United Autosports Prepared For Twice-Around-The-Clock Encounter Despite Inclement Weather In Belgium

• Johansson, Bell & Li set fastest times in qualifying “lottery” for Total 24 Hours of Spa
• Drivers happy with Audi R8 LMS despite inconsistent weather conditions
• Tough race in prospect for ultra-competitive 62-car field

United Autosports starts the Total 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) on Saturday afternoon (July 30) at 4pm (local) well prepared for its second assault on the famous twice-around-the-clock encounter.

The Anglo-American team has three Audi R8 LMS sports cars on the 62-car grid aiming for honors having achieved third and fourth GT3 class places in last year’s corresponding race – the team’s maiden 24 hour race.

Stefan Johansson (SE), Matt Bell (GB) and Alain Li (F) were ultimately the fastest drivers in the #23, #11 and #12 Audi sports cars. The trio were on “slicks” in their respective cars when track conditions were at their best in Thursday night’s final qualifying session which ended close to midnight in frenetic circumstances – the closing moments all about finding a clear lap on the ever drying track. All on-track activity on Thursday was weather affected. The opening “free practice” morning session began on a wet track with the afternoon’s “pre-qualifying” washed out towards the end. The three UA Audi sports cars remained on full-treaded “wet” tires throughout the opening two qualifying sessions from earlier rain. The third and final time trials began at 10.15pm (local) with the track still damp but all three R8 LMS cars had changed to “slicks” with 35mins remaining as a dry “line” appeared and times tumbled with every lap of the 4.35-mile Spa-Francorchamps track.

Former Indianapolis 500 race winner Eddie Cheever (USA) momentarily topped the session’s timesheets in the #11 Audi before Bell took over – the first “night laps” in his career – and posted an aggregate third fastest time. However a clutch issue sidelined him on-track and as conditions continued to improve and lap times dropped, the #11 Audi tumbled to an unrepresentative row 17 start. Ex 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Johansson claimed a row 15 start for the #23 in the final moments of qualifying which was red flagged twice in the final 15mins with Li earning the #12 a row 27 start in the final moments of the shoot-out “lottery” as the track conditions continued to improve until the checker. Both UA cars were thwarted in their bid to improve their times in the closing laps due to heavy traffic.

The team, which enters a brace of R8 LMS sports cars in the FIA GT3 European and British GT Championships – with UA leading the latter series – spent Thursday achieving a consistent, “comfortable” set-up for its 12-drivers – despite characteristically inconsistent weather conditions.

It is the 63rd running of the 24 Hours of Spa first staged in 1924 and is the third round of the new Blancpain Endurance Series exclusively for GT3 and GT4 cars. United Autosports competes for outright honors as well as a top placing in the GT3 Pro-Am Cup in what is expected to be an ultra-competitive event.

2011 Total 24 Hours of Spa United Autosports – Audi R8 LMS (start drivers and initial driver rotations): #11 Matt Bell (GB) / Mark Patterson (USA) / Eddie Cheever (USA) / Mark Blundell (GB) #12 Alain Li (F) / Richard Meins (GB) / Henri Richard (F) / Arie Luyendyk (NL) #23 Richard Dean (GB) / Zak Brown (USA) / Stefan Johansson (SE) / Johnny Herbert (GB) #11 Audi R8 LMS – Matt Bell / Mark Blundell / Eddie Cheever / Mark Patterson Grid Position: 34th 2min 35.543secs

Matthew Bell (GB). Age: 21. Lives: Barningham nr Richmond, North Yorkshire, England: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Spa début October 2009 (Ginetta G20). Last race at Spa: July 9-10 2011, British GT Championship (6th/4th). Other 24Hr races: None.

“I got faster during each session and everything felt good despite not an ideal balance in the wetter sessions. I jumped into the car for the final 30mins of the final session, the first ever ‘night’ laps of my career, and it was pretty tough as our ‘used’ clutch was not working properly. I didn’t even know if I would complete the three lap minimum requirement but just pushed on. It was interesting attempting a quick lap and learning to do everything in darkness. I was P3 when the clutch started to ‘slip’ and so am confident I would have been a lot further up the grid. It’s always nice to be further up the grid but in a 24 hour race it’s not that important. I’m optimistic for the race.”

Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début May 16 1987 (F3000/2nd). F3000 (1987-89 – 1987/2nd), F1 (1991-95 – 91 scored first-ever F1 point, 94/5th, 95/5th), sports cars (1989/3rd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1989, 1990, 1992/1st, 1995/4th, 2001, 2002, 2003/2nd). Daytona (2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]). Nürburgring (2011).

“Thursday was a long day and unfortunately all of my running was in the wet. We worked on the car collectively between the four drivers and we made progress in qualifying – at one point we were on pole-position. I’m sure Matt would have been in the top-10 without the clutch issue. We have a good, fast race car, especially in dry conditions and the forecast suggests the weather will improve as the weekend goes on.”

Eddie Cheever (USA). Age: 53. Born: Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Lives: Indianapolis, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Spa début May 22 1983 F1/3rd, F1 (1983, 85-89 – 1983/3rd, 1987/4th, 1988/6th), GpC (1986/5th, 1987/4th. Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1980/19th, 1981/8th, 1986/24th, 1987/5th). Daytona (2006/17th, 2007/32nd).

