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Monday, May 16, 2011

Fantastic Hard Earned Maiden Win For United Autosports After Dramatic British Championship GT Race

· Bell & Guasch score Audi’s first BGT race win with R8 LMS to take series lead

· “Newcomers” Bintcliffe & Palmer finish a superb fifth in two-hour race

· Bell claims Anglo-American team’s first BGT front row start position

Mike Guasch (left) and co-driver Matt Bell stand on the top step of the winner’s rostrum at Snetterton today

United Autosports scored a stunning maiden race victory today (Sunday May 15) when Matt Bell (GB) and Michael Guasch (USA) swept the #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS to a dramatic, last-gasp yet thoroughly deserved victory in the third round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Snetterton (England).

The Anglo-American team’s joy was topped off by a fine fifth place achieved by John Bintcliffe (GB) and Jay Palmer (GB) in only their third race in the #24 Teknavo Audi R8 LMS in the 172-mile event run in changeable weather conditions.

Bell & Guasch started the race joint third in the championship standings but their hard-earned 2.946-secs victory now puts them at the top of the rankings with Bintcliffe & Palmer scoring their first points of the season to lie ninth in the points table.

Bell, having briefly been in pole-position at the beginning of the red flag interrupted 30-minute qualifying session on Saturday (May 14), claimed a place on the front row with 10-minutes remaining. The achievement represented Matt’s career best qualifying position in the Audi R8 LMS and the first front row start for United Autosports in the team’s fifth BGT race.

Bintcliffe, fifth quickest for a spell, was bumped down to a sixth row start on the 25-car grid around the revised 2.99-mile Snetterton '300' track but greater rewards were to be achieved 24 hours later for both cars.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after three rounds):

1 Matt Bell & Mike Gausch, 70.5-points

2 Jones/Jones, 46pts

3 Gedie/Gedie, 41pts

9 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 15pts

Race (duration 120mins)

Qualifying: 2^nd #23 Bell, 1m 51.398s; 12^th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 52.701s. Weather: Dry, bright.

Race Result: 1^st (#23) -2.946s; 5^th (#24), +71.666s. Weather: Damp, wet, drying, changeable.

With light rain falling, Guasch and Palmer started the #23 and #24 cars respectively, Mike slipping to third on lap four with Jay running 10^th before a 20mins Safety Car period from lap 10.

Rain began to fall once more but Guasch aggressively forced his way back into second place at the re-start on lap 20 with Palmer still a creditable 10^thbefore both United Autosports cars pitted for their compulsory driver changes on 40mins (lap 22) – Bell and Bintcliffe rejoining the race in 13^th and 15^th respectively.

Unfortunately seventh-placed Bell, who was actually “leading” the race by 14secs in terms of the cars having pitted, was back in the pits on 65mins (lap 29) to serve a six-seconds stop-go penalty, officials having deemed the #23 Audi’s pit-stop to have taken under the minimum time limit.

With 45mins to run a charging Bell was challenging for third with Bintcliffe a praiseworthy sixth. Bell moved into third place on 93mins (lap 43) – 36-seconds down on the leader – with Bintcliffe still sixth.

Bell, consistently the fastest car on track, and Bintcliffe moved up into second and fifth places respectively with 21mins remaining when the second-placed Ferrari retired. But with just 12mins remaining and with the lead now down to just 22secs, second-placed Bell was summoned to serve a drive-through penalty for a “no overtaking” yellow flag infringement although Matt retained second place but now 40secs adrift of the leading #10 Ferrari.

However, having been shown the black/orange warning flag by race officials five minutes from the finish for loose front bodywork, the lead Ferrari was forced to make a quick pit-stop for repairs at the start of final lap, exiting the pits marginally still ahead, although Bell snatched the lead around the outside of Turn One – Matt setting the #23 Audi’s best lap time on the final lap.

Upcoming . . .

The third & fourth rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship at Silverstone (England) on June 4-5. The fourth round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Brands Hatch (England) on June 19.

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

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

“I’m very happy. It was a race full of incidents and mistakes. I was a little surprised to get P2 in qualifying and to ultimately win the race after everything that was thrown at us which made it additionally hard. I just kept my head down, focus on the grip level in the slippery conditions and it paid off for us. I had a scary sideways moment on the grass when a Ferrari which I’d just overtaken came back up the inside and drove me off the track damaging his car in the process. I quickly had to get the two penalties out of my head and get the job done. From then on I just needed to be fast and consistent. I was alongside the #10 Ferrari as he exited the pit-lane on the final lap and drove around the outside of him at Turn One.”

