Automatic Racing Aston Martin Vantage while sending Roush Performance to a back-up for its No. 51 Ford Mustang Boss 302R. Dr. Tim Fox experienced brake issues in the Aston Martin entering Turn 1 and slammed into the Ford driven by Joey Atterbury. The Roush team had earlier entered its No. 60 Mustang for the test day – and converted it to the No. 51 for Atterbury and Shelby Blackstock. Automatic team manager David Russell hopes to have the Aston Martin back in action for the next race at Barber Motorsports Park.

Ø Joel Janco carries “Death to Lionfish” sponsorship on the No. 05 Racers Edge Ford Mustang Boss 302R. Lionfish are an invasive species changing the ecosystem since being accidentally introduced in 1992 near Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Janco became aware of the danger through his friend, biologist Dr. Steven Miller. With no natural enemies, Lionfish prey on juvenal grouper, snapper and other popular sport fish. Janco’s goal is to raise awareness of the dangers of the spread of the species. “It’s great eating, too,” he said.

Ø The race will be televised on SPEED on Saturday, March 9, at 4 p.m. ET.

The Numbers:

Ø 8 – Position of the top-finishing Ford Mustang, driven by Roger Miller and Ian James
Ø 13 – ST leading laps led by Corey Fergus
Ø 15 – Number of laps led by Lawson Aschenbach after taking the green flag
Ø 19 – GS cars finishing on the lead lap
Ø 32 – Career podiums for race winner Bill Auberlen

The Quotes:

Ø “We tested here, and that definitely paid off in spades. This place is pretty hard to get your arms around, and we came up with an unusual setup. It’s like a road course setup on one side, and an oval track setup on the other. We definitely had an advantage. It was great racing with Spencer (Pumpelly), we were back and forth for the lead at one point. But then Spencer got caught up in traffic, and that allowed me to pull away.” Bill Auberlen, No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3.

Ø “Billy (Auberlen) is great to race with. We’ve been doing this for many years. Today he raced me clean, and we had a great fight. Any chance of a last-ditch effort to pass him was hosed by some ST guys fighting for 27th place or whatever. But our team probably worked harder this weekend than anyone. We had challenges with the setup and some on-track issues, but the guys all worked non-stop the whole time we were here.” Spencer Pumpelly, No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Carrera

Ø “On that last restart I got held up by an Aston Martin, and that allowed a few of the front-wheel drive cars to get by. I was getting a little desperate because I was running out of time. On the last lap, the guys were yelling on the radio, ‘We’re on the podium, don’t do anything stupid.’ For me to be up here after winning the race is pretty unbelievable.” Stevan McAleer, No. 5 CJ Wilson Racing Mazda MX-5

Ø “It’s supposed to end up the other way, but it’s fun to be back on the podium. It’s great for the team to be in this position. They’ve worked hard through a lot of adversity for a long time. I’m not happy getting passed like this, but I’m happy to be on the podium.” Terry Borcheller, No. 23 Burton Racing BMW 128i

Ø “This track really has many of the characteristics of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We have had a lot of success there, so we took a lot of the fundamentals that made us successful at Mazda Raceway and applied it to here. Today was good clean racing, and to come away with a podium is looking good for the points. I thought we were poised to take the win, but it didn’t quite work out.” Tom Long, No. 25 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5

Ø “This track is very technical, literally with a little bit of everything. There’s something for everyone, driver-wise. It’s like a modern-day version of Virginia International Raceway. I absolutely love it.” Ryan Eversley, No. 75 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si

Ø “I think it’s great that a NASCAR driver can come to an F1 track in a sports car race series and get pole. … We will be very proud of this moment for a long time but it’s merely a step towards out goal of winning Continental Tire Sports Car Series races. We now have to follow through.” C.J. Wilson, owner, CJ Wilson Racing after Chad McCumbee won the ST pole, the first for the team.

Coming Up:

Round 3 of the 2013 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will be held at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, April 6.

Cooldown Lap Austin CTC.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
media

@sundaygroup
317.908.2975 (m)
www.sundaymanagement.com

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Fogarty Wins Record 24th Career TOTAL Pole Award At Circuit Of The Americas

Please see attached press release, below is a text-only version.

Fogarty Wins Record 24th Career TOTAL Pole Award At Circuit Of The Americas

Balzan, Papis Fastest As Ferraris Take 1-2 In GT Session

Buford 2-For-2, McCumbee Captures First Pole In CTSCC Qualifying

AUSTIN, Texas (March 1, 2013) – Jon Fogarty showed why he is the top qualifier in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series history on Friday, waiting until his final lap to capture the TOTAL Pole Award for Saturday’s GRAND-AM of The Americas presented by GAINSCO and TOTAL.

After hanging back for much of Friday’s 15-minute Daytona Prototype qualifying session, Fogarty unleashed the Dallas-based No. 99 “Red Dragon” GAINSCO Auto Insurance Corvette DP with a lap of 2:00.179 (101.848 mph) on the 3.4-mile Circuit of The Americas – extending his record to 24 career poles.

“This is a new circuit, and a clean slate for everyone,” said Fogarty, who co-drives with Alex Gurney. “It’s a testament to the hard work by everyone on the team. I took it easy early in the session. I wanted to get out in front at the start, but when I didn’t, I fell back. Then I couldn’t find a good place, I kept being caught in traffic. I was running out of time before I finally got a clean lap – just as the tires were coming up to temperature. It was a close call.”

Jordan Taylor qualified second in the No. 10 Velocity Worldwide Corvette DP co-driven by Max Angelelli with a lap of 2:00.039 (101.797 mph). Reigning Rolex Series co-champion Memo Rojas will start third in the No. 01 TELMEX BMW/Riley, qualifying at 2:00.289 (101.755 mph). Rojas and co-driver Scott Pruett are seeking their fourth consecutive DP championship this season.

It will be an all-Ferrari front row in GT. Alessandro Balzan took his second career Rolex Series pole in the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458, 2:08.848 (94.997 mph). He will co-drive with Alessandro Pier Guidi. Max Papis will start second after running a 2:09.205 (94.733 mph) lap in the No. 61 R. Ferri/AIM Autosport Ferrari 458 co-driven by defending GT champ Jeff Segal.

Dr. Jim Norman followed up his GX class victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona by winning his first career pole, running 2:21.682 (86.391 mph) in the No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Cayman. He will partner with Austin resident Jeff Mosing.

Texas native Jade Buford put together a clean lap of 2:20.830 to capture his second career – and second consecutive – Grand Sport pole for Saturday’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race. Buford co-drives the No. 55 Multimatic Motorsports Aston Martin Vantage with

Scott Maxwell. He will share the front row with Lawson Aschenbach, who ran 2:20.938 in the No. 01 CKS Autosport Chevrolet Camaro co-driven by Eric Curran.

