Sunday Group Management

Turner Turnaround Nets Marsal Top Ten at Homestead

Shell-Pennzoil To Sponsor Allmendinger Karting Scholarship

Shell-Pennzoil To Sponsor Allmendinger Karting Scholarship

Walldinger Racing Media Contact:
Matt Cleary, Sunday Group Management
Media

April 27 2012–(Houston, Texas)–Looking to give back to the sport and help develop future talent, Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger recently announced that he was establishing a scholarship designed to give one young deserving racer the opportunity to run a full karting season.

That effort got a big boost on Friday as Shell-Pennzoil announced that it will serve as a primary partner for Allmendinger’s karting scholarship.

“I’m overwhelmed and flattered that Shell-Pennzoil would step up to be a part of this,” said Allmendinger. “They have been an incredible partner for Penske Racing, and for them to take me under their wing like this, I’m really impressed. It only makes me want to go out and perform that much more for these guys! I couldn’t be more excited about this scholarship, and having Shell-Pennzoil on board like this makes it that much better.”

After a tremendous response to the scholarship opportunity and a comprehensive nationwide search, young Floridian racer Kyle Kirkwood was selected as the first-ever recipient of the scholarship. Kirkwood will receive a scholarship to race the 2012 World Karting Association’s Manufacturer Cup championship, and already proved his race winning ways with a strong run in the opening round at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina in late March.

Kirkwood will also be set to compete in the Rotax Grand Nationals in August and SKUSA SuperNationals in November. Additionally, the scholarship award winner will also receive media and business training from Walldinger Racing, Allmendinger’s management firm.

“It’s remarkable that someone as young as AJ is already working so hard to give back to the sport, and we could not be more pleased to be a part of it,” said Heidi Massey-Bong, Senior Business Advisor for Shell’s NASCAR sponsorship. “We are excited about having AJ represent Shell, and to have the opportunity to help support AJ’s dream and support Kyle in a format like this was something we could not pass up.”

The next round of competition for Kirkwood will be May 4-6 at Beaver Run in Wampum, PA.

About Shell-Pennzoil:
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs nearly 20,000 people using technology and innovation to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. The Shell downstream organization manages a portfolio of top-quality brands, including the No. 1 selling gasoline and premium gasoline brand[i] and Pennzoil®, the most trusted motor oil brand in America*. Shell’s motorsports technical alliances around the world provide a testing ground for fuel and lubricant technologies and products in demanding road conditions. The knowledge Shell and Pennzoil gain through these alliances help address tomorrow’s world mobility energy challenge with efficient solutions that power and protect motorists around the globe.
http://www.pennzoil.com/

Walldinger Racing:

About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsports career by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs.

About KartSport:
Formed in August 2010, KartSport is the exclusive North American importer of Arrow Racing Karts. Owned and operated by professional karting and racing veterans Justin Marks and Eric Jones, and operating out of a state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, KartSport delivers to the karting industry a number of quality products and services. KartSport also designs and manufacturers it’s own line of karting tools and components.

About Sparco:
Founded in 1977 Sparco is the world leader in motor sports safety equipment. More than 35 years later, Sparco’s ambition for producing the safest and innovative driving equipment possible, is still the number one priority for the company. At speeds of more than 200 mph, and temperatures above 120 degrees, a driver must be 100% confident in their safety equipment. Therefore, the world’s top professional drivers choose Sparco, more than any other brand.

About Sunday Group Management:
Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm with clients in NASCAR, IndyCar, GRAND-AM, and ALMS. www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, or www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

AJ-Karting-Shell.pdf

Marsal Ready to Rebound at Homestead

Marsal Ready to Rebound at Homestead

Michael Marsal Media Contact: Matt Cleary
Media@sundaymanagement.com
317.908.2975 (m)
www.marsalracing.com

Video of the dramatic turn-around from the Turner Motorsport Crew:

Homestead, Fla. (26 April 2012) – Fresh off a podium finish in his American Le Mans Series debut at the Long Beach Grand Prix two weeks ago, Michael Marsal returns to GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge action this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Kia 200 and Round 3 of the 2012 championship in the No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW GS with co-driver Boris Said.

Following a strong run in the season-opener at Daytona, Marsal’s hopes for another solid finish came to an abrupt end in the second round of the championship at Barber Motorsports Park.

After a lap 1 incident that saw Marsal make up ground early while several cars were involved, the ensuing restart was no better as a group of GS machines stacked up.

Marsal’s No. 97 BMW was turned hard into the inside wall and though he emerged from the car unharmed, the same could not be said for the BMW which sustained significant damage and was unable to continue.

