United Autosports Confident of Conquering Petit Le Mans After Successful Week's Testing

• Johansson claims top-five grid spot for race

• Problem-free testing maximises vital track time

In United Autosports’ debut foray into Le Mans Prototype racing, Stefan Johansson today qualified his #22 Pescarolo-Judd car in 5th position for the LMP2 class; 18th overall.

At just 2.54 miles long and with 58 cars on track, traffic has been the key to everybody’s lap times. And with five classes of car with varying speeds, managing traffic has been imperative in maximising a consistent lap time.

But for qualifying, LMP1 and LMP2 cars got a 15-minute session to themselves. However, 18 cars still circulated which didn’t completely eliminate the traffic factor.

Johansson set an early best time of 1:15.367 on lap five and held third position but despite going quicker again a lap later, he was bumped down to fifth. A further improvement on his times on lap ten would be his best but unfortunately, not by enough to move up the order.

It can be said though that qualifying is a ‘formality’ in endurance racing and with incidents aplenty in the days leading up to today, the upcoming 1000-mile / ten-hour event could all come down to attrition.

The road to Petit Le Mans actually began last Sunday (September 25^th) with the first of five ‘test’ sessions at the Road Atlanta race track before official practice began yesterday (September 29^th).

Whilst Brown and Johansson had already sampled the car earlier in the year, Sunday gave Patterson his first Le Mans Prototype experience.

His quick adaption to the aerodynamic, Formula One-comparable car was evident with Patterson being the fastest driver for United Autosports in three of the four practice sessions. Team Chairman and Co-owner Zak Brown was the quickest in practice session 2.

Stefan Johansson sat out most of the practice sessions having already had good seat time in the car in testing including being the sole runner on Wednesday. He did, however, run in the two-hour night practice session last night and this morning’s one-hour session, but got cut short by the morning’s third accident to bring out the red flags.

Working in partnership with French race outfit DAMS motorsport, the team provided a faultless car enabling the drivers to get maximum time in the car leading up to tomorrow’s race. Only contact for Brown with a GT car ten minutes before the end of practice 2 forced an earlier-than-planned return to pit road with a damaged rear splitter.

Qualifying result for LMP2 class: 1st (13^th overall): #055 Luis Diaz; 2^nd (14^th): #26 Jean-Karl Vernay; 3^rd (15^th) Christophe Bouchut; 5^th (18^th) Stefan Johansson

#22 – United Autosports Pescarolo-Judd LMP2

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

“We got back into the swing of things pretty quickly at the start of the week and I think we have a pretty good race pace. There’s over fifty cars on the track so it’s not about ultimate pace that wins this race – it’s about not hitting someone, or getting hit.

“You ultimately want to go as fast as possible, but we haven’t been spending any time worrying about qualifying. We just want to make sure we have a good race car that all three drivers are comfortable with and I think we’ve got that.”

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

“It was a little daunting at first, to get your head up and think ‘wow I can actually drive this thing at speed’ but it took about two laps before totally falling in love with this machine.

“Our times have all been quite close but the one constant thing between day and night [driving] is with 58 cars on a 4km track, it’s absolutely chaotic. You can’t look at lap times as to who’s quickest because it’s a matter of fortune. If you encounter traffic on the back straight, it’s a lot different to being behind 6 cars in the ‘Esses’ where you literally have to glide through there and lose five or six seconds verses half a second. Patience is going to win this race; not speed.”

Stefan Johansson (SE). Age: 55. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA:

“We’re a little bit stumped as to what happened in qualifying. It seems we’re losing speed in all of the accelerating parts so the team are just checking things over.

“We just have to keep our nose clean in the race and see what happens. I still think we have a shot at the podium in LMP2 and that is still our goal.”

United Autosports Aims To Snatch British GT Championship Title In Finalé

• Bell & Guasch remain in title hunt after storming recovery in three-hour Donington race that ends in near darkness
• Bintcliffe & Palmer non-start race after accident in qualifying

Matt Bell (GB) and Mike Guasch (USA) will start the 10th and final round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship next month in "full attack" mode for the Anglo-American United Autosports team.

Bell and Guasch, who had led the championship from rounds three to eight, salvaged seventh place in their #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS in today’s (September 25) "GT500" three-hour race at Donington Park (GB).

Their eighth top-10 result of the season came after a storming fight back following an early collision dropped the duo to the tail of the field.

They go in to the two-hour finalé at Silverstone (October 8) 11-points off the championship lead but with 37.5pts up for grabs for the race winners.

Qualifying the previous day had seen the top-10 covered by one-second, Bell having to settle for a second row start after briefly holding provisional pole-position to end just 0.133secs off "pole".