Austin-based CJ Wilson Racing’s Chad McCumbee captured the Street Tuner pole with a last-lap flyer of 2:28.322 in the No. 5 Mazda MX-5 co-driven by Jason Saini. It was the first career pole for both the team and McCumbee, a veteran of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Series competition. Another second-year driver, Corey Fergus, qualified second in the No. 197 RSR Motorsports/Cruise America Honda Civic, 2:28.

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will compete on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET (SPEED, March 9. 4 p.m. ET), followed by the Rolex Series at 4 p.m. ET (SPEED, 5:30 p.m. ET).

—

GRAND-AM Communications

Herb Branham

(386) 310-6050

hbranham

G-A COTA Qual_030113.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
media

@sundaygroup
317.908.2975 (m)
www.sundaymanagement.com

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Stock Car: Rafa Matos encerra primeiro dia de treinos com a Hot Car em quarto lugar

FGCOM Comunicação (Fernanda M. Gonçalves)

Vanderley Soares Rafa Matos: bom começo Alta | Web Vanderley Soares Justino tem primeiro contato com o carro em Interlagos Alta | Web Vanderley Soares Rafa Matos (esquerda) e Wellington Justino Alta | Web Stock Car: Rafa Matos encerra primeiro dia de treinos com a Hot Car em quarto lugar Mineiro começa bem com a nova equipe em Interlagos, em sua primeira temporada completa na categoria. Também estreante, o goiano Wellington Justino não passou pneus novos e espera evoluir ainda mais neste sábado A equipe Hot Car Competições (Bardahl) começou bem nos treinos extras realizados nesta sexta-feira (dia 1º) no autódromo José Carlos Pace, em Interlagos (SP), e que abriram os trabalhos para a etapa inaugural da 35ª temporada da Stock Car. Estreando na equipe, o mineiro Rafa Matos, ex-Fórmula Indy, ficou em 11º pela manhã e terminou o dia na quarta colocação. O companheiro Wellington Justino, que teve o seu primeiro contato com o carro da categoria, não passou pneus novos, mas mostrou boa evolução. Ele foi o 29º pela manhã e terminou o segundo treino em 32º. O mais veloz do dia foi o paulista Allam Khodair, que virou 1min38s479 no traçado de 4.309 metros. Trinta e quatro carros disputam a Stock Car, que neste sábado (2) terá mais dois treinos livres e o classificatório, a partir das 15h45, com transmissão ao vivo do SporTV. No domingo (3), a largada será às 11 horas. Matos, que correu duas provas como convidado em 2012, incluindo a Corrida do Milhão em Interlagos, ficou feliz com o seu primeiro Top 5 pela Hot Car. “Foi um dia excelente. Com a mudança dos pneus para este ano, tivemos que mexer bastante no acerto do carro e gastamos praticamente todo o primeiro treino para encontrar um equilíbrio bom com o novo pneu”, comentou o mineiro (carro #2). “Estão todos de parabéns e agora vamos continuar o trabalho, aperfeiçoando o carro e melhorando para manter essa posição ou quem sabe até melhorar amanhã”, declarou. “Em termos de constância, o carro está muito bom, agora o foco será a velocidade para a classificação”, completou Matos, que foi nono colocado na Corrida do Milhão em dezembro passado. Justino, que já havia corrido pela Hot Car na Copa Montana, guiou pela primeira vez o Stock Car da categoria principal. “Não conhecia nada do carro. É bem diferente de tudo o que já guiei antes, bem mais sensível, então vim aprendendo volta a volta e deixei para passar os pneus novos amanhã, quando já terei um pouco mais de conhecimento do carro e poderei desenvolver melhor o acerto com os pneus novos”, declarou o goiano, que comanda o carro #26. Amadeu Rodrigues, chefe da equipe, deixou a pista satisfeito e esperançoso para a continuidade do trabalho. “Claro que o resultado é importante, mas estou mais feliz com o relacionamento e o trabalho profissional entre os pilotos. Esse nosso primeiro dia foi muito bom e está tudo fluindo perfeitamente bem”, destacou. “Amanhã ainda tempos muita batalha pela frente. Mas sem dúvida foi muito bom o quarto lugar do Rafa e o Wellington também foi bem, aprendendo a conhecer o carro, conseguindo evoluir e vai melhorar ainda mais amanhã”, continuou Rodrigues. O comandante da Hot Car também falou sobre a primeira impressão dos novos pneus, fornecidos pela Pirelli. “No carro do Rafa, demos 50 voltas com o pneu. É mais que uma corrida e o carro se comportou muito bem. Mesmo com a quilometragem alta, respondeu bem e virou rápido”, finalizou. Veja o resultado do 2º treino extra: 1º) 18 Allam Khodair, (Chevrolet/Vogel Motorsport), 1min38s479 2º) 77 Valdeno Brito, (Peugeot/Shell Racing), 1min38s927, a 0s448 3º) 51 Átila Abreu, (Chevrolet/Mobil Super Pionner Racing), 1min39s319, a 0s840 4º) 2 Rafa Matos, (Chevrolet/Hot Car Competições), 1min39s457, a 0s978 5º) 0 Cacá Bueno, (Chevrolet/Red Bull Racing), 1min39s491, a 1s012 6º) 29 Daniel Serra, (Chevrolet/Red Bull Racing), 1min39s568, a 1s089 7º) 19 Rodrigo Sperafico, (Chevrolet/Prati-Mico’s Racing), 1min39s649, a 1s170 8º) 70 Diego Nunes, (Peugeot/RC3 Bassani), 1min39s666, a 1s187 9º) 80 Marcos Gomes, (Chevrolet/Carlos Alves Competições), 1min39s709, a 1s230 10º) 21 Thiago Camilo, (Chevrolet/Ipiranga-RCM), 1min39s946, a 1s467 11º) 14 Luciano Burti, (Peugeot/Boettger Competições), 1min39s963, a 1s484 12º) 73 Sergio Jimenez, (Peugeot/Voxx Racing Team), 1min40s059, a 1s580 13º) 25 Tuka Rocha, (Chevrolet/BMC Racing), 1min40s108, a 1s629 14º) 90 Ricardo Mauricio, (Chevrolet/Eurofarma RC), 1min40s126, a 1s647 15º) 28 Galid Osman, (Chevrolet/Ipiranga-RCM), 1min40s183, a 1s704 16º) 4 Julio Campos, (Peugeot/Prati-Mico’s Racing), 1min40s216, a 1s737 17º) 63 Lico Kaesemodel, (Peugeot/Boettger Competições), 1min40s232, a 1s753 18º) 10 Ricardo Zonta, (Chevrolet/BMC Racing), 1min40s388, a 1s909 19º) 27 Felipe Lapenna, (Peugeot/Hanier Racing), 1min40s446, a 1s967 20º) 23 Duda Pamplona, (Chevrolet/Officer ProGP), 1min40s560, a 2s081 21º) 74 Popó Bueno, (Peugeot/Shell Racing), 1min40s592, a 2s113 22º) 46 Vitor Genz, (Peugeot/Gramacho Competições), 1min40s646, a 2s167 23º) 65 Max Wilson, (Chevrolet/Eurofarma RC), 1min40s696, a 2s217 24º) 11 Nonô Figueiredo, (Chevrolet/Mobil Super Pionner Racing), 1min40s708, a 2s229 25º) 111 Rubens Barrichello, (Chevrolet/Full Time Competições), 1min40s848, a 2s369 26º) 82 Alceu Feldmann, (Chevrolet/Full Time Competições), 1min40s895, a 2s416 27º) 35 David Muffato, (Chevrolet/Carlos Alves Competições), 1min40s902, a 2s423 28º) 20 Ricardo Sperafico, (Chevrolet/Officer ProGP), 1min40s966, a 2s487 29º) 5 Denis Navarro, (Peugeot/Voxx Racing Team), 1min41s075, a 2s596 30º) 72 Fabio Fogaça, (Chevrolet/Vogel Motorsport), 1min41s242, a 2s763 31º) 3 Rodrigo Pimenta, (Peugeot/Gramacho Competições), 1min41s304, a 2s825 32º) 26 Wellington Justino, (Chevrolet/Hot Car Competições), 1min41s435, a 2s956 33º) 8 Patrick Gonçalves, (Peugeot/RC3 Bassani), 1min41s940, a 3s461 34º) 7 Beto Cavaleiro, (Peugeot/Hanier Racing), 1min43s023, a 4s544 Confira a programação da 1ª etapa: Sábado, dia 2: 8h15 – 9h20: 1º Treino livre – (1º grupo) 9h30 – 10h35: 1º Treino livre – (2º grupo) 12h – 13h05: 2º Treino livre – (1º grupo) 13h15 – 14h20: 2º Treino livre – (2º grupo) 15h45 – 16h45: Classificação Domingo, dia 3: 11h: Largada (40 min de prova + 1 volta) Na temporada 2013 da Stock Car a equipe Hot Car Competições tem o patrocínio da Bardahl, e apoio das empresas Leites Manacá, Ativas, Symantec, IMM Impermeabilizantes e Belvitur. Informações sobre a equipe Hot Car e patrocinadores, acesse: www.hotcarcompeticoes.com.br www.facebook.com/hotcarcompeticoes www.twitter.com/hot_car www.facebook.com/BardahlBr

