Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Author: Ed Coombs

  • BREAKING NEWS: Jason Leffler Killed in Sprint Car Crash

    BREAKING NEWS: Jason Leffler Killed in Sprint Car Crash

    SWEDESBORO, N.J., June 12 – Jason Leffler, who has driven in all three of NASCAR’s touring series, died as the result of a crash at the Bridgeport Speedway while competing in a 410 Sprint car event.

    NASCAR, in a statement said, “NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening. For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.”

    Reports indicated that Leffler was running in second place during a qualifying heat race when his car flipped several times down the front straight.

    The track cancelled all further events for the evening after the crash as State Police arrived.

     

     

  • Busch Overcomes Penalty to Win Truck Race in Charlotte

    Busch Overcomes Penalty to Win Truck Race in Charlotte

    Kyle Busch hadn’t won a Camping World Series truck race in his last seven starts but at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday night he overcame a pit road penalty to win the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

    On lap 84 Busch had come into the pits for a fuel only stop and the gas can was caught in the receiver and left the pit box meaning he had a pass-through penalty. At that point Busch had dominated the race leading 66 laps but he had to restart in the rear of the field.

    Busch used the penalty to get fresh tires and charged through the field with the aid of some caution periods due to accidents.
    “It was an eternity… the starts were spread over a year and half,” Busch said about his winless streak. “It certainly was frustrating last year that (his crew chief) Eric (Phillips) and I weren’t able to get to Victory Lane. We only ran three starts, and in all of those three starts, we were a really good truck and had a shot to win in all three of those.”

    “We’ve been fast. These guys do a good job, (crew chief) Rudy (Fugle) here, taking over for my stuff on the No. 51 with a smaller team…it’s only him and a couple of other guys that are full-time for it… These guys do a lot of work for being so small and just coming out here trying to knock out some wins.”

    Brendan Gaughan finished second, Max Gresham third while Matt Crafton and Ty Dillon rounded out the top five.

    Matt Crafton retained his points lead leaving Charlotte while Jeb Burton moved into second place, 22 points behind Crafton

  • Breaking News : Post Race Incident at RIR between Nelson Piqet and Brian Scott and Crews Investigated by Police

    Breaking News : Post Race Incident at RIR between Nelson Piqet and Brian Scott and Crews Investigated by Police

    The post-race incident between Turner Motorsports’ Nelson Piquet Jr., Richard Childress Racing’s Brian Scott and their crews apparently escalated into an alleged physical altercation in or near the driver motorhome lot at Richmond International Raceway late Friday night, according to the Henrico Police Department.

    A statement from Lt. Linda N. Toney said, “Henrico Police are investigating a verbal argument that started in the infield area of RIR that escalated into a physical altercation near the Driver/Owner Lot. The assault occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. Two adult males are in custody as a result of the ongoing investigation.  One of the two adult male victims has a shoulder injury. Further information is not likely to be available while the investigation continues.  We will provide updates when information is available.”

    Reports indicated that the individuals taken into custody were from Richard Childress Racing who Scott drives for. RCR released a statement, “We are aware an incident took place outside of the track’s infield following Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway involving members of our team; and others from another team. We are cooperating with the local authorities in this matter”

    Scott was involved in a late crash with team mate Austin Dillon and Justin Allgaier that sent those two in for repairs and Scott limping home. Apparently he and Piquet Jr. had issues in the closing laps and Piquet nudged Scott up the track dropping him from 15th to 20th. Scott gave Piquet a nudge during the cool down lap and Piquet retaliated by spinning Scott around. When the two got to pit road they quickly exited their cars and fists started flying and Piquet kicked Scott in the groin area.

    Scott said,  “A part of me told me that he was going to hit me for 15th place, and then he did. I was just showing my displeasure with him after the race and then things escalated. I went to talk to him, I was a little heated and the camera probably shows it, but he kicks me right below the belt, which I think is a below-the-belt type of shot.”

    Piquet defended himself during television interviews but also used some profanity which could cost him later next week since NASCAR has fined others for such actions in the past.