“Thursday was the first time I’d driven the Audi since this race last year. With four drivers in a car you don’t get too many laps behind the wheel. Qualifying was a little convoluted with the track conditions changing and we are a lot quicker than what the final result sheet shows. We had some issues with the handling in the wet and damp but progressively made the car more manageable which is a good thing to have if we are going to fight for honors .”

Mark Patterson (USA). Age: 59. Born: Port Elizabeth, S Africa. Lives: Bronxville, N.Y., USA: Spa 24Hr: 2009 17th o/a (Ferrari 430 GT3); 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début 2001. Lamborghini Super Trophy (2001). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2004 38th/13th, 2005 23rd/14th, 2006/2nd, 2007/9th, 2008/6th, 2009/41st, 2010/7th, 2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]).

“Thursday was a long day with tricky conditions throughout. We had the opportunity to run in different weather which could be useful for the race. Of course it would have been nice to start inside the top-10 but nevertheless all four of us are feeling good about our times and very comfortable that we can drive the Audi consistently. We are all confident we can have a good race.”

#12 Audi R8 LMS – Alain Li / Arie Luyendyk / Richard Meins / Henri Richard Grid Position: 53rd 2min 44.720secs Alain Li (F).Age: 51. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

Spa 24Hr: 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début 2004, Ferrari Challenge Series (2004-8). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: None.

“It was very difficult to settle on Thursday and get into a decent rhythm due to the changing conditions. My first run of the day was in very wet conditions and then only got a short run later because we needed to rotate all of the drivers through the car. I did quite well in qualifying and the car felt good. The track was drying quickly at the end so people were going quicker and quicker. But it is a 24 Hour race and hopefully we can get a good result.”

Arie Luyendyk (NL). Age: 57. Born: Sommelsdijk, The Netherlands. Lives: Fountain Hills, AZ, USA: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début. Other 24Hr races: Daytona (1986/2nd, 1988/89/91/97 (all DNFs), 1998/1st, 1999/8th; Le Mans (1989/DNF).

“I spun out early in the opening session on Thursday morning. It was a really slow, innocent spin but when I hit the wet grass it picked up speed and I hit the Armco with the front, damaging our Audi which also put a dent in my confidence. In honesty I felt I haven’t yet come to grips with the car or the track yet. When I went on to ‘slicks’ in the last session I couldn’t get a clear lap. Hopefully I can put my frustrations behind me during the race and get into a rhythm as I spend longer behind the wheel.”

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 56. Born: Beckenham, Kent, England. Lives: Stanley, Hong Kong: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début 1999 (National Saloons). 2006 1st & 3rd Grand Prix Masters (Surtees TS19), 2006 2nd World Sportscar Masters (Lola T70), 2nd (Ford GT40), 2007 4th Grand Prix Masters (McLaren M23), 2008 2nd Masters Sportscars (Lola T70), 5th Historic Motor Racing News U2TC (Mini Cooper). Last race at Spa: September 24-26 2010, 3rd Spa 6Hrs Endurance (Ford GT40). Other 24Hr races: Nürburgring (2004/5/6). BritCar (Silverstone, GB).

“The weather scuppered most of our plans. I needed to dial myself in having not driven the R8 LMS since last November but it’s such an unforgiving car that after a couple of runs I was fine. There is still more time in me but that will come during the race. So long as we can stay clear of issues in the race it doesn’t matter where you qualify in a 24 hour race.”

Henri Richard (F). Age: 53. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, California, USA: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: None. Spa début 2011 Spa 24 Hours. Last race at Spa: None. Other 24Hr races: Daytona 24 Hours (2010, 2011).

“I did just five laps in the opening two sessions and was only in a position to push the car in the final session. I’m happy so long as I am faster every time I go out. I went on to ‘slicks’ in the last session but took it relatively easy. It’s my first time here at Spa and it’s certainly a beautiful track – even in the weather we’ve endured so far. I have got a great team, great co drivers and a great, great car – I’d forgotten since the China race last November just how good the Audi was to drive. I can’t wait for the race to start – it should be a whole lot of fun.”

#23 Audi R8 LMS – Zak Brown / Richard Dean / Johnny Herbert / Stefan Johansson Grid Position: 29th 2min 34.216secs Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Opel Lotus Formula (1993/3rd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: BritCar (Silverstone, GB), Daytona (1997/8th, 1999, 2000, 2010/33rd o/a/20th, 2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]).

“Thursday was the worst track conditions I have ever seen. It had constantly rained – and much of it was very heavy! I completed less that 10 laps throughout the day. We were either getting red flagged, or the session cut short but it’s a long race. I just needed to get reacquainted with the Audi around here but the conditions were always tricky. Last year we qualified 16th on the grid and almost won GT3. If race conditions are changeable it could be about being the smartest, not necessarily the fastest driver, out there. We have a lot of experience in all three cars so if we can keep it on the ‘island’ and stay out of trouble, we could be looking good after 24hours.”

Richard Dean (GB). Age: 46. Born & Lives: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début August 29 1992/Ret (F3000). F3000 (1992), FIA GT (1997/24th/12th), British GT (1998/6th/2nd 1999/2nd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: WillHire (GB), BritCar (Silverstone, GB) 2006/2nd o/a / 1st in class), Nürburgring, Le Mans (2006/15th/1st, 2007/23rd/5th, 2009), Mondello Park (IRL), Daytona (2010/33rd/20th), Dubai.

