JustRacing Features

LeMons: Court Summerfield Tragedy

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:52:53 PST

LeMons: Court Summerfield Tragedy
By Jay Lamm, Founder

5/12/08 - A tragedy occurred at the 24 Hours of LeMons last Saturday at Altamont Motorsports Park. Court Summerfield, a driver, died.

A California Highway Patrol investigation was undertaken at the track. The CHP informed us that there was no mechanical failure or unsafe track conditions and that no other cars were involved. The CHP also informed us that, based on physical evidence and witness statements, it appears that the driver was not conscious prior to impact. We are awaiting the final reports.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Court's wife and family. We have established a memorial fund in his honor, with Court's wife receiving all proceeds. If you wish to contribute, please send your contact information and pledge amount to jlamm@driversdoor.com.

I'm deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, wishes, and support shown to Court's family and teammates in the wake of this tragedy; thanks to all of you for being there when it's mattered the most.

Jay Lamm, Founder
24 HOURS OF LeMONS

Posted On 5/12/08

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SCCA Runoffs Moving to Road America in 2009

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:45:07 PST

SCCA Runoffs Moving to Road America in 2009
By Eric Prill, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 12, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. announced today the results of a vote by its Board of Directors that will move the National Championship Runoffs® to Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) in 2009. Road America will become the sixth venue to host the event, dating back to 1964.

The Board directed its staff to move forward to negotiate a three-year agreement with Road America for SCCA Club Racing’s signature event, which has averaged over 650 participants since 2000. The Runoffs is currently in the final year of a three-year agreement at Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka, Kan.

“Given the deep history the track, the town of Elkhart Lake and SCCA enjoy, it only seems natural for the most prestigious Club Racing event in the world to be hosted by Road America,” SCCA President & CEO Jim Julow said. “The Board had a difficult decision, as we had an unprecedented number of outstanding potential hosts for the event, meaning the long term future of Club Racing’s National Championship is very bright.”

“The SCCA has been an integral part of our 53 year-history,” Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies said. “The opportunity to showcase our facility and our community to a nation of SCCA racers and fans is a tremendous honor. On behalf of our board of directors and staff, my thanks to the SCCA for their confidence. We promise to build on the outstanding Runoffs tradition and exceed stakeholder expectations.”

The first-ever “Interdivisional Championship,” later referred to as the “Runoffs,” was held at Riverside Raceway (Riverside, Calif.) in 1964, and alternated coasts with Daytona International Raceway (Daytona Beach, Fla.) through 1969. In 1970, the event began a 24-year run at Road Atlanta (Braselton, Ga.), before moving to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) in 1994. After 12 years in Ohio, the Runoffs moved to Heartland Park Topeka in 2006. The move after three years signifies a change in philosophy after such long runs at venues from the 1970s through the turn of the century.

“Club Racing in the United States has evolved in the last decade, and rotating the Runoffs will do nothing but help the event and the Club Racing program, overall,” SCCA Chairman R.J. Gordy said.

“This is by no means a reflection on the job that Raymond Irwin and his staff have done at Heartland Park Topeka,” Julow added. “In the last four years, they have met every challenge and request and built a tremendous facility that is worthy of potentially hosting not only the Runoffs, but other high-profile road racing events in the future. Additionally, the local community and business groups have been outstanding and we thank them for their continued support.”

The event has grown in both size and stature over the years, with approximately 700 of the nation’s best amateur race drivers from across the country making the annual trek for the event that spans an entire week, preceded by additional days of optional testing. The sheer number of competitors makes the Runoffs the largest annual amateur road racing event in the world, and results in an average local economic impact approaching $10 million each year.

The Runoffs annually crown the National Champions of SCCA Club Racing’s National level classes (currently 25) and has been referred to as the “Olympics” of motorsports. Drivers from across North America race locally to earn points, with the top-10 qualifying drivers from the nine SCCA Divisions in each class earning an invitation to compete in the event. The list of past Runoffs Champions is a who’s who in road racing history that includes Skip Barber, Michael Galati, Paul Newman, Bobby Rahal, Graham Rahal, Greg Ray, Boris Said and Scott Sharp.

Road America’s history dates back to the early 1950s when public street races in the Elkhart Lake area were a part of the SCCA national championship series. When street racing became illegal in 1952, participants and supporters joined efforts and raised funds to develop Road America. The track held its first event, the SCCA National, on September 10-11, 1955. The inaugural June Sprints® was held the following year, June 23-24, 1956. Today, the 14-turn, 4.048-mile track holds its original configuration and continues to challenge the world’s best two- and four-wheel racers.

The date for the 2009 event has yet to be finalized, although it will move from October to September.

The 45th SCCA National Championship Runoffs will be held at Heartland Park Topeka October 6-12, 2008.

For more information about SCCA and the National Championship Runoffs, please visit www.scca.com/Runoffs.

For more information about Road America, please visit www.roadamerica.com.

For more information about Heartland Park Topeka, please visit www.hpt.com.

Posted On 5/12/08

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SCCA Board Approves NASA Licenses For Club Racing

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:44:59 PST

SCCA Board Approves NASA Licenses For Club Racing
By Eric Prill, SCCA Stauff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 9, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors approved today at its face-to-face meeting in Topeka the acceptance of National Auto Sport Association licenses for Regional Club Racing competition, effective immediately.

The NASA Competition License joins those of 13 other organizations approved for Regional competition. Any of these license holders may participate in a Regional event, providing they are a full, First Gear, family or weekend member.

The full list of organizations with licenses approved for competition are:

BMW CCA
CACC
FIA
HSR
ICSCC
IMSA
MCSCC
NASA
PCA
Ontario Region CASC
SCCA Pro Racing
SVRA
VMC
Waterford Hills
West Canada Motorsports Association

Detailed information on the licenses approved for each organization is available in the SCCA General Competition Rules, section 3.1.5.

Posted On 5/9/08

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SCCA Launches Tire Rack Divisional Solo Program

Thu, 08 May 2008 01:07:59 PST

SCCA Launches Tire Rack Divisional Solo Program
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 8, 2008) - Sports Car Club of America is revitalizing its Divisional Solo program with the launch of The Tire Rack® SCCA Divisional Championships and Division Cup Challenge.

Currently an optional program for all of SCCA’s nine Divisions, The Tire Rack® SCCA Divisional Championships have been developed to create a clear ladder to National Solo competition. Participating Divisions will crown class champions in whichever manner they chose, whether it be through a point series or one winner-takes-all event.

Beyond the experience and confidence gained by taking part in events at the Divisional level, Soloists competing in the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships will benefit via contingency programs and National Championship eligibility. Divisions enrolled in the new program can expect increased support from the National office in the way of fees and promotional items.

Additionally, Divisions will compete against each other in the Tire Rack SCCA Division Cup Challenge at the 2008 Tire Rack Solo National Championships. Each participating Division will earn points based on their total entries, number of rookie drivers and number of trophies earned. The Division accumulating the most points will earn the “2008 Tire Rack Division Cup.”

“We put this package together with the hope of growing the Divisional Solo program,” SCCA VP of Rally/Solo Howard Duncan said. “We want to give regional Solo participants a fun way to transition to National competition, while providing the Divisions with a package that’s easy to establish and won’t put a hole in their budget. This will certainly be a test year for the program, but it has great potential to enhance SCCA Solo as a whole.”

Bridgestone has already signed on as a contingency sponsor for the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships. Soloists competing on Bridgestone tires in select classes will be eligible for cash awards if they finish in the top three of their Division’s Championship standings. Drivers must register for the program before competing and run with the required decals.

Currently the Northern Pacific, Southern Pacific, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast Divisions have elected to participate in the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships.

For more information on the new Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Championships, including contingency registration forms, and the Tire Rack SCCA Division Cup Challenge, visit www.scca.com/solo.

Posted On 5/8/08

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Texans Keep Trophies on Home Turf at Fort Worth National Tour

Wed, 07 May 2008 08:17:01 PST

Texans Keep Trophies on Home Turf at Fort Worth National Tour
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

Story By John Lieberman

FORT WORTH, Texas (May 7, 2008) - Soloists came from as far west as California, as far east as Florida, as far north as Illinois and Wyoming, and from all points in between. They met in North Texas to battle it out on the Bus Lot at Texas Motor Speedway, where more than 200 drivers gathered for the Tire Rack® Fort Worth National Tour.

The largest class was Super Stock with 21 entries. Two Texans battled all weekend for the win, with Austin’s Lance Adams leading the way on Saturday in his Corvette and Plano’s David Smart setting the faster times on Sunday in his Sector 111 Motorsports Lotus Elise. But in the end, Adams was able to pull off the win by a scant 0.211-second.

By far the closest battle of the weekend was in the all-Mini Cooper S G Stock class with Texas Region’s Ken Orgeron taking the first day lead by 0.362-seconds over Red River Region’s Jeff Schaadt and the Big 5 Tire/Big Bad Wolf Racing Mini. Schaadt came back on day two to clench the victory by a mere 0.058-second.

On the other end of the totem pole, several classes were won by more than three seconds. Steven Pounds took A Stock in a Honda S2000 over fellow Texan Andrew VanderPloeg in the FTW Racing Honda S2000 by 3.021 seconds. Michael Cobb, of Lewisville, Texas, won D Stock in an Inspirus Technology Audi TT by 3.394 seconds over Bob Bailey’s Dodge SRT-4, and Terry Fair, of Fairview, Texas, ran away with X Prepared in his Chevy V8-powered BMW, beating Fred Langley’s Subaru STi by more than six seconds.