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

“It’s a fantastic result for the team, Matt and I, and Audi. It was hard work – we had a lot of bad luck and also a little good luck which evened out in our favor. I ran either second or third in my stint and there was a lot of carnage out there. Matt was released a little early costing us a stop-go penalty but Matt drove the wheels off the car – I’m thrilled.”

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

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

“Jay and I are really chuffed with the result. We didn’t get much running before qualifying due to a handling issue in the opening practice then changing weather affecting the second practice. I’ve had very limited running on new tyres but felt I’m making progress in terms of the technique required, especially in qualifying. I’d not previously driven the Audi for over an hour at any one time so on reflection I was perhaps a little conservative in terms of my race pace. Only issue was an attack from an Aston Martin. Overall, a magnificent result for the team with first and fifth places.”

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

“It was a really good race with a lot of attrition. My stint went well. I made a good start making up places but lost a position at the re-start following the Safety Car period. It was raining quite hard just before I pitted to John. Our objective today was to finish today’s race after non-scoring at Oulton so a fifth place is very pleasing.”

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

“It’s a fantastic result for everyone connected with our team which ran its first race in April 2010. We achieved GT3 class podium finishes in the FIA European Championship, 24 Hours of Spa, Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and at Macau in our maiden season of competition and I’m thrilled that our team has achieved a race win – the first of many I’m sure this year. I’m very proud that United Autosports has scored Audi’s first BGT win with the R8 LMS.”

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

“Achieving United Autosports’ maiden race win has been hard to achieve but Zak and I have been extremely proud of the work ethic shown from every individual in the team and I’m sure we can go on and win more races. We made hard work of it but the victory was fully deserved. Mike and Matt both drove really well while Jay and John were fantastic – the entire team deserve this success and I’m personally delighted for everyone. Today’s race was difficult but once again the Audi was especially strong in the second half of the race. Twenty-four hours earlier it had been a great effort from Matt in qualifying while John’s performance was excellent considering his lack of miles in the Audi. ”

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

Audi R8 LMS
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 365-412 kW (496-560 PS), emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop radial tires. Start weight 1,320kg. 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.

* 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

Skype martyn.pass

Sunday, May 8, 2011

United Autosports Opens Points Tally In Portugal While Also Enduring Frustration On Algarve Return

· Anglo-American team show race competitiveness only for bad luck to strike
· #23 Audi scores championship point in both opening rounds of FIA series
· #22 Audi misses out on top-five result in closing stages of Race Two

United Autosports scored a valuable FIA GT3 European Championship point in both opening rounds of the series at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve circuit near Portimão this weekend (May 7-8).

Having netted a “podium” finish in the corresponding Portuguese races last year, the Anglo-American team had high hopes of repeating the feat around the challenging 2.92-mile track staging rounds one and two of this year’s series.

But poor qualifying results, due in the main to lack of front-end tire grip, ensured it was always going to be a struggle to record top places in the one-hour races. Ultimately the Matt Bell (GB)/Zak Brown (USA) #23 Legends of Motorsport Audi R8 LMS netted 10^th place in both races while the #22 Draper Tools R8 LMS of Joe Osborne (GB)/Mark Patterson (USA) posted two retirements – a top-five placing looking likely in today’s race.

2011 FIA GT3 Drivers' Championship (after two races)
11^th= Bell/Brown, 2pts

2011 FIA GT3 Teams' Championship

10^th United Autosports

Race 1 (Saturday, duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 17^th #22 Patterson, 1m 48.064s; 19^th #23 Brown, 1m 48.303. Weather: Dry, cloudy.
Race Result: 10^th (#23) +77.083s P1; Retired (#22), -31 laps. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Patterson started 16^th but having made up positions, was punted out of the race at the third corner on the opening lap – the American ultimately managing to bring his Audi with broken right rear suspension back to the pits to post the #22 Audi’s first retirement in its 13^th FIA race.

At the green light, a determined Brown made up an incredible six places on a hectic opening lap and into 11^th by lap 11 despite getting hit a number of times in the opening laps which damaged a wheel. He pitted from just outside the top-10 just before mid-distance, handing the Legends of Motorsport Audi over to Bell who was obliged to serve a stop-go penalty by race officials for completing the mandatory driver change pit-stop two tenths of a second under the 75secs minimum “stationary” time – a decision organizers 24 hours later suggested was incorrect due to a timing malfunction. Bell recovered to take the checker placed 10^th – the second highest Audi R8 LMS – despite sustaining a broken engine mount.