“Our pace is good on ‘slicks’ but am not convinced we are getting the best out of our wet tires. Matt [Bell] was unfortunate, I am sure he would have been in the top-10 had his clutch not failed. It would have been nice to qualify higher but it is a long race and, we should not forget, a very competitive one with a highly experienced and competitive field. But we have come from these type of grid positions before and we all experienced enough to know that anything can happen in a 24 hour race.”

Johnny Herbert (GB). Age: 46. Born: Brentwood, Essex, England. Lives: Dorsington nr Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début September 13 1986 (F3/8th). F1 (1989, 1991/7th, 1992/13th ret, 1993/5th, 1994/12th, 1995/7th, 1996, 1997/4th, 1998/10th, 1999/11th, 2000/8th), F3 (1986/87). Last race at Spa: September 12 2004 (LMS/1st). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1990, 1991/1st, 1992/4th, 2001, 2002/2nd, 2003/2nd, 2004/2nd, 2007/9th). Dubai 24 Hours 2009 (45th/ 8th). Nürburgring (2011).

“Thursday was frustrating because of the weather. It rained, stopped, then rained again so was difficult to get to grips with – but then that’s typical Spa weather! At the end of qualifying the track became quicker. We each needed to get acclimatized with the Audi in the wet because it’s likely we’ll get some rain during the race at some point. It was nice to get out on slicks, it gets you ‘into’ the car and more comfortable. I’m sure we will be okay for the race – especially in the drier conditions which allows our Audi to be a lot more drivable and consistent, which is exactly what you need for a 24 hour race.”

Stefan Johansson (SE). Age: 54. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début August 9 1981 (F2/14th). F1 (1983, 85-91 – 1986/3rd, 1987/2nd), F2 (1981-2 – pole-position 1982/F2), GpC (1982-4), 1,000km sports cars (1988/1st). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1983/6th, 1984, 1990, 1991/6th, 1992/5th, 1997/1st, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003/3rd, 2006, 2007, 2008). Daytona (2000 23rd, 2002 36th/13th, 2005/4th, 2006/22nd).

“Thursday was tough with very little time in the car for everyone combined with the ever-changing weather conditions. We steadily got a ‘handle’ on our car while the last phase of qualifying was interesting. There were so many cars out there in the final minutes. Each lap I came across a slower car in the ‘wrong’ place and needed to slam on the brakes. It would have been nice to be higher up, but it’s a 24 hour race after all so not critical.”

United Autosports Created in 2009, United Autosports is co-owned by American Zak Brown and Briton Richard Dean, both successful entrepreneurs and international race car drivers. The unique Anglo-American racing team fields GT3 class Audi R8 LMS sports cars from its United Kingdom headquarters in Leeds. It also races a fleet of “Legends of Motorsports” historic racing cars from its US facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2011, the team competes in full-seasons of FIA GT3 European Championship, Avon Tyres British GT Championship and the “Legends of Motorsports” series. It will additionally contest selected GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series events, the 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) and Macau GT Cup race (China).

Audi R8 LMS V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 523 PS, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop (for FIA & Spa 24Hr) and Avon (for BGT) radial tires. Minimum start weight 1,295kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won seven championships across Europe in 2009-2010 plus Spa 24 Hours class victory in début 2009 season and Nürburgring 24 Hours class victories in 2009-2010 and scoring a total 64 victories. (ends)

Date of issue: Friday July 29, 2011 Additional information: * Comprehensive driver biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website http://www.unitedautosports.com

* Library photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports/sets Editorial Copyright Free photographs

* Regular updates the race can be viewed via Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/UnitedAutosport)and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/unitedautosports)

* Broadcast quality TV footage of United Autosports’ three-car Spa entry can be requested from Lauren Roberts at Greenlight TV e: lol@greenlight.tv t: +44 1624 611601/+44 7783 551821

For further information, please contact:
Martyn Pass
Audi UK Sport Press
T +44 1564 824600
M +44 7801 859502
E audiuk-motorsport@earthlink.net
Skype martyn.pass
www.audi-press.co.uk
www.unitedautosports.com

FIA GT3 European Championship: Slovakia Ring to Host FIA GT3 Event in August

PRESS RELEASE

25 July 2011

Slovakia Ring to Host FIA GT3 Event in August The FIA has confirmed that the 5.9km Slovakia Ring will host Rounds 9 & 10 of the FIA GT3 European Championship, on 19-21 August 2011. The event, which is sponsored by Casino Admiral, will be the first time the FIA GT3 European Championship has raced in Slovakia, although the Championship has visited Brno in the neighbouring Czech Republic in 2007 and 2010. The Admiral GT3 Racing Weekend will also host rounds of the Central European Zone Championship, the Radical European Cup and Formula D2 and D3.

The circuit, which is located 40km from Bratislava, was opened in 2008 and is one of the longest road courses in Europe –

• Track length: 5 922 m
• Track width: 12 m
• The length of the start/finish straight: 900 m
• Track width at the finish line : 20 m

Stephane Ratel, CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group, said: “I am very pleased that we are able to announce that the FIA GT3 European Championship will race in Slovakia next month. When we were informed that the event in Russia could not take place, SRO had a big job to find a suitable replacement and Slovakia Ring was the perfect solution. The circuit is long and wide and it will certainly be an interesting event, as not many of the current drivers will have seen the track before they go there. I’d like to thank everyone at the circuit who worked with the team at SRO to make this event happen and I’d like to especially thank Mr Antonin Charouz and event sponsor Casino Admiral for their support. I’m sure the results will match the effort that has gone into making this event happen.”