Stock Car: Rafa Matos encerra primeiro dia de treinos com a Hot Car em quarto lugar

Begin forwarded message:

Veja o resultado do 2º treino extra:

1º) 18 Allam Khodair, (Chevrolet/Vogel Motorsport), 1min38s479
2º) 77 Valdeno Brito, (Peugeot/Shell Racing), 1min38s927, a 0s448
3º) 51 Átila Abreu, (Chevrolet/Mobil Super Pionner Racing), 1min39s319, a 0s840
4º) 2 Rafa Matos, (Chevrolet/Hot Car Competições), 1min39s457, a 0s978
5º) 0 Cacá Bueno, (Chevrolet/Red Bull Racing), 1min39s491, a 1s012
6º) 29 Daniel Serra, (Chevrolet/Red Bull Racing), 1min39s568, a 1s089
7º) 19 Rodrigo Sperafico, (Chevrolet/Prati-Mico’s Racing), 1min39s649, a 1s170
8º) 70 Diego Nunes, (Peugeot/RC3 Bassani), 1min39s666, a 1s187
9º) 80 Marcos Gomes, (Chevrolet/Carlos Alves Competições), 1min39s709, a 1s230
10º) 21 Thiago Camilo, (Chevrolet/Ipiranga-RCM), 1min39s946, a 1s467
11º) 14 Luciano Burti, (Peugeot/Boettger Competições), 1min39s963, a 1s484
12º) 73 Sergio Jimenez, (Peugeot/Voxx Racing Team), 1min40s059, a 1s580
13º) 25 Tuka Rocha, (Chevrolet/BMC Racing), 1min40s108, a 1s629
14º) 90 Ricardo Mauricio, (Chevrolet/Eurofarma RC), 1min40s126, a 1s647
15º) 28 Galid Osman, (Chevrolet/Ipiranga-RCM), 1min40s183, a 1s704
16º) 4 Julio Campos, (Peugeot/Prati-Mico’s Racing), 1min40s216, a 1s737
17º) 63 Lico Kaesemodel, (Peugeot/Boettger Competições), 1min40s232, a 1s753
18º) 10 Ricardo Zonta, (Chevrolet/BMC Racing), 1min40s388, a 1s909
19º) 27 Felipe Lapenna, (Peugeot/Hanier Racing), 1min40s446, a 1s967
20º) 23 Duda Pamplona, (Chevrolet/Officer ProGP), 1min40s560, a 2s081
21º) 74 Popó Bueno, (Peugeot/Shell Racing), 1min40s592, a 2s113
22º) 46 Vitor Genz, (Peugeot/Gramacho Competições), 1min40s646, a 2s167
23º) 65 Max Wilson, (Chevrolet/Eurofarma RC), 1min40s696, a 2s217
24º) 11 Nonô Figueiredo, (Chevrolet/Mobil Super Pionner Racing), 1min40s708, a 2s229
25º) 111 Rubens Barrichello, (Chevrolet/Full Time Competições), 1min40s848, a 2s369
26º) 82 Alceu Feldmann, (Chevrolet/Full Time Competições), 1min40s895, a 2s416
27º) 35 David Muffato, (Chevrolet/Carlos Alves Competições), 1min40s902, a 2s423
28º) 20 Ricardo Sperafico, (Chevrolet/Officer ProGP), 1min40s966, a 2s487
29º) 5 Denis Navarro, (Peugeot/Voxx Racing Team), 1min41s075, a 2s596
30º) 72 Fabio Fogaça, (Chevrolet/Vogel Motorsport), 1min41s242, a 2s763
31º) 3 Rodrigo Pimenta, (Peugeot/Gramacho Competições), 1min41s304, a 2s825
32º) 26 Wellington Justino, (Chevrolet/Hot Car Competições), 1min41s435, a 2s956
33º) 8 Patrick Gonçalves, (Peugeot/RC3 Bassani), 1min41s940, a 3s461
34º) 7 Beto Cavaleiro, (Peugeot/Hanier Racing), 1min43s023, a 4s544

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
media

@sundaygroup
317.908.2975 (m)
www.sundaymanagement.com

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

GRAND-AM News And Notes – Circuit of The Americas

Fast Facts

ROLEX SPORTS CAR SERIES

The Race: GRAND-AM of The Americas pres. by GAINSCO & TOTAL

The Place: 3.40-mile road course

The Date/Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET

The Race Length: 2 hours, 45 minutes

TV: SPEED, 5:30 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN Radio, 3:45 p.m. ET