Driving the JANCO Custom Fab/Montiac Motorsports Pontiac Trans-Am in C Prepared, Plano’s Kurt Janish finished nearly four seconds in front of Todd Farris, of College Station, Texas, who was driving Alan Bartling’s Ford Mustang.
Donna Bartling, of Katy, Texas, took C Prepared Ladies by 4.355 seconds in the family’s Ferrous Equine.

From Tulsa, Okla., Pat Lipsinic’s HotSubarus.com/Zzyzx Motorsports Subaru Impreza took a 3.838-second Street Modified win over Grady Wood, of Heber Springs, Ark., in a Honda Civic.

In E Modified, another Tulsa driver, Douglas Turner, and his Eversharp Tool, Inc. Mazda Miata bested Texan Brian Sullivan’s Lotus Stalker by 3.176 seconds.

In Formula Junior B, young Daniel Seelig, from Edmond, Okla., crushed the competition by nearly 21 seconds in a Max-Torque Margay.

Of extra special note in the “wide margin of victory” category are B Modified and A Modified. Tommy Saunders, of Southlake, Texas, drove the familiar Hoosier TSR LeGrand Dragon to a 4.2-second BM win over Keith Starr, of Iowa Park, Texas, in a Quad Racing Integration Tiga DSR, but was later disqualified, having driven both courses several times during Friday’s setup. That gave the win to Starr by 0.194-second over another Texan, Dakota Southerland, in the Hernandez family’s Pocket Rocket Form S. Saunders would have set fastest time of the event with a 45.438 on his final Sunday run and an overall fastest time of 92.985.

Saunders’ normal co-driver, Stuart Lumpkin, of McKinney, Texas, ran the Dragon in A Modified trim and took a 5.891-second win over Brianne Corn who also took her turn with the Dragon. It should be noted that both had their fastest times on Sunday’s second run and Corn was only 0.167-second behind Lumpkin. How’s that for somebody who’s used to driving a Mini Cooper S in G Stock Ladies? The performance earned Corn the Solo Performance Specialties “Female Outstanding Performer” award from event officials. The male counterpart to that award went to Kevin Youngers, who besides serving as Chief Steward, loaned his 2007 Shelby Mustang to multi-time E Street Prepared National Champion Mark Madarash, of Red Oak, Texas, after Madarash blew the transmission in his Trans Am on Sunday’s first run. Though Madarash had a 1.3-second lead over Dave Whitworth, from St. Louis, Mo., after the first day, he was still able to stay within 0.4-second of the Chevrolet Corvette pilot’s winning time overall.

Special note should also be paid to Barry Booker and Paul Carrig, both from Shreveport, La., who took Carrig’s 2004 Volkswagen R32, shod with Dunlop tires, to a first and third-place finish in Street Touring® Xtreme. Booker clinched the overall win with a 2.85-second lead over Houston’s Norman Wilhelm in a Texas A&M Sports Car Club Subaru WRX running on Yokohamas. Could there be another “street” tire battle brewing here?

The Pace Lap Challenge Award for the most consistent lap times went to John Hale, of Austin, Texas, on Saturday. Hale’s Street Touring Ultra times on Saturday behind the wheel of an FTW Racing/RTRT Subaru STi were separated by only 0.292-second. Hale would have taken the honor again on Sunday, but no driver can win twice, therefore Andy Hollis was the second winner of the weekend, turning Street Touring S2 times with only 0.492-second difference in his ART/GRM/Soulspeed Mazda Miata. Both Hale and Hollis are now entered in a drawing to win a new Pace Pursuit® trailer. The winner will be drawn on the final day of qualifying for the 2008 SCCA National Championship Runoffs®.

A tip of the ten-gallon hat goes out to all of the Texas Region folks who worked so hard to make the Fort Worth Tour such a successful event, including Greg Piper who designed two fantastic courses. The Saturday night barbecue was a feast to remember, not to mention the SPS Friday night welcome party.

That southern hospitality will continue, May 24 – 25, for the next stop on the Tire Rack Solo National Tour: Atlanta Motor Speedway. To find out more or view full results from the Fort Worth National Tour, visit www.scca.com/solo.

Posted On 5/7/08

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USTCC: Tom Lepper Makes It Three Winners In Three Races

Tue, 06 May 2008 08:20:57 PST

USTCC: Tom Lepper Makes It Three Winners In Three Races
By Ali Arham, USTCC

Tom Lepper driving the Cobalt California/Red Line Oil Chevrolet Cobalt SS took the win at the Thunderhill Raceway round of the Nitto Tires United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). David Bongiovanni took second place in the GoodSport Racing Mitsubishi Evo and along with it the driver's points championship. Getting his first podium in only his third USTCC race was rookie Jerry Bradbury in the Mini Mania Mini Cooper S, who finished third. The race was not without controversy as Curt Simmons' Sunnyvale Dodge SRT-4 took the win on the track but was disqualified due to a body contact incident on the last lap of the race. Simmons and Bongiovanni were in a tie going into this round.

MBO Racing/Red Zone Performance Honda Civic driver, Pete Bovenberg, started from pole position scoring the first pole for the red Civic. Bovenberg did not get a great launch and was beaten to the first turn by Bongiovanni’s Evo. Chasing the Mitsubishi were Bovenberg, Simmons and Lepper. The four cars were bumper to bumper at the end of the first lap. Bovenberg kept the pressure on Bongiovanni but was forced to retire on lap two due to a broken suspension piece. With Bovenberg out of the picture, that left Simmons and Lepper to try to beat Bongiovanni. Simmons looked very strong as he closed the two second gap that Bongiovanni had managed to build. Simmons made his move at Turn 15 on lap five and passed Bongiovanni. After passing the Mitsubishi, Simmons started to pull away and it looked like the race was over. But Bongiovanni was not giving up easily as he drove a brilliant race and used slower traffic to his advantage and two laps later he not only closed the gap but repassed Simmons at Turn One. Simmons kept the pressure on and on the last lap tried to make a pass on Bongiovanni. Unfortunately, the move resulted in body contact with a lapped car which in turn resulted in a flat tire on the Mitsubishi.

While all of this was going on, Lepper was sitting back quietly and watching the two battle it out. He never quit and just sat back patiently waiting for the right moment. Along the way it was Lepper that set the fast lap of the race in the Chevy Cobalt SS. The incident involving Simmons and Bongiovanni was what Lepper was waiting for. He easily passed the pair and went on to take the checkered flag. Lepper became the third different winner in three races. Simmons finished second on the track but was disqualified for the incident. That was a big blow to his championship hopes as the reigning champion was tied for the points lead going into this race. Bongiovanni became the points leader, by a very slim margin, and the Lepper/Rojas team now become the major threat to Bongiovanni’s goal of winning the 2008 Driver’s Championship.

By scoring the win, Lepper was awarded the Go Pro HERO Quick-release vehicle camera kit. It is a shockproof camera designed for street and track cars and motorcycles and can also mount to any motorsports helmet.

Michael Mc Colligan won the Molecule Race Smart, Keep it Clean Move of the Race Award. McColligan, who drove the Mazdatrix/Racing Beat Mazda RX8, did a great job making a great move at the start and gained the most positions at the start.

Posted On 5/6/08

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Tom Lepper Wins USTCC Race at Thunderhill

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:48:20 PST

Tom Lepper Wins USTCC Race at Thunderhill
By Ali Arsham, USTCC

May 5, 2008 (Benicia , Calif.) – Tom Lepper, owner and driver of the Team Cobalt California Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged car, won the third United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) race at Thunderhill Raceway Park on May 4.

“We overcame several mechanical issues earlier in the weekend,” Lepper said. “I would have been happy with a podium finish; the win was icing on the cake.”

Lepper battled with the Dodge SRT4 of Curt Simmons and the Mitsubishi Evo of Dave Bongiovanni throughout most of the race, setting the race’s fastest lap in the process.

On-track contact in the latter portion of the race secured the win for Lepper. Bongiovanni followed him with third going to Jerry Bradbury in a Mini Cooper S.

Thunderhill’s three-mile road course track was raced in an unusual clockwise direction adding difficulty to an already arduous track.

“Not many people had experience running the track backwards.” Lepper said. “It equaled the playing field for many of the seasoned racers.”

Lepper’s teammate, Rod Rojas, of the MOLECULE Nomex and Technical Fabric Care Products team, waited at the Start/Finish for Lepper to take the checkered flag. “What an exciting race,” Rojas said. “Molecule Labs is thrilled to have Tom as our partner in our effort to win the USTCC series. I have no doubt the Cobalt will show its dominance at the end of the season.”

USTCC is sanctioned by National Auto Sports Association (NASA). The next USTCC race will be held at Infineon Raceway, in Sonoma , Calif. , on June 29.

Lepper’s Chevrolet Cobalt is sponsored by Red Line Oil and Clutch Masters, as well as MOLECULE Nomex and Technical Fabric Care Products and GoPro Hero Digital Cameras.

Media Contact:
Robyn Lepper
robyn@teamcobaltcalifornia.com
Ph. 707-751-3836

Posted On 5/5/08

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Foss Wins First MX-5 Cup Race of 2008 at Road Atlanta

Sat, 03 May 2008 03:19:33 PST

Foss Wins First MX-5 Cup Race of 2008 at Road Atlanta
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 3, 2008) – Polesitter Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, won the first SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup race of 2008, part of the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta. Hooverspeed teammates Todd Buras, of Melbourne, Fla., and Brad Rampelberg, of San Jose, Calif., completed the podium.

Car setup became a guessing game at Road Atlanta, after rain blanketed the 12-turn, 2.54 mile road course during the lunch hour. The shower ceased just as the group before the MX-5 Cup race took to the track and the teams watched on as a dry racing line began to form.