The Turner Motorsport crew returned to their Boston-based shop and worked countless hours to have the No. 97 prepped and tuned for Homestead’s 2.3-mile speedway road course as Marsal is ready to rebound at the South Florida track.

Marsal made his debut at Homestead in 2010, co-driving with Joey Hand and claimed his first GRAND-AM podium with a third place result. Last year Hand (who is making his DTM debut this weekend) and Marsal teamed for a run to seventh on the South Florida track.

Now teamed with Said, who has a victory and four top-five results at the South Florida track to his credit, the Turner pair will look to make up lost ground with a solid result this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the BMW,” said Marsal. “It was not much fun to have ended the last race with such a big incident at Barber, especially with a car that we all felt was going to be very competitive. But the Turner boys have been burning the candle and have the 97 ready to go this weekend. Hopefully we can reward all that work with a solid run.”

Making the move from the high speed Prototype back into touring car machinery is one that Marsal is more than ready for.

“The P1 car is simply an amazing car to drive and I’m looking forward to unlocking more speed with it,” said Marsal, who will graduate from college in May. “But I also really enjoy how much the driver plays a role in these Continental Tire races. The cars are so evenly matched between so many different brands. So you have to fight for everything you get out there. It is a big change between the prototype and the M3 of course, but the more cars I drive and the bigger my range of experience, the more complete of a driver I’ll become and I’m just looking forward to a good weekend with Boris and all the Turner guys.”

The Kia 200 opens with a promoter test day on Thursday, April 26 followed by official practice and qualifying on Friday. The 2.5-hour race begins at 2:45 PM (ET) on Saturday, April 28.

Live timing and scoring can be followed throughout the weekend at www.grand-am.com The Kia 200 will be televised May 12 at 12:00 PM (ET) on SPEED.

Additional information:
http://www.marsalracing.com/
http://www.sundaymanagement.com/

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm. Clients include Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, Rolex 24 at Daytona Champions Michael Shank Racing, Riley Technologies, Continental Tire, and several teams and drivers in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition.

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

AJ Allmendinger on Kansas Pole

AJ Allmendinger on Kansas Pole

(APRIL 21, 2012) – AJ Allmendinger will start the No. 22 AAA Dodge from the pole position in Sunday’s STP 400 after clocking a fast lap time of 175.993 mph at Kansas Speedway on Saturday. The pole position is Allmendinger’s second NASCAR Sprint Cup Pole (Phoenix, 2010), and his first since joining the Penske Racing organization ahead of the 2012 season.

Allmendinger has scored three consecutive top-15 finishes heading into the Kansas Speedway event, and will look to continue his upward momentum in the points standings as he enters the race weekend 19th in the championship.

Allmendinger scored his first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup top-ten result at Kansas in 2008.

“I put so much pressure on my shoulders to perform–this group is used to winning poles and races, so I really want to perform at that level,” said Allmendinger. “This is great, but we all know that Sunday is the important day and we’ve got to have 400 good miles tomorrow. But more than anything, this is a great way for us to keep building momentum. I’m so happy to be a part of this Penske Racing organization and we know the bigger picture is tomorrow, and that Sunday is the important day.”

The STP 400 will be broadcast live on FOX starting 12:30 PM ET.

**Allmendinger is now Eligible to race in the 2013 Bud Shootout

About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsports career by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs. For more information about AJ Allmendinger, visit www.ajallmendinger.com, and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajallmendinger, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ajdinger

AJ-Pole-Kansas.pdf

Penske Racing Driver AJ Allmendinger(R) “Takes the Challenge” with SCOTT(R) Pro Shop Towel

Penske Racing Driver AJ Allmendinger® “Takes the Challenge” with SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels

ROSWELL, GA (APRIL 17, 2012) – The SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels brand, a professional-grade clean up solution designed for automotive DIYers, announced today a new partnership with AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Allmendinger will serve as the official spokesperson for the SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels “Take the Challenge” sweepstakes, which will offer automotive enthusiasts a chance to win a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT. Consumers can enter to win at www.scottproshoptowels.com until the promotion ends on October 15, 2012. The program marks the first time SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels, a brand of Kimberly-Clark Professional, has used motorsports as a marketing platform.

“We are thrilled to be involved with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and partnering with AJ to promote the new SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels,” said Charlotte Ciccone, Marketing Specialist for Kimberly-Clark Professional. “NASCAR fans take great pride in their automobiles and we are excited to offer these loyal consumers another great SCOTT® Branded product that will meet their needs in the garage.”