    Speedway Media will provide updates throughout the day as the news develops

  • Hamlin Wins at New Hampshire- Just Like he Predicated

    Hamlin Wins at New Hampshire- Just Like he Predicated

    [media-credit name=”Noel Lanier” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]Earlier this week Denny Hamlin told everyone via Twitter that he would win this week’s Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The proclamation came after a disappointing finish in Chicago where he ran out of gas and lost valuable positions in the chase for the Sprint Cup. Hamlin definitely backed up his predication with a dominating win as Jimmie Johnson came in second by almost 3 seconds and pole-sitter Jeff Gordon finished third. With his win Hamlin moved up to third in points only seven points behind the new leader Jimmie Johnson who now leads Brad Keselowski by a single point.  Fellow chase participants Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne rounded out the top 5.

    Hamlin’s weekend was somewhat disappointing when his qualifying efforts only secured him a 32ndstarting position.  On Sunday he was in the lead by lap 93 of the scheduled 300 lap event. From that point Hamlin dominated the race extending his lead to over six seconds at times. No one really challenged him for the lead although pit strategy did see Hamlin lose the lead in the pits, only to be out front in very short order. He led 193 of 300 laps securing the bonus point for leading the most laps.

    “It doesn’t hurt to have a little confidence in the team,” Hamlin said. “I said we were fast enough to make it up, and we were. I’ll have these guys back until I die. Just our team. These are lightning-fast race cars they’re giving me.”  About his prediction he said, “You don’t want to sound too cocky, but I knew what we were capable of. Our car was extremely strong, and I have a really good knack for this race track. The two together, with a crew chief like Darian, it’s a winning combination.”

    Jimmie Johnson said in the media center afterwards, “We just did all we could today.  We just missed a little bit of speed and the 11 seemed to have everybody covered.  And after that, we were the next‑best car and I just kind of ran there all day.”

    Jeff Gordon in the media center was happy with his results, “Yeah, it was a great performance.  Certainly helped qualifying on the pole, getting that No. 1 pit stall.  That was important.  We had good pit stops, good pit calls and strategy and then good adjustments. We weren’t very good at the start of the race, but we hung in there with our track position and then we made an adjustment about halfway through the race that wasn’t very good for the short runs, but it seemed to maintain pretty good on the longer runs.  So allowed us to get up there into fourth and then that restart, we were able to jump into third.”

    The race saw long green flag runs slowed only for a few caution periods all for debris on the race surface. The Sprint Cup Series will be in Dover Delaware next weekend.

    Unofficial Race Results
    Sylvania 300, New Hampshire
    http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Cup/race.php?race=28
    =========================================
    Pos. St. No. Driver Make Points
    =========================================
    1 32 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota 48
    2 20 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet 43
    3 1 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet 42
    4 12 15 Clint Bowyer Toyota 40
    5 6 5 Kasey Kahne Chevrolet 40
    6 15 2 Brad Keselowski Dodge 39
    7 3 14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet 38
    8 18 20 Joey Logano Toyota 36
    9 4 55 Brian Vickers Toyota 36
    10 8 39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet 34
    11 16 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet 33
    12 7 27 Paul Menard Chevrolet 32
    13 14 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet 31
    14 25 17 Matt Kenseth Ford 31
    15 11 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet 29
    16 22 78 Regan Smith Chevrolet 28
    17 9 56 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota 27
    18 13 16 Greg Biffle Ford 26
    19 5 99 Carl Edwards Ford 25
    20 17 47 Bobby Labonte Toyota 24
    21 22 22 Sam Hornish Jr. Dodge 0
    22 24 42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet 22
    23 19 43 Aric Almirola Ford 21
    24 21 9 Marcos Ambrose Ford 20
    25 23 51 Kurt Busch Chevrolet 19
    26 29 1 Jamie McMurray Chevrolet 18
    27 28 83 Landon Cassill Toyota 17
    28 2 18 Kyle Busch Toyota 17
    29 26 34 David Ragan Ford 15
    30 34 10 David Reutimann Chevrolet 14
    31 33 93 Travis Kvapil Toyota 13
    32 37 38 David Gilliland Ford 12
    33 42 32 Mike Olsen Ford 11
    34 39 33 Stephen Leicht * Chevrolet 10
    35 43 30 David Stremme Toyota 9
    36 30 13 Casey Mears Ford 9
    37 31 98 Michael McDowell Ford 7
    38 27 195 Scott Speed Ford 6
    39 36 87 Joe Nemechek Toyota 0
    40 41 36 Tony Raines Chevrolet 4
    41 40 37 J.J. Yeley Chevrolet 3
    42 35 191 Reed Sorenson Chevrolet 0
    43 38 179 Kelly Bires Ford 0
  • Watkins Glen International Concession Stands to Feature Local Favorites

    Watkins Glen International Concession Stands to Feature Local Favorites

    Sahlen’s, Yancey’s Fancy and Dinosaur BBQ are on the menu!

