United Autosports Look To Maintain Championship Lead As BGT Resumes After Summer Break

· Bell & Guasch revved-up for final stages of championship title push

· Bintcliffe & Palmer aim for another top-five finish on team's first-ever Rockingham race visit

The Avon Tyres British GT Championship roars back into action after an eight-week summer lay-off with United Autosports’ series leading duo Matt Bell (GB) and Mike Guasch (USA) hungry to add to their already impressive points haul.

Bell & Guasch enjoy a slender two-point lead with four races remaining – which includes the two, one-hour races at Rockingham.

The event marks the first time United Autosports and the Audi R8 LMS have ever raced on the 1.94-mile track near Corby, Northamptonshire, but Bell and Guasch are eager to add to their impressive results tally; victory (Snetterton), second (Oulton Park), third (Oulton Park), fourth and sixth placings (both Spa).

Meanwhile racing returnees John Bintcliffe and Jay Palmer are aiming to improve on their best placing of fifth place (Snetterton) to haul themselves inside the championship top-10 in what is the Anglo-American team’s maiden BGT season.

A field in excess of 22 cars is expected at Rockingham with 16 of them contesting the top-level GT3 category. Rockingham’s twin races are the last one-hour events on the British GT calendar: in late September the crews face their toughest test of the year, a three-hour classic at Donington Park, which will be followed by a two-hour curtain closer at Silverstone in October.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after six rounds):

1 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 90.5-points

2 Geddie/Geddie, 88.5pts

3 Griffin/Cameron, 76pts

12 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 23pts

Provisional Timetable:

Saturday September 3 – 0900-1000 Practice 1; 1145-1245 Practice; 1620-1655 Qualifying

Sunday September 4 – 1000-1010 Warm-up; 1250-1350 Race 1; 1625-1725 Race 2

* All times are UK “local”

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, T&W. Lives: Barningham, N. Yorks, England:

“I've had two rounds of the FIA GT3 series plus the Spa 24 Hours to keep me busy since the last BGT race. I raced at Rockingham in last season’s Ginetta G50 Championship but tested the Audi pre-season there this year. The title race is very close so Mike and I must avoid any non-scores. That said, we’ll focus on winning rather than settling for points. We have some very experienced and quick competitors chasing us, so if we take our foot off the gas it will give them the upper hand heading into the final races. I would prefer to be at the top heading into the last round than chasing the leaders!”

Michael Guasch (USA). Age: 53. Born: Palo Alto, California. Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA:

“I have twice tested at Rockingham, neither occasion in the R8 LMS, and found the track fun to drive. It has a little bit of everything – tight and technical turns plus high-speed ones and I believe the Audi will work well there. Since Spa, I’ve been testing my Pro Formula Mazda back home in California to stay in shape and will also take in a Formula Car Challenge Race at Infineon Raceway in California this coming weekend. The BGT Championship appears to get more competitive with every race. We must push hard, especially in qualifying.”

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS,

John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England & Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados.

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

“Our team has been busy since Spa BGT, taking in two FIA races at Paul Ricard, the Spa 24 Hours, and then another two FIA races in Slovakia. We also competed in a GRAND-AM race at Watkins Glen, so have been busy both sides of the Atlantic. This event will mark United Autosports’ first races at Rockingham and happens to be the only track in the UK that I haven't personally raced at. We tested there earlier in the year but unfortunately our running was restricted by fog! We have led the British series since May but haven't won since May so I think that confirms points mean prizes. We must be mindful of strong finishes are preferable to going for individual glory. I believe our pace is getting better and the Balance of Performance is getting more even as the season progresses. Rockingham should suit the Audi so I think two podiums are within our reach.”

(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, Avon radial tires. Start weight 1,305kg. 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 August 26, 2011

* Bell, Bintcliffe, Guasch & Palmer biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website http://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
T +44 1564 824600
M +44 7801 859502
E audiuk-motorsport@earthlink.net
Skype martyn.pass
For further information on-event, please contact:

Jay Ashton
M +44 7919 186291
E jay@unitedautosports.com
www.audi-press.co.uk
www.unitedautosports.com

United Autosports To Compete At World Famous Petit Le Mans

INDIANAPOLIS / LONDON: August 19, 2011 – United Autosports announced today it will debut an OAK RACING Pescarolo-Judd LMP2 car with technical support provided by DAMS (Driot-Associés MotorSport) in the LMP2 Class during the legendary Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, Sept. 28-Oct. 1. The grueling 1,000-mile, 10-hour race spectacle serves as the penultimate round of the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in the American Le Mans Series.

Co-owners Zak Brown (USA) and Richard Dean (GB) expect United Autosports to be a major contender in LMP2 at Road Atlanta and have assembled a formidable driver line up. Brown will be accompanied by FIA GT3 European Championship regular Mark Patterson (USA), who will also be making his LMP2 debut. The American duo of Brown and Patterson teamed up earlier in the year with former GP drivers and 24 Hours of Le Mans winners Mark Blundell (GB) and Martin Brundle (GB) to earn fourth place in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Former F1 driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans race winner Stefan Johansson (SE) will round out the trio of talent as United Autosports sets their sights on the Petit Le Mans podium.