John Bintcliffe (GB) in the "sister" R8 LMS set the eighth fastest time but went off at very high-speed at McLeans Corner on his fifth lap incurring right rear bodywork damage.

The #24 Teknavo Audi was recovered to the pits during a later red flag stoppage but was unable to take any further part in the session. While Bintcliffe’s early time only dropped him to 13th fastest, close inspection of the car post qualifying revealed the heavy impact had caused chassis damage obliging the team to withdraw the car from the race.

Richard Dean and other team members fly to Atlanta (USA) on Wednesday to oversee United Autosports’ first foray in the American Le Mans Series when it contests the annual Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta next Saturday. Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after nine rounds): 1 Geddie/Geddie, 121.5-points
2 Griffin/Cameron, 113.5pts
3 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 110.5pts
23 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 23pts

Upcoming . . .

American Le Mans Series debut at Road Atlanta (USA) on October 1 . . . Final round of the British GT Championship at Silverstone (England) on October 8 . . . final two FIA GT3 European Championship races, Zandvoort (Netherlands), October 15-16 . . . Macau GT Cup (China), November 20 . . .

Race (duration 180mins)

Qualifying: 4th #23 Bell, 1m 30.448s; 13th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 32.050s. Weather: Dry, overcast.

Race Result: 7th (#23) -1 lap P1; Did Not Start (#24) – accident damage from qualifying. Weather: Wet, overcast, damp, drying, dry.

Three mandatory pit-stops of 109 seconds minimum duration during which a driver-change must take place with the "two-driver" teams running a maximum drive time of 100 minutes was the order of the day in the "GT500" around the 2.4873-mile "Grand Prix" course.

Earlier rain showers had left the track wet so the 23-car field began on wet tires – despite the rain having stopped – Guasch slipping a place to fifth after the green light at Turn 1 (Redgate) then to sixth after 15mins just ahead of title rivals Jim Geddie/Glynn Geddie (#10 Ferrari).

But with less than 30mins gone and with a drying "line" appearing, Guasch and the fifth placed #21 Ferrari collided at the Old Hairpin, the American immediately pitting with front bodywork damage.

Guasch rejoined in last place having lost two vital laps before handing over to Bell who took on "slick" tires and fuel on 45mins. A series of fast laps as the track continued to dry brought the #23 Audi up to 18th at one-third distance – but 12 places behind their main title rivals – Matt the fastest man on track.

The race resumed after the first safety car period (70mins) with Bell ninth, after a number of cars decided to pit during the caution, the hard-charging Briton gaining a further three places by mid-distance.

Bell pitted from fourth place on 96mins with Guasch resuming 10th after the team’s second compulsory stop moments before a second full course caution. A solid stint from the American saw him up to fourth when he made a third and final scheduled pit-stop with 49mins remaining, Bell resuming ninth and once again setting a string of fastest race laps – ultimately clocking the second fastest lap of the race.

A final safety car period with 15mins remaining allowed Bell to get within 8.684secs of sixth place but it was seventh for the #23 Audi at the checker. The #21 Ferrari (Griffin/Cameron) placed third in the race and thus demote Bell/Guasch a place to third in the championship standings with the similar 458 Italia of Geddie/Geddie (#10 Ferrari) recording fifth place to retain the title race lead.

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

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

"I was disappointed with my qualifying performance – I made a mistake on my best lap costing at least a tenth pushing too hard but importantly we had a good car for the race and started from row two. Unfortunately Mike made a small mistake in the wet and hit another car which put the hood up on the car so he had to pit for repairs. After that, it was just a case of pushing as hard as I could and regaining as many places as possible. Today has probably the hardest drive I have ever had – it was pretty difficult with some heart in mouth moments trying to overtake as the car was not right after the collision. Our result leaves Mike and I with a mountain to climb due to our main competition finishing ahead of us."

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

"Saturday was a challenge in that we needed to change the set-up between practice. Taking off the ‘dive planes’ set me back – Matt was able to adapt more quickly. I started the race in the rain on wets and had good pace. I braked a little late and ran up the back of the Ferrari, my front right corner into his rear left spinning him around. The hood flew up so I went straight to the pits and the guys put it back together the best they could in the minimum amount of time. Our pace was there today, we were just unfortunate."

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England.

"I caught the curb on the inside at McLeans [corner] and pivoted around at high-speed. The gravel trap didn’t take any speed off and I impacted the small tire wall positioned just in front of the concrete barrier very hard. It was a big impact. I am gutted for Jay and the team. It was my first run on new tires and it was looking to be a quicker lap despite a couple of mistakes earlier in that lap."

Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados.