MRN Affiliates: KWNX 1260 AM / ESPN Radio – KTXX The Horn 104.9 FM

CONTINENTAL TIRE SPORTS CAR CHALLENGE
The Race: GRAND-AM of The Americas pres. by GAINSCO & TOTAL

The Place: Circuit of The Americas

The Track: 3.40-mile road course

The Date/Time: Saturday, 11:05 a.m. ET

The Race Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

TV: SPEED – March 9, 4 p.m. ET

GRAND-AM Set For Debut Event At Circuit Of The Americas

GRAND-AM Road Racing is traveling to Austin, Texas, for its first visit to America’s newest motorsports facility in this weekend’s inaugural GRAND-AM of The Americas presented by GAINSCO and TOTAL.
This will be the first major race at the Circuit of The Americas since it hosted Formula One in its opening event last November – and first of two major sports car weekends in 2013.
The premier Rolex Sports Car Series will hold a two-hour, 45-minute race on the 20-turn, 3.4-mile circuit at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday (SPEED, 5:30 p.m. ET). The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will hold a two-hour, 30-minute race earlier that day at 10 a.m. CT (SPEED, March 9, 4 p.m. ET). Both classes will hold opening practice and qualifying on Friday.
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón will race at the circuit on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Austin will be the first of three new venues on the 2013 12-race Rolex Series schedule. Both the Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge compete for the first time at Road Atlanta on April 19-20 and at Kansas Speedway on Aug. 16-17.

Ganassi’s Pruett, Rojas Lead In Quest Of Fourth Consecutive DP Title

Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas are off to a head start toward a fourth consecutive GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype championship, with the drivers of Chip Ganassi’s BMW/Riley winning the 2013 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.
It was Pruett’s fifth overall triumph in the 51st running of the American sports car classic – matching Grand Marshal Hurley Haywood’s record in the event – while Rojas won for the third time.
Juan Pablo Montoya and Charlie Kimball co-drove with Pruett and Rojas. It was Ganassi’s fifth Rolex 24 victory since first fielding a Rolex Series team in 2004. Pruett and Max Papis won the DP title in 2004 for Ganassi, while Pruett and Rojas won the 2008 championship before beginning their current title-winning streak in 2010.

GAINSCO, Krohn Racing, Park Place Have Home State Advantage

Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty will be looking for a “home state advantage” in the GRAND-AM of The Americas. The two-time DP champions (2007, 2009) co-drive the popular bright red No. 99 “Red Dragon” GAINSCO Auto Insurance Corvette DP, which is based in Lewisville, Texas.
The car is owned by Texan Bob Stallings, GAINSCO’s Executive Chairman of the Board. GAINSCO sponsors both the Red Dragon DP and the inaugural GRAND-AM of The Americas.
Two other Rolex Series teams have strong ties to Texas.
Houston driver/owner Tracy Krohn’s Krohn Racing is set to make its first DP start of the season with Krohn and Nic Jonsson at the wheel of the No. 76. Both drivers raced in the Rolex 24, finishing 26th in GT in a TRG Porsche GT3.
In the GT ranks, Texans can cheer for Park Place Motorsports of Dallas. Co-owner Patrick Lindsey shares the No. 73 Porsche GT3 with American Porsche factory driver Patrick Long to lead the team’s three-car entry.
The new No. 71 Porsche features two Texans – Jason Hart of Flower Mound and John McCutchen of Dallas, while Mike Skeen and Mike Vess co-drive the No. 72. The team debuted as Horton Motorsports in 2012 – leading five races for 32 laps – and switched to the Park Place banner for 2013.

Impressive 16-Car DP Entry Highlights Grid For GRAND-AM Of The Americas

A full field of 16 Daytona Prototypes is entered in the GRAND-AM of The Americas, the first event for the Rolex Sports Car Series on the showcase 3.40-mile, 20-turn circuit. This includes four two-car teams, all of which are expected for the remainder of the 12-race season.
Michael Shank Racing recently expanded to a car-car operation, with Gustavo Yacaman and Antonio Pizzonia sharing the No. 6 Ford/Riley. Other two-car teams are Starworks Motorsport, Action Express Racing and Team Sahlen.
BTE Sport – a regular in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge – debuted in the DP class in the 2013 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team will return at Austin, with Emmanuel Anassis and Anthony Massari driving the No. 27 Ford/Riley. Another new for 2013 team – 8Star Motorsports – will haveStephane Sarrazin joining team owner Enzo Potolicchio in the No. 3 Motorola Corvette DP. Krohn Racing will compete in the DP ranks for the first time since the 2012 Rolex 24, with Nic Jonsson and Houston’s Tracy Krohn in the No. 76 DP.
Other single-car DP teams include TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Wayne Taylor Racing, Doran Racing, Spirit of Daytona and GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing.

Prancing Horses: Four Ferraris Search For Victory In Inaugural Race At Austin

A pack of four Ferrari 458 Italias will highlight the GT field for the inaugural GRAND-AM of The Americas.
Emil Assentato, the 2012 Rolex Series GT co-champion, teams with Anthony Lazzaro in the No. 69 AIM Autosport Team FXDD With Ferrari entry, while co-champion Jeff Segal now co-drives with 2004 DP champ Max Papis in the No. 61 R. Ferri Motorsports/AIM Autosport With Ferrari car.
Alessandro Balzan joins Alessandro Pier Guidi in the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Michelotto entry, while Mike Hedlund and Johannes van Overbeek are teamed in the No. 03 Tequila Patrón Ferrarifor Extreme Speed Motorsports.
Coming off a one-two finish in the Rolex 24, Audi will have one car in the Texas event. Matt Bell will join Ian Baas in the No. 52 APR Motorsport LTD. UK Audi R8, sponsored in part by Audi South Austin and APR.
Three teams have entered a total of seven Porsche GT3s. In addition to Park Place Motorsports’ three-car entry, Brumos Racing has the No. 59 forAndrew Davis and Leh Keen, and Muehlner Motorsports America has the No. 18 for 2013 Rolex 24 GT winner Dion von Moltke and Kyle Marcelli, and the No. 19 for Eliseo Salazar and Eduardo Costabal.
Turner Motorsport will field a pair of BMW M3s in GT, with the No. 93 for Michael Marsal and Gunter Schaldach joining the No. 94 for Bill Auberlenand Paul Dalla Lana. There are a pair of GM entries, the No. 31 Marsh Racing Corvette for Boris Said and Eric Curran, and the No. 57 Stevenson Auto Group Camarofor Robin Liddell and John Edwards.

Austin Driver, CTSCC Regular Mosing Lands GX Class Ride

Coming off a third-place finish in his Rolex Series debut at Daytona, Austin’s Jeff Mosing returns to the GX class in the No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Cayman. He will co-drive with Rolex 24 GX winner Dr. Jim Norman and veteran Spencer Pumpelly.