“Road Atlanta is a legendary track and this year’s entrants are top-shelf; I speak for all of the United Autosports drivers when I say that we are thrilled to be a part of this field and eager to get out there and run against some of the top Le Mans Prototype teams in the world,” said United Autosports co-owner Richard Dean. “This is a prime opportunity for us because ultimately it’s our goal to get to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so we are looking forward to going out there and shaking this field up a little bit.”

United Autosports will be part of the largest and most elite field ever at Petit Le Mans which covers a maximum of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) (which is approximately 394 laps) or a maximum of 10 hours, whichever comes first. Class winners of this event receive an automatic invitation to the following year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

(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.

(ends)

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
Regular updates during practice, qualifying and the race can be viewed via Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/UnitedAutosport) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com
/unitedautosport)

For further information, please contact:
Jay Ashton
United Autosports
Jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

John Ewert
JMI, VP Communications – Americas
Direct +1 317 344 1866
Mobile +1 317 457 9194
jewert@justmarketing.com
www.justmarketing.com

United Autosports to Compete At World Famous Petit Le Mans

INDIANAPOLIS / LONDON: August 18, 2011 – United Autosports announced today it will debut an OAK RACING Pescarolo-Judd LMP2 car with technical support provided by DAMS (Driot-Associés MotorSport) in the LMP2 Class during the legendary Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, Sept. 28-Oct. 1. The grueling 1,000-mile, 10-hour race spectacle serves as the penultimate round of the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in the American Le Mans Series.

Co-owners Zak Brown (USA) and Richard Dean (GB) expect United Autosports to be a major contender in LMP2 at Road Atlanta and have assembled a formidable driver line up. Brown will be accompanied by FIA GT3 European Championship regular Mark Patterson (USA), who will also be making his LMP2 debut. The American duo of Brown and Patterson teamed up earlier in the year with former GP drivers and 24 Hours of Le Mans winners Mark Blundell (GB) and Martin Brundle (GB) to earn fourth place in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Former F1 driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans race winner Stefan Johansson (SE) will round out the trio of talent as United Autosports sets their sights on the Petit Le Mans podium.

“Road Atlanta is a legendary track and this year’s entrants are top-shelf; I speak for all of the United Autosports drivers when I say that we are thrilled to be a part of this field and eager to get out there and run against some of the top Le Mans Prototype teams in the world,” said United Autosports co-owner Richard Dean. “This is a prime opportunity for us because ultimately it’s our goal to get to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so we are looking forward to going out there and shaking this field up a little bit.”

United Autosports will be part of the largest and most elite field ever at Petit Le Mans which covers a maximum of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) (which is approximately 394 laps) or a maximum of 10 hours, whichever comes first. Class winners of this event receive an automatic invitation to the following year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For further information, please contact:

Jay Ashton
United Autosports
Jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

John Ewert
JMI, VP Communications – Americas
Direct +1 317 344 1866
Mobile +1 317 457 9194
jewert@justmarketing.com
www.justmarketing.com

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.

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

Regular updates during practice, qualifying and the race can be viewed via Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/UnitedAutosport) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/unitedautosport)

“Testing” Times In Slovakia Sets Scene For Possible Dutch Delight In FIA Finalé

• Anglo-American team’s R8 LMS sports cars best-placed for Audi in Race One
• Herculean effort by team ensures #22 Audi is on grid for Saturday’s race
• United look to close out British title in hectic end-of-season schedule

British GT Championship leading United Autosports believes the positives far outweigh any negatives that may have occurred in the latest rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship in Slovakia this weekend (August 20-21). The team arrived at the recently opened 3.68-mile Slovakia Ring, close to both the Hungarian and Austrian borders, with hopes buoyed following a switch to Michelin tires for rounds nine and 10 of the 12-race series which concludes at Zandvoort (Netherlands) in October.

Friday’s practice sessions boded well for the weekend with the Anglo-American team posting top-13 fastest times.

With sights firmly set on achieving top-10 qualifying positions for the first time this season, Saturday morning’s time trails not only saw this aim quashed but ultimately scuppered any prospect of recording the hoped for and richly deserved point-scoring finishes the Zak Brown & Richard Dean led team yearns.

While the #23 Audi was handicapped throughout the session for both Brown and then Bell with a suspension set-up issue, Osborne crashed the #22 on his “out” lap in qualifying and then watched in dismay as the untethered R8 LMS dropped four feet off the back off the ‘flat bed’ recovery truck.

However the team won a race against time to repair the Audi which took over three hours and finished five minutes before the pit-lane opened for the weekend’s opening race after a heroic effort by the entire crew in which the windshield, headlights, front fender and splitter, bonnet, driver’s window and rear wing were all replaced.