Tomáŝ Vranka, Executive Director of the Slovakia Ring Agency said: “We are very happy that the Slovakia Ring will host a round of the FIA GT3 European Championship in August. I saw the races at Paul Ricard and was very impressed by the organisation, the teams and the cars. With great racing between so many different GT cars, the Slovakian race fans will certainly have a lot to look forward to. Slovakia Ring is one of the newest motorsport facilities in Europe and we look forward to hosting the FIA GT3 European Championship in our country for the first time.”

Antonin Charouz said: “I am really happy that we managed to bring the FIA GT3 European Championship to the Slovakia Ring circuit. It is a real milestone for the Slovakia Ring. It is great for all Czech and Slovak fans of those races but also for our team Gravity-Charouz Racing which they can support directly at the track.“

Representative of the European Data Project group, General Event Partner: "We are pleased that we were offered cooperation related to organizing the event of the FIA GT3 European Championship. Our company supports sport in the Czech Republic and we have also broad activities in gaming industry in Slovakia so have welcomed such an opportunity to support this important sporting event in the region."

Background to the FIA GT3 European Championship The 2011 FIA GT3 European Championship takes place over six double-header events across Europe, starting in Portugal on the 7/8 May at the Autodromo do Algarve. The first four events were held with the FIA GT1 World Championship before continuing the season as the headline series in Slovakia, which replaces the event that was due to be held in Russia, and at the season finale at Zandvoort in the Netherlands in October. As well as competing against some of the best up-and- coming sportscar drivers in the world, the overall champions will join a very elite group of European title holders, with Michelin also providing a €150,000 award to move up to the FIA GT1 World Championship in 2012.

2011 FIA GT3 European Championship

• 7/8 May Portugal Algarve
• 4/5 June Great Britain Silverstone
• 2/3 July Spain Navarra
• 16/17 July France Paul Ricard
• 20/21 August Slovakia Slovakia Ring
• 15/16 October Netherlands Zandvoort

ENDS

For more information on the Slovakia Ring visit http://www.slovakiaring.sk

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British GT Championship Leading United Autosports Achieves Best Collective Result In FIA Series

British GT Championship Leading United Autosports Achieves Best Collective Result In FIA Series

• Osborne & Patterson earn Anglo-American team top-10 FIA Series result

• Twice-around-the-clock Spa enduro next stop on hectic European schedule

British GT Championship leading team United Autosports achieved its best FIA GT3 European Championship race result of the season in round eight of the series at Paul Ricard (France) today (July 17).

The #22 Draper Tools Audi R8 LMS of Joe Osborne (GB)/Mark Patterson (USA) achieved ninth place in today’s one-hour race around the 3.63-mile Paul Ricard (High Tech Test Track) circuit at Le Castellet, near Marseille.

Meanwhile the Matt Bell/Zak Brown #23 Legends of Motorsport Audi placed 11th R8 in what marked the team’s fifth race meeting in the last seven weekends which continues with unabated pace at Spa later this month.

The UA transporter now heads direct from Southern France to Audi’s Customer Racing Centre in Heilbronn-Biberach, close to Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany, for the two "FIA" R8 LMS sports cars to be prepared in “endurance” specification.

The third “British GT” series leading Audi receives its “prep” at the team’s raceshop in Leeds (England). The cars and 50-plus team members, some of whom will not have been home to the UK for over a month, arrive at Spa on Monday week.

Upcoming . . .

Total 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) on July 30-31, the penultimate two races of the FIA Series (Slovakia Ring) on August 20-21 and rounds seven and eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship staged at Rockingham (England) on September 3-4.

Race 1 (Saturday, duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 19th #23 Brown, 2m 10.998s; 20th #22 Patterson, 2m 11.701s. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Race Result: 14th (#22) 46.271s; Retired (#23). Weather: Dry, sunny, hot.

Brown and Patterson lined-up in 19th and 20th positions on the 28-car grid on Saturday afternoon, Zak having shaved off a full second on his final lap in the 20-minute qualifying session early that morning.

Having made a good start, Zak spun to the tail of the field between Turns 1 & 2 but then retired 12mins in to the race when the #23 Audi hit the back of a Ford GT40 after it suddenly slowed mid-corner – the impact causing power steering and radiator damage to the Audi.

Patterson completed the opening lap 16th and set his personal fastest on lap 10, a consistent run earning the American 14th when he made his compulsory pit-stop after 27mins – Osborne resuming 15th.

Osborne set his personal best with 20mins to run with Joe taking the checker placed 14th to equal the #22 Audi’s best result of the season.

Race 2 (Sunday, duration 60mins) Qualifying: 15th #23 Bell, 2m 8.273s; 23rd #22 Osborne, 2m 9.345s. Weather: Dry, overcast.

Race Result: 9th (#22) +61.355s P1; 11th (#23) +82.181. Weather: Dry, warm, overcast.

Bell, courtesy of a lap time posted early in Saturday morning’s second qualifying session, and Osborne, started Sunday’s race from the eighth and 12th rows of the grid – the clear blue sky and hot conditions from the previous day replaced by warm, grey and overcast weather.