    WATKINS GLEN, NY (August 8, 2012) – At this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen, fans may taste a variety of regional food favorites such as Beef on Weck and Sahlen’s Hot Dogs.

    Americrown Service Corporation, Watkins Glen International’s catering and concessions, will incorporate local flavor into new concession items to represent the region and satisfy the appetites of hungry race fans.

    Beef on Weck, a Western New York staple, will be served with a side of horseradish and served up near the start/finish area as well as in Turn 1. Also from the Buffalo area, Sahlen’s Smoke House Hot Dogs will be available throughout the concession stand locations. There will be a Sahlen’s Dog House, located in the Budweiser Tiki Hut area that will highlight four varieties of Sahlen’s Hot Dogs.

    Syracuse, NY will be represent by the world famous Dinosaur BBQ’s Sensuous Slathering Sauce in the BBQ Pork Sandwiches available at multiple locations.

    Fans from Canada can visit the vendor row area and sample Canadian favorite – poutine – crispy french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds from Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese.

    Fans are sure to find something for any appetite at any one of Americrown’s 12 concession stands throughout the Watkins Glen International facility. A concessions map is available at http://www.theglen.com/Tickets-Events/Events/2012/Finger-Lakes-355/Maps.aspx

    Tickets for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen on August 9-12 are available by calling 866.461.RACE (7223) or online at www.TheGlen.com. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/watkinsgleninternational>and Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/wgi> with the hashtags #FLX355, #Zippo200 and #ContiDunn200. Download the free mobile app for The Glen at both iTunes and Android market places. Be sure to catch the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen live on Sunday, August 12 at Noon ET on ESPN.

  • Allmendinger Fails Second Test -Suspended Indefinitely

    Allmendinger Fails Second Test -Suspended Indefinitely

    NASCAR has said that suspended Penske Racing driver A.J. Allmendinger has failed his second urinalysis test and will remain suspended indefinitely.  In messages on Twitter NASCAR said, “AJ Allmendinger has been suspended indefinitely from #NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. As outlined in rule book, #NASCAR will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.”

    Allmendinger was suspended hours before the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona two weeks ago and replaced by Sam Hornish Jr.

     

    More to come as reports are filed.

     

    Ed Coombs | SpeedwayMedia.com

    Penske Racing Statement on B Sample Results

    July 24, 2012

    The following statement should be attributed to Penske Racing:In accordance with NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Policy, Penske Racing was notified today of AJ Allmendinger’s positive B sample test. We respect NASCAR’s policy and the process they have taken with this matter.

    Penske Racing is very disappointed with the result of the B sample test and will evaluate its course of action as it pertains to AJ over the coming week.

    Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 Dodge Charger this weekend at Indianapolis and next weekend at Pocono.

     

     

     

     

    Statement from Tara Ragan, Vice President, Walldinger Racing Inc.

    Charlotte, NC (July 24, 2012)-  Aegis Analytical Laboratories in Nashville has delivered the results of the “B” sample test for Penske Racing driver AJ Allmendinger, which confirmed the results of  the “A” test.

    “This was not the news we wanted to hear and we will work to get to the source of what may have caused this. To that end, we have secured the services of an independent lab to conduct thorough testing on every product within AJ’s home and motor coach to find what might collaborate with his test, which created results that  were within nanograms  of  accepted standards. We are working closely with NASCAR and Penske Racing to identify the next action steps in this process.  We continue to be extremely grateful by the breadth and scope of support for AJ from his fans and partners. We would like to again thank NASCAR, Penske Racing and all our sponsor partners for the open communication, and for helping us at every step in this process. We expect to have further updates in the upcoming days.”

  • Watkins Glen Ready for NASCAR Weekend

    Watkins Glen Ready for NASCAR Weekend

    [media-credit id=18 align=”alignright” width=”252″][/media-credit]Since the last time NASCAR visited the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York there’s been some significant changes around the track. During the off-season the track completed the installation of new grandstands in several locations around the track. There were also some ponds built and improvements made in some areas of the garage areas where the teams work.