Last minute decisions meant several cars were late to the pre-grid and the No. 70 GRE/Velocity-club.com/Red Line Oil/SCDA1 Mazda MX-5 of Elivan Goulart, from Shelton, Conn., opted to change from wet to dry tires while waiting on the grid, forcing the third-place qualifier to start from the back of the field.

At the drop of the green, the No. 56 Hooverspeed/Pancreaticcure.org/Pancan.org Mazda MX-5 of Buras got a great start, taking over the early lead.

“It’s notoriously slick at Road Atlanta in the rain,” Buras said. “We knew that, so we softened the car up. We made the right adjustments, because the car was great. At Turn One I was in second and by 10A and B I was first.”

The first lap was the only lap Buras would lead though, as polesitter Foss motored back into the lead. Two laps later, Foss’ MER teammate and fellow front-row starter Ryan Schimsk, of Austin, Texas, took over the lead in the No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical Mazda MX-5.

From there, the top four: Schimsk, Foss, Buras and Rampelberg, settled into a tight, but comfortable pack and broke away from the field. When Schimsk bobbled on lap 15 of the 23-lap, 58.42-mile race, Foss seized the lead. Schmisk held onto Foss’ bumper for several laps before falling back through the field.

Just as Foss began to pull a gap on second and third place, the full-course caution came out for the No. 32 Hale Motorsports/Patron Tequila Mazda MX-5 of Ian Ziering, which was in the tires at Turn Three. Without enough time to clean up the corner, the race, which averaged 80.732 mph, ended under yellow. Following the pace car across the start-finish line didn’t take away any of Foss’ excitement for his first MX-5 Cup win.

“I’m elated,” Foss said. “I’ve got to thank everyone: Team MER, Autobarn and Brook Co. It was a great race. Ryan [Schimsk] is an amazing teammate and we really worked well together. I was bummed that he had a little miscue that set him back. In my mind he was the guy to beat today.

“We guessed on the setup like I think all the teams did, because we didn’t know what the conditions were going to be. We just happened to hit on a decent setup, but I would say it was optimal. Everyone was fighting the same issue. I got a little break toward the end with about three laps before the yellow. Maybe my home track experience helped me out, because I noticed I was able to pull on everyone in Turn One to Turn Seven, and I was finally able to break the draft and get away progressively.”

Despite some serious nose-to-tail racing with his teammate, Rampelberg, Buras was able to bring his car home in second.

“It was a great race,” Buras said. “Everyone ran really clean and did a good job. Brad was fantastic. I slipped up once or twice and he got up there on my bumper instead of trying to go around. You couldn’t ask for a better teammate than Brad, I mean, he’s a National Championship driver. I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“I was really hoping we were going to go back to green, because I had my teammate behind me and we could have drafted [Foss] down the back straightaway. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but you can’t knock the result.

“We’ve got a new sponsor, Pancreaticure.com, and we’ve got a great contest going: guess how many points the No. 56 car will have at the end of the season and you could win a two-day Skip Barber school. We’re trying to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, so visit us at researchracing.com.”

In his first MX-5 Cup race, SCCA Spec Miata National Champion and winner of the Mazdaspeed Driver Development Ladder MX-5 Cup shootout, Rampelberg finished third in the No. 14 Hooverspeed Mazda MX-5.

“We made the call to put dry tires on and obviously that was the right call,” Rampelberg said. “I slotted into fourth on the start. Then we had two MER cars followed by two Hooverspeed cars. At that point, it was just a waiting game to see who was going to fall off, who put the biggest wet setup on. Schimsk ran well, but then I think his tires got away from him. The Kumhos on my car worked great. At the end I thought I had something for Eric and Todd, but that just didn’t happen.

“Getting on the podium is awesome anytime you do it, but especially being a shootout winner. Mazda has given me a great opportunity and I really want to do a good job for them this year as well as Jason Hoover from Hooverspeed, and P3 is a great place to start.”

Although he led an impressive 10 laps in his first-ever MX-5 Cup race, Schimsk would finish fourth. Also competing in his first MX-5 Cup race, seventeen-year-old Christian Franck, of Simi Valley, Calif., finished fifth in the No. 16 Alara Racing/Select Painting/ICC/CC7 Mazda MX-5.

Following a race-long battle, Anders Hainer beat out last year’s winner Ara Malkhassian for sixth place.

SCCA Touring Three National Champion Robert Huffmaster, of Clarkston, Mich., finished seventh and earned the Hawk Hot Lap for turning a new race lap record of 1:40.707 (90.798 mph) in the No. 27 Team MER/Huffmaster Co. Mazda MX-5.

Brad McAllister and Neal Sapp completed the top ten.

Round Two of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup moves north of the border to Mosport International Raceway, May 16 – 18. News, photos, live timing and lap notes are all available at www.mx-5cup.com.

Posted On 5/3/08

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Solo Tour Resumes in Texas, Evo School Debuts

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:28:48 PST

Solo Tour Resumes in Texas, Evo School Debuts
By Erin Cecal, SCCA Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 2, 2008) – After more than a month off, The Tire Rack® SCCA Solo National Tour is back underway and returning to Texas Motor Speedway for the first time since 2001. Evolution Performance Driving Schools will join the Tour at Texas as the newly appointed Official Driving School of The Tire Rack SCCA Solo Program.

Well known throughout the Solo community, Evolution Driving Schools have long offered drivers a chance to hone their cone-skirting skills. Beginning in Texas, however, Evolution Performance Driving Schools will have classes at each stop of the 2008 Tire Rack National Solo Season, except at the Devens Tour due to site accessibility limitations.

“In addition to our existing line-up of schools, Evolution will be on the road with SCCA hosting the new Evo Advantage School before every Tire Rack Solo National Tour event, as well as a soon to be announced school before every Tire Rack ProSolo Series event that will focus on start line techniques,” Evolution Performance Driving Schools Managing Partner Pat Salerno said. “Soloists are invited to visit www.evoschool.com to learn more about our full line of schools and to sign up.”

Schools will run on Friday morning, prior to the usual Test and Tune, and be open to all participants for a price of $65. Walk-ups will be accepted at the Texas Tour, just visit the SCCA trailer, but classes are capped at 20 students each. Gerry Terranova and Neal Bellamy are the scheduled instructors in Texas.

“The Tire Rack Solo National Tour program has a long history of having an instructional component being a part of the events, so designating Evolution Performance Driving Schools as the Official Driving School is a natural extension of that heritage and we look forward to this being a benefit to our members as they strive to improve their driving skills,” SCCA Vice President of Rally & Solo Howard Duncan said.

More than 200 entrants have registered for this weekend’s Texas Tour with courses designed by Greg Piper. All participants will be treated to an all-you-can-eat Texas BBQ on Saturday night, hosted by the Texas Region.

Full results from Texas will be posted to www.scca.com/solo as they become available.

Posted On 5/2/08

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MER Teammates Tie for Qualifying Record at Road Atlanta; Foss Awarded Pole

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:26:51 PST

MER Teammates Tie for Qualifying Record at Road Atlanta; Foss Awarded Pole
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 2, 2008) – MER teammates Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ryan Schimsk, of Austin, Texas, proved just how close the competition is in SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup when they entered identical fast laps in qualifying for Saturday’s Round One race, part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge. Going back to each of the drivers’ second-fastest lap times, Foss was awarded his second-consecutive Road Atlanta pole.

Driving the No. 28 Team MER/Autobarn Mazda/Brooks Co. MX-5, Foss entered a record-setting lap of 1:40.763 (90.747 mph) early in the 27-minute session. Satisfied with the time, Foss pulled the car into pit lane and watched his competitors inch closer to his pole time, ready to return to the car if necessary. Just before the checkered flag came out on the session, Schimsk’s No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical MX-5 crossed the timing stripe and recorded the same exact lap time as Foss.

“I put my lap in pretty early,” Foss said. “It was a decent lap, but everyone was closing in, so I was getting a little worried. I was actually in pit lane when Ryan turned his lap and I was amazed that it was the same lap time. I was afraid that one of my teammates or someone else was going to take the pole away, so I’m just ecstatic that we’ve got two guys on the front row.”

Per the SCCA Pro Racing rulebook, when drivers enter identical fast times in qualifying, the drivers’ second-fastest lap times are used to determine the polesitter. Foss’ next fastest lap of 1:41.235 just barely beat out Schimsk’ 1:41.266.

“Obviously we’re pretty equal in speed, but we’re going to take a look at the data,” Foss continued. “Already this weekend we’ve found that Ryan is two tenths quicker than me in some corners and I’m a tenth or two quicker than him in others, so we’re trying to string the perfect driver together and adapt to each other. If we can do that and really continue to focus and work with each other, I think that’s going to give us a great opportunity.

“The field is much tighter this year. I don’t think there’s going to be a breakaway. We can always hope that, but realistically I think anyone in the top 10 has a really good shot.”

Third on the grid for Saturday’s race is Elivan Goulart, of Shelton, Conn., in the No. 70 GRE/Velocity-Club.com/Red Line Oil MX-5. Goulart clocked a 1:40.813 (90.702 mph) around the 12-turn, 2.54-mile road course.

Todd Buras, of Melbourne, Fla., will start fourth in the No. 56 Hooverspeed/Pancreaticcure.org MX-5. Buras entered a time of 1:40.941 (90.587 mph). He is followed on the timing sheets by Mark Jenkins, of Fairview, Texas. Driving the No. 25 Team MER/Jenkins Bros./Traxxas MX-5, Jenkins ties his career-best qualifying effort of fifth, with a 1:41.022 (90.515 mph).

Brad Rampelberg, Ara Malkhassian, Robert Huffmaster are sixth, seventh and eighth on the grid, respectively. All of the top-eight cars were under the previous qualifying lap record of 1:41.461 (90.123 mph) set by Foss last year. Brad McAllister and Deborah Loth complete the top ten.