Both races therefore became a “test” in terms of the team learning about fine-tuning the Audi R8 LMS to the new Michelin tires and for the drivers to ascertain levels of wear degradation during the race. Important data for the final two races at Zandvoort was accomplished – by which time United will have hopefully “crowned” only its second year in motorsport and first full season in BGT by taking the British series title.

Upcoming . . .

Rounds seven and eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, Rockingham (England) on September 4 . . . GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 finale at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (USA) on September 17 . . . penultimate round of the BGT at Donington Park (England) on September 25 . . . final round of the BGT at Silverstone (England) on October 9 . . . final two FIA GT3 European Championship races, Zandvoort (Netherlands), October 15-16 . . . Macau GT Cup (China), November 20 . . .

Race 1 (Saturday, duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 18th #23 Brown, 2m 3.811s; 21st #22 Patterson, 2m 4.073s. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Race Result: 12th (#23) +107.404s P1; 14th (#22) +118.248s P1. Weather: Dry, sunny, hot.

Brown achieved his personal best qualifying position of the season – the third best R8 LMS on the grid – despite a handling imbalance while Patterson put the #22 Audi on the 11th row, Mark and Joe having been restricted to just three “flying” laps in Friday’s opening practice due to an electronics gremlin.

The 27-car field headed into Turn 1 eight-cars abreast, with inevitable contact mid-pack, but Patterson and Brown survived and lay 15th and 16th respectively at the end of the opening lap. Zak pitted from 13th place with 25mins gone with Mark pitting in a “true” 11th place one lap later.

With the compulsory pit-stops for driver changes completed throughout the field, Osborne and Bell lay ninth and 14th with 25mins remaining. Despite both cars progressively losing grip, Matt and Joe took the checker in 12th and 14th places respectively, the #23 Audi going ahead of its “sister” car with five minutes remaining but dropping a place on the final lap. Nevertheless, United Autosports had the best-placed Audi R8 LMS sports cars at the finish for the first time this season.

Race 2 (Sunday, duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 24th #23 Bell, 2m 2.560s; 27th #22 Osborne, no time. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Race Result: 14th (#22) +67.929s P1; Retired (#23). Weather: Dry, sunny, hot.

Bell and Osborne were placed 16th and 18th with 20mins gone, Matt handing over to Brown in 13th at mid-distance while Osborne, having battled his way into 12th, swapped to Patterson with 28mins remaining.

After the pit-stop action, Patterson and Brown were 15th and 17th but Brown, having moments before gone airborne at a crest between Turns 2 & 3, out-braked himself and “beached” the #23 Audi with 18mins to run, fellow American Patterson setting impressive times in battling to 14th at the checker – Mark slipping a place in the final minute.

#22 Draper Tools – Audi R8 LMS

Joe Osborne (GB). Age: 22. Born: Bedford, GB. Lives: Olney, Buckinghamshire, GB: “Saturday morning was certainly one to forget! Firstly the key to my hire car snapped at the hotel but that quickly paled into insignificance when I went off on my out lap in qualifying. I thought the tires were up to temperature but obviously they weren’t. The Audi flicked in to oversteer at Turn 9, ran wide and in to the gravel trap which didn’t slow me down at all. I impacted the tire barriers at around 50mph. But the damage was compounded when the car then fell off the recovery vehicle at the scene. It hadn’t been secured and so when the truck pulled away the car dropped four feet off the back and rolled to a standstill against a post. I really wanted to reward the team with a good result on Saturday after their stunning efforts to get the car repaired but as soon as I took over from Mark, who had driven an awesome stint, I found the rear tires ‘shot’. In Friday’s final practice I did a 4.0 on used tires while my first flying lap in Saturday’s race was a 6.0. Despite making changes to the traction control, it still oversteered and I was powerless to defend my top-10 position. On Sunday, I got around three cars before the first corner in Race Two but just couldn’t get ahead of the Matt Griffin Ferrari which separated Matt [Bell] and myself. I was very conscious of looking after the tires but ultimately managed to get past Griffin moments before I pitted. The Audi was perfect today. We were on a steep learning curve this weekend.”

Mark Patterson (USA). Age: 59. Born: Port Elizabeth, SA. Lives: Bronxville, New York State, USA:

“Qualifying was interrupted early on due to a red flag but I went on to improve my times massively compared to Friday. I was baulked on what was looking to be my fastest lap at the end but the times were real close with one second covering 11th place to me in 21st. Someone got touched at the start of Race One on Saturday and there were cars all around me but by a hair’s breadth, I escaped any carnage and emerged having made up six places. I was just ahead of Zak and that 30mins of racing was spectacular, great fun. I took over from Joe in Sunday’s race and my biggest problem with the car was that the windscreen was very dirty. We jumped Zak in the ‘sister’ Audi during the pit-stops and then I just battled hard to the finish, wrestling my way past some cars. It was fun out there today.”