A fraught, frenetic opening lap saw Bell shuffled back to 20th – one place behind the "sister" Audi of Osborne. The UA "train" was setting times comparable to the leaders 20mins in to the race moving them 13th and 14th. Osborne and Bell pitted from 11th and 12th on 30mins after fine drives from both the British youngsters with Patterson and Brown placed 12th and 13th at then end of the pit-stop cycle. Patterson was up to ninth and dicing for seventh place with 21mins remaining with Brown furiously scrapping over 12th. Mark and Zak were up to eighth and 13th with 13mins to run, the American duo ultimately claiming hard-earned ninth and 11th positions respectively.

#22 Draper Tools – Audi R8 LMS Joe Osborne (GB). Age: 22. Born: Bedford, GB. Lives: Olney, Buckinghamshire, GB: "The Audi was a handful in Saturday’s race which was a little frustrating but in Race Two everything worked out positively for Mark and I. The initial start on Sunday wasn’t great as the lights went to green but ultimately it worked out in my favor with cars getting in to each other at the first couple of corners. I pushed hard, every lap, which paid off with me picking up places. Having started in 23rd place I handed over to Mark in 12th and that was very pleasing. Mark did an awesome job."

Mark Patterson (USA). Age: 59. Born: Port Elizabeth, SA. Lives: Bronxville, New York State, USA: "I could be accused of being too tentative at the start of races but I made an aggressive start to Race One which allowed me to immediately make up positions. I settled in to a good rhythm and as my stint went on, I was setting some real good times – especially compared to when I first came here 12 months ago. I was very happy with 14th place on Saturday. Joe did a great job from a difficult starting position in Race Two and we had a perfect pit-stop. I was up to eighth at one stage but had some fast cars behind me which caused me to get a little too over zealous. I was given some calming words from the guys in the pits and that helped me calm down. I’m delighted to score our first points of the season."

#23 Legends of Motorsport – Audi R8 LMS Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, GB. Lives: Barningham, North Yorks, GB: "Zak's unfortunate accident on Saturday meant I went into today’s race with just one race stint under my belt from the opening race here in last year’s corresponding Ricard meeting and it wasn’t a particularly great one. I struggled with front end grip throughout my stint. Especially at the start which was crazy from the green light. I never had any confidence in slow to mid-speed corners making it a difficult experience. Nevertheless we almost claimed a top-10 finish."

Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA: "Having made up places at the start of Race One, I then spun going in to Turn 2 – completely my own fault. I was then following a Ford GT closely which then missed a shift mid-corner. I was right behind him with nowhere to go, hit the rear of the Ford which damaged the power steering amongst other things. My out lap having taken over from Matt in Race Two was poor. I’d exited the pits on the tail of Mark but then two cars came out of the pits and slipped in between us which messed up my rhythm. I quickly caught up another Audi which made it difficult for me to overtake. With the Spa race upcoming I didn’t want to do anything stupid in terms of car damage so wasn’t overly aggressive. I’m pleased with our team’s overall result today."

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports: "Friday began with what felt like we were in a ‘Demolition Derby’ but it’s ended today with two cars, with just a couple of scuff marks on the bodywork, having achieved our best combined race result of the season in the series. Joe and Mark did a great job to come from where they did on the grid and run consistently in the top-10. They both drove exceptionally well. Matt was unfortunately caught up in the carnage at the first couple of corners and lost a lot of time through no fault of his while Zak then lost out on a top-10 finish when another Audi conducted a master class of defensive driving making life difficult for our car and frustrating Zak. The team has produced a decent performance and now we look forward to Spa."

(ends)

United Autosports Created in 2009, United Autosports is co-owned by American Zak Brown and Briton Richard Dean, both successful entrepreneurs and international race car drivers. The unique Anglo-American racing team fields GT3 class Audi R8 LMS sports cars from its United Kingdom headquarters in Leeds. It also races a fleet of “Legends of Motorsports” historic racing cars from its US facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2011, the team competes in full seasons of FIA GT3 European Championship, Avon Tyres British GT Championship and the “Legends of Motorsports” series. It will additionally contest selected GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series events, the 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) and Macau GT Cup race (China).

Audi R8 LMS V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 365-412 kW (496-560 PS), emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop radial tires. Minimum start weight 1,295kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won seven championships across Europe in 2009-2010 plus Spa 24 Hours class victory in début 2009 season and Nürburgring 24 Hours class victories in 2009-2010 and scoring a total 64 victories.

(ends)

Date of issue: Sunday July 17, 2011 * Bell, Brown, Osborne & Patterson biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website www.unitedautosports.com * A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports/sets

For further information, please contact:
Martyn Pass
Audi UK Sport Press
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United Autosports Guns For Honors In Legendary & Historic 24 Hour Race

United Autosports Guns For Honors In Legendary & Historic 24 Hour Race
• Stellar 12-driver line-up for United Autosports' first-ever three-car Audi entry
• United's 2010 Spa "stars" Blundell, Cheever & Johansson return for more
• Herbert & Luyendyk make United Autosports débuts
• Bell, Herbert, Luyendyk, Meins & Richard making 24 Hours of Spa débuts
• Second 24 Hour race of the year for Anglo-American team

United Autosports enters a three-car line-up of Audi R8 LMS sports cars for the first time in the Anglo-American team's 16-month race history bidding for top honors in the Total 12 Hours of Spa in Belgium (July 30-31).

Having led the GT3 class and ultimately achieved third and fourth places in its maiden 24 hour race in last year's corresponding event, United Autosports heads to the beautiful Ardennes region of Belgium again aiming for outright race glory on the occasion.