The first race of the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup season will take place at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) tomorrow, May 3. Go to www.mx-5cup.com for results, live timing and lap notes.

BRASELTON, Ga. - Results from qualifying session one for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Round One race, part of the 2008 Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (28), Eric Foss, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.763, 90.747.
2, (81), Ryan Schimsk, Austin, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.763, 90.747.
3, (70), Elivan Goulart, Shelton, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.813, 90.702.
4, (56), Todd Buras, Melbourne, Fla., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.941, 90.587.
5, (25), Mark Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, 254863511, 1:41.022, 90.515.
6, (14), Brad Rampelberg, San Jose, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.264, 90.298.
7, (11), Ara Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.276, 90.288.
8, (27), Robert Huffmaster, Clarkston, Mich., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.433, 90.148.
9, (39), Brad McAllister, Portland, Ore., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.471, 90.114.
10, (23), Deborah Loth, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.572, 90.024.
11, (13), Anders Hainer, Woodland Hills, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.633, 89.970.
12, (16), Christian Franck, Simi Valley, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.656, 89.950.
13, (47), Mike Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.660, 89.946.
14, (6), Brett Smrz, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.781, 89.840.
15, (57), Steve Welk, Franklin, Wis., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.801, 89.822.
16, (19), Robert Michaelian, Seal Beach, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.884, 89.749.
17, (33), Neal Sapp, Chadds Ford, Pa., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.949, 89.692.
18, (26), Tim Probert, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.604, 89.119.
19, (43), Barry Fromberg, Plano, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.884, 88.876.
20, (21), Randy Hale, Haddam, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.454, 88.387.
21, (22), Laura Olson, Costa Mesa, Calif., Mazda MX5, 1:43.803, 88.090.
22, (00), Harrison Williams, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.877, 88.027.
23, (12), Alison Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.916, 87.994.
24, (24), Forest Barber, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.925, 87.986.
25, (01), Bill Sweedler, Westport, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.949, 87.966.
26, (8), Carlos Tesler-Mabe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.164, 87.784.
27, (35), Bob Audet, Alexandria, Va., Mazda MX-5, 1:44.846, 87.213.
28, (55), Susan Krohn, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:45.308, 86.831.
29, (54), Brad Adams, New Orleans, La., Mazda MX-5, 1:46.298, 86.022.
30, (08), Colbi Bradley, Atlanta, Ga., Mazda MX-5, 1:46.351, 85.979.
31, (32), Ian Ziering, Los Angeles, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:49.960, 83.157.

Posted On 5/2/08

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BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:24:04 PST

BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights
By Bimmerworld Media Services

t’s another BimmerWorld classic. All the ingredients are there for a masterful race:

Seth Thomas+BimmerWorld BMW E90+VIRginia International Raceway.

Add in driving in front of BimmerWorld’s home state family and friends, an epic rear-wheel drive BMW vs. front-wheel drive Acura/Mazda battle lap after lap, Seth’s masterful movement from 7th to 2nd place, and we have a hot dish of in-car racing footage awaiting you.

Click Here to watch BimmerWorld: Seth Thomas VIR Race In-Car Highlights

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

http://www.bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworldracing.com
http://www.powerflexusa.com
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877.639.9648

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Posted On 5/2/08

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Foss is Tops in MX-5 Cup Practice at Road Atlanta

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:10:30 PST

Foss is Tops in MX-5 Cup Practice at Road Atlanta
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

BRASELTON, Ga. (May 1, 2008) – Eric Foss, of Fort Worth, Texas, topped both practice sessions today for Round One of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta. Robert Huffmaster, of Clarkston, Mich., was second fastest in practice, followed by Anders Hainer, of Woodland Hills, Mich.

Polesitter at last year’s race, Foss topped both 30-minute practice sessions at Road Atlanta in his No. 28 Team MER/Autobarn Mazda MX-5. His fastest time came on the last lap of the morning session, a 1:40.433 (91.036 mph). In the warmer afternoon session, Foss’ best time around the 12-turn, 2.54-mile course was a 1:40.634 (91.037 mph).

“We had a mild under-steer this morning,” Foss said. “We did a couple things we thought were going to fix it, but with the track getting hotter, it just exaggerated the situation. Mid-session, I actually came in, because I thought it was hindering the performance of the car. We made the change and immediately I went out and the car was a lot better. We’re still not 100 percent where we want to be. The track conditions are deteriorating a little bit, but the car is drivable in these conditions, so I think that’s going to make it a good car for tomorrow and Saturday.”

After starting this race from pole last year, Foss endured a race-long battle with teammate Jason Saini, only to have both himself and his teammate fall victim to a last lap sneak attack by Ara Malkhassian. The third-place finish was Foss’ first and only MX-5 Cup race in 2007.

“It’s hard not to be a little confident with the way the weekend’s been going and the way last year went. I think it will be a little tougher this year. Obviously my teammates are right there with me. Qualifying is important, especially if it rains [during the race] on Saturday. If we can get MER cars in the top four, that’s what we’re shooting for, because everyone knows it’s all about working together with your teammates and hopefully we can do a better job of that this year during the race than last year.”

It appears things are going to plan then, as three Team MER cars follow Foss on the combine practice sheets. Huffmaster, the reigning SCCA Touring 3 National Champion also turned his fastest lap of the day in the morning session, entering a 1:40.805 (90.709 mph) at the wheel of his No. 27 Team MER/Huffmaster Co. Mazda MX-5. He is followed by the No. 13 Team MER/Under Armour Mazda MX-5 of Hainer, who entered a 1:40.838 (90.680 mph) in the morning session.

Ryan Schmisk, of Austin, Texas, in the No. 81 Team MER/Airco Mechanical Mazda MX-5 improved on his morning time, but not his fourth position on the time sheets, by entering a 1:40.866 (90.656 mph) in the afternoon session.

2007 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion and newest member of the Mazdapseed Driver Development Ladder, Brad Rampelberg, of San Jose, Calif., ended the day fifth on the timesheets. The No. 14 Hooverspeed Mazda MX-5 driver set his fastest time of the day, a 1:41.071 (90.471 mph) in the morning session.

Brad McAllister, Brett Smrz, Neal Sapp, Mark Jenkins and Todd Buras completed the top ten.

Qualifying for Round One of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup will take place Friday, May 2, at 12:30 p.m. (EDT). The race will take place Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). For results, photos, news, live timing and lap notes, visit www.mx-5cup.com.

BRASELTON, Ga. - Combined practice results for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Round One race, part of the 2008 Classic Motorsports Magazine Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (28), Eric Foss, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.443, 91.036.
2, (27), Robert Huffmaster, Clarkston, Mich., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.805, 90.709.
3, (13), Anders Hainer, Woodland Hills, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:40.838, 90.680.
4, (81), Ryan Schimsk, Austin, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:40.866, 90.655.
5, (14), Brad Rampelberg, San Jose, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.071, 90.471.
6, (39), Brad McAllister, Portland, Ore., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.147, 90.403.
7, (6), Brett Smrz, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Mazda MX-5, 1:41.215, 90.342.
8, (33), Neal Sapp, Chadds Ford, Pa., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.229, 90.329.
9, (25), Mark Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, 254863511, 1:41.274, 90.289.
10, (56), Todd Buras, Melbourne, Fla., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.405, 90.173.
11, (16), Christian Franck, Simi Valley, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.693, 89.917.
12, (70), Elivan Goulart, Shelton, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.769, 89.850.
13, (11), Ara Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.775, 89.845.
14, (57), Steve Welk, Franklin, Wis., Mazda MX-5, 1:41.921, 89.716.
15, (43), Barry Fromberg, Plano, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.139, 89.525.
16, (47), Mike Jenkins, Fairview, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.280, 89.401.
17, (19), Robert Michaelian, Seal Beach, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:42.309, 89.376.
18, (26), Tim Probert, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:42.559, 89.158.
19, (23), Deborah Loth, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:43.034, 88.747.
20, (54), Brad Adams, New Orleans, La., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.262, 88.551.
21, (01), Bill Sweedler, Westport, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:43.608, 88.255.
22, (8), Carlos Tesler-Mabe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.140, 87.804.
23, (22), Laura Olson, Costa Mesa, Calif., Mazda MX5, 1:44.171, 87.778.
24, (12), Alison Malkhassian, Sonoma, Calif., Mazda MX-5, 1:44.232, 87.727.
25, (00), Harrison Williams, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:44.964, 87.115.
26, (24), Forest Barber, Fort Worth, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:45.891, 86.353.
27, (55), Susan Krohn, Houston, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 1:46.391, 85.947.
28, (35), Bob Audet, Alexandria, Va., Mazda MX-5, 1:47.666, 84.929.
29, (21), Colbi Bradley, Haddam, Conn., Mazda MX-5, 1:48.771, 84.066.
30, (32), Ian Ziering Hale, Los Angeles, Calif., Mazda MX-5, no time.

Posted On 5/1/08

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BimmerWorld: VIR Qualifying Lap with James Clay

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:13:58 PST

BimmerWorld: VIR Qualifying Lap with James Clay
By Bimmerworld Media Services

He started 6th and finished 3rd; for BimmerWorld SPEED World Challenge Touring Car owner/driver James Clay, VIR was clearly a great weekend. The Virginia-native set out for qualifying with team mate Seth Thomas, slipstreaming down the long straights at the Alton, VA track.

At the conclusion of his lap of the 3.27 mile long circuit, Clay placed his BMW E90 in 6th place. Click Here to watch James on the ragged edge in front of his home crowd.