#23 Legends of Motorsport – Audi R8 LMS
Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, GB. Lives: Barningham, North Yorks, GB:

“The steering wheel was out of alignment for me in qualifying while the right rear felt unstable which we later traced to an overnight set-up issue. I took over from Zak in Saturday’s race and immediately noticed the pace wasn’t there. In the closing stages the grip level deteriorated from sector to sector on the same lap. My main intention was to steer clear of trouble in Race Two which I managed and overtook a couple of cars once I’d got in to a rhythm, staying clear of curbs and not be too aggressive so we could learn about the tires. Having not raced on Michelins for over a year and having not tested on them coming into this race, it was always going to be a trip in to the unknown. We take away many positives despite not immediately achieving the ultimate results we were hoping for.”

Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

“I was still getting used to the Michelins in qualifying – it wasn’t a bad lap – could have been better without the handling imbalance. I thought I was going to be hit on three or four different occasions in the first corner melee in Saturday’s opening race. The car was good for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the battle with Mark. Unfortunately I cost us some time at the changeover by not calling the pit lane entry marker over the radio to my engineer but overall not a bad result for the team after the combined problems thrown at us earlier on Saturday. Sunday’s stint was short. I got airborne over the crest in a big, big way, two or three laps in – travelling almost 60metres – the track must be revised. That unsettled me which led to me making a mistake. It’s not been a great weekend in terms of results but we can carry what we’ve learned through to Zandvoort which is a plus.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

“Coming to a brand new circuit, switching tires and not having tested on them, meant it was always going to be difficult for us. We suffered a setback when the #22 Audi went off in qualifying which meant we were then on our back foot. The entire team deserves credit for not only repairing the car but getting it into a state where it could post the second best result for an R8 LMS. Joe and Mark did a great job bringing it home from the back of the grid. We learnt a lot about tire wear in Race One and the changes we made to the cars overnight by our engineers paid dividends for Sunday’s race when our pace from start to finish was much better, with the drivers happy with the balance and grip levels. We can now put this valuable knowledge we’ve collected to good effect at Zandvoort and finish the FIA season on a plus.”

(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, Michelin 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 August 21, 2011
* Bell, Brown, Osborne & Patterson biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website http://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
T +44 1564 824600
M +44 7801 859502
E audiuk-motorsport@earthlink.net
Skype martyn.pass
www.audi-press.co.uk
www.unitedautosports.com

United Autosports Scores Third GRAND-AM Top-10 Result From Three Starts

United Autosports Scores Third GRAND-AM Top-10 Result From Three Starts
Blundell and Brown sweep #23 Ford-Riley to impressive ninth place on the Anglo-American duo’s DP debut at “The Glen”

Zak Brown (USA) and Mark Blundell (GB) claimed a creditable ninth place in the 10th round of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at Watkins Glen yesterday (August 13).

Brown and Blundell piloted the United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley to the team’s third top-10 of the season from three race starts in the “Canadian Tire 200 At the Glen”.

Brown had only previously raced once at the historic “Glen” while the 2.45-mile track in New York State was a completely new deal to Blundell.

Blundell began the two-hour race from the sixth row of the 33-car grid having achieved the 11th fastest time in the 15-minute qualifying session the previous day – a good achievement considering the Briton’s lack of track knowledge and actual running time on the tight event timetable.

He moved up to third after 33 laps before handing over to Brown who drove the mid-section of the race, Zak adapting to the Daytona Prototype in a race for the first time since January, which saw his progression continue throughout his stint. One final stop for a driver change saw Blundell reclaim a top-10 place with the former Formula One and IndyCar ace taking the checker ninth.

Brown and Blundell, together with Martin Brundle (GB) and Mark Patterson (USA), achieved fourth place in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (January 29-30) while Blundell and Michael Valiante (CAN) finished sixth in the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead (March 5).

United Autosports Chairman & Co-Owner Brown, who races full-time in the GT3 sports car category in Europe, and Blundell, contest the GRAND-AM finale at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (USA) next month.

Upcoming...
Penultimate two races of the FIA GT3 European Championship, Slovakia Ring (Slovakia) on August 20-21 . . . Rounds seven and eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, Rockingham (England) on September 4 . . . GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 finale at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (USA) on September 17 . . . penultimate round of the BGT at Donington Park (England) on September 25 . . . final round of the BGT at Silverstone (England) on October 9 . . .final two FIA GT3 European Championship races, Zandvoort (Netherlands), October 15-16 . . . Macau GT Cup (China), November 20 . . .

#23 – Johnnie Walker / UBS / Legends of Motorsport – Riley-Ford
Qualifying: 11th Blundell, 1min 7.939secs (129.822mph). Race: 9th (-3 laps P1)

Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:
“We improved the balance of the car during the practice sessions in terms of entry to mid-corner but regretfully suffered understeer on exits which obviously hurt our terminal speed and lap time overall in qualifying. Our race performance was reasonable – the car was capable of a top-five but Zak and I had had a very interesting weekend. It was tough for us but we have learned a lot. We came to Watkins Glen as DP ‘rookies’ but come away with experience of the track and importantly more of the car for our next race. I am already looking forward to Mid Ohio.”

Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

“It was only my second time here having previously raced and won in my ‘vintage’ Porsche 962 which has bags of downforce so driving a DP here was very different. The track is short and tight and the traffic was a nightmare so I was very pleased to bring the car back in one piece for Mark to finish. Given that the series came here a month ago for a six hour race we were always going to be at a disadvantage combined with our limited knowledge of the car itself. Mark drove like the pro that he is while the MSR team did a good job. We will be more competitive at Mid Ohio because we tested there recently – I would like to think a top-five is possible.”

Mike Shank (USA), Team Owner of Michael Shank Racing: “I’m looking forward to having Zak and Mark back again with us at Mid-Ohio. For never having previously been at this track in a DP, Zak and Mark were just getting better all weekend long. They will be even more prepared for Mid-Ohio and we are all looking forward to having a strong finish there.”

(ends)

Riley DP
Roush-Yates prepared V8 Ford 5 liter modular engine, 4 cam, 4 valve, producing over 500hp. Rear-wheel-drive. Continental Tires. Weight: 2275lbs; 5 gears, paddle-shift gearbox. The Riley Technologies MK XXII is the most successful Daytona Prototype of all time.

United Autosports Co-owned by Zak Brown and Richard Dean, the US-owned, UK-based team was formed in late 2009 and contested the 2010 FIA GT3 European Championship with a brace of Audi R8 LMS sports cars. Also competed in 24 Hours of Spa (finishing third & fourth in GT3 class on team’s 24 race début), Intercontinental Le Mans Cup at Zhuhai, China (third in GTC) and Macau (third GT Cup). Competes in the 2011 FIA GT3 European and Avon Tyres British GT Championships plus 24 Hours of Spa and Macau.

Michael Shank Racing Since moving full-time to the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Pataskala, Ohio-based Michael Shank Racing has taken three overall wins and 19 podium results, including second overall in the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona as well as monopolizing the front row for the 2008 Rolex 24.

** Comprehensive Brown & Blundell biographies plus team profiles on United Autosports and Michael Shank Racing are available to download from the United Autosports website
* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports/sets
(Photographs from Watkins Glen courtesy of John Dagys)
Date of issue: Sunday August 13, 2011
For further information, please contact:

Jay Ashton, Media Manager
United Autosports
M +44 7919 186291
E jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

United Autosports Claims Hard Earned Double Top-Eight Results In Ultra-Competitive European 24 Hour Race

United Autosports Claims Hard Earned Double Top-Eight Results In Ultra-Competitive European 24 Hour Race

• Anglo-American “customer” Audi team achieves creditable overall positions to compliment Audi's first Spa day-night-day victory
• Early race agony for #11 Audi in annual Total 24 Hours of Spa

United Autosports achieved hard-earned 13th and 19th overall placings – sixth and eighth in the Pro-Am category – in the 63rd running of the ultra-competitive Total 24 Hours of Spa which finished in Belgium today and was won by Audi. The Anglo-American team set the bar high for its only twice-around-the-clock marathon with the GT3 category Audi R8 LMS sports car aiming to add to its fourth place in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January and replicate its excellent third and fourth GT3 class places achieved at Spa last year – a race it led and which marked the team’s maiden 24 hour event.

This year’s twice-around-the-clock Spa race - the world's second oldest 24 hour motor race - featured not only a massive entry but an incredible top quality GT3 field that notably included numerous “factory” supported machinery. But United Autosports ably complimented the winning factory-backed Audi's team's outright race win - its first in the historic Spa race - with a fine performance.

The #23 Zak Brown (USA)/Richard Dean (GB)/Johnny Herbert (GB)/Stefan Johansson (SE) and “sister” #12 Audi of Alain Li (F)/Arie Luyendyk (NL)/Richard Meins (GB)/Henri Richard (F) went on to register 13th and 19th places overall – the Audi Sport official “customer” team’s #23 Audi creditably being the third highest R8 LMS at the finish. Unfortunately the #11 Audi of Matt Bell (GB)/Mark Blundell (GB)/Eddie Cheever (USA)/Mark Patterson (USA) retired on Saturday evening.

Bell had swept the #11 up to 14th after an hour from his 34th start place but the Audi, with Patterson now at the wheel, lost 20mins after two pit-stops in quick succession with just over two hours gone. An electrical issue necessitating a change of the ECU dropped it to 54th (nine laps down).

Patterson set an impressive best lap for the #11 Audi before handing over to Cheever who agonizingly coasted to a standstill with no power after 5½hrs when placed 38th.

The #12 moved up impressively from 53rd on the 62-car grid to inside the top-30 despite two harmless spins while the #23 Audi was up to 17th in the sixth hour after solid stints by Dean, Brown, Johansson and ultimately Herbert. However Johnny, who set his car’s fastest race lap on Sunday, lost 14mins to cure a misfire moments after the demise of the #11 – Herbert resuming 27th.