Team Co-Owners Zak Brown (USA) and Richard Dean (GB) have enticed a truly awesome driver line-up. Former 24 Hour of Le Mans race winners Mark Blundell (GB) and Stefan Johansson (SE) plus 1998 Indianapolis 500 race winner, Eddie Cheever (USA), three former Formula One "pilots" who raced for United Autosports at Spa last year, are joined by another Le Mans race and F1 Grand Prix winner, Johnny Herbert (GB), plus double Indy 500 race winner Arie Luyendyk (NL). The race marks not only the team début for Herbert and Luyendyk but their Spa 24 Hour débuts and for Arie, who won the 1998 24 Hours of Daytona, his first-ever race on the daunting 4.35-mile Spa-Francorchamps track. Blundell, Cheever, Herbert, Johansson and Luyendyk have contested over 50 24 hour races between them.

Brown is joined in the Spa squad for a second consecutive year by fellow FIA GT3 European Championship regular Mark Patterson (USA), the American duo have partnered Blundell and Martin Brundle (GB) to fourth place in United Autosports' second twice-around-the-clock race in the 24 Hours of Daytona (Jan 29-30) – a mere 3.752secs behind the winner in the 2,563.2-mile race. Matt Bell (GB) who, like Brown and Patterson, is contesting the FIA series for a second consecutive year in the V10-engined Audi R8 LMS, makes his 24 Hours of Spa début as do American Le Mans Series regular Henri Richard (USA) and Hong Kong-based businessman Richard Meins (GB). Henri Richard makes his second appearance for United Autosports having finished third in class in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup event at Zhuhai (China) last November.

Meins, who has contested 24 hour races at the Nürburgring (D) and Silverstone (GB), drove for the team in the same Zhuhai race and also at Macau. He has raced regularly at Spa in a variety of machinery including saloon and historic F1 and sports cars – unlike Spa "rookie" Henri Richard who has competed in the Rolex 24 for the past two years.

Another Hong Kong-based businessman, Alain Li (F), returns to United Autosports having finished fourth in class at Spa and Zhuhai with them last year for his second 24 hour race while Dean himself returns to the cockpit for his one and only scheduled race of the season.

Team Co-Owner Dean, himself an ex-Formula 3000 driver with 24 hour race experience in the WillHire and BritCar races in his native England plus at the Nürburgring, Le Mans, Spa, Mondello Park (IRL), Daytona and Dubai, supervises the logistics, planning and organization of the team's FIA and British GT Championship programs, attending every test and race in his role of Team Director. It is the 63rd running of the 24 Hours of Spa first staged in 1924 and is the third round of the new Blancpain Endurance Series exclusively for GT3 and GT4 cars. United Autosports competes for outright honors as well as a top placing in the GT3 Pro-Am Cup.

2011 Total 24 Hours of Spa United Autosports – Audi R8 LMS: #11 Matt Bell (GB) / Mark Blundell (GB) / Eddie Cheever (USA) / Mark Patterson (USA) #12 Alain Li (F) / Arie Luyendyk (NL) / Richard Meins (GB) / Henri Richard (F) #23 Zak Brown (USA) / Richard Dean (GB) / Johnny Herbert (GB) / Stefan Johansson (SE) Provisional Timetable: Thursday July 28 – 0900-1030 Practice 1; 1415-1545 Pre-Qualifying; 1900-2135 & 2235-2335 Qualifying Saturday July 30 – 0905-0925 Warm-up; 1600 24 Hour Race starts

* All times are "local"

2010 Total 24 Hours of Spa Formguide: #67 Audi R8 LMS – Emil Assentato / Alain Li / Mark Patterson / Stefan Johansson Qualified: 21st overall / 13th GT3. Race: 10th/4th #68 Audi R8 LMS – Mark Blundell / Zak Brown / Eddie Cheever / Richard Dean Qualified: 16th/10th. Race: 9th/3rd #11 Audi R8 LMS – Matt Bell / Mark Blundell / Eddie Cheever / Mark Patterson Matthew Bell (GB). Age: 21. Lives: Barningham nr Richmond, North Yorkshire, England: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Spa début October 2009 (Ginetta G20). Last race at Spa: July 9-10 2011, British GT Championship (6th/4th). Other 24Hr races: None.

"I'm very excited as there's a lot for me to look forward to; my first 24 hour race, it's my favorite circuit and of course racing alongside four ex-F1 drivers plus a two-time Indy 500 winner! The competition will be incredibly tough with the likes of Audi Sport 'factory' drivers participating this year but I'm relishing the chance to get in amongst some of the best drivers in the world. The team did a fantastic job to achieve a podium in 2010 and if it hadn't been for a power steering issue late on, there was a strong chance of UA winning. If we can have a trouble free race there is a good chance we can emulate the success of last year."

Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début May 16 1987 (F3000/2nd). F3000 (1987-89 – 1987/2nd), F1 (1991-95 – 91 scored first-ever F1 point, 94/5th, 95/5th), sports cars (1989/3rd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1989, 1990, 1992/1st, 1995/4th, 2001, 2002, 2003/2nd). Daytona (2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]). Nürburgring (2011).

"It's great for me to return to Spa with United Autosports again. The team and I know that this race will be tougher than last year as the competition is even stronger but I am confident that the team combined with the Audi R8 LMS are a match for anyone. Rest assured myself and the other drivers will need to work hard for a top result."