"Without stating the obvious, it was hugely disappointing not to start the race – an event that should have suited the Audi perfectly in terms of the longer duration. Our R8 LMS had great balance in the opening practice but I struggled in the second one after we’d been forced to make changes to the car and I had an off myself at McLeans in that session. We’d made further changes to the set-up for qualifying so it was difficult for John who was pushing very hard with a car that he didn’t know particularly well in that set-up."

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

"We received a significant setback on Saturday morning between the two opening practice sessions when the scrutineers informed us that Audi Sport’s ‘endurance’ kit, featuring front ‘dive’ planes, were not eligible. We’d ran them in the Spa 24 Hours but apparently the kit was homologated for Blancpain but not FIA rules. That put us on the back foot as we’d ran both cars in this configuration at Snetterton on Thursday and all the drivers were delighted with the handling of the Audi. Having reverted back to the original [BGT] set-up, we then suffered a major blow when John [Bintcliffe] had an off early in qualifying which we subsequently found had damaged the chassis so we had to withdraw the car. Then in the race, Mike unfortunately contacted with a Ferrari. From that point, it was a recovery drive. Matt drove fantastically well – he was good in traffic, really aggressive and managed to pull a lap back which shows you what could have been. Our pit-stops were perfect, the team were spot on.."

(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: Sunday September 25, 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

United Autosports Set Sights On A Podium At Petit Le Mans

• Debut for the team in LMP2
• First races in an LMP car for Brown and Patterson
• Star driver Johansson brings valuable LMP experience

INDIANAPOLIS / LONDON: Sept. 23, 2011 – Next week, September 29 to October 1 2011, United Autosports will be at Road Atlanta for the world famous Petit Le Mans. This will be the Anglo-American team's first event racing Le Mans Prototype (LMP) cars.

United Autosports co-owner Zak Brown and his team-mate Mark Patterson will make their LMP debut at Road Atlanta. Joining them will be ex-F1 driver Stefan Johansson.

Johansson brings to the team a wealth of experience. In addition to a career in the FIA Formula One World Championship, Swedish-born Johansson is also a former Le Mans 24-hour winner and has contested the American Le Mans Series in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes including a second place overall at Petit Le Mans in 2006.

For 2011, the hugely diverse United Autosports cadre have taken part in the FIA GT3 European Championship, British GT Championship, Daytona 24-hours, the Spa 24 hours and will now partner with the experienced and respected DAMS (Driot-Associés MotorSport) to race a Pescarolo-Judd LMP2 car in the greuling 10-hour Petit Le Mans.

A test for the team in July at Le Mans gave Brown and Johansson an opportunity to sample the car they and Patterson will share next week. With both drivers feeling positive at the end of the session, a podium at Petit Le Mans is certainly targeted.

Schedule: Wednesday September 28 – 14:45-16:45 Test session; Thursday September 29 – 10:00-11:00 Practice 1; 14:55-15:55 Practice 2; 19:00-21:00 Night practice; Friday September 30 – 10:15-11:15 Practice 3; 15:30-15:45 Qualifying (LMP1/LMP2); Saturday October 1 – 9:15-9:40 Warm up; 11:30 Race

All times are Eastern, US.

#22 – United Autosports Pescarolo-Judd LMP2

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

"I'm very much looking forward to my debut in a LMP2 car. I really enjoy driving with Stefan and Mark and think the United Autosports partnerships with DAMS should make for a competitive outing.

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

"Our challenge is to learn enough to get the most out of the car, as a class win guarantees a Le Mans grid spot - the ultimate cherry in sports car racing. Zak told me the biggest leap of faith is learning to trust the carbon brakes, which allow you to start slowing down well after your heart has already stopped - just so much deeper into the big corners than a steel brake car permits.

"I've studied coach Danny Watts' Road Atlanta notes like an 8 year old's multiplication tables the night before exams and hope that my maiden LMP bum-in-seat experience lasts more than a lap and ultimately quick lap times."

Stefan Johansson (SE). Age: 55. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA:

"Petit Le Mans has developed into one of the premier events in North American racing, together with Sebring for the sports car arena and it's great to be back there in a prototype.

"LMP is the type of racing I've been enjoying the most for the past ten years so I'm delighted to be back out in one. Zak and I tested the car at Le Mans earlier in the year and it felt very good. It's a pretty good car so we're looking forward to the weekend and hopefully we'll have a good run."

About 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.

* Brown, Patterson and Johansson biographies plus team 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:
Jay Ashton
United Autosports
Mobile: +44 (0)7919 186291
Jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

Rising British GT Star Bell Selected For Prestigious Motor Racing Programme Of The Future

· United Autosports’ young title aspirant in the spotlight after legendary motor racing club takes note of Northerner’s natural talent.

United Autosports’ Matt Bell has been selected as a British Racing Drivers’ Club “Rising Star”. The 21-year-old Newcastle-upon-Tyne youngster has been chosen after impressing officials of the BRDC – arguably the most exclusive club in motor racing.