Race 2 (Sunday, duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 17^th #22 Osborne, 1m 46.828s; 20^th #23 Bell, 1m 46.996s. Weather: Dry, cloudy.
Race Result: 10^th (#23) +41.569s P1; 18^th (#22) Not running at finish -3 laps P1. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Overnight repairs finished at 3.30am after a fantastic effort by the crew to get both Audi sports cars race ready for Race Two – the drivers looking to reward their hard work with top finishes. Osborne and Bell hovered just outside the top-10 line astern before a Safety Car period prompted the pit-stop phase, both United Autosports cars stopping together on lap 15.

Patterson was placed eighth when the race action resumed and went for fifth place with three laps to go but collided with an Aston Martin which tore off the Audi’s front wheel. A slightly tardy pit-stop saw Brown lose contact with the “sister” Audi but worked his impressively through the field and up to 10^th by the end – despite being spun around in the closing stages – his “attacker” receiving a drive thru penalty for the ambitious overtaking maneuver to underline the team’s competitiveness.

Upcoming . . .

The third round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. A two-hour race staged at Snetterton, Norfolk (England) on May 15 – on the new “300” track. Matt Bell & Mike Guasch are placed joint third in the standings after a “double” podium in the opening races at Oulton Park (April 25). Third & fourth rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship at Silverstone (England) on 4-5 June.

#22 Draper Tools – Audi R8 LMS

Joe Osborne (GB). Age: 22. Born: Bedford, GB. Lives: Olney, Buckinghamshire, GB:
“This weekend has been so frustrating after what had been a successful winter testing program in which the Audi was mega. I was gutted after qualifying. We’d been in the ‘mix’ in practice but on new tires, we had no front end grip which wasn’t helped by the track being ‘greener’ due to overnight rain.

“The start of Race Two was crazy – we were four wide going in to Turn 1 and I just waited for a hit. I made up around five places and had Matt as a ‘rear gunner’ for me before the Safety Car and handing over to Mark. I’d tried to hold back so as to get in the pits early – which worked perfectly for the ultimate winner because he was way behind Matt and I before the Safety Car. For us it was a second DNF of the weekend but we’d shown in this race that we were competitive. I must thank the crew who were up until the early hours making repairs to our car – made courtesy of sponsor Draper Tools’ range of pit equipment!”

Mark Patterson (USA). Age: 59. Born: Port Elizabeth, SA. Lives: Bronxville, New York State, USA:
“The cooler temperatures in qualifying didn’t help our cause while a Red Flag interrupted my run. Race One got no better for me when I posted our car’s first-ever DNF. I’d made a pretty good start and picked up a place or two, took a bump at turn two then a guy turned in on me aggressively at turn three, hitting my back wheel which broke the suspension.

“Joe did a great job in Race Two before handing to me in the Safety Car phase during which I picked up some ‘cheap’ positions. I guess I was a little over anxious and tried a pass that was too aggressive and that was the end. A little more patience from me would have been a great asset for the team but I will learn from this.”

#23 Legends of Motorsport – Audi R8 LMS

Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, GB. Lives: Barningham, North Yorks, GB:
“We didn’t have the ultimate pace in qualifying, struggling massively for grip, but our race pace was good in both races. However, starting where we did on the grid meant it was always going to be impossible to make up a massive amount of time and despite coming through to 10^th in Race One, I was still disappointed. Zak made a good start and put in a great stint, handed over to me and I went back out in P11, caught a group in front of me only to get a stop-go penalty – there was potential for a top-six no question.

“I made a great start in Race Two – it was a complete mêlée out there. I couldn’t describe how I got to where I did – I was just praying no one would hit me because there was so much going on – and ended up behind Joe in the ‘sister’ Audi. We got stuck behind an Aston Martin which held us up before he made a mistake due to our pressure just before the Safety Car. In the end, it was another point for 10^th place. A big thanks to our car crew – they did a great job overnight in giving us a good racecar.”

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

“I’ve not done as much pre-season testing as I would have liked. I had minor surgery after the 24 Hours of Daytona that took me out of action for a month so I’m a little short of miles. I was disappointed with my qualifying performance for Race One but put that behind me and made a mega start, making up a load of places with some neat overtaking. Unfortunately we got a penalty, which later turned out to be an incorrect decision by the organizers, otherwise I think we would have been inside the top-six.