After nine hours, #23 (Dean) and #12 (Luyendyk) lay 17th and 25th respectively but the #23 dropped to 26th after a 24mins pit-stop at 3am to repair damaged steering when Johansson suffered contact with another car.

The #12 had worked its way up to 22nd by mid-distance but shortly afterwards, a 31mins pit-stop to replace a power steering pump saw Li resume in 27th. With three hours to run, the UA cars lay 16th (#23) and 17th (#12) despite an unscheduled six minute pit-stop to repair damaged bodywork on the #23. Dean (#23) moved up to 14th with an hour to run while Luyendyk (#12) cruelly dropped two places from 17th after solid drives by Li, Meins, Richard and Luyendyk – the latter setting his car’s fastest lap – with 30mins remaining to ultimately be classified 19th after a gear selection issue during the final 70mins. Indeed such was the intensity of the competition, only 31 cars were classified at the finish of the race won by the factory-backed #33 Audi R8 LMS sports car.

United Autosports now reverts to its Avon Tyres British GT and FIA GT3 European Championship programs with the Audi R8 LMS but also contests two GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 races (Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio) with Brown and Blundell.

UA leads the BGT with four races remaining and concludes its second FIA GT3 season with a brace of races apiece in Slovakia and the Netherlands.

Its second season of competition, which began with Blundell, Brown, Patterson and Martin Brundle (GB) finishing fourth in the Rolex 24, draws to a close with a GT Cup race in Macau (China) in November with its Audi R8 LMS sports cars.

Upcoming...

The GRAND-AM Crown Royal 200 at Watkins Glen, USA (August 12-13) . . . penultimate two races of the FIA Series (Slovakia Ring) August 20-21 . . . rounds seven and eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship staged at Rockingham (England) on September 3-4.

2011 Total 24 Hours of Spa United Autosports – Audi R8 LMS:

#11: Matt Bell (GB) / Mark Patterson (USA) / Eddie Cheever (USA) / Mark Blundell (GB)
HOURLY POSITIONS: Driver rotations MBe/MP/EC. Start Pos 34th; 1hr 14th/6th; 2hrs 41st/23rd; 3hrs 53rd/24th; 4hrs 43rd/21st; 5hrs 40th/21st. Retires from 38th

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.

“The start of the race was manic. The car’s handling wasn’t great as I was on worn tires but we made an adjustment in the pit stop which improved the balance. Near the end of my stint the car suddenly lost power and it went into ‘safe’ mode so I had to do a re-set. What with the weather conditions on Thursday and going out so early in the race, it’s been a baptism of fire in terms of my maiden 24 hour race but it’s been a good experience.”

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).

“I am personally disappointed but more for the entire team, who worked very hard, and the sponsors who have supported us. Of course it would have been nice to drive with my co-drivers and get to the end of the 24 hours and claim another top result like last year but it wasn’t to be on that occasion. It has been great to work with Mark, Eddie and Matt and with United Autosports again.”

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).

“The car went slower and slower and then the power just cut off completely after I’d heard a noise. I’m very disappointed – it’s such a shame for the team and my co-drivers. We ran on a different compound of tire to what we did last year and seemed to be always chasing the right balance. It was fun to drive here at Spa again – I’m just gutted to be out so early in the race.”

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]).

“Matt had done a great stint before I took over. But immediately after a Safety Car period the revs increased but the speed didn’t when I hit the accelerator. I tried different gears but the problem remained so I pitted. We replaced the ECU and dropped nine laps but after that the Audi felt like a brand new car and I drove the single best stint of my life. The R8 LMS was just fantastic. It’s such a shame we went out so early.”

#12: Audi R8 LMS – Alain Li (F) / Richard Meins (GB) / Henri Richard (F) / Arie Luyendyk (NL) HOURLY POSITIONS: Driver rotations AL/RM/HR/AL. Start Pos 53rd; 1hr 48th/22nd; 2hrs 37th/22nd; 3hrs 36th/19th; 4hrs 27th/14th; 5hrs 28th/15th; 6hrs 30th/17th; 7hrs 28th/15th; 8hrs 27th/14th; 9hrs 25th/13th; 10hrs 25th/13th; 11hrs 25th/13th; 12hrs 22nd/12th; 13hrs 27th/15th; 14hrs 26th/14th; 15hrs 26th/15th; 16hrs 27th/15th; 17hrs 25th/14th; 18hrs 23rd/13th; 19hrs 22nd/13th; 20hrs 19th/10th; 21hrs 17th/8th; 22hrs 17th/; 23hrs 18th/9th; FINISH 19th/ 8th.

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.