    “Phase 2 of a two-phase program has been completed,” track President Michael Printup said last week. “Every grandstand has been replaced. I was just talking with fans and they just love it.”  Printup also disclosed that unlike most large race tracks Watkins Glen added some seats, about 2,000. “I want to see how it goes,” he said. “We need to take baby-steps with this. We’re well above prior year’s sales. It tells me we’re in good shape and on track.”

    In recent years road course races have been very exciting for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. “Us and Sears Point is another race where almost anyone can win it,” Printup said. “The racing is very exciting.”

    There’s been a substantial amount of change that’s been undertaken over the last few years at the Glen with additional camping amenities and spots being added. “Family camping has been expanded 50% from last year,” Printup noted. “It’s been long sold out. Reserved camping sold out during the first week in February. Camping is quiet popular here for a lot of reasons including how easy it is to travel here.”

    One reason for the success at Watkins Glen could be how hands on Printup is. He listens to the fans saying, “I’m not cocky. I’m not going to add 20-30% more seats. I just keep making improvements.”  He also does a meet and greet with the fans at the track every race weekend, not just NASCAR. “I listen to what the fans tell me. Every Saturday of race weekends I meet with the fans. Me and my team speak with and listen to what they want to say or do.” He tries to bring them in different ways. “Not everyone likes to get up early on a race weekend but if they do they can get free coffee and donuts from 7-9 AM in the track’s infield.” He also made note that, “We also give out free Budweiser from 6-8 PM on the Saturday evening of the NASCAR weekends. We will have local and international celebrities occasionally show up to help pour your beer so fans should just show up.”  Printup indicated that the hand outs were done in an unsold camping area and that the coffee and donuts were given away behind stand #5.

    Another thing that Printup is becoming known for is his use of the internet and social media. Printup is on Twitter regularly and discussed on its changed the way that people gather news. “75% of Twitter users use it for news. Even now I’ll sit down and watch a race and have Twitter available right in front of me on my table.”  An interesting twist is how Printup uses his own family to give him ideas. “I’ve got the best consultants on this stuff that money can buy. My own 14 year old and his friends advise me. I don’t think that Twitter and Facebook are going anywhere.”

    For those planning on going to a race at the Glen load up their new mobile app for smart phones here:
    http://www.theglen.com/Mobile/Mobile.aspx

    For tickets and unreserved camping go to www.theglen.com

  • Crown Royal Kicks Off Nationwide Call for Heroes

    Crown Royal Kicks Off Nationwide Call for Heroes

     

    Whisky Brand to Honor an American Hero with Naming Rights to the Brickyard 400 at

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    [media-credit name=”Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Crown Royal” align=”alignright” width=”204″][/media-credit]

     

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Feb. 7, 2012 – There are certain people who go above and beyond to change people’s lives. From protecting our country to serving as leaders in the community, Crown Royal is looking to pay tribute to those who are making a difference. The whisky brand is encouraging adult fans to nominate their personal heroes (21 or older) for naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here”TM 400 at the Brickyard.

     

    The race, to be held on July 29, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and will mark the sixth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. For the past two years, Crown Royal accepted nominations for military and service members exclusively. Not only has the 2012 race moved to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the annual program—now called “Your Hero’s Name Here”—has been expanded to accept entries for all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers, to first responders and local volunteers.

     

    “The expansion of the nomination category gives adult fans the opportunity to honor all men and women who truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, DIAGEO North American whisky.  “We’ve been given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who unselfishly commit themselves to giving back, and we look forward to seeing one of our heroes kiss the bricks in Indianapolis this summer.”

     

    To nominate a hero for consideration for naming rights to the race, fans are encouraged to visit the Crown Royal Facebook page (Facebook.com/CrownRoyal), where they will be asked to describe a heroic act by the nominee in 100 words or less. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2012 and the five finalists will be announced in May. Once the finalists are announced, fans will be provided the chance to cast a vote and determine the winner. The winner will be revealed in a special ceremony leading up to the race.

     

    As part of the prize package, the grand-prize winner will travel to Indianapolis for the race, where he or she will be provided an once-in-a-lifetime experience, which includes waving the green flag to signal the start of the race and delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane.