The BRDC “Rising Stars” program is for drivers aged 24 or under and is considered the future of the club. Scouted from trackside, the BRDC “Rising Stars” is in effect the ‘Junior Members’ of the Club who take motor racing seriously and are aiming for a professional career in all forms of four-wheel racing.

Ex-Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton graduated up the motor racing ladder guided by the “Rising Star” scheme.

Having been spotted by members of the “Rising Stars” panel, Richmond-based Bell was recently invited to Silverstone for an informal meeting and has now been subsequently invited to become a “Rising Star” member.

Providing his career continues with upward momentum, Matt has the ability to stay on the scheme for another three years.

The BRDC owns and operates Silverstone, the circuit on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire borders that stages the final round of the British GT Championship next month (October 7). Bell and American co-driver Mike Guasch have scored a win plus second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and 10th positions in the eight races to date and led the British GT Championship for almost four months.

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

"I’m delighted, if pleasantly surprised, to have been selected for the BRDC ‘Rising Stars’ programme. I’m only just coming to the end of my second full season in the sport and so to receive this type of recognition so early in my career is very unexpected! United Autosports has played a major role in allowing my career to get to this stage so I am extremely grateful to the team. I’ve raced with them in the FIA GT3 European Championship since 2010 and I’m in contention for the British GT Championship title with two races remaining. So I must thank UA Co-Owners Zak Brown and Richard Dean for the opportunity they handed me which in turn has allowed me to be noticed by the BRDC."

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

“Matt has done exceptionally well in such a short space of time. His first two seasons have marked him out as one to watch and the BRDC recognition is truly deserved. Having worked with Matt in GT's from day one, I am convinced his natural speed and unrelenting desire to learn and constantly improve himself will ultimately see him reach the top. I congratulate the BRDC for taking notice of Matt’s talent from this early stage and getting behind one of the UK's brightest talents in GT racing.”

(ends)

Date of issue: Friday September 23, 2011

* A Matt Bell biography is available on the United Autosports website http://www.unitedautosports.com/

* Matt Bell now has his own website
www.mattbellracing.com/

* Various Editorial Copyright Free photographs of Matt Bell 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 Brings Curtain Down On GRAND-AM Season In Style

• United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley achieves fourth top-nine race finish from four starts • Mark Blundell earns best grid position of GRAND-AM season

Mark Blundell (GB) and Zak Brown (USA) brought the curtain down on a partial GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series by Crown Royal Cask No.16 season for United Autosports in style by recording seventh place in the season finale today (September 17).

The Anglo-American combination brought their United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley home a mere 5.157secs behind the EMCO Gears Classic race winners at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Blundell moved up one place to fourth on the opening lap around the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio road course and briefly into third at the re-start of the first full course caution on 20mins before pitting to Brown during a second caution period Zak, who was fighting a fever throughout the weekend, resuming 10th with 30mins on the clock.

Blundell was back in the #23 Riley-Ford placed 11th after the race’s third caution on 51mins and was up to fourth place on 90mins.

Mark slipped three places to seventh on the same lap with just over an hour to run before making a final pit-stop during another caution period resuming ninth but was at the tail of a three-car dice for fourth place with 50mins remaining.

Blundell muscled the #23 up to fifth at the re-start of another caution, the top-five running nose to tail, before an eighth and final caution bunched the 29-car field for a final three minute dash to the checker which saw Mark slip two places to seventh after being nudged of the track in the closing laps.

United Autosports finished 13th in the Teams’ standings despite only contesting four races on the 12-race Rolex calendar. The United Autosports entry had previously recorded a fourth (Rolex 24 at Daytona), sixth (Grand Prix of Miami) and ninth (Canadian Tire 200 At The Glen).

Upcoming . . .

Penultimate round of the British GT Championship at Donington Park (England) on September 25 . . . American Le Mans Series debut at Road Atlanta (USA) on October 1 . . . 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 – UBS / Volley / IWI Watches – Riley-Ford

Qualifying: 5th Blundell, 1min 17.890secs (104.362mph). Race: 7th (+5.157secs P1) Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England: “I’m very happy with today’s overall performance. Zak got stronger with every session over the past two days while the team did a great job once again. Our race pace was strong throughout and we were right in the mix up until the checker. Unfortunately I was given a nudge by the #9 car in the closing laps which caused me to lose out on a possible top-four so I feel disappointed for the team. I have really enjoyed racing in GRAND-AM. It’s been very competitive and I believe it’s an underrated series in the motorsport world. There are some top flight drivers and teams competing providing close wheel-to-wheel racing. Achieving a top-four at Daytona was brilliant and I must thank Zak [Brown] for giving me the opportunity.”