“Unfortunately in Race Two another Audi hit me on the back section of the track which spun me around costing about four positions. If we compare our FIA début at Silverstone 12 months ago to this weekend, we’ve shown in both races to be competitive and potential top-six finishers. Mark and Joe did a great job today and were very unfortunate not to post a top-five.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
"I can’t help being disappointed – especially for the team who have worked incredibly hard and tirelessly this weekend and through no fault of our drivers, were not rewarded with the race results we deserved. Last year we started a race here from the front row. Our best this weekend was 17^th – our qualifying performance was a major frustration. Our Dunlop tires are superb in a ‘used’ condition and over a race duration – as was shown in both races – but for qualifying, the grip level is not there. In Race One, Zak got hit a number of times not far away from where Mark’s race was wrecked with suspension damage while the #23 Audi, despite a bent rear wheel and what we later found to be a broken engine mounting, registered 10^th place after strong performances from both Zak and Matt.

“Joe and Mark deserved to get a top-six finish in Race Two today and although Mark’s attempted pass wasn’t successful, I’m glad he went for it as it shows we are competitive. Matt and Zak should have recorded another top-six finish for us. The #23 was sat bumper-to-bumper with the #22 Audi in the pit-stop but was a little slower during the driver change procedure. So we come away with a 10^th yesterday – organizers today admitting that the timing was wrong for a number of cars including our #23 so we shouldn’t have had any penalty – and another 10^th today. Scant reward for every member of the team. But we leave Portugal knowing that an improvement in qualifying will enable us to regularly fight for top-six placings this season.”

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

Audi R8 LMS
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 365-412 kW (496-560 PS), emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop radial tires. Start weight 1,320kg. 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.

* 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

Skype martyn.pass

United Autosports Looks To Build On Foundations In British GT Championship

The third round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship is staged at Snetterton (England) on Sunday May 15 with United Autosports looking to build on the foundations of its successful start to the season.

Matt Bell (GB) and Michael Guasch (USA) recorded two podium finishes in the opening two rounds at Oulton Park (Monday April 25) and start the two-hour race placed joint third in the championship standings. Their #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS will consequently be held for 10secs “success” time penalty during the mandatory pit-stop.

John Bintcliffe (GB) and Jay Palmer (GB) meanwhile will be aiming to score their first points on the revised 2.99-mile Snetterton '300' track having just missed out on scoring a point in the second race at Oulton Park. The team will be heading back to the UK “fresh” from competing in the opening rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship in Portugal this weekend (7-8 May).

Championship Standings (after two rounds):

1 David Ashburn/Richard Westbrook, 37-points
3= Mike Guasch/Matt Bell & Charles Bateman/Michael Lyons, 33pts

Provisional Timetable:

Saturday – 0930-1030 Practice; 1300-1400 Practice; 1735-1805 Qualifying
Sunday – 0900-0910 Warm-up; 1315-1515 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:

“I've raced at Snetterton twice, both last year, the first time with Richard [Dean] in a Ginetta G50 and claimed second overall, first in class and most recently in a Formula Renault Winter Series race. I tested on the new track earlier this year and it’s certainly more of a challenge while retaining some great corners from the ‘old’ track. It'll be an interesting race and I’m hoping the longer duration will suit us. The Audi is good on tires while my co-driver Mike [Guasch] excels at longer stints. Let's hope I can match him and keep the momentum going!”

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

“I am really looking forward to Snetterton. I tested there a few times last year and once this year on the new configuration. I like the track, it suits my driving style. I can't wait.”

#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:

“It’s probably been seven years since I raced at Snetterton but I briefly tested the Audi R8 LMS there in March. I think the newly revised track is more fun while the ‘infield’ section should suit our Audi as should the fact that the race lasts for two hours. After non-scoring in the opening rounds at Oulton Park, John and I are doubly determined to get some points at Snett.”

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

“We made a decent start to the championship at Oulton with the #23 Audi. Two podiums was a good effort from what, behind the scenes, was a somewhat difficult weekend with various issues and accident damage. The #24 R8 LMS was unlucky in Race One but showed promise in the second race and I expect Jay and John to record top-10 finishes at Snetterton. The more experienced pairing of Matt and Mike, should also be strong at Snetterton with the two-hour race format particularly suiting our car. Snetterton will be BGT’s first refueling race bringing strategy and pit-stop efficiency in to play.”

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 1,300kg. 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.