Mosing drives for RACE EPIC/Murillo Racing in GRAND-AM’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. He finished 10th in the CTSCC season-opening BMW Performance 200.
SpeedSource has a pair of Mazda6s in the new class, with the No. 00 Visit Florida entry for Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez joining the No. 70 of Sylvain Tremblay and Tom Long.

Rolex Series, Etc

Points Leader Lands Ride: Rolex 24 GT class winner Dion von Moltke will join Muehlner Motorsports and co-driver Kyle Marcelli in the No. 18 PRNewsire Porsche GT3at Circuit of The Americas. Von Moltke teamed with Oliver Jarvis, Edoardo Mortara and Filipe Albuquerque in the Rolex 24, the first victory for the Audi R8 in Rolex Series competition.

Colin Braun Comes Home: Ovalo, Texas native Colin Braun will run a limited DP schedule in 2013. This weekend he joins Jon Bennett in the No. 77 Doran Racing Ford/Dallara.

Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Set For Landmark Event

High car counts and close racing – the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge has it all. The series’ first visit to Circuit of The Americas is expected to have competitive fields in both the Grand Sport and Street Tuner classes.

Billy Johnson and Jack Roush Jr.kicked off the season with their second consecutive Daytona win. Nick Longhi and Matt Plumb finished second in the defending Grand Sport team champion No. 13 Rum Bum Racing Porsche 997. David Empringham and John Farano – the defending GS driver champs – completed the podium following their first drive in their first drive for Multimatic Motorsports’ No. 15 Tower Events Aston Martin Vantage.
Multimatic will field four Aston Martins in Austin. In addition to the No. 15 of Farano and Empringham, the team will have the No. 16 for Nick Mancusoand Frank Montecalvo; the No. 55 of Scott Maxwell and Jade Buford; and the No. 71 for Michael Marsal and Tonis Kasemets. Also fielding the Aston Martin Vantage are Automatic Racing, with the No. 140 Invisible Glass entry for Dr. Tim Fox and Kris Wilson, and TRG/AMR, which has yet to announce the drivers for the No. 7.
Aston Martin joins an impressive list of manufacturers that includes Chevrolet, Ford, BMW, Porsche, Audi and Nissan in the GS class.

Kozarov, Tallman Look For ST Repeat In Nissan Altima

Lara Tallman and Vesko Kozarov gave the Nissan Altima Coupe its first Street Tuner victory in the 2013 season opener at Daytona. The Salt Lake City drivers return in Skullcandy Team Nissan’s No. 33 for Circuit of The Americas, joined by Mickey Miller and Bret Spaude in the team’s No. 34 entry.
They will have to contend with a strong ST field, which also features manufacturers including Mazda, BMW, Porsche, Honda and Volkswagen.
Tallman’s victory was the first for a female driver in CTSCC competition since Sarah Cattaneo won at New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2011.

CJ Wilson Racing Driver, Co-Owner Saini Calls Austin Home

A pair of Austin drivers, Jason Saini and Jeff Mosing, will be competing in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race.
Saini shares the CJ Wilson Racing No. 3 Head & Shoulders/Mazda MX-5 with former Chad McCumbee. Saini is the team’s co-owner, alongside the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim all-star pitcher.
Mosing joins Jesse Combs of Houston in the No. 56 RACE EPIC/Murillo Racing BMW 328i. He is the president and assistant manager of Mosing Motorcars of Austin.

CTSCC, Etc.

New Car For Phoenix Performance: After campaigning Subarus under the Subaru Road Racing Team banner since 2006, Phoenix Performance will roll out a brand-new car – the No. 35 Susquehanna Services/Hawk Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302R. Andrew Aquilante returns as the team’s lead driver, and will be joined at Austin by fellow Pennsylvanian John Yarosz.

Winchester Subs For Injured Thilenius: With David Thilenius still recovering from fractured ribs suffered in an accident at Daytona, Compass360 Racing will not field the No. 74 Honda Civic Si – with its replacement being built at the team’s shop in Toronto. Aaron Povoledo will move to the No. 77 entry, co-driving with Ryan Winchester.

For additional information, contact: Herb Branham, GRAND-AM Communications (386)-310-6050 or hbranham

COTA NN.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
media

@sundaygroup
317.908.2975 (m)
www.sundaymanagement.com

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Circuit of The Americas provides info on parking and security for Grand-Am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Ali Putnam
Office: 512.301.6600
Ali.Putnam

Circuit of The Americas™ provides information on parking and security measures for GRAND-AM of The Americas presented by GAINSCO and TOTAL March 1-2

AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 25, 2013) – Circuit of The Americas will host the inaugural GRAND-AM of The Americas presented by GAINSCO and TOTAL March 1-2, and race fans will find ample on-site parking options for the motorsports event, featuring three racing series: the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the Pro Mazda Championship. Since all guests will be able to park on site, Circuit of The Americas will not offer remote parking with shuttle service for the GRAND-AM event.

Directions and Parking

Those who have not pre-purchased tickets and on-site parking for the two-day event can still do so at the venue on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2. On-site parking is available for $20 per vehicle, per day in the Circuit’s LOT F, which is on the north side of Circuit of The Americas Blvd. Tickets (reserved seating or general admission) can be purchased for $59 per person for a two-day pass at the Circuit’s main ticket office in the Grand Plaza. Walk-up customers are welcome.

Circuit of The Americas’ parking lots will open March 1-2 at 7 a.m. CT. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Patrons are encouraged to follow these recommended routes to the Circuit and, when possible, guests are encouraged to carpool to Circuit of The Americas:

· Individuals parking in Lots A, B, C, or D should access Circuit of The Americas via FM 812.
o Access to FM 812 is available via US 183, SH 130 or SH 21.

· Individuals parking in Lots E, G, H, J, and K should access Circuit of The Americas via Pearce Lane to Kellam Road.
o Access to Pearce Lane is available via FM 973, SH 130 or SH 21/FM 535.

· Individuals parking in Lot P are encouraged to utilize SH 21 to connect with FM 812.
· Patrons purchasing day-of parking in Lot F should use either FM 812 or Kellam Road to access Circuit of The Americas.

Accessible parking is available for purchase, and accessibility shuttles will be available to transport guests with mobility issues from Lots F and P to the Grand Plaza and Main Grandstand, respectively, prior to the races. Patrons with mobility issues can catch shuttles back to Lots F and P following the on-track action.

Patrons taking taxis to the Circuit will be dropped off and picked up on the south side of Circuit of The Americas Blvd. near the Grand Plaza entrance. Limousine drop-off and staging will be in Lot C. Permits to access this Lot can be purchased for $75 by calling 512.655.6561.