     

    The race is the culminating event of the Crown Royal Heroes ProjectTM, an ongoing commitment to recognize everyday heroes and give back to their communities. As part of the project, special commemorative CAMO Crown Royal bag stuffing events were held across the country throughout the fall, resulting in thousands of Crown Royal care packages being sent to American troops overseas, with the help of Packages from Home. The Project benefits the brand’s two national charity partners, Honoring Heroes and Operation Patriot Foundation.

     

    Crown Royal’s ongoing effort to identify deserving individuals kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis, along with various military bases across the country and will continue throughout the entry period.  Former NFL standout Warrick Dunn made a special appearance around the big game to call attention to the program and encourage adult fans to nominate their heroes. Dunn has partnered with the whisky brand to honor his own hero – his late mother – a former police officer who was killed during an off-duty security shift 19 years ago.

     

    About Crown Royal

    Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky’s smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all fans to please enjoy responsibly.

     

    About Diageo

    Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

     

    Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

     

    For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

     

    About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing also will make their IMS debut with races in 2012.

     

    IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and is the only venue to stage annual races in the IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Road Racing and MotoGP.

     

    About Operation Patriot Foundation

    The mission of Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc., is to pay tribute to those who protect us daily – fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and our active and veteran military forces, and to raise money for organizations representing these men and women who protect us. Our intentions are simple. To pay tribute to and help those who risk their lives for us daily and provide support to these people and their families through fund raising and ceremony in their honor. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.operationpatriot.org.

     

    About Honoring Heroes

    Honoring Heroes, also known as The American First Responder Institute of Heraldry, has created nationally recognized awards for valor and heroism in the service of the First Responders’ life saving mission. No federal, state or local funds are required because the First Responder Institute prioritizes using locally donated dollars to honor local first responders. Prior to the work of the Institute, there was only one nationally recognized award for First Responders; the Medal of Valor. We have created complimentary awards for heroism and exceptional service “above and beyond the call of duty.” Awards are also given for direct participation in significant events, for improving security of the homeland and for exemplary service. For more information, please visit www.honoringheroes.com.

     

    About Packages From Home

    Packages From Home is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans. Packages From Home was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Lewis and has sent over 130,000 individual care packages and thousands of pounds of bulk mailing to deployed military troops overseas since its inception.  You can make a donation and learn more about Packages From Home by calling 602.253.0284 or by visiting us at www.packagesfromhome.org.

     

     

  • THE MISSION FOODS GT3 CUP TROPHY USA BY CAR AMIGO ANNOUNCES ITS 2012 SCHEDULE

    Dallas, Texas – December 20, 2011 – The Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo announced its 2012 schedule today as the series prepares to begin its second year of competition. The sophomore series will host five events in 2012 giving Porsche GT3 Cup owners the opportunity to be a part of the most prestigious vintage events and race at the top racetracks in the country.

    The 2012 season begins at the Palm Beach Grand Prix on February 16 – 19, at Palm Beach International Raceway. The newly renovated 2.034-mile, 11 turn circuit is quickly becoming a favorite among racers and the South Florida weather should offer a great opportunity for Mission Foods and Car Amigo to host their season opener.

     

    The season continues on to the Mitty at the picturesque Road Atlanta on April 26-29. This major event is a favorite for vintage racers across the country and served as the season opener in 2011 for the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy. This weekend will also be highlighted by Mission Foods’ Annual Mexican Dinner on Friday night. On May 18-20 the series will head to the mid-west to one of North America’s classic tracks, Road America, where it will be a part of the Spring Vintage Weekend.

    The Porsche series will once again host its season finale at the high-banked Daytona International Speedway as a part of the Daytona Historic Weekend where this year the series saw it’s largest field yet. An additional fall event will be announced shortly to complete the five-race 2012 season of the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo.

     

    A total of 23 different drivers competed in the four inaugural events of the 2011 Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy series representing a variety of teams from all over the country. The series gave Porsche GT3 Cup owners a new and exciting venue where they can race among each other in an exclusive and competitive way at some of the top racetracks in the United States.