* 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

Skype martyn.pass

For further information on-event, please contact:

Jay Ashton

M +44 7919 186291

E jay@unitedautosports.com

www.unitedautosports.com

Thursday, April 28, 2011

United Autosports’ “Happy Return” To Portuguese Venue For FIA Opener

· Bell, Brown & Patterson all have good memories of 2010 Algarve race

· Osborne to make race début for Anglo-American team in Audi R8 LMS

United Autosports begins its second season in the FIA GT3 European Championship at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve circuit near Portimão (May 7-8) – a Portuguese track which proved to be a very happy “hunting ground” for the Anglo-American’s maiden visit last season.

Zak Brown posted the FIA GT3 team’s first front row start. Mark Patterson, with co-driver Michael Guasch, scored United Autosports’ maiden championship point in the opening race. Brown and co-driver Matt Bell, who had his personal best qualifying position of the season, collected the team’s first championship silverware with third place – a mere 8.356secs behind the winner in the second race.

So the pleasant memories of last September’s exploits around the technical 2.92-mile Portuguese track combined with a “new term” getting underway, the start of the 12-race 2011 series which concludes in October after “double header” races in England, Spain, France, Russia and the Netherlands, sees United Autosports looking to build on the experience and momentum from its promising maiden 2010 season.

Patterson is joined by United Autosports “newcomer” Joe Osborne in the #22 Audi R8 LMS for 2011 with Bell who, along with United Autosports began a busy 2011 GT3 season with second and third position finishes in the opening rounds of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Oulton Park (England) last Monday (April 25) and Brown continuing in the “sister” #23.

Provisional Timetable:

Friday – 1145-1245 Practice; 1635-1735 Practice

Saturday – 0900-0950 Qualifying; 1415-1515 Race 1

Sunday – 1115-1215 Race 2

* All times are “local”

2010 Formguide:

Sep 18/19 – FIA Rds 9 & 10 – Algarve, Portugal (#22: Guasch/Patterson; #23 Bell/Brown)

Rd 9 Qualifying: 2^nd #23 Brown, 1m 46.575s; 6^th #22 Guasch, 1m 47.176s. Weather: Sunny, hot.

Rd 9 Result: 10^th #22; #23 Retired. Weather: Sunny, hot.

Rd 10 Qualifying: 6^th #23 Bell, 1m 46.095s; 20^th #22 Patterson, 1m 47.442s. Weather: Sunny, hot.

Rd 10 Result: 3^rd #23; 14^th #22. Weather: Sunny, very hot.

#22 Draper Tools – Audi R8 LMS

Joe Osborne (GB). Age: 22. Born: Bedford, GB. Lives: Olney, Buckinghamshire, GB:

“I love the Portimão track. Every corner is a challenge while the gradient changes keep you awake. You must force yourself to carry the speed through all the quick corners. I don't think it should be too hot ambient temperature wise so hopefully we can go on a full out attack! It’s been a good track for me as I won the 2009 European GT4 championship there. I was also in attendance as a spectator at the corresponding FIA weekend so witnessed United Autosports’ maiden podium. Testing has been very good but nothing comes close to going wheel to wheel in race action. I’m aiming for a top-six in both races – I've been fortunate to get Draper Tools and Engage sponsorship so I need to make sure I do the business to try and repay their faith in me.”

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

“After being restrained by the FIA homologation stranglehold for the first half of the 2010 season, being set free to compete on equal terms at the Algarve last year made us all feel like we were in the field for the first time - and proved it with our inaugural season's first points of the year. So obviously we're roaring to get back there to see if we can do it again. This is a real driver's track – demanding, punishing and exciting with wonderful elevation changes and a ‘gulper’ of a final turn when attacked. Apart from the Rolex 24 in January and an FIA GT3 test in February, I've been chomping at the bit and can't wait to get into full race mode in the Audi again. This time last year us drivers hadn’t seen the majority of tracks or done much mileage in the R8 LMS so it’s a very different recipe this season. United Autosports has achieved endurance and a sprint race podiums – a race win is our goal this year.”

#23 Legends of Motorsport – Audi R8 LMS

Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, GB. Lives: Barningham, North Yorks, GB:

“Portimão holds great memories for us from last September. I'm excited to get back there and aim for a couple of steps higher on the rostrum! It’s a very difficult track from a driver’s perspective, particularly the second sector which is very technical and incorporates huge elevation changes which adds to the challenge of being quick. With a full year under my belt plus a good pre-season testing program I am confident we can be serious contenders for the top step at every race this year. But this depends on the Balance of Performance which crippled our Audi for eight out of 12 races last year so hopefully things will be more even from the start and we can compete on a level playing field.”