Allmendinger will present the keys of the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT to the winner of the SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels “Take the Challenge” sweepstakes on a segment of Powerblock on SPIKE TV in Nashville, Tenn., later this fall.

Allmendinger is in his first season with Penske Racing. Nicknamed “The Dinger,” he has been a fixture in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since 2007. A former open-wheel racing Champ Car Series race winner and Rookie of the Year, he began his racing career in go-karts, claiming two International Karting Federation Grand National titles.

“Between working on my No. 22 Penske Dodge and my Walldinger Racing karting team I use quite a few SCOTT® Pro Shop towels,” said Allmendinger. “I am honored to represent this high-performance brand and I look forward to helping make their first sponsorship in NASCAR a success.”

The “Take the Challenge” sweepstakes is sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Global Sales, LLC. To learn more about SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels or the “Take the Challenge” Sweepstakes visit www.scottproshoptowels.com.

SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels is a professional-grade product designed for use in any garage. From oil changes to carburetor cleaning and other heavy duty tasks, SCOTT® Pro Shop Towels offer a strong, durable and reusable product that helps ensure a job well done.

About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsports career by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs. For more information about AJ Allmendinger, visit www.ajallmendinger.com, and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajallmendinger, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ajdinger

About Kimberly-Clark : Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world’s population trust K-C’s brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries.

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AJ-Scotts.pdf

Marsal Hits His Marks In Long Beach Debut

Marsal Hits His Marks In Long Beach Debut

Michael Marsal Media Contact: Matt Cleary
Media@sundaymanagement.com
317.908.2975 (m)
www.marsalracing.com

Long Beach, CA- (14 April 2012) – In terms of jumping head first into the deep end, it doesn’t get much deeper than what Michael Marsal took on this weekend in the 38th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Joining a new racing series, racing a high-horsepower, high downforce Prototype machine for the first time on a demanding and unforgiving concrete-lined temporary street circuit is a tall order for any driver. Add in the fact that inclement weather on Friday meant that the first time Marsal did laps at speed on a dry track came just moments before the drop of the green, and you might have a recipe for disaster.

But the young Marsal showed his maturity, speed, and quick adaptability as he impressed in his first-ever American Le Mans Series race start, driving the No. 20 Dyson Racing Mazda B11/66 Lola with Eric Lux to a third place finish on Saturday in round 2 of the 2012 ALMS season.

“Long Beach is certainly a difficult place to make your first start,” said Marsal after driving just under half of the race distance before turning the controls over to Lux. “There is a lot of room for error when you first start driving them–getting used to the aero, getting used to the car and the power. And doing it on a track with walls all around it is not ideal as there is no room for error here whatsoever. But it was the first race that we were able to do, and you have to start somewhere!”

Marsal started the race from third on the overall grid after Friday’s rain set the starting order by championship points. While looking to avoid any issues with the new car, the walls, and the four other classes of competition, Marsal was introduced to another instant variable as there was an incident that happened directly in front of him, causing him to have to take evasive action.

The move lost him a lot of track position, but kept the car clean before he was able to return to race pace and settle into a grove.

“There was debris all over the track in some of the early laps–I saw a hood out there, and then the car got hit by something else a few laps later,” said Marsal. “But I just wanted to try and save fuel for Eric, and keep the car in one piece. There was a lot more to lose than to gain today so I was pretty happy with my stint.”

A caution flag just shy of the halfway point in the race set into motion a stop for fuel, tires and driver change as Lux took over the driving duties and brought the car home third in the LMP1 class.

“I think the next time we get to a street course, it will be a lot less stressful and I’ll have a lot better idea what to expect from the car,” said Marsal. “This was a great first weekend working with Dyson Racing–these guys are phenomenal, and it already feels like home. I have spent a lot of time at the shop with these guys and have been getting to know them for a long time. Everyone is super professional but is also having a good time. It’s a very switched-on team and I’m happy to be racing with them. So this was a good way to kick off the year with them, and I’ll look forward to Lime Rock next.”

Marsal will return to racing action in two weeks time as he returns to the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge ranks with Turner Motorsport as he is set to once again pair with Boris Said in round 3 of the 2012 championship.

Additional information:
http://www.marsalracing.com/
http://www.dysonracing.com/
http://www.sundaymanagement.com/

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm. Clients include Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, Rolex 24 at Daytona Champions Michael Shank Racing, Riley Technologies, Continental Tire, and several teams and drivers in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition.