Eddie Cheever (USA). Age: 53. Born: Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Lives: Indianapolis, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Spa début May 22 1983 F1/3rd, F1 (1983, 85-89 – 1983/3rd, 1987/4th, 1988/6th), GpC (1986/5th, 1987/4th. Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1980/19th, 1981/8th, 1986/24th, 1987/5th). Daytona (2006/17th, 2007/32nd).

"Spa is one of my favorite circuits and returning with United Autosports after last years third place in GT3 makes it all the more interesting. The team's calm and efficient race execution of its first Spa 24hrs surprised a lot of people, including myself. Now that we all know what to expect we can just drive and get on with it. And hopefully all the effort will translate into an outright win."

Mark Patterson (USA). Age:59. Born: Port Elizabeth, S Africa. Lives: Bronxville, N.Y., USA: Spa 24Hr: 2009 17th o/a (Ferrari 430 GT3); 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début 2001. Lamborghini Super Trophy (2001). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2004 38th/13th, 2005 23rd/14th, 2006/2nd, 2007/9th, 2008/6th, 2009/41st, 2010/7th, 2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]).

"There's nothing in race competition quite like a 24 hour race. There's nothing in race competition quite like Spa, a unique track nestled in Belgium's heavy, rolling green forests. Put them together and you've got something very special to look forward to. A podium this year is our ambition, having personally missed by a hair last year while our United Autosports 'sister' car made it on to the podium. This year's driver line-up is rock solid, the Audis are built for endurance racing and our support team is experienced at surviving days on end without sleep, so podium fever infests our team for sure."

#12 Audi R8 LMS – Alain Li / Arie Luyendyk / Richard Meins / Henri Richard Alain Li (F). Age: 51. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong: Spa 24Hr: 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début 2004, Ferrari Challenge Series (2004-8). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: None.

"When I was a kid, Christmas was the day I looked forward to the most. But now that I can play with more expensive 'toys', the most special day of the year for me is over the Spa 24 Hours weekend. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the United Autosports team again and to share the Audi with my co-drivers Richard Meins, my Zhuhai partner Henri Richard and two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. It's going to be a very tough race and another finish this year would be a fantastic achievement. It would be even sweeter if we can have a clean sweep of the podium!"

Arie Luyendyk (NL). Age: 57. Born: Sommelsdijk, The Netherlands. Lives: Fountain Hills, AZ, USA: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début. Other 24Hr races: Daytona (1986/2nd, 1988/89/91/97 (all DNFs), 1998/1st, 1999/8th; Le Mans (1989/DNF).

"I have enjoyed testing the Audi R8 LMS. My first acquaintance of the sports car was 20 laps at Spa. I'd never been there before but it's without doubt one of the greatest tracks in the world and I honestly cannot wait to actually race there – what a circuit! I also did a test at Rockingham [England] in last month. I'm steadily getting the hang of what it takes to get the most out of the Audi. I'm ready and immensely looking forward to racing in a 24 hour race again – it's only been 12 years!"

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 56. Born: Beckenham, Kent, England. Lives: Stanley, Hong Kong: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début 1999 (National Saloons). 2006 1st & 3rd Grand Prix Masters (Surtees TS19), 2006 2nd World Sportscar Masters (Lola T70), 2nd (Ford GT40), 2007 4th Grand Prix Masters (McLaren M23), 2008 2nd Masters Sportscars (Lola T70), 5th Historic Motor Racing News U2TC (Mini Cooper). Last race at Spa: September 24-26 2010, 3rd Spa 6Hrs Endurance (Ford GT40). Other 24Hr races: Nürburgring (2004/5/6). BritCar (Silverstone, GB).

"Back to Spa and back in an Audi R8 LMS – a perfect mid-summer combination! I'm hoping for better luck than my last outing with United when the R8 LMS suffered a rare mechanical issue at Macau. We should be right on the pace at Spa and it's a buzz to be driving with an Indy 500 legend. Without stating the obvious, 24 hours is a long time and we won't win it in the first stint so the key is to adopt a calm approach, consistency and let the race come to us. It's a great field and it will no doubt be pretty busy on track so cool heads will be needed."

Henri Richard (F). Age: 53. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, California, USA: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: None. Spa début 2011 Spa 24 Hours. Last race at Spa: None. Other 24Hr races: Daytona 24 Hours (2010, 2011).

"I'm really looking forward to making my Spa début and for that matter my European 24 hour race début with United Autosports. Racing at such a legendary and world famous place like Spa will be incredible although I will give it the utmost respect. Getting back into the Audi R8 LMS after Zhuhai last November will be fun as will working with the United Autosports team again. The guys did a great job at Spa last year and I'm hopeful we can take the top spot on the podium this year."

#23 Audi R8 LMS – Zak Brown / Richard Dean / Johnny Herbert / Stefan Johansson Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Opel Lotus Formula (1993/3rd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: BritCar (Silverstone, GB), Daytona (1997/8th, 1999, 2000, 2010/33rd o/a/20th, 2011/4th [United Autosports Riley-Ford]).

"Going back to Spa is without doubt the highlight of my year in GT racing. I love the track and the fact that it's a 24 hour race is just awesome. We've added a third Audi for this year's assault and have built on our impressive line-up of 'All Star' drivers. I'm very excited and confident United Autosports will once again make a statement in Spa!"