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

“Mark drove a fantastic race and the final result doesn’t show just how competitive we were today. I was recently asked what the racing highlight of my year has been and by far and away, it was the Rolex 24 at Daytona. We’ve had four races in partnership with Mike Shank. He’s been great as has the team to work with. After having a lot of fun in GRAND-AM this year, I’d love to do more and we are working on that.”

Mike Shank (USA), Team Owner of Michael Shank Racing:

“Working with United Autosports has been a great partnership from day one. Having Zak and Mark drive with us has been really exciting. We had a strong debut with our run to fourth at Daytona and we had the pace for another result like that today – if not the luck.”

(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 Date of issue: Saturday September 17, 2011

For further information, please contact:
Jay Ashton, Media Manager
United Autosports
M +44 7919 186291
E jay@unitedautosports.com

United Autosports Sets Sights On Immediately Retaking British GT Championship Lead

• Bell & Guasch aiming for second victory in longest BGT race of season
• Team to play major role in three pit-stop, three-hour Donington GT race
• Blundell earns Anglo-American team best GRAND-AM start of the season

The penultimate round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship is staged at Donington Park (GB) on Sunday (September 25) with United Autosports determined to leave the historic British race venue back in the lead of the 10-race series. Matt Bell (GB) and Mike Guasch (USA) had led the series in their #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS since winning round three until five minutes from the finish of round eight at Rockingham.

Guasch, challenging the #10 Ferrari of main title rivals Glynn Geddie/Jim Geddie for second place, slipped two positions in the fierce four-car battle for the runner-up spot which ultimately demoted Bell & Guasch to second place in the title race. The three-hour race featuring three, mandatory pit-stops at the fast, sweeping 2.5-mile Donington Park circuit is the longest on the BGT calendar and will finish in the twilight of evening.

It marks the first race at the track located near Nottingham for United Autosports, Guasch and the V10-engined Audi R8 LMS that has now won over 100 races worldwide since its race début in 2009.

Donington was the first permanent “parkland” circuit in England. It’s first motorcycle race took place on Whit Monday 1931 on the narrow lanes of the Donington Hall Estate. In 1933, the track was widened, made permanent and became a venue for Grand Prix car racing that decade. United Autosports tested at the venue earlier this month.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after eight rounds): 1 Geddie/Geddie, 106.5-points
2 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 101.5pts
3 Griffin/Cameron, 91pts
21 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 23pts

Provisional Timetable: Saturday September 24 – 0900-1000 Practice 1; 1215-1315 Practice 2; 1700-1755 Qualifying
Sunday September 25 – 1135-1145 Warm-up; 1550-1850 Race

* 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: “My first ever car race was at Donington in 2009 when I drove a Ginetta G20 at a ‘club’ event. Donington is a really fast, flowing circuit with great elevation and a lot of high-speed corners. In my opinion it is one of the best racing circuits in Britain. It’ll be a tough race but we looked competitive when we test there. I am really looking forward to going there and hopefully re-taking the championship lead.”

Michael Guasch (USA). Age: 53. Born: Palo Alto, California. Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA: “Losing out on a top-three at Rockingham was hugely disappointing. I was faster than Geddie everywhere except the triple left hand sweeper. He was holding me up which then allowed the fourth and fifth placed Ferraris to catch us making it a four-car battle for second place. Geddie seemed slow away from Turn 3, I was on his bumper but had to back off momentarily but that’s all it took for me to get overtaken by two cars. The competition is so close, there is no room for any loss of time or errors. I’m not sure how our pace at Donington will compare to Ferrari. With it being a three hour, three pit-stop race the result could all be down to the less mistakes made during the pit-stops.”

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England.
“We did some set up work when we tested at Donington earlier this month while of course it’s a place I raced an Audi A4 in the British Touring Car Championship so I know my around the place pretty much. So long as the weather is kind allowing us to get a good set-up in practice then we should be in for a good race.”

Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados.
“I have raced there several times I have always found it to be a great track and am really looking forward to racing the Audi with the upgrade kit on it. We ran at Donington this month and I was delighted with the handling of the Audi so I’m very much looking forward to racing there. It is a three hour race and normally the longer event favors the R8 LMS.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports: “Donington, three hours, mandatory three pit-stops which is unusual in the BGT so a lot of team work will have to come into play. We have done a test at Donington which was good. It is a high downforce track which the Ferrari 458 suits but hopefully as a team, we can claw some time back during the pit-stops.”