A map detailing the Circuit’s parking lots and pick-up and drop-off locations for guests with mobility issues is attached to this news release.

Security Measures and Prohibited Items

Patrons are prohibited from bringing the following items into Circuit of The Americas:
· Alcoholic Beverages
· Animals (exception for certified service animals)
· Bags or parcels larger than 12X12X20 inches
· Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skates, segways, golf carts or other unauthorized means of transportation
· Coolers, thermoses or ice chests
· Distribution of unauthorized promotional or commercial material
· Food and Beverage (Note: sealed, individual, plastic bottles of water are allowed)
· Fireworks, explosives or other incendiary devices
· Glass or metal containers of any style
· Illegal substances
· Items that may be deemed a safety hazard or annoyance to participants or guests (balls, Frisbees, balloons, projectiles, horns, radios, bells, whistles, musical instruments, laser pointers, etc.)
· Large, golf-type umbrellas
· Non-collapsible chairs
· Tents or canopies
· Video cameras, audio recording devices and tripods; no video recording will be allowed
· Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, handcuffs, nightsticks or other items

Ticketholders should be aware that there are no provisions for returning banned items to them when such items are left at the race entrances. Patrons are encouraged to leave all banned items at home or in their vehicles before entering the venue. Individuals who deliberately attempt to bring banned items through security checkpoints are subject to removal from the facility

The following items will be permitted inside the circuit gates:
· Blankets
· Umbrellas (small, hand-held style)
· Baby strollers
· Portable, collapsible chairs
· Personal camera equipment (e.g. digital cameras, point-and-click digital cameras or film cameras)
· Binoculars

NOTE: All bags, purses, backpacks and persons are subject to screening by security personnel. Fans entering Circuit of The Americas should prepare accordingly. A list of prohibited and allowed items can be found on the Circuit’s official website, www.circuitoftheamericas.com/prohibited-items.

Smoking will only be allowed in authorized areas. Additionally, the resale of Circuit of The Americas admission tickets is strictly prohibited on Circuit property, which includes the facility’s grounds and surrounding parking areas. All security measures are subject to change without notice.

About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas is a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and is home to the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX while also hosting MotoGP™, V8 Supercars™, GRAND-AM Road Racing™, American Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championships. The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element is a 3.4-mile circuit track. Other support buildings include The Tower Amphitheater, an expansive outdoor live music space; an iconic 251-foot, 25-story tower with observation deck; an events and conference center; a banquet hall; and a state-of-the-art medical facility. For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com orwww.TowerAmphitheater.com.

-END-

Historic Festival race groups, concours classes announced

Lime Rock Park Historic Festival 31 News
2013 Race Groups and Sunday in the Park Concours Classes Announced

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (Feb. 26, 2013) – In a year of significant motoring milestones, Historic Festival 31 Event Chairman Murray Smith has confirmed this year’s race groups for the huge Labor Day weekend vintage competition at Lime Rock Park, August 30 through September 2.

At the same time, Sunday in the Park (Sept. 1) Chairman Kent Bain has confirmed the classes and special awards for this year’s concours.

Twenty-thirteen is a year that marks Buick’s 100th and Aston Martin’s 80th anniversaries, as well as 50-year celebrations for the Porsche 911 and the Lotus Elan. And it was 50 years ago that Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd., was founded.

These models and marques will be honored with special exhibit classes and on-track events during the five-day vintage car-and-racing extravaganza, now in its 31st year at Lime Rock Park (itself in its 57th year of operation).

“We are blessed with a tremendous variety of milestones and anniversaries in 2013,” Smith said. “Any and all automotive enthusiasts cannot help but be mesmerized by the number and quality of cars we’ll see gracing – and racing on – the grounds at Lime Rock.”

Smith also announced that a very special group of Cunninghams will be on site. “Details will be forthcoming,” Smith said, “but I guarantee it will be of tremendous interest to those that have only an ounce of racing blood in their veins.”

Historic Festival 31 Competition Race Groups
1. “Speed and Agility,” small-bore post-war sports and GT cars
2. “The Dawn of Real Performance,” racing and sports cars to 1949
3. “Racing Icons,” the Porsche 911 turns 50
4. “Who Needs Fenders,” built for victory, formula cars to 1965
5. “Built to Win,” sports racers 1950 – 1962
6. “No Holds Barred,” a formula libre category
7. “Wild, Wild Horses,” Big-bore post-war sports and GT cars
8. “Sophisticated and Specialized,” sports racers 1965 – 1976
9. “Fast and Furious,” original Trans-Am cars, 1966 – 1972

For the Sunday in the Park Concours, organizer Bain has confirmed 29 classes and nine special awards, plus, of course, Rolex Best in Show. A complete listing can be found at this Lime Rock Park web page, but highlights include…

“Only the Best for Bond,” post-war Aston Martins to 1969
“A Clever Cunningham,” accolades for a very rare breed of American racers
“The Marvel of McLaren”
“911 Sports and GT Heaven”
“The Value of Valves on Top,” 100 years of Buick
“Classic & Sports Car Magazine’s Editor’s Choice”
“Elan Elation,” Lotus innovation rewarded

No other venue in the U.S. has three days of on-track racing sandwiching a prestigious concours event – all on the same property. Since 1983, the East Coast’s premier vintage racing event has been the Historic Festival and its companion “Sunday in the Park Concours” (Sept. 1) at Lime Rock Park. The racing on the track is non-stop from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, with 800+ cars on display for Sunday in the Park & Gathering of the Marques. More information at limerock.com.

Brian Redman to be honored by RRDC at Long Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438; jstropus

BRIAN REDMAN TO BE HONORED BY RRDC AT LONG BEACH

HILLIARD, Ohio (Feb. 20, 2013) – Brian Redman, whose internationally-acclaimed career as a sports-car, Formula One and F5000 racer has spanned more than 40 years, will be honored by the Road Racing Drivers Club at the “RRDC Evening with Brian Redman” in Long Beach, Calif., on Thursday, April 18, prior to the running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. This is the RRDC’s fifth consecutive annual banquet honoring the legends of the sport.

Previous honorees were Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske and Jim Hall. These “RRDC Evenings” have become acknowledged as one of the highlights of the auto-racing social calendar, drawing fans and luminaries from all forms of motorsports.

Born in Burnley, Lancashire, England, in 1937, Redman was a member of World Championship for Makes winning teams in 1968, ‘69, ‘70 and ‘72, a three-time U.S. F5000 champion (1974-76), and the 1981 IMSA Camel GT and 1971 South African Springbok champion. But those accomplishments are just a few recorded by this affable competitor who continues to give back to the sport beyond his retirement from professional racing.

He drove for Shadow Racing Cars, McLaren and Cooper in Formula One. He participated in 15 World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on January 1, 1968, achieving one podium finish in the ’68 Spanish Grand Prix, taking third place behind F1 World Champions Graham Hill and Denny Hulme.