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

Strong Test Has Marsal Looking Forward to Long Beach Debut in ALMS

Strong Test Has Marsal Looking Forward to Long Beach Debut with Dyson Racing

Michael Marsal Media Contact: Matt Cleary
Media@sundaymanagement.com
317.908.2975 (m)
www.marsalracing.com

Long Beach, CA- (11 April 2012) – Michael Marsal will make his American Le Mans Series debut this Saturday as he joins the famed Dyson Racing organization to drive the No. 20 Dyson Racing Mazda B11/66 Lola with co-driver Eric Lux in the 38th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The race start marks the first foray into Prototype racing for Marsal, who has quickly established himself as a name to watch in his exploits racing touring machinery for Turner Motorsport in GRAND-AM’s Rolex Sports Car and Continental Tire Challenge categories.

While the transition to the top-flight P1 Prototype class is a significant step up in every direction of the friction circle–braking, acceleration and downforce-fed change of direction, it is one that Marsal has long been preparing for.

“Ever since we first started the conversation with Chris (Dyson, Vice President and Sporting Director of Dyson Racing) about this opportunity, I’ve been doubling up on time in the gym.” offered Marsal, who is set to graduate from college this spring. “And when I first drove the car, I was really happy that I had! With the strain on your neck and all the forces that the car puts you through, you have to be in good shape to get the most out of yourself and the car. Chris and I set out a plan for me to work my way up to this car, starting by testing some lower-powered ‘downforce’ cars, getting a feel for that experience and then stepping up to the P1 Lola.”

It isn’t just the physical challenge of driving the Prototype that lies ahead for Marsal, as the move to the top tier machinery is another chapter in his rapidly developing motorsports career. But teaming with a group like Dyson Racing means that no detail has been overlooked, and the team has conducted a series of tests to prepare Marsal and co-driver Lux for the Prototype move.

“I’m glad that we did as many test days as we did, just to get used to those forces and what to expect. It’s a completely different world to drive a car with this much grip, but it’s like anything with a race car–once you get some exposure to it and adjust to the speeds, you just start looking for more! Each time I’ve been in the car, I’ve been able to unlock more speed and I just want to keep that progression going.”

The most recent test saw Marsal back at the “short” test circuit at Sebring International Raceway earlier this week as the team worked through the set ups that will favor the unusual layout that makes Long Beach such a rewarding challenge for the drivers.

“Long Beach is a wild track, with concrete walls everywhere and that really slow final turn that then goes right into the long blast down the front stretch,” said Marsal, who will be adding yet another fabled track to his racing resume this weekend. “It’s a place, and an event, that has so much history, you can’t help be excited just to be getting the chance to race there. It is our first Prototype race and my first ALMS race so there is a lot to take in. Obviously Eric (Lux) and I are very competitive and are motivated to do well, but we also want to have a smart approach to the weekend, building our speed and learning as much as we can. I just can’t wait.”

Marsal will only have to wait a few more days, as the weekend will kick off this Thursday as the ALMS paddock opens ahead of Friday’s first practice session at 7:15 AM. Full results, live timing and scoring, and a range of viewing options will be hosted at www.americanlemans.com.

Additional information:
http://www.marsalracing.com/
http://www.dysonracing.com/
http://www.sundaymanagement.com/

Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach

Friday, April 13, 2012 Practice 7:15 a.m.
Qualifying 5:05 p.m.

Saturday, April 14, 2012 Driver Autographs 1 p.m.
Race 4:30 p.m.

Television Broadcast: Saturday, April 14, 2012 – 7:30pm ET ESPN2
Live Streaming: Saturday, April 14, 2012 – 7:15pm EST ESPN3
Live Qualifying: Friday, April 13, 2012 – 8:00pm EST ESPN3
Circuit Length: 1.968 miles

marsal-ALMS-LB-Preview.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm. Clients include Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, Rolex 24 at Daytona Champions Michael Shank Racing, Riley Technologies, Continental Tire, and several teams and drivers in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition.

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

Strong Martinsville Run Keeps Allmendinger Busy

Strong Martinsville Run Keeps Allmendinger Busy

Penske Racer set for SPEED Race Hub, ESPN2 NASCAR NOW, and MRN NASCAR Live appearances on Tuesday

Charlotte, NC (3 April 2012) – Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger netted his career-best NASCAR finish this weekend with his determined run to second place in the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 in the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge.

The result, which saw Allmendinger shrug off race day morning flu symptoms to move up from 27th on the grid and take a fighting second at the finish, boosted Allmendinger’s points position in his first season racing with Penske Racing and Crew Chief Todd Gordon.

While the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take a break from the race track for the Easter holiday weekend, there is no letting up for Allmendinger, who will make a bevy of media appearances on Tuesday.