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

http://www.bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworldracing.com
http://www.powerflexusa.com
Race Proven BMW Performance
877.639.9648

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Posted On 4/30/08

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Smrz Moves to Alara Racing for 2008 MX-5 Cup Season

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:38:27 PST

Smrz Moves to Alara Racing for 2008 MX-5 Cup Season
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Staff

COUER d’ALENE, Idaho (April 29, 2008) - Brett Smrz and Smrz Racing have teamed up with Alara Racing out of Sonoma, Calif., for the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup season. The 17-year-old has been hard at work both in the gym and on the track in preparation for the first event.

Still recovering from his leg amputation sustained last year in an off-track incident, Smrz has been working with his physical therapist, Brad Sharples, of In Touch Physical Therapy, to prepare for the Road Atlanta event.

“I am very excited to be running with Alara Racing for the 2008 season,” explained Smrz. “The mechanics and engineers listen carefully to my input and make the necessary changes, so I can get the most out of the car.”

Smrz has also been training over the winter in the Skip Barber open-wheel cars as well as the Skip Barber Mazda MX-5 cars. Competing against 50 other drivers in a Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout held at the Sebring Raceway this spring, Smrz was awarded a sponsored ride in the Western Region open-wheel series.

Most recently competing in the Jim Russell Scholarship Run-Off at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Smrz was the recipient of a sponsored half-season in the new Lola FJR-50 cars. The cars are based on the Lola B06/30 Formula 3 car, which won the German Recaro F3 Championship in 2006. The cars weigh 1,025 lbs and produce 300 bhp with 270 ft lbs of torque. Smrz’ first race in the new cars will be in between the Road Atlanta and Mosport MX-5 races.

The opening round of the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup takes place May 1 – 3 at Road Atlanta, site of Smrz’ last MX-5 Cup race in 2007 before his amputation.

Stepping up in place of the former MAZDASPEED Miata Cup, the Mazda MX-5 Cup made its debut in 2006. Featuring identical Mazda MX-5s on spec Kumho tires, MX-5 Cup gives drivers the opportunity to run on high-profile weekends in an economical, entry-level racing series. As part of the MAZDASPEED Driver Development Ladder, the 2008 MX-5 Cup Champion will receive a ride in the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship, courtesy of Mazda. The 2008 MX-5 Cup schedule features eight races at prestigious events across North America, and with grids composed of roughly 30 cars at each race, MX-5 Cup has become one of the best shows in motorsports today. For more information, visit www.mx-5cup.com.

Posted On 4/29/08

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BimmerWorld Back on Track after Thrilling VIR World Challenge Race

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:45:06 PST

BimmerWorld Back on Track after Thrilling VIR World Challenge Race
By Bimmerworld Media Services

Seth Thomas comes within 0.090 of winning; James Clay locks in a podium at his home race.

4.27.08 Dublin, VA - Saturday’s race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) delivered thrilling battles, two BimmerWorld drivers on the podium, the 5th closest finish in Series history, the fastest race lap, and the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for the Dublin, Virginia based team.

Add in the massive crowd supporting the BimmerWorld boys, and round two of the 2008 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car championship was a classic event for all of those in attendance.

For Seth Thomas, VIR served as a weekend of career bests and highlights at every turn. “This weekend definitely is the best memory in racing for me. Somebody asked me that question this weekend and all I could tell them was last year leading most of the Road Atlanta race. Now this one trumps it. It was important for me to get the podium monkey off my back. Doing this at VIR with all the BimmerWorld fans and supporters at our home track…the moment couldn't have been any better.”

Thomas not only earned the race’s fastest lap, but was also bestowed with the Sunoco Hard Charger Award by the SCCA for passing an impressive five cars on his march to his second place finish. As Thomas noted, that march was anything but easy.

“The last half of this race was the hardest that I have ever driven. Racing with Kuno Wittmer those last few laps was give and take. He was fast in some sections and I was fast in others. We kept fighting it out trying to see who would come out on top. He had the better position. In those laps I could see him pushing the car to the limits and I saw some of his weaknesses. I kept trying to pressure him into a mistake at those spots but he kept it all together. On the last lap we did go side by side on a couple of occasions but I never could take advantage. There were several times where I was faster than Kuno and I could have stuck a nose in on him or loosened him up a little.”

While Thomas could have barged his way past Wittmer, earning a victory on merit, rather than rough tactics, is how the Georgia- native prefers to race. “To me, bumping a guy out of the lead is not how I like to race. I think it is a lot more exciting seeing two cars going at it working ever advantage they can on the last lap and cross the finish line together is a lot more entertaining then bumping the leader out of the way. So Kuno and I did just that: keeping it clean all the way to the finish line.”

Sharing in his success with James Clay made the weekend all the more perfect for Thomas. “I am so glad James was on the podium with me. James being there makes it a lot more memorable because we have been teammates for so long. Plus, James did give me a wave by on the front straight on lap two which helped to get me in the position I was in at the end of the race. I’m glad once again we put on a BMW show for everyone at VIR. We came away with the fastest lap which shows we have the speed to compete with everyone this year. Next step is to get the qualifying monkey off our backs, put the BMW on pole again, and then you will see us on the top of the podium at the end.”

For Virginia-native James Clay, BimmerWorld’s owner/driver, VIR is a weekend he won’t soon forget. “I’m so incredibly proud of everyone,” said Clay. “We’ve had VIR marked on our calendars from the day the race was announced, and to leave with Seth and me on the podium and to do it on our home turf was just perfect. Well, almost perfect; we really wanted to win, but I’ll take the points we’ve earned and get ready for round three in Utah. I know Nick wanted a better result than what he had—he’s not used to finishing outside the top ten, but I’m confident he’ll be right there with us.”

Clay’s third place at VIR matched his previous best finish, a third place at Road Atlanta last October, but he’s had enough of third place finishes. “Third place has gotten a little bit old…a win is the next step. Our cars have proven they’re ready; our crew is ready, and Seth, Nick, and I are ready. I guess having three hungry drivers and three cars capable of winning isn’t a bad problem to have…” noted Clay.

If there was a major challenge at VIR, it was for the BimmerWorld crew to ready the three BMW E90’s on a rapid fire schedule between sessions. “It was such a tight schedule to work from; every crew member gave all they had this weekend,” offered Clay. “It might sound like a shameless plug, but with our guys working flat out to prepare three cars with almost no time on the clock to do so, the tools provided by our partners at GearWrench really helped get us on track with time to spare. They make it easier for our crew to do their jobs, and that’s exactly what we need.”

For BimmerWorld newcomer Nick Esayian, a finish outside the top ten at VIR has the SPEED Touring Car veteran looking forward to the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. “It’s been an interesting start of the season for me. I left a good finish on the table at Sebring and never really got my mojo workin’ this weekend. I’m happy for Seth and James, but I think I’ve served my time in BimmerWorld’s boot camp; it’s time to join the same battlefield they’re on.”

The VIR race will be broadcast Wednesday, April 30 at 1 p.m. (EDT). The series next travels to Miller Motorsports Park for Round Three, May 18.

More information about the team, cars, and drivers can be found at www.bimmerworldracing.com Information on BimmerWorld’s Customer Car Services can be found at www.bimmerworld.com

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

Posted On 4/27/08

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Wittmer Holds Off Thomas For Maiden SPEED Touring Car Win In Virginia

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:00:48 PST

Wittmer Holds Off Thomas For Maiden SPEED Touring Car Win In Virginia
By Eric Prill, SCCA Pro Racing

ALTON, Va. (April 26, 2008) – Canadian Kuno Wittmer watched the competition fall off the course in front of him and held off the attacks of others to record his maiden win in SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car competition today at VIRginia International Raceway—the fifth-closest finish in series history. Teammates Seth Thomas, of Cumming, Ga., and James Clay, of nearby Blacksburg completed the top three.

Driving the No. 44 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX, Wittmer started third and followed polesitter and early leader Chip Herr’s No. 97 Tindol Motorsports MAZDA6 for the opening 10 laps of the 21-lap, 68.67-mile race. As the top four cars, separated by just one second, entered Turn One, Wittmer’s teammate Pierre Kleinubing snuck by into second at precisely the same time that Herr slid wide and off course.

“Chip’s car was really quick, but I was able to hang onto him,” Wittmer said. “I saw Pierre behind me when he got by Charles [Espenlaub]. From then on, I just focused on Chip, because I knew Pierre wasn’t going to try anything dirty on me. Then Chip locked up in front of me, Pierre was alongside and I had nowhere to go, so Pierre went by and I went behind him.”

Kleinubing’s No. 43 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX inherited the lead, but was never comfortable as Wittmer and seventh-starting Thomas were in tow for the next eight laps. On lap 19, as the trio headed for the famed Oak Tree turn, Kleinubing slid off and brushed the tire wall. He re-entered the course in seventh, leaving only Wittmer and Thomas to fight for the win in the final three laps.

As he had done in previous laps, Thomas drafted alongside Wittmer going into Turns One and 14, but Wittmer always protected, keeping the No. 38 BimmerWorld BMW 325i at bay. To add to the drama, rain began to fall on portions of the undulating 3.27-mile, 17-turn circuit in the closing laps, but it was not enough to affect the finish. The BMW had a run on Wittmer’s Acura exiting the final corner, but Wittmer held him off to record a 0.090-second win, averaging 91.725 mph.

“It feels absolutely fantastic to win, especially with the way the race unfolded,” Wittmer, whose previous best finish was second place, said. “I had a great start and was right behind Chip off the start. I did bog a little bit and might have been able to take the lead into Turn One if I hadn’t, because Charles bogged and Chip bogged.

“It was a roller coaster ride. I was looking ahead of me, looking behind me; I wasn’t quite sure what to do or where to position myself. The rain made it a little bit slick in the braking zones, but we had enough of a gap on James that I was like ‘okay here we go, let’s put a good three laps.’ Then, Pierre went off and I don’t know if he broke or did it himself, but I’ll take it.