Redman was a Porsche works driver in 1969-70, driving a Porsche 917K and a Porsche 908/03 for John Wyer. He won eight World Manufacturers Championship races with Jo Siffert, including the grueling Targa Florio in Sicily. He co-drove with Clay Regazzoni and Jacky Ickx for Ferrari before moving to the United States, where he won three straight F5000 championships (1974-76) driving a Jim Hall/Carl Haas Lola. In 1977 he had a serious accident in St. Jovite (Canada), which took him six months to recover from a broken neck, sternum and ribs. In his first race after the accident, he won the ’78 12 Hours of Sebring in a Porsche 935. He then went on to claim the ’81 IMSA GT championship.

Redman’s last year of pro racing was in 1989 at the age of 52, driving for the works Aston Martin team in the World Sportscar Championship. He will race the AMR 1 at The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in August.

Today, Redman, who is a past RRDC president, lives in Florida where he is active in historic racing and is a motorsports consultant. He often drives a Porsche 908/03 for the Collier Collection and organizes historic events under the Targa Sixty Six banner. He started this organization in 1991 for owners of vintage and modern high-performance and collector cars who do not necessarily wish to race them, but who like to drive at speed under controlled conditions in the company of others who share their interests. He is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Sebring Hall of Fame, the Talladega Hall of Fame and the Long Beach Walk of Fame.

“Brian Redman is a true icon in the world of sports-car and F5000 racing” said Bobby Rahal, president of the RRDC. “This humble man has accomplished so much in this sport and continues to share his expertise with others. And he does it with incredible grace and humor. The members of the RRDC are privileged to honor him during the ‘RRDC Evening with Brian Redman.’”

The dinner’s proceeds will help support the RRDC’s young driver initiatives, including its groundbreaking SAFEISFAST.com program and the Team USA Scholarship, which the RRDC has backed since 1997.

The RRDC Evening with Brian Redman will be held on Thursday, April 18, at the Hilton Hotel, 701 West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, Calif., with cocktails at 6 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, if purchased in advance, and space is limited. Sponsor packages are also available. This event is expected to sell out quickly. Early reservations are recommended. Please contact Jeremy Shaw at rrdc2.

About the RRDC:
The Road Racing Drivers Club was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both amateur and professional levels. The Club’s membership includes leading industry professionals, race officials and motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names.

In 2011, the RRDC launched a free on-line training seminar – www.SAFEisFAST.com – featuring more than 30 RRDC members and other industry experts in high-quality videos covering subjects from physical and mental preparation to driving techniques, driver safety to car setup and sponsorship. The videos are updated regularly. Each week, a professional from the world of motor racing answers readers’ questions on the site in a feature called “Ask a Pro.”

President Bobby Rahal is the 1986 Indy 500 winner and is co-owner with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan of the 2004 Indianapolis 500-winning Rahal, Letterman, Lanigan Racing team. Ten-time SCCA National champion John Fergus (who also has three Pro Sports 2000 crowns and one IMSA championship) is the Club’s Vice President/Treasurer, and five-time SCCA National champion Tom Davey is the Secretary.

In addition to RRDC members lending their expertise to up-and-coming drivers, the Club presents three annual awards: the Phil Hill Award for rendering outstanding service to road racing; the Mark Donohue Award for personal spirit and performance at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs; and the Bob Akin Award – the top award presented to amateur and semi-professional racers – for speed with style, passion, sportsmanship and contribution to motorsports.

The RRDC also supports the Team USA Scholarship, which has been assisting young Americans in the early stages of their careers since 1990. Membership in the RRDC is by invitation only. Additional information on the organization may be found at www.rrdc.org.

###

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
media

@sundaygroup
317.908.2975 (m)
www.sundaymanagement.com

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Global Rallycross Names SCCA Pro as Sanctioning Body

For Immediate Release GRC Names SCCA Pro Racing as Sanctioning Body LOS ANGELES (February 19, 2013) – Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) is pleased to announce the signing of a sanctioning agreement with SCCA Pro Racing. SCCA Pro Racing, a subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., will provide sanctioning for all nine rounds of the 2013 GRC Championship, working in conjunction with local sporting authorities for three international rounds planned in Brazil, Spain and Germany. “SCCA was a logical choice for us and we look forward to working together with them as we expand our series,” Colin Dyne, CEO of GRC said. “Through our relationship with SCCA Pro Racing, GRC will now be an FIA recognized series which is an important step for international growth.” SCCA is a member of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS), the National Sporting Authority for the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in the USA. “SCCA Pro Racing is very pleased to work with Global Rallycross on this exciting project,” SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Tom Campbell said. “We will be able to provide them with excellent sanction and support services, and assist in the growth of the series and the rallycross sport in the U.S. and internationally.” "This is a logical partnership given both GRC’s and SCCA’s interest in the growing sport of rallycross on both professional and amateur levels, and we’re excited about the potential this has for our members," SCCA, Inc. President and CEO Jeff Dahnert said. SCCA Pro Racing will license all GRC drivers and also provide FIA licenses for drivers competing in international events. SCCA Pro will further provide, via ACCUS, listing of all GRC events on the FIA International Calendar. About GRC The Global Rallycross Championship combines the best aspects of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition to deliver intense action in a variety of fan-friendly environments. Action sport stars including Travis Pastrana and Brian Deegan have described the sport as “motocross – with a roll cage.” About SCCA Pro A wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., SCCA Pro Racing Inc. is a leading sanctioning body for motorsports events in the United States. A member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), SCCA Pro Racing sanctions and provides a variety of operational services for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships, the Trans Am Series, the Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, the Formula 1600 and 2000 Championship Series and, now, Global Rallycross. For more information, please visit www.sccapro.com. More information To find out more, including ticket sales, competitor information and registration details, visit www.global-rallycross.com Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobalRallycross and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GlobalRallyX. CONTACTS: pr +1 (213) 745.2123 media +1 (785) 357-7222 -30-

Sports Car Club of America, Inc.
6700 SW Topeka Blvd
Building 300
Topeka, KS 66619

: TEST WITH PENSKE GIVES ALLMENDINGER CHANCE TO EVALUATE OPTIONS

For Immediate Release

TEST WITH PENSKE GIVES ALLMENDINGER CHANCE TO EVALUATE OPTIONS

SEBRING, Fla. (Tuesday, Feb 19, 2013) – A winter test day at Sebring International Raceway was meant to be routine, the first test of the year for IZOD IndyCar Series teams as they continue preparations for the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 24.

But having A.J. Allmendinger join the group of IZOD IndyCar Series regulars was far from standard. The last time Allmendinger ran laps in an Indy car was on Oct. 21, 2006, at Surfers Paradise, Australia.

Now a veteran of six stock car seasons, Allmendinger was sitting behind the wheel of a race car much lower to the ground, attempting not to add pressure to the session but anxiously envisioning where this day would lead.