Photo courtesy of John Dagys

United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley lines-up fifth on grid for GRAND-AM finale The United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley of Mark Blundell (GB) and Zak Brown (USA) starts the EMCO Gears Classic race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from fifth on the 29-car grid tomorrow (September 17). Blundell set a personal fastest time of 1min 17.890secs, an average speed of 104.362mph around the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course in today’s 15mins time trials. Blundell, who had been on the front row briefly, was demoted from a second row start in the closing minutes but nevertheless achieved the #23 car’s best qualifying performance of the season.

The 2.75hr race, scheduled to begin 3pm (Eastern), is the final round in this year’s GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series by Crown Royal Cask No.16.

#23 – UBS / Volley / IWI Watches – Riley-Ford Qualifying: 5th Blundell, 1min 17.890secs (104.362mph).
Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:
“I’m reasonably happy with qualifying – the team did a great job with all the guys working hard. We improved the car and I think we could have gone quicker but I spun pushing too hard. Zak and I start from a good grid position and we’ve a good racecar. It’s going to be a tough and grueling race.”

Zak Brown (USA). Age: 39. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:
“Mark did a fantastic job in qualifying and it shows how far we’ve all come if we’re a little disappointed with a P5 start. I’m looking forward to see what the race brings us.”

Mike Shank (USA), Team Owner of Michael Shank Racing: “I’m super happy with the progress that Mark and Zak made with the 23 car. We’re P5 by a hundredth of a second. It looks like we’re in pretty good shape for the race.”

(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 September 16, 2011
* Bell, Bintcliffe, Blundell, Brown, 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 at Donington Park, please contact:

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

For further information on-event at Mid-Ohio, please contact:

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
M 317.908.2975
E media@sundaymanagement.com

Anglo-American Team Aims For “High Five” Finish To Close Partial GRAND-AM Season In Style

• United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley lines-up for fourth GA race of the year.

Mark Blundell (GB) and Zak Brown (USA) contest the final round of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 race aiming for a top-five finish.

Brown and Blundell pilot the United Autosports with Michael Shank Racing #23 Ford-Riley in the EMCO Gears Classic series finale staged at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday (September 17).

The United Autosports entry has previously recorded a fourth (Rolex 24 at Daytona), sixth (Grand Prix of Miami) and ninth (Canadian Tire 200 At The Glen) in what is the Anglo-American team’s maiden foray in GRAND-AM.

United Autosports is placed 12th in the Teams’ standings with Blundell and Brown 16th & 18th in the Drivers’ championship respectively despite contesting less than 25% or the calendar.

The 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio road course holds a special place for Michael Shank Racing as the track is the site of the team’s original formation. In last year’s corresponding race, MSR finished second and fourth having led 14 laps.

Provisional Timetable:

Friday September 16 – 1115-1145 Practice; 1430-1500 Practice; 1645-1700 Qualifying
Saturday September 17 – 0840-0910 Practice; 1500-1745 Race

* All times are “local”

#23 – Riley-Ford

Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 45. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:

“I’ve raced Champcar at Mid-Ohio on five previous occasions. It’s a complex track and very physical. Zak and I had a productive test there last month and were happy with our performance but know there is more to find. Qualifying will be vital in terms of getting a good race result. Watkins Glen was a tough weekend but gave us a better understanding of both the car and tires for this race. I would love for Zak and I to record a top-five finish to round off our GRAND-AM season.”

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

“I’ve only previously raced at Mid-Ohio on one occasion, back in 1998 in Toyota Atlantics. It’s a challenging track with few overtaking opportunities. I’ve tested the #23 Riley-Ford twice at the circuit in the last month which makes me think we'll have a better race at Mid-Ohio compared to Watkins Glen. My aim is to finish off the season with a top-five.”

Mike Shank (USA), Team Owner of Michael Shank Racing:

“We are very excited to get back to Mid-Ohio and to have two cars including the #23 Riley-Ford in United colors for the finale. We almost won it there last year and finished really well with both cars. We’ve tested at Mid-Ohio and I think we are in good shape with both cars so I’m very optimistic about the weekend.”

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
*** Photos attached courtesy of John Dagys
Date of issue: Friday September 9, 2011

For further information, please contact:

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

For further information on-event, please contact:

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
M 317.908.2975 (m)
E media@sundaymanagement.com
www.unitedautosports.com

United Autosports announces McLaren campaign for 2012

• Pair of new McLaren MP4-12C GT3s to be entered for full 2012 season
• Five race Blancpain Endurance Series campaign also announced
• Team to return to the famous Spa 24 Hours for a third consecutive year
• Notable driver line up already takes shape

United Autosports today marked the next stage in its development as the team announced key details of its plans for a fresh assault on the 2012 season. The Anglo-American race team, established 18 months ago, will enjoy a new manufacturer relationship and switch to longer distance events as its core activities. The team will be equipped with a pair of new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars for a full season entry in the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series.