Richard Dean (GB). Age: 46. Born & Lives: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England: Spa 24Hr: 2010 9th/3rd (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début August 29 1992/Ret (F3000). F3000 (1992), FIA GT (1997/24th/12th), British GT (1998/6th/2nd 1999/2nd). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (9th/3rd). Other 24Hr races: WillHire (GB), BritCar (Silverstone, GB) 2006/2nd o/a / 1st in class), Nürburgring, Le Mans (2006/15th/1st, 2007/23rd/5th, 2009), Mondello Park (IRL), Daytona (2010/33rd/20th), Dubai.

"Spa is always a challenge for driver and team. This year we will run three cars so we will have to work hard and plan well to accommodate 12 drivers and what will amount to a team of almost 50 personnel. We are all highly motivated which creates a great atmosphere while all but one of our drivers and the majority of our pit crew are very experienced in 24 hour races. The team ethic will be the key to allowing me, as a driver, to concentrate on actually being a driver for the 24 hours. I haven't raced and have only done a handful of laps in the Audi R8 LMS this year but it's a great car to jump into and get comfortable with quickly. We have some true stars in our cars for 2011 with very impressive CV's! Not only am I hopeful that the combined experience of our driver line-up will bring results but I am looking forward to watching them work and drive with them. It is an opportunity of a lifetime as a driver to sit alongside these guys and see how they get the most out of a car and the team."

Johnny Herbert (GB). Age: 46. Born: Brentwood, Essex, England. Lives: Dorsington nr Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England: Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début September 13 1986 (F3/8th). F1 (1989, 1991/7th, 1992/13th ret, 1993/5th, 1994/12th, 1995/7th, 1996, 1997/4th, 1998/10th, 1999/11th, 2000/8th), F3 (1986/87). Last race at Spa: September 12 2004 (LMS/1st). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1990, 1991/1st, 1992/4th, 2001, 2002/2nd, 2003/2nd, 2004/2nd, 2007/9th). Dubai 24 Hours 2009 (45th/ 8th). Nürburgring (2011).

"It will be my first race at Spa since September 2004 when Jamie Davies and I drove an Audi R8 sports-prototype to victory to win the Le Mans Series title. It's my all time favorite race track. Spa will mark my first race for United Autosports and first in a R8 LMS GT3 sports car. I'll also be driving with Stefan [Johansson] again after racing an R8 with him in the 2002 American Le Mans Series. I hope we can challenge for an overall win. We have a great package with a good team of drivers in each of three cars and with the R8 LMS drivability combined with its reliability I hope this brings us to the top spot."

Stefan Johansson (SE). Age: 54. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA: Spa 24Hr: 2010 10th/4th (United Autosports Audi R8 LMS). Spa History: Début August 9 1981 (F2/14th). F1 (1983, 85-91 – 1986/3rd, 1987/2nd), F2 (1981-2 – pole-position 1982/F2), GpC (1982-4), 1,000km sports cars (1988/1st). Last race at Spa: July 31-August 1 2010, Spa 24 Hours (10th/4th). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1983/6th, 1984, 1990, 1991/6th, 1992/5th, 1997/1st, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003/3rd, 2006, 2007, 2008). Daytona (2000 23rd, 2002 36th/13th, 2005/4th, 2006/22nd).

"I am very excited to be re-joining United Autosports for our second attempt at the Spa 24 Hours. We had a great run last year and hopefully we can improve on that this time with an extra year of experience. Zak & Richard have again managed to put together a great driver line-up. Meanwhile I loved driving the Audi R8 LMS, it's a great sports car, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel again."

(ends) United Autosports Created in 2009, United Autosports is co-owned by American Zak Brown and Briton Richard Dean, both successful entrepreneurs and international race car drivers. The unique Anglo-American racing team fields GT3 class Audi R8 LMS sports cars from its United Kingdom headquarters in Leeds. It also races a fleet of "Legends of Motorsports" historic racing cars from its US facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2011, the team competes in full-seasons of FIA GT3 European Championship, Avon Tyres British GT Championship and the "Legends of Motorsports" series. It will additionally contest selected GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series events, the 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) and Macau GT Cup race (China). Audi R8 LMS V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 523 PS, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop (for FIA & Spa 24Hr) and Avon (for BGT) radial tires. Start weight TBA. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won seven championships across Europe in 2009-2010 plus Spa 24 Hours class victory in début 2009 season and Nürburgring 24 Hours class victories in 2009-2010 and scoring a total 64 victories. (ends) Date of issue: Friday July 21, 2011 Additional information: * Telephone interviews with our drivers can be arranged in advance of the race week. Please contact Martyn Pass below. * Comprehensive driver biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website www.unitedautosports.com * Library photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports/sets Editorial Copyright Free photographs will be added to the library from Wednesday evening * Regular updates during practice, qualifying and the race can be viewed via Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/UnitedAutosport) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/unitedautosport) * An informal Meet the Team is scheduled for Friday July 29 July (1-2pm) at the JMI Hospitality Unit * Broadcast quality TV footage of United Autosports' three-car Spa entry can be requested from Lauren Roberts at Greenlight TV e: lol@greenlight.tv t: +44 1624 611601/+44 7783 551821

For further information, please contact:
Martyn Pass
Audi UK Sport Press
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E audiuk-motorsport@earthlink.net
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www.audi-press.co.uk
www.unitedautosports.com