"How do you get into this thing?" Allmendinger joked with the Team Penske crew.

"Just be careful you don’t break anything," replied Penske Racing president Tim Cindric. "Remember the goal is to start here and stop here."

Team owner Roger Penske and Cindric offered Allmendinger a testing opportunity with the potential for a partial season during the 19-race IZOD IndyCar Series schedule. Cindric said the April 5-7 race at Barber Motorsports Park would be a good event to enter Allmendinger, who would benefit from a March 12-13 Open Test at the road course in Birmingham, Ala. The possibility also exists for Allmendinger to race in the Indianapolis 500.

"My heart was beating fast and the first couple of runs the car was definitely driving me," said Allmendinger, who edged Justin Wilson for Champ Car Rookie of the Year honors in 2004. "I’m looking for the best opportunity. It slowly has come back to me. Everything feels real fast. A Cup car has more horsepower, but because of its weight that sensation of speed is a lot different. When you get an IndyCar on a road course, it feels like it has 1,500 horsepower."

Allmendinger, 31, of Los Gatos, Calif., was suspended by NASCAR last summer for failing a random drug test. His "B" sample also came back positive for a banned substance and he was released by Penske Racing from his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series contract. Allmendinger completed the Road to Recovery program and was reinstated in September. He is in good standings with INDYCAR.

"Will and Helio have welcomed me into their race team with open arms and I’m definitely happy to be here," he said. "I’d love for it to lead to some races, especially Indy. I’m so grateful to the organization to give me this opportunity. To what I went through last year, to have Roger ask me to come here and drive one of his race cars happy is an understatement.

"In this process, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to be a better person. All I can do is take care of myself and the things you can control. Waiting (for a call to race) doesn’t matter. I’m just going to be ready physically and mentally for when they do call."

Power, who competed against Allmendinger in the ’06 Champ Car season, said he’s already fitting in with the team.

"He’s easy to get along with. When I raced him, he was very fast. That year, had he started with Forsythe, he probably would have won the championship. I’d love him as a teammate."

TESTING NOTEBOOK:

Former competitors would welcome Allmendinger back: What stands out to Justin Wilson about the multi-dimensional AJ Allmendinger?

"He’s just a really fun guy to be around, easy-going and obviously fan favorite. He’s quick as well and can back up all his kidding around off the track with the speed on the track," said Wilson, who has competed against and has been a teammate of Allmendinger.

The two, who most recently teamed up to co-drive a Michael Shank Racing entry to third place in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, crossed paths again as the fog was lifting at Sebring International Raceway to start a team/manufacturer test day. Both had work to attend to – Wilson in a Honda-powered Dale Coyne Racing car and Allmendinger getting his initial laps in the No. 2 Team Penske-prepared Chevrolet entry – so catching up was limited to a few pit lane pleasantries.

Wilson and Allmendinger also were teammates in Champ Car at RuSPORT during the 2005 season, in which Wilson finished third in the championship (behind titlist Sebastien Bourdais and Oriol Servia) and Allmendinger placed fifth. The previous season, Allmendinger edged out Wilson for Rookie of the Year honors.

Wilson remained at RuSPORT for 2006 and was runner-up to Bourdais in the championship. Allmendinger competed in the first four races of the season for RuSPORT, but was replaced by 2002 CART champion Cristiano da Matta. Five days later, he joined Forsythe Championship Racing and won the next three races. He earned five victories in all and placed third in the standings.

On this particular winter day, Allmendinger was examining another career option. Surrounded by familiar faces, he got reacquainted with an Indy car.

"He’ll get back up to speed quickly. It’s the finer details of the car that takes time," Wilson said. "I enjoy racing him and would love to do so again. I think he would bring some interest to the series."

Bourdais, a four-time Champ Car champion, who is entering his second season with Dragon Racing agrees.

"He’s a tough racer," said Bourdais, who joined new teammate Sebastian Saavedra in testing Feb. 18 at Sebring. "He’s fast and the records speak for themself. We had some pretty serious battles. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out. Maybe he’ll get back full time (in the series). (If so) he’s going to be running at the front with one of the best cars."

Dragon teammates click in first test: Less than a week after being named to complete the two-car Dragon Racing entry for the 19-race IZOD IndyCar Series season, Sebastian Saavedra was on the Sebring International Raceway short course during the team’s first on-track session of the new year. He’ll also join Sebastien Bourdais in testing Feb. 27 at Sonoma Raceway.

"It’s the first contact with the team – the mechanics, the engineers and Seb as well – so it was very important to create a relationship as they’ll become your family during the season. From that aspect that was great," Saavedra said. "(Team owner) Jay (Penske) has been great and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

"The team is so positive about how they were able to build up last season so we come with so much energy coming into the first race of the season at St. Petersburg. We’re looking very good and looking to make things happen with Seb, and I believe we’re a good combination to push each other."

Saavedra, 22, of Colombia, has 19 IZOD IndyCar Series starts over the past three seasons. He had a best finish of 15th in three races with AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport in 2012 and also competed in his third season in Firestone Indy Lights, finishing fourth in the championship.

Saavedra made his IZOD IndyCar Series debut with Bryan Herta Autosport in the 2010 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first driver born in the 1990s to compete in the race and the third from Colombia (Roberto Guerrero and Juan Pablo Montoya). He also ran in the season finale at Homestead-Miami that year.

He competed in 14 races in the 2011 season with Conquest Racing and finished a career-best 11th at Brazil after starting 23rd.

"St. Pete is a place I love to start the season and I’m looking forward to get everything we’re building now and get into the show," he added. "Everything is clicking and I like that."

Bourdais, a four-time Champ Car champion, set up the car in the morning session and monitored Saavedra’s feedback during the afternoon.

"He’s got experience; he’s not a newcomer (in terms of) feedback," said Bourdais, who had two top-10 finishes in 11 races, with a best of fourth at Mid-Ohio in his first season with Dragon Racing in 2012. "He’s done a full season already and downgraded last year, but sometimes it’s good to take a step back to come back stronger.

"Overall, good day to get back in the groove and getting Sebastian’s feedback. We made a few changes to the car on a street course setup to see where we are and where we can improve. It’s good to get everybody back on the road and going again.

"There’s a lot of work to do before the season starts and not much time. We need to be good and efficient."

***

The 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season opens with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 24 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be televised live at noon (ET) by the NBC Sports Network (Verizon FiOS 90/590, DirecTV 220, DISH 159 and AT&T UVerse 640) and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network on SiriusXM and www.indycar.com. The 2013 Firestone Indy Lights season begins March 23 on the Streets of St. Petersburg. The race will be televised by NBC Sports Network at 11 a.m. (ET) on March 24, immediately preceding the IZOD IndyCar Series race broadcast.

Media Contact: Amy Konrath, INDYCAR, 317-492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com

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