“Seth did a great job putting on the pressure. He was there every single time. I didn’t want to block, but I was definitely defending my position. The car was strong and I wasn’t going to give up that easily. So thanks to RealTime, BuyBrakes.com and Acura; without them, I’m not here.”

For Thomas, it was also a career-best finish, and despite coming up just shy of the win, he was all smiles. He was also presented the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing five positions throughout the race.

“I was sitting in Kuno’s draft, and you need that draft to get up there, but as soon as I’d pop out, I could feel the wind just stop my car,” Thomas said. “I was trying to get up next to him and trying to get up next to him, but then he’d get a better run onto the front straight. It was so close - it was awesome.”

Clay started sixth in the No. 36 BimmerWorld BMW 325i and came out on top of a battle with Charles Espenlaub’s No. 73 Mazdaspeed/Stoptech/Racinghart MAZDA6 and Peter Cunningham’s No. 42 Acura/RealTime Racing/Eibach/Red Line Oil Acura TSX. The third-place finish equaled Clay’s career-best.

“It was an intense race,” Clay said. “Unfortunately, I was just sitting there watching. I got a lucky pass on Espenlaub going into the braking zone at Turn One. I think he gave it to me. Then I had Charles behind me and PD there. I got caught up in that race and got out of the draft. On these straights, without a draft, you can’t do anything, so I was just watching.

“It feels really good to have two cars on the podium. I was watching Seth up there and I was hoping he could get it done, but it was so tight, there was no room. They played a great game up there though. Seth’s first podium and me up here as well; it’s pretty awesome.”

Espenlaub, who started second, held on to finish fourth. Herr moved by Cunningham on the final lap to complete the top five.

Cunningham, Kleinubing, Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6), Payton Wilson (Dodge SRT-4) and Eric Curran (Acura TSX) completed the top 10.

Michael Galati earned the Racing Electronics Holeshot Award for moving up six positions on the opening lap in his No. 95 Mazda North America/Tindol MAZDA6. One of the fastest cars early in the weekend, Galati started 15th after mechanical issues slowed his qualifying pace and looked to be charging before an off-course excursion on Lap 11.

Coupled with a second at the season-opening round at Sebring, Wittmer’s win placed him atop the point standings for the first time in his career. The 25 year-old Montreal native now has 225 points—28 more than Kleinubing. Cunningham and Espenlaub are tied for third, with 178, followed by Thomas, with 176.

Acura extended its SCCA SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine lead to 12 over defending Champion Mazda, 19 to seven.

Today’s race will be broadcast Wednesday, April 30 at 1 p.m. (EDT). The series next travels to Miller Motorsports Park for Round Three, May 18.

ALTON, Va. - Results from Saturday’s 21-lap, 68.67-mile SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship Round Two race, at Virginia International Raceway with finishing position, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. (3), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura TSX, 21.
2. (7), Seth Thomas, Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 21, -.090.
3. (6), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 21, -10.769.
4. (2), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 21, -12.494.
5. (1), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., MAZDA6, 21, -13.903.
6. (4), Peter Cunningham, Milwaukee, Wis., Acura TSX, 21, -16.666.
7. (5), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 21, -16.856.
8. (8), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 21, -23.666.
9. (9), Payton Wilson, Chantilly, Va., Dodge SRT-4, 21, -25.215.
10. (10), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Acura TSX, 21, -28.432.
11. (16), Jason Saini(R), Fort Worth, Texas, MAZDA6, 21, -29.324.
12. (15), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 21, -40.519.
13. (11), Jason Martinelli, Roxbury, Conn., BMW 325i, 21, -45.578.
14. (13), Nick Esayian, San Diego, Calif., BMW 325i, 21, -46.529.
15. (14), Charlie Putman, Mills, Wyo., MAZDA6, 21, -1:10.092.
16. (12), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 21, -1:19.167.
17. (17), Glenn Bocchino, Delray Beach, Fla., Acura RSX, 20, -1 lap.

Time of race: 44 minutes, 55.127 seconds.
Average speed: 91.725 mph, Record
Margin of victory: 0.090-second, Record
Lap leaders: Laps 1-10, #97 Chip Herr; laps 11-18, #43 Pierre Kleinubing; laps 19-21, #44 Kuno Wittmer
Fastest race lap: #38 Seth Thomas, 2:06.646 (92.952 mph), Record
Fastest qualifier: #97 Chip Herr, 2:05.650 (93.688 mph), Record
Sunoco Hard Charger: #38 Thomas advanced five positions throughout the race
Racing Electronics Holeshot Award: #95 Galati advanced six positions on Lap One

SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship Point Standings
After Two of 10 Rounds

Pos., Driver, Car, Points (Wins)
1, Kuno Wittmer, Acura TSX, 225 (1)
2, Pierre Kleinubing, Acura TSX, 197 (1)
3, Peter Cunningham, Acura TSX, 178
4, Charles Espenlaub, MAZDA6, 178
5, Seth Thomas, BMW 325i, 176
6, James Clay, BMW 325i, 152
7, Jeff Altenburg, MAZDA6, 148
8, Chip Herr, MAZDA6, 145
9, Jason Martinelli, BMW 325i, 123
10, Jason Saini(R), MAZDA6, 121

SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER
After Two of 10 Rounds

1, Acura, 19 (2)
2, Mazda, 7

Posted On 4/26/08

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LeMons: Carolina Deadline Looming; AMP Race Ditto

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:56:28 PST

LeMons: Carolina Deadline Looming; AMP Race Ditto
By Jay Lamm, Chief Perpetrator

Panicking yet? No? Perhaps you're just not paying attention:

CAROLINA ENTRY DEADLINE IN THREE (GOL'-DANG) WEEKS
Actually, less than three weeks: The deadline to enter LeMons South (at swanky Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw SC) is 17 May.

Like all LeMons races, we collect applications (via the online registration page) right up to the deadline, then pick the best of the bunch for the grid after that. And yes, I admit, "best" is an arguable term here.

To have the same chance of being picked as everyone else, don't miss the 17 May cutoff. After that, the bribery bill simply skyrockets.

AMP RACE IN (SAINTS PRESERVE US) TWO WEEKS
Lungs need some dust? Eyes just dying for vaporized crude oil? Then come see the '08 LeMons SF season-opener at Altamont Motorsports Park in Tracy CA. We're racing from 11:30am to 6:00pm on Saturday, May 10th, and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, May 11th. Awards ceremony at 4:30pm Sunday, and then they call the sheriff. It's all very orderly.

AMP's grandstand tickets are 5 bucks; pit passes are 30 for the weekend, or 20 per day. Mothers get into the grandstands for free on Mother's Day. Muthahs, likewise.

LAST-THRASH BASH
Too cheap to spend five bucks? How's free grab you?

The utterly informal Last-Thrash Bash hits LeMons HQ in Emeryville (5675-C Horton Street, 94608) from 9-5 on Sunday, May 4th, the last weekend before the AMP season-opener. That means that rather than working in their own shops and actually accomplishing something, various teams will be wrenching, prepping, whining, wheedling, and wasting even more precious time right here in front of our office. If you ever wanted to see how a Superfund site gets created, here's your big chance.

MOTORING J-STYLE
David Swig, a longtime team captain at LeMons, has just invited us to stage our heaps on the lawn of his excellent Japanese-themed concours and car show, Motoring J-Style (24 May '08 at the Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo CA). Why David would bring the level of his show down to the level of LeMons, to say nothing of making Vallejo a Superfund site as well, I couldn't say. Just come check it out if you want to see the world's first concours of $500 racecars. And likely the world's last.

Adios from the spam factory--JL

Jay Lamm, Chief Perpetrator
24 HOURS OF LeMONS
www.24HoursofLeMons.com

Posted On 4/26/08

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Herr Wins SPEED Touring Car Pole at VIR with Record Lap

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:34:59 PST

Herr Wins SPEED Touring Car Pole at VIR with Record Lap
By Erin Cechal, SCCA Pro Racing

ALTON, Va. (April 25, 2008) – Chip Herr, f Lititz, Pa., will start Saturday’s SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Round Two race from pole at VIRginia International Raceway during the Bosch Engineering 250 weekend after setting a new qualifying lap record. Charles Espenlaub, of Lutz, Fla., will start second, making it an all-Mazda front row.

Driving the No. 97 Tindol Motorsports MAZDA6, Herr captured his third career-pole with a new qualifying lap record at VIRginia International Raceway. Herr’s lap of 2:05.650 (93.859 mph) around the 17-turn, 3.27-mile track was slower than several of the times clocked in morning practice, but was the quickest lap produced in the much warmer qualifying session .Although not as warm as Herr and the Tindol Motorsport team were expecting.

“We actually expected it to be warmer—it wasn’t as warm this afternoon as yesterday,” Herr said. “With the four new tires, the car actually hooked up better than I expected. It’s really my second weekend in the car with the MAZDA6 and the Tindol crew has really worked with me to help get the car to suit my driving style, as opposed to me changing my style to suit the car. Tindol Motorsports has been very open minded to the changes I want to make and as you can see, it’s working.

“The key to the race is going to be keeping the tires underneath me. The BMWs are going to be strong and they’ve done some long runs to see how the tires hold up. I have not done a 50-minute run. Our cars tend to tighten up over a run and I’m trying to change that.”

Espenlaub put his No. 73 Mazdaspeed/Stoptech/Racinghart MAZDA6 on the front row with Herr after clocking a 2:05.696 (93.654 mph). The pair have shared the front row before, at Road America in 2006, but Herr doesn’t expect to have the same launch that won him that race.