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

“I'm very excited for the first event to be at the Algarve track. We were very competitive there last year and I qualified on the front row and enjoyed our first podium of the season there so I have high expectations for us on our return. It’s a fantastic track featuring every type of corner you can imagine – very challenging but hugely rewarding. I cannot wait for the season to start – it’s been a long break since October. It’s going to be another very competitive year in which I hope United Autosports achieves a number of podium results although my concern is that the organizers immediately get the ‘Balance of Performance’ right. The Audi’s handicap for the first half of the season was such a disappointment. With 12 months of FIA racing under our belts, assuming the BoP is fair, we will not have any excuses.”

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

“The opening rounds of the 2011 FIA GT3 couldn’t be starting at a better track for us. It was the moment we seemed to turn a competitive corner in our first year, Zak qualifying on the front row and Matt backing that up with a great podium for the pairing. I think we all love the circuit layout, the facilities and more often than not the weather. Racing in the Algarve for me underlines everything I love about motorsport and how lucky we are to work in this profession. A good result in Portugal will set the tone for the year and hopefully we can start the season where we left 2010, on the podium – especially having got off to a flying start in the British GT Championship recently.”

United Autosports

Audi R8 LMS

* 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 jay@unitedautosports.com
www.unitedautosports.com

Skype martyn.pass

For further information on-event, please contact:

Jay Ashton

M +44 7919 186291

www.audi-press.co.uk

Monday, April 25, 2011

United Autosports Makes Storming Start To British GT Championship Campaign

Bell & Guasch score fantastic double podium results for Anglo-American team to earn themselves joint third in championship standings
Great team work allows #24 Audi to start Race Two for Bintcliffe & Palmer to record hard-earned 11^th place after multi-year lay off from racing

Michael Guasch (left) and Matt Bell scored a “double” podium in the opening two rounds of the British GT Championship today

Matt Bell and Michael Guasch got their Avon Tyres British GT Championship title aspirations off to a flying start when the duo scored United Autosports’ best-ever race result in the opening race at Oulton Park (England) today (Monday April 25).

The #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS of Bell and Guasch, partnering together for the first time, finished second in the opening round of the BGT series before placing third in Race Two which puts them joint third in the championship standings – just four-points off the series lead.

Easter Monday began in a frustrating manner for the “sister” United Autosports #24 Teknavo Audi of John Bintcliffe/Jay Palmer at the picturesque 2.692-mile “International” circuit. A likely top-10 placing in Race One was lost when Bintcliffe, having been edged on to the grass by a backmarker, hit the barriers.

But superb team work saw the Audi repaired for the second race in which Bintcliffe and Palmer recorded a praiseworthy 11^th – both drivers having their first competitive races for over six years.

Race 1 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 4^th #23 Guasch, 1m 39.883s; 9^th #24 Palmer, 1m 41.290s. Weather: Dry, cloudy.

Race Result: 2^nd (#23) +1.528s P1; Retired (#24), -17 laps. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Guasch started from fourth on the 26-car and spent the opening 15-laps hounding the third-placed #22 Mercedes before the American dived into the lead past the 2009 BGT champions during the pit-stop phase and in to the race lead. Co-driver Bell took over 30mins into the race, resuming second, 6.7secs behind the leading #1 Porsche.

Bell, setting a string of quick laps, repeatedly brought the gap down and ultimately took the checker a mere 1.528secs behind the 2010 BGT winning Porsche 997 after 36-laps.

Palmer drove solidly from ninth on the grid in the #24 R8 LMS, matching his qualifying time during his 25mins stint, and handed over to Bintcliffe placed ninth. However the former Audi Sport UK British Touring Car Championship race winner was edged wide by a backmarker out of 12^th place and into retirement after contact with the barriers.

Race 2 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 3^rd #23 Bell, 1m 37.562s; 10^th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 39.032s. Weather: Dry, cloudy.

Race Result: 3^rd (#23) +30.411s P1; 11^th (#24) -1 lap P1. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Bell and Bintcliffe started from third and 10^th places respectively – the latter’s Audi making the grid after a fine effort by the United Autosports crew in the three-hour interval. However the Safety Car was deployed for 10mins after an incident on the opening lap with the #23 and #24 Audi sportscars placed fourth and ninth respectively.

Another Safety Car period 19mins into the race brought the field together again, the