The 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series will see United Autosports contest the headlining GT3 class with its new McLarens contending for both class and overall wins in a season due to feature five races, four over three hours in duration, and the fifth the world famous and increasingly important 24 Hours of Spa.

A typically entertaining and thoroughbred driver line-up is in place and will feature an entry in both the Professional driver and Pro/Am classes of the Blancpain series. In typical United Autosports style, the squad is sure to attract the attention of the world's motorsport media. Full details of the driver line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

With the 2012 calendar still to be confirmed the series is expected once again to feature world class circuits and packed grids, while the United Autosports McLarens look set to be matched against a number of high profile entries including teams fielding Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW and AMG Mercedes GT3 cars.

Zak Brown (USA). Chairman & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to join the Blancpain Series next year with McLaren. I have done a lot of business with them over the years in Formula One and admire their success, so consider them great partners. “The new car looks awesome and is very quick. I can’t wait to see two McLarens in United colours next year.”

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

“The combination of a new racing challenge in the Blancpain series and a pair of very exciting new cars is a mouth-watering prospect. Combined with our driver line-up, it should give us everything we need to make the next big step forward, to compete for regular major results.

“We want to continue to build both the capabilities and the results for United Autosports and this link with McLaren is a perfect fit for a British based team with a high quality and very high profile British marque.

“The McLaren GT team have a high benchmark in terms of the support and customer service we have enjoyed over the past two seasons from Audi. That we have made the decision to run the McLarens in 2012 though should be seen both as a vote of confidence in the package and a statement of intent for the future.”

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group CEO said: "I am delighted United Autosports will be racing the MP4-12C GT3 in 2012. I know the team is looking forward to receiving a GT car full of Formula 1 technology, and we are committed to ensuring ownership of the 12C GT3 is as enjoyable as racing it."

(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 currently fields Audi R8 LMS GT3 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 is competing 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), the Macau GT Cup race (China) and a one-off appearance in the Petit Le Mans round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup at Road Atlanta (USA).

Mclaren MP4-12C GT3

• Twin turbocharged, 3.8 litre V8 M838T Mclaren engine, 493 bhp (500 PS).
• Bespoke 6 speed sequential shift transmission.
• Unique carbon fibre ‘MonoCell’ chassis.
• Carbon fibre body incorporating front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and front fender louvres.
• F1 steering wheel (as used on MP4-24 F1 car).

(ends)

Date of issue: Thursday September 8, 2011

* Team profile, driver biographies are available on the United Autosports website http://www.unitedautosports.com/
For further information, please contact:
For further information on-event, please contact:

Jay Ashton
M +44 7919 186291
E jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

United Autosports Aims To Bounce Back After Bad Luck At Rockingham

United Autosports Aims To Bounce Back After Bad Luck At Rockingham
• Guasch earns first career GT pole, maiden pole for UA and Audi in BGT
• Best combined qualifying positions of the season for Anglo-American team
• Bell & Guasch lose British GT Championship lead

Matt Bell (GB) and Mike Guasch (USA) will aim to retake the lead of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship in the penultimate race of the season after the Anglo-American “combo” suffered plain bad luck in the latest races today (September 4).

Bell and Guasch had led the championship since May in their United Autosports Audi R8 LMS but despite starting both of today’s two, one-hour races at Rockingham (GB) from the front row, now find themselves trailing by five-points in the 10 race series.

Guasch had earned United Autosports and Audi its first British GT Championship pole-position when the American clocked the fastest time midway through the 15mins qualifying session on Saturday but a problem at the start of Race One cruelly forced Guasch to start from the back of the grid.

Meanwhile Team Co-Owner Richard Dean “engineered” the #24 Teknavo Audi R8 LMS in the absence of regular engineer Paul Haigh who was unwell in a two-race weather-affected program.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after eight rounds):
1 Geddie/Geddie, 106.5-points

2 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 101.5pts

3 Griffin/Cameron, 91pts

21 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 23pts

Upcoming...

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 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 1st #23 Guasch, 1m 19.750s; 9th #24 Palmer, 1m 21.919s. Weather: Dry, overcast.

Race Result: 10th (#23), +1 lap. 14th (#24), +1 lap. Weather: Damp/overcast/wet.

Guasch was due to start from pole with Palmer ninth – equaling Jay’s best start position – but disaster struck both UA cars before the race had even started. Guasch was slow away from the “dummy grid” due to a brake malfunction so had to start from the back of the grid. Meanwhile Palmer spun on the installation lap, the two Audis completing lap one in 18th and 19th positions in the 20-car field.

Palmer served a drive-through penalty – for work (changing from wets to slick tires) being carried out on the car two minutes before the race start – then pitted again almost immediately for wet tires as it began to rain – Guasch quickly following suit.