“Our car crew came up with a good aggressive strategy that brought us inside the top-20. I tried to not take any risks and be consistent but after the second safety car re-start, someone spun me around at the ‘bus stop’. In the last phase of my second triple stint, I felt the steering tighten, so pitted for a new power steering pump. It was a great effort from United Autosports, from all the boys, from my team-mates and our Audi. It is one of the best motor racing events that I have been to.”

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).

“It rained during my first stint which made racing on ‘slicks’ pretty tricky. But it was a really good stint and I was happy with my performance having found a good rhythm that deserted me for my second stint in which the tires went off making the Audi hard to drive. In my last stints on Sunday afternoon, there was a gearbox issue which ultimately brought our race to a premature end. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable experience and I was happy with my pace.”

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 had never driven on this track but was familiar with the Audi from the Zhuhai race last November but on these tires, the car behaved quite differently and it took me time to get on the pace. My first stint, a triple into the night, proved to be a lot of work, and but my second one felt a lot better in which I set my personal fastest lap. I take a positive view – it’s setting the base line for a much faster pace next year. There are a lot of mixed emotions with the result but I’m philosophical. 24 hour races are always extremely difficult just to finish let alone to get a position.”

#23: Richard Dean (GB) / Zak Brown (USA) / Stefan Johansson (SE) / Johnny Herbert (GB)
HOURLY POSITIONS: Driver rotations RD/ZB/SJ/JH. Start Pos 28th; 1hr 47th/21st; 2hrs 30th/16th; 3hrs 25th/11th; 4hrs 23rd/10th; 5hrs 20th/9th; 6hrs 18th/9th; 7hrs 25th/12th; 8hrs 23rd/11th; 9hrs 17th/7th; 10hrs 18th/8th; 11hrs 20th/11th; 12hrs 25th/15th; 13hrs 25th/14th; 14hrs 24th/12th; 15hrs 23rd/12th; 16hrs 22nd/11th; 17hrs 21st/11th; 18hrs 18th/10th; 19hrs 17th/9th; 20hrs 17th/8th; 21hrs 16th/7th; 22hrs 16th/7th; 23hrs 14th/6th; FINISH 13th/6th.
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]).

“I was happy with my stints, setting my personal best on Sunday morning, so I’m happy overall. We continue to struggle with the tires. The Audi was essentially good but we had some issues which you can expect in a 24 hour race. It was really unfortunate that our #11 Audi went out so early and then the #12 car dropped a couple of places late in the race. Given what a rough race it was, I’m pretty happy to finish 13th from where we started on this extraordinarily strong grid. Our race crew did a fantastic job and – they never gave up. Congratulations must go to Audi Sport Team WRT on it’s victory in what is a very important and prestigious race.”

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.

“My stints were uneventful and without drama although I found it physically harder than last year. The competition was extremely tough with an amazing field of GT3 cars and for me Zak was the ‘stand out’ in our car – he was quick and consistent. I’m really proud of our team as the run up to here was very tough. We’ve been racing five weekends out of the last six and so to put on this kind of a showing is fantastic. I am disappointed that Eddie couldn’t get the #11 car back from the track as his co-drivers and crew deserved more from the weekend. Then our #12 dropped a couple of places right at the end – it doesn’t get much harder than that.”

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).

“We had to hustle the car because it was never totally settled on these tires – the only time was on hard tires. That makes the weekend more frustrating because we know how good the Audi R8 LMS is but we weren’t able to get the right balance and so struggled. We had an electronics issue but apart from that the Audi ran faultlessly. I’m glad I have done this race for the first time, especially with all of the drivers in the United team. I’d love to come back and do better next year.”

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).

“In the main, I found the car extremely hard to drive in each of my stints and had to work extremely hard to set decent times. Much of it was due to the massive amount of rubber ‘pick-up’. I also thought some of the driving standards left much to be desired at times. But Zak and Richard pulled together a great team of drivers and we’ve had some real fun this weekend. Perhaps I can come back here next year and make it third time lucky.”