Starting with NASCAR Now on ESPN2 (3:00 PM ET), Allmendinger will also be on SPEED’s Race Hub at 6:00 PM ET (with a rebroadcast at 11:00 PM ET) as well as hitting the radio waves with MRN’s NASCAR Live at 7:35 PM ET.

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For more information about AJ Allmendinger, visit www.ajallmendinger.com, follow him on Facebook www.facebook.com/ajallmendinger and on Twitter www.twitter.com/ajdinger

About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsports career by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs.

AJ-mvillemediaspring.pdf

Race Ends Early for Michael Marsal at Barber

Race Ends Early for Michael Marsal at Barber

TV INFO: April 8 at 12:00 PM (ET)// SPEED

Birmingham, Ala. (31 March 2012) – Michael Marsal had hoped to follow-up his top-10 finish in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season opener at Daytona with another strong finish in Round 2, but instead the Turner Motorsport driver faced disappointment at Barber Motorsports Park when a race-ending crash took his No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW out of contention just laps into the 2.5-hour event.

Among a combined-class field of nearly 80 cars, Marsal opened the race from the 20th position and displayed quick thinking and maneuvering when he avoided a Turn 1 pile-up which saw him pick up 10 positions to run 10th when the race took its first full course caution. As the GS field approached the green flag on the restart, several cars stacked up causing an accordion effect and the No. 97 Turner BMW was hit from behind and turned hard into the wall.

Marsal emerged from the car unscathed, but the BMW machine sustained significant damage and was unable to continue.

“That was a very big hit, and I’m impressed with how strong Will (Turner) builds these cars,” said Marsal, who was co-driving with Boris Said. “There was some crazy driving and I’m really disappointed to have our day end before it even got started. The car was just so good, all weekend long and I was looking forward to moving up in the race. So this is not at all what we wanted, but we’ll come back stronger at Homestead.”

Marsal next heads to Long Beach, California as he makes his American Le Mans Series debut with Dyson Racing April 13-14. He returns to GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition for Round 3 at Homestead-Miami Speedway April 27-28.

The Barber 200 event will be televised April 8 at 12:00 PM (ET) on SPEED

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Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm. Clients include Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, Rolex 24 at Daytona Champions Michael Shank Racing, Riley Technologies, Continental Tire, and several teams and drivers in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition.

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

Marsal Bumped Back in Barber Qualifying

Marsal Bumped Back in Barber Qualifying

When is rubbin NOT racing? When it is qualifying…

Contact: Matt Cleary, Sunday Group Management
media

Birmingham, Ala. (30 March 2012) – Michael Marsal will start the Barber 200 from the 10th row in Round 2 of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge championship at Barber Motorsports Park following Friday’s 15-minute qualifying session which saw him continually improve behind the wheel of the No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW M3.

Throughout the two days of practice leading up to Friday’s qualifying, Marsal showed more and more speed in each session and he went on to turn his fastest lap of the weekend when it counted most with a quick time of 1:38.952 seconds. Though happy with the continued improvement, Marsal was left to wonder how much further up the order the No. 97 would be had it not been for some unnecessary contact from a competitor on his out lap that opened the session.

Despite the early-session incident, Marsal was able to rally back for a 20th place start among the combined-class grid of nearly 80 cars.

“I felt good about the car so it was super frustrating to have someone run into me like that in qualifying,” said Marsal. “I just don’t know what he was thinking. But we have a good car for tomorrow. It will be a busy race for sure with so many cars on this tight track, but I’m looking forward to it. We have some ground to make up but the car looks good for the race and I think we have a good shot to move forward tomorrow.”

Marsal will looks to improve on last year’s sixth place finish at the 2.3-mile Alabama road course as he is set to start the 2.5-hour race from behind the wheel before turning the machine over to co-driver Boris Said.

The Barber 200 begins Saturday, March 31 at 5:00 PM (ET). The 2.5-hour race will be televised April 8 at 12:00 PM (ET) on SPEED. Live timing and scoring can be followed at www.grand-am.com.

Live timing and scoring can be followed at www.grand-am.com.

2011 Michael Marsal result, Barber Motorsports Park: Qual: P15 Race: P6

Saturday, March 31

TIME LOCATION NOTES

9:00 AM Continental Tire Drivers Meeting Toshiba Trailer
3:20 PM Continental Tire Fan Walk
3:50 PM Continental Tire Recon Laps
4:00 PM START – Continental Tire Race (2.5 hours)

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm. Clients include Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, Rolex 24 at Daytona Champions Michael Shank Racing, Riley Technologies, Continental Tire, and several teams and drivers in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge competition.

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