“We’re here to run for a manufacturers’ championship. I have great company up front with Charles [Espenlaub] alongside. We’ve shared the front row before, but that was when I had a better launch [in an all-wheel-drive Audi]. We’ll have to get a good start and, hopefully, keep those Acuras behind us and hope for a Mazda one-two finish.”

Canadian Kuno Wittmer will start Friday’s race third on the grid. Wittmer entered a 2:05.709 (93.644 mph) in the No. 44 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX. He is followed by teammates Peter Cunningham, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla. Cunningham’s No. 42 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX turned a 2:05.780 (93.562 mph), while Kleinubing, whose practice time was actually faster than the pole time, turned a 2:05.800 (93.577 mph) in the No. 43 Acura/RealTime/Eibach/Red Line Acura TSX. The top five are separated by only 0.150-second.

Blacksburg, Va. driver James Clay will have a challenge ahead of him if he hopes to win in front of the hometown crowd; he starts sixth on the grid. Clay’s teammate Seth Thomas (BMW 325i) will start seventh.

Defending SCCA SPEED Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg (MAZDA6) lines up eighth on the grid ahead of Payton Wilson in the lone Dodge SRT-4. SCCA SPEED GT driver Eric Curran completes the top 10 in an Acura TSX, making a return to his former team, RealTime Racing, for the weekend.

Michael Galati, of Olmstead, Ohio, who topped the second practice session, was only able to complete one lap when his No. 95 Mazda North America/Tindol MAZDA6 had problems with its ignition system. The crew was unable to get the car re-fired before qualifying time expired.

The SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car race will launch from a standing start, Saturday at 4:10 p.m. (EDT). Results, photos, live timing and lap notes are all available at www.world-challenge.com.

ALTON, Va. - Starting lineup for Saturday's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship Round Two race, part of the Bosch Engineering 250 weekend at VIRginia International Raceway, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

1, (97), Chip Herr, Lititz, Pa., MAZDA6, 2:05.650, 93.688.
2, (73), Charles Espenlaub, Lutz, Fla., MAZDA6, 2:05.696, 93.654.
3, (44), Kuno Wittmer, Montreal, Quebec, Acura TSX, 2:05.709, 93.644.
4, (42), Peter Cunningham, Milwaukee, Wis., Acura TSX, 2:05.780, 93.592.
5, (43), Pierre Kleinubing, Coconut Creek, Fla., Acura TSX, 2:05.800, 93.577.
6, (36), James Clay, Blacksburg, Va., BMW 325i, 2:06.005, 93.424.
7, (38), Seth Thomas, Cumming, Ga., BMW 325i, 2:06.049, 93.392.
8, (1), Jeff Altenburg, Ellicott City, Md., MAZDA6, 2:06.108, 93.348.
9, (62), Payton Wilson, Chantilly, Va., Dodge SRT-4, 2:06.551, 93.021.
10, (46), Eric Curran, East Hampton, Mass., Acura TSX, 2:06.929, 92.744.
11, (8), Jason Martinelli, Roxbury, Conn., BMW 325i, 2:07.338, 92.446.
12, (57), Patrick Lindsey(R), Santa Barbara, Calif., MAZDA6, 2:08.017, 91.956.
13, (34), Nick Esayian, San Diego, Calif., BMW 325i, 2:08.673, 91.487.
14, (96), Charlie Putman, Mills, Wyo., MAZDA6, 2:09.430, 90.952.
15, (95), Michael Galati, Olmsted, Ohio, MAZDA6, 2:28.428, 79.311.
16, (74), Jason Saini(R), Fort Worth, Texas, MAZDA6, 2:32.085, 77.404.
17, (45), Glenn Bocchino, Delray Beach, Fla., Acura RSX, no time.

Posted On 4/25/08

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Long Beach Leaves Eric Curran Looking for Positive Results

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:04:22 PST

Long Beach Leaves Eric Curran Looking for Positive Results
By Eric Curran Media

4-time 2007 SPEED GT race winner shakes off another tough weekend; looks to Utah to jump start 2008 title bid

April 25th, 2008 (Easthampton, MA) - If there’s a driver in the 2008 SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series who’s looking to turn his fortunes around, it’s Eric Curran, winner of four SPEED GT rounds in 2007.

This time last year, Curran was celebrating his second consecutive victory, taking a thrilling win from round two at Long Beach. In 2008, Curran’s had to display the poise and temperament of a veteran driver whose 2008 driver’s championship bid has gotten off to a rough start.

“Tough races happen sometimes, I just wish it wouldn't have been two in a row.” noted Curran. “My Whelen Engineering team has worked incredibly hard in the off season and deserve better than the results of Sebring and Long Beach, but we’re not discouraged and we are not giving up on our goal of a driver’s championship, or leading the charge to help deliver a manufacturer’s championship for Chevrolet."

Curran might have departed Long Beach without his desired win, but the young star of the SPEED GT series found many positives to draw from last weekend. “My backup car was fast all weekend; we were 3rd fastest in practice with it. Unfortunately, we had an electrical issue that prevented me from qualifying—it was the proverbial ‘$0.2 cent’ part that failed, but Teddy Marsh and the Whelen team got everything fixed and ready for the race. No matter how big the challenge that faces them, they don’t flinch and just keep their heads down to give me the best car possible.”

Forced to start from the back of the grid—unfamiliar territory for Curran—the driver of the #30 Whelen Engineering Corvette made up a number of spots at the start of the race. While picking his way past the tail end of the field, Curran was caught out by a few drivers that checked up quickly while entering the incredibly narrow turn two ‘water fountain’ corner. The resulting front-end damage, although slight, was enough to affect the #30 car’s cooling, bringing a very premature end to his race.

“I was being cautious—I knew that it would be tough coming through the pack from the back on a street course. I just never expected them to lock up and create a logjam at turn two, and even the extra space I’d left wasn’t enough. It’s challenging to get past a pack of slower cars on a street course, for sure.”

Going into the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, Curran knows the a strong result at the 3rd round of the SPEED GT championship is crucial for his championship aspirations.

“We were really strong there last year, and I’m sure Sonny and I will be in the hunt again for a top result. Most things worth having require you to work hard to earn them, and I certainly believe we’re prepared to work harder than ever to earn points, wins, and to get back in the title hunt. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Photo: Eric Curran in his #30 Whelen Engineering Corvette at the 2008 SCCA SPEED GT series round 2 event, held in Long Beach, California. (Photo: Jimmy Sykes)

Follow Eric’s progress and look for exclusive in-car footage, updates, and photo galleries at www.EricCurran.com.

Posted On 4/25/08

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The International Allstars Team Powered by Mazda Hits Long Beach

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:40:53 PST

The International Allstars Team Powered by Mazda Hits Long Beach
By eProdius Race Media

San Clemente , CA (04.23.08): The International Allstar Team powered by Mazda, with Kyle Mohan, Patrick Mordaunt, and Johnny Kanavas at the helm of a pair of Mazda MX-5s and one Mazda RX-7, took to the track this past weekend the Long Beach Grand Prix to compete in the Formula Drift Team-Drift Championship.

Setting aside the fact that the Long Beach Grand Prix is the biggest race of its kind in North America, and the biggest venue for Formula Drift in terms of event stature and crowd size, this was a big event for the team’s drivers. But for Mohan, Mordaunt, and Kanavas, it was also their home event, as all live but mere miles down the freeway from the scenic Grand Prix Circuit. The International Allstars are also based in Southern California, and Mazda USA’s headquarters are based in nearby Irvine – not that many of them were in the office, as with a significant number of Mazda vehicles racing in Long Beach, many of Mazda’s staff were on site.

And for Kanavas, this was his first Formula Drift event – and, he’d never been on course at all at Long Beach. Mordaunt had only seen a portion of it, having competed in the Formula Drift Pro Championship event the weekend before, while Mohan had seen the full course in last year’s Team Drift event.

But, in front a packed crowd and under perfect weather, the International Allstar Team powered by Mazda delivered the goods (at least once the computer in Mordaunt’s car began cooperating) and came home fourth place in Sunday’s judged competition, just one point off of third place. With all three cars bouncing off the rev limiter, hanging the tail out and burning down their Cooper Tires, the drivers were grinning ear-to-ear after coming off track. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when flogging a car for all its worth around the Long Beach Grand Prix course.

With the recent unification of the Champ Car World Series and the IRL IndyCar series, the rest of the Team Drift schedule is one large “TBA.” But look for Mohan, Mordaunt and Kanavas to be back behind the wheel for the International Allstar Team powered by Mazda at Formula D events, drift demos and Time Attack events before the season is over.

For more information, visit:

www.kylemohanracing.com
www.patrickmordaunt.com
www.kanavaskompetition.com
www.formulad.com
www.teamallstars.com
www.driftallstars.com

source: shift communications group | eprodius.com

Posted On 4/23/08

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BimmerWorld: Down Time

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:13:36 PST

BimmerWorld: Down Time
By Bimmerworld Media Services

What do racing drivers do to keep busy with six weeks between races? Keeping busy is easy—slowing down is the hard part as BimmerWorld’s SPEED Touring Car trio tells us.

Dublin, VA (4.23.08) - “The past six weeks have been insanely hectic from all directions – the fun just never ends here!” BimmerWorld owner and driver James Clay offered. While some World Challenge Touring Car teams have looked to the extended break between the first and second rounds as an opportunity to charge their batteries and prepare for the remainder of the season, Clay and his BimmerWorld BME E90 team mates Seth Thomas and Nick Esayian have been working flat out since the checkered flag flew at Sebring last month.