Total 24 Hours of Spa – United Autosports’ Race Facts
2011 Total 24 Hours of Spa United Autosports – Audi R8 LMS 16:00 Start: P28 #23 Dean; #11 P34 Bell; #12 P53 Li
16:41 #23 pit stop: fuel & tires, rear aero adjustment
16:50 #12 pit stop: fuel only
Positions after 1hr: 14th #11 47th #23 48th #12
17:01 #11 pit stop: fuel, rear aero adjustment
17:44 #23 pit stop: fuel only
17:48 #11 pit stop: fuel, tires, Bell to Patterson. 6mins lost in garage with electrics reset
17:51 #12 pit stop: fuel only
Positions after 2hrs: 30th #23 37th #12 41st #11
18:15 #12 Li hit and spun around, no damage
18:16 #11 pit stop: ECU changed14mins lost in garage, resumes 54th (-9 laps)
18:47 #23 pit stop: fuel, tires, Dean to Brown
18:54 #12 pit stop: fuel, tires, Li to Meins
18:58 #11 pit stop: fuel, tires, shock adjustment
Positions after 3hrs: 26th #23 36th #12 53rd #11 19:50 #23 pit stop: fuel, Brown to Johansson
19:58 #12 pit stop: fuel only
Positions after 4hrs: 23rd #23 27th #12 43rd #11 20:02 #11 pit stop: fuel, tires, shock adjustment, Patterson to Cheever
20:36 #12 Meins spins at Blanchimont, no contact
20:39 #12 pit stop: fuel, cleaned ducting of grass
20:50 #23 pit stop: fuel, tires
Positions after 5hrs: 20th #23 28th #12 40th #11
21:11 #11 pit stop: fuel, rear aero adjustment
21:32 #11 38th placed Cheever loses power, stops on track at Raidillon, retires
21:41 #12 pit stop: fuel, tires, Meins to Richard
21:48 #23 pit stop: fuel, Johansson to Herbert
Positions after 6hrs: 19th #23 30th #12
22:23 #23 pit stop: 17th placed Herbert reports misfire. Fuel, tires, front brake pad change. Connector to fuel pump system replaced, 14mins lost in garage, resumes 27th
22:40 #12 pit stop: fuel, oil added
Positions after 7hrs: 25th #23 28th #12
23:36 #23 pit stop: fuel, tires, Herbert to Dean
23:39 #12 pit stop: fuel only
Positions after 8hrs: 23rd #23 26th #12
00:36 #23 pit stop: fuel only
00:39 #12 pit stop: fuel, Richard to Luyendyk
Positions after 9hrs: 17th #23 25th #12
01:38 #23 pit stop: fuel, tires, Dean to Brown
01:43 #12 pit stop: fuel, front brake pad change
Positions after 10hrs: 18th #23 25th #12
02:13 #12 pit stop: fuel, tires, after left front puncture (debris)
02:46 #23 pit stop: fuel, tires, Brown to Johansson
Positions after 11hrs: 20th #23 25th #12
03:00 #23 pit stop: tires, steering damage after collision, front & rear brake pads changed, 24mins lost in garage, resumes 26th
03:14 #12 pit stop: fuel, Luyendyk to Li
Positions after 12hrs: 22nd #12 25th #23
04:15 #12 pit stop: fuel, tires
04:17 #23 pit stop: fuel only
04:22 #12 pit stop, power steering pump replaced, 31mins lost in garage, resumes 27th
04:32 #23 pit stop, contact, precautionary check, no damage
04:42 #23 pit stop, fuel, tires after puncture, Johansson to Herbert
Positions after 13hrs: 25th #23 27th #12
05:40 #23 pit stop, fuel
05:42 #12 pit stop, fuel
Positions after 14hrs: 24th #23 26th #12
06:38 #12 pit stop, fuel, tires, Li to Meins
06:39 #23 pit stop, fuel, tires, Herbert to Dean
Positions after 15hrs: 23rd #23 26th #12
07:43 #23 pit stop, fuel only
07:43 #12 pit stop, fuel, oil added
Positions after 16hrs: 23rd #23 27th #12
08:45 #23 pit stop, fuel, tires, oil replenished, Dean to Brown
08:45 #12 pit stop, fuel, tires, Meins to Richard
Positions after 17hrs: 21st #23 25th #12
09:48 #12 pit stop, fuel
09:49 #23 pit stop, fuel, front brake pad change, rear aero adjustment
Positions after 18hrs: 18th #23 23rd #12
10:25 #12 Richard spins at “bus stop” chicane
10:52 #12 pit stop, fuel, tires Richard to Meins
10:55 #23 pit stop, fuel, tires, wiper adjustment, Brown to Johansson
Positions after 19hrs: 17th #23 22nd #12
11:56 #12 pit stop, fuel only
11:57 #23 pit stop, fuel only
Positions after 20hrs: 17th #23 19th #12
12:22 #23 pit stop, contact, right rear bodywork repairs, fuel, tires, Johansson to Herbert, 6mins lost in garage, resumes 18th
12:56 #12 pit stop, fuel, tires, front brake pad change, Meins to Luyendyk
Positions after 21hrs: 16th #23 17th #12
13:27 #23 pit stop, fuel only
13:34 #12 pit stop, fuel, tires
Positions after 22hrs: 16th #23 17th #12
14:30 #23 pit stop, fuel, tires, Herbert to Dean
14:38 #12 pit stop, fuel
14:50 #12 pit stop, issue with gearbox issue
14:56 #12 pit stop, 18th placed Luyendyk stops at Fagnes, gearbox issue
Positions after 23hrs: 14th #23 18th #12
15:23 #23 pit stop, fuel only
15:33 #12 pit stop, gearbox issues

(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. 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 31, 2011

Additional information:

• Comprehensive driver biographies plus team & car profiles are available on the United Autosports website http://www.unitedautosports.com
• Photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports/sets
• Broadcast quality TV footage of United Autosports’ three-car Spa entry can be requested from Lauren Roberts at Greenlight TV e:mailto: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