With 15mins run, the #23 Molecule Audi was one of the fastest cars on the track in 13th, Palmer placed 17th having overshot the Dene Hairpin.

Bell took over the 12th placed #23 on 25mins – and took on ‘new “wets” – with Bintcliffe climbing aboard the #24 in 16th moments later.

The rain eased and had stopped with 15mins to run which saw Bell setting impressive times en route to a hard earned 10th place – four positions ahead of Bintcliffe who, like Palmer, drove solidly in the difficult conditions.

Race 2 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 2nd #23 Bell, 1m 18.831s; 8th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 19.789s. Weather: Dry, overcast.

Race Result: 5th (#23), +6.333secs. 9th (#24), +79.367secs. Weather: Damp/overcast, drying.

Bell claimed his second front row start of the season while Bintcliffe produced his season best qualifying performance to put the #24 Teknavo Audi on row four. Matt briefly led before spending the majority of the opening 20mins placed third with John, spinning down from seventh 10mins in, running 10th and then ninth prior to his pit-stop.

Guasch and Palmer took over the #23 and #24 cars with 25mins remaining on the drying track placed fourth and 10th with all of the pit-stops completed.

Guasch pressed for second place in the closing stages but slipped two places to fifth with just four minutes remaining while Palmer took ninth at the flag.

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

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

“Claiming a front row start was a good result but I was still slightly disappointed with my performance as I believe I could have done better. We changed to a new set of wets when I took over from Mike in Race One and it definitely helped. I concentrated on catching as many cars as possible after our early race problems. It was good to score a point but obviously a great shame not to have bagged more. The track still had damp patches in the early stages of the second race which made the opening laps tricky. I made a mistake going into the chicane at the end of the opening lap and ran wide. It was a frustrating race and disappointing result. All in all not a great day.”

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

“It was very nice to get my first GT career pole, the team’s first-ever pole and the first for Audi in BGT. The team has worked hard all season and it finally paid off. It had been eight weeks since the last race so it was real useful to have a test at Donington before arriving here but then things turned sour for us. Race One was very disappointing. I went to pull away for the final installation lap and the Audi would not move. I let out the clutch but it just drowned. I switched the engine on and off but still it wouldn’t move off the grid. I eventually got going but had to start from the back. I began on slicks, rolling the dice that it would dry up but it didn’t and it started raining so pitted for wets. In race two, I battled hard with a Ferrari after taking over from Matt but all the time was losing ground on the leaders. Four cars were nose to tail across the finishing line within seconds of each other. We lost out on scoring some points today and with it the championship lead but we are still in the running.”

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England.

“We tested at Donington on Thursday and were very pleased with the R8 LMS but that set-up didn’t suit the Audi here at Rockingham so we copied the #23 Audi’s settings for qualifying which transformed the handling. I have never driven the car in the wet but was running times comparable with the front guys towards the end of the opening race which was pleasing. This season is a learning year for us. Unlike our ‘sister’ Audi, we didn’t change tires at the pit-stop and I don’t know whether that caused a vibration in the closing stages. In Race Two, I made a good start but if anything was too cautious in the opening stages. I went onto the grass at one stage dicing with Simonsen. The Audi was quite hard to drive. For Jay and I, the fact that we were battling with guys who win races was a real milestone today.”

Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados.

“I made a couple of mistakes on my quickest lap in qualifying but was essentially happy with the Audi. We decided to start Race One on slicks because the track looked like it was drying but the gamble didn’t pay off. I spun on the warm-up lap then got a drive through penalty because I came back into the pits after the initial formation lap to change tires. It was then a case of chasing the pack. It was a disappointing result. It was the first time I’d been out on wet tires and so it was a learning process. I got caught up behind a Ferrari immediately after taking over from John in Race Two which held me up for about eight laps. I then had a battle with an Aston which I managed to stave off which was good fun. It was very tiring and I was glad to finish. Overall it was a pleasing result.”

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

“I’m disappointed because we had two front row starts, were fast enough to win in both races, but have little to show in terms of race results and have lost the championship lead. Mike, who was faster than the leader, had a huge battle in race two for second place. He got out-fumbled trying to make a pass after being held up. In Race One we should have started from pole, were undecided on tires but went with the majority and began on slicks. It ultimately proved to be the wrong decision. To compound matters, Mike couldn’t get off the line on the parade lap so he started from the back. That was a depressing scenario from what had been an excellent qualifying performance by both cars. Jay and John both battled hard in difficult track and weather conditions that neither had faced before in the Audi. So we must all regroup and now focus on retaking the championship lead at Donington.”

(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: Sunday September 4, 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
www.audi-press.co.uk
www.unitedautosports.com