     

    Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo 2012 Schedule:

    1. Feb 16 -19 – Palm Beach Grand Prix – Palm Beach International Raceway
    2. April 26 – 29 – Classic Motorsports Presents the Mitty sponsored by Mazda – Road Atlanta
    3. May 18 – 20 – Spring Vintage Weekend – Road America
    4. TBA
    5. Nov 8 – 10 – Daytona Historic Weekend – Daytona International Speedway

     

    Juan Gonzalez

    Owner, Car Amigo

    “The 2011 season proved to be very successful for us and it surpassed everybody’s expectations for the first year of the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo. We were very happy to meet our goal, which was to provide a series where Porsche GT3 Cup owners could race amongst themselves in a friendly, yet competitive manner. Even though we only had four events this year we’ve already created a close community and we have no doubt that it will only grow in 2012.

     

    When we were creating our 2012 schedule we wanted to make sure that we kept things as simple as possible for our teams and drivers, but at the same time bringing them to the top vintage events in the country. I am very happy with what we came up with and I’m sure that we will have a very competitive core group of drivers that will compete for the full championship. I look forward to seeing and racing everybody in 2012.”

     

    About Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo

    The Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy USA by Car Amigo is a Championship for 911 996/997 GT3 Cup cars which is run as a class or a stand-alone race. The series is part of the Porsche one make network and is positioned below the GT3 Cup Challenges to give owners of elder GT3 Cup cars the possibility to compete with their cars. It will be open to Porsche Cup GT3 RS/RSR cars from 2000 to 2012.

     

    The series is divided into three groups that will compete for their own championship points and prizes. Group 1 will be for all 997 GT3 Cup cars, Group 2 will be for the older 996 GT3 Cup cars, and Group 3 will be an open category for any other GT3 Cup car that does not apply to the first two groups including RSRs, GT3Rs and Rolex cars.

     

    From amateur drivers to professional racing teams, the series will be able to accommodate all GT3 Cup owners by offering a wide array of customizable services including car preparation, driver coaching, data acquisition services, catering and hospitality, among others. The newly formed Championship will join a variety of sanctioning bodies as it forms a unique and exciting exclusive Championship throughout the United States.

     

    The series will hold its own season long championship and will feature exclusive sprint and enduro races at every race weekend. Prizes and trophies will provided by Mission Foods and Car Amigo and will be given to the top championship and individual events top finishers. www.gt3cuptrophyusa.com

     

    About Mission Foods

    Mission Foods, headquartered in Irving (Dallas area), Texas and Gruma S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexican corporation, was founded in 1949, and is one of the largest tortilla manufacturers in the United States. Gruma S.A.B. de C.V. is the parent company of Mission Foods (Gruma Corporation) and is a leading Mexican producer of corn masa flour and tortilla products. It has operations in Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.missionmenus.com

     

    About Car Amigo

    Car Amigo is a motorsport restoration and preparation business specializing in restoring racing, muscle and historic cars. This Dallas, Texas based company offers complete rebuilds and custom fabrication as well as consignment and sales of history’s finest automobiles, www.caramigo.com.

  • CORE autosport reveals 2012 livery

    ROCK HILL, SC, Tuesday, February 2, 2012: 2011 multiple championship-winning American Le Mans Series (ALMS) team CORE autosport has unveiled its new 2012 livery that will hit the track for the first time next week at the annual ALMS Winter Test on February 8 and 9.

    The new livery is just one of several new additions to the team for 2012 including new drivers and a new team headquarters.

    The #05 Composite Resources ORECA FLM09 will feature Colin Braun and team owner Jon Bennett, along with newcomer David Martinez. Martinez is a seasoned racer in the sports car and open-wheel ranks, with solid performances in the Atlantic and Champ Car series. Additionally, Martinez and Morgan Brady, CORE autosport Team Manager, have successfully worked together in the past.

    The line-up for the sister #06 Butterfield Farms / Lamex Foods / Hormel Bacon Bits machine for the Winter Test will feature the Downs brothers – Antonio, Lucas and Matt. The trio most recently drove separate entries for Eurosport Racing in the IMSA Cooper Tires Prototype Lites series, winning the L1-class team championship for Eurosport and collectively scoring four wins and 11 podium finishes in 14 rounds of racing.

    Also new for the team is the addition of Gary Davies, who will act as the Lead Race Engineer for CORE autosport. Davies has years of experience in European open-wheel racing, ranging from A1GP to F3000 to Formula 1. Davies also has a history with Brady, working with the CORE autosport team manager on an F3 team in Europe.

    The ALMS Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway will take place on February 8 and 9, 2012. The first event for the CORE autosport team in 2012 will be at the 60th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring powered by Fresh from Florida.