In addition to owning the BimmerWorld Racing team, Clay also owns and runs the parent company, his BimmerWorld BMW aftermarket, sales, and development business that serve owners and enthusiasts of the famed German brand. With two businesses on his shoulders and his weekends packed with other track activities, this weekend’s SPEED TC round at his home track, Virginia International Raceway (VIR) could be a rare opportunity to slow down and focus solely on racing.

“The release of the new BMW 135i kept me busy on the development side and the guys a little busy in the shop. We just turned out what is as far as I know the most tuned 135i in North America to compete in One Lap of America coming up in May against some fairly high horsepower and highly-tuned competition – we will see what this newest BMW pocket-rocket can do! (follow progress at http://bimmerworld.com/blog/onelap/)

“We have also been working on some new parts and tweaks for our BMW E90 Touring Cars post-Sebring. We’re pretty dialed in to the new tires thanks to some winter testing which was nice after seeing some of the other marques struggle a little. But development never stops – or if it does, you are in trouble! We just wrapped up some testing at VIR in preparation for this week’s race so expectations are high.”

While the cars have been cared for and improved, Clay’s been pushing himself to keep many balls in the air. Rest, something he’s been without since Sebring, will have to wait for another weekend. “Personally, I have been in planes, trains, and automobiles more than I have been in my office chair recently and for the foreseeable future, which is keeping me on my toes. I have been doing a lot of driver coaching, racing with some friends, and media work for Grassroots Motorsports on the new BMW family of fast cars (135/335/M3) and SPEEDtv.com with the release of the new BMW X6. I have One Lap coming up next month as well as three SPEED TC races in the next five weeks. Wild times!”

For Sebring star Seth Thomas, the race at VIR this weekend can’t come fast enough. It might serve as a break for the hectic pace he’s been keeping. “What hasn’t happened since the last race?!? I have worked, spent time with the wife and dogs, been to Sebring to do driver coaching with a few clients, tested their cars, ran a club race, participated in some wild bachelor party debauchery and found some time to devote to building a house! I’ve tried to keep my skills in tact by spending some time in some fast cars at a couple of different tracks. We’ll find out how well this will come into play this weekend.”

In Nick Esayian’s world, a blend of reality and hilarity is completely normal. “I’ve been working, spending time with family, and... Last week Sunday I took my wife to the Bon Jovi concert in Las Vegas... We had a great time but on the way home had a “disagreement.” I tossed my suitcase into the back of the car and pop went my back! A week of excruciating back spasms followed. It was horrible... I’ve been able to stand up for only two days... Physical Therapy, a Janis Joplin mixture of drugs, acupuncture (which I still don’t believe in even though it worked), laying the spa for hours, and sleeping restlessly on the floor. This of course all arose from my wife disagreeing when I stated I was going back to the mullet after the Bon Jovi show. Two rules when I married her... No Trans-Am’s and no mullet.” We can only hope Nick has had time to grow a mullet worthy of Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy-Breaky Heart.

Predictions for the race this weekend at VIR ring with optimism and the desire for a quick recovery from a Sebring race that failed to deliver the results Clay, Esayian, and Thomas know the cars are capable of.

“My prediction for the weekend is nothing short of seeing all three cars crossing the finish line where they are supposed to be,” Thomas offered. “It is up to us as drivers to sort out the finishing order. I know that James has a lot of laps at VIR compared to Nick and I but Nick is the underdog of us three. And we all know how this year has been a year for the underdogs to pull off the upset in the world of sports this year. So I think VIR is going to be nothing short of a great race for our BMW E90’s and BimmerWorld. I think that it will be safe to say we will be fast, we will show the home crowd why the BMW’s are the best car on track, and why we are the best team in World Challenge. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Esayian’s focus on the upcoming race is in line with that of Thomas. “No question our expectations are high for VIR. After falling short of our potential at Sebring we know there are two reasons we have to show big. First and foremost, points. We need to stake the Roundel Flag in the ground here and get into the game. We can make the lost ground up but we can’t afford a stumble. Second, this is home for the team and as in any other sport momentum is critical. We need to give our guys a shot in the arm here at home as we hit the stride of the season. I don’t see any reason we can’t walk away from this in a commanding position if we minimize mistakes and go out and have some fun at VIR.”

Virginia-native James Clay has the added benefit of racing in front of those that are most important to him. “For VIR, we have lots of family, friends, and customers coming out – basically the whole extended BimmerWorld family. It will be great to be back to our home track for the first time in many years. Seth looks forward to his home race at Road Atlanta every year, and I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to race at my home track this weekend. Like Seth and Nick, I’ll be giving it my all, as will our entire crew.”

The BimmerWorld team is proudly supported by: Performance Friction, GearWrench, BMW USA, Alpinestars, BBS, Bimmerforums.com, Diffsonline, JB Racing, Moton, Powerflex, and Rogue Engineering.

BimmerWorld Media Services
mediaservices@bimmerworld.com

http://www.bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworldracing.com
http://www.powerflexusa.com
Race Proven BMW Performance
877.639.9648

Posted On 4/23/08

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MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:09:09 PST

MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award
By Ryan Cristobal, USTCC PR/Media Services Team

April 15th, 2008/Benicia, Ca. – The Northern California based MOLECULE Labs, Inc. and its line of Nomex® fire suit care products, the four-step MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System, proudly announced its partnership with the 2008 Nitto Tire United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) series sanctioned by the National Auto Sports Association.

MOLECULE will take on the award title for the USTCC series’ the MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award. The award will go to the USTCC driver/competitor that executes the most impressive, cleanest maneuver, pass or move on a competitor to advance, gain or re-gain his/her position during race competition. The recipient of the award will receive a complete MOLECULE Nomex® fire suit Care Kit, the MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System.

“The Nitto Tire USTCC is very excited to partner with MOLECULE Labs, the leader in Nomex® fire suit care. MOLECULE Labs is just like the series; its products were conceived in grassroots efforts through motorsports, designed for racers by racers”, said Ali Arsham, coordinator of the USTCC. “MOLECULE is very proud to continue to expand, extend and grow its presence in every level of motorsports in North America, especially in a relevant, exciting and high level competition series such as The Nitto Tire U.S. Touring Car Championship where driver safety always come first”, added Rod Rojas, Independent Account Manager for MOLECULE Labs who spearheaded and made the partnership possible.

MOLECULE is not only a USTCC partner but also a competitor, backing the 2008 Nitto USTCC Rookie season campaign of Rod Rojas behind the wheel of the #48 MOLECULE/Go Pro Camera/Team Cobalt California Chevy Cobalt SS. MOLECULE and Rojas is currently in third place in overall point standings and second in the rookie of the year standings after two rounds of competition.

The first MOLECULE Race Smart, Keep It Clean Move of the Race Award of the 2008 Nitto Tire USTCC was given to Andy Hope driver of #8 Sports Compact Car Magazine/Spoon Sport/Opak Racing JDM Acura RSX-R during the Nitto Tire USTCC Infineon Raceway Round 2 race on April 13th, 2008. Hope who battled his way through the field and finally made a last lap move and pass on 2007 USTCC Driver Champion Curt Simmons behind the #49 Cornwell Tools/Sunnyvale Dodge/MBO Racing Group Dodge SRT-4 on his way to his first ever USTCC victory.

More on MOLECULE: MOLECULE Labs, Inc. provides solutions for the safety, care, and maintenance of numerous technical fabric applications. Specially formulated for Nomex®, tested by the SFI Foundation and proven in diverse racing conditions for over two years, MOLECULE is designed for racers by racers. Formulated to be used on any brand of Nomex® fire suit, the lineup of MOLECULE WASH, MOLECULE REFRESHER, MOLECULE PROTECTOR, and MOLECULE SPOT CLEANER can be found in use on driver and crew suits in every top level teams in every level of motorsports around the world from go karts, stock cars, Indy Cars, to the pinnacle of racing in Formula One.

MOLECULE’s most recent major racing endeavor is the rebranding of the MOLECULE Formula Mazda Challenge series that will also run race event schedule with the National Auto Sports Association (NASA), one of largest sanctioning racing body in North America.

For more information and complete info on the products, with videos, technical info, testimonials, visit: www.moleculelabs.com

Look for MOLECULE™ Technical Fabric Care System at the remaining 2008 Nitto Tire USTCC Events. For more series information, visit: www.ustcc.com

Posted On 4/23/08

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Auston Harris To Race In USAC With Bob East

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:09 PST

Auston Harris To Race In USAC With Bob East
By ADZEN

Auston Harris, the 17 year old from Hayward, California, has been signed by driver development guru Bob East to participate in 3 races in a USAC Ford Focus Midget. Harris is scheduled to race on May 14 at Anderson Speedway, May 22 at Mt. Lawn Speedway and May 28 at Plymouth Speedway.

"The folks at Ford asked me to test Auston in March last year," said East, and I was impressed by his natural ability but more by his attitude and maturity. I'm excited that I will now have a chance to see Auston perform under race conditions. I have a hunch that he is a real talent and now I will be able to confirm that."

"It's such an honor for me to have an opportunity to race with Bob," said Harris. He is one of the most respected coaches in the business. Although this is only a 3 race deal, it is an important step in my career and a chance for me to learn from the best."

Bob East is no stranger to success or talent. Over the years, Bob has been a part of multiple USAC race and championship wins with drivers Tony Stewart, Bobby East (his son), JJ Yeley and Bobby Labonte, to name a few.

Auston Harris was born on December 11, 1990 and started racing Junior Dragsters at the age of 8 years old. Since then, Auston has also raced in go-karts, formula cars, sports cars and touring cars. Auston has achieved many podium finishes and impressed everyone that he has been fortunate enough to race with.

For more information, please contact Dean Harris at (510) 209 6385 or by e-mail or visit www.austonharris.com.

Posted On 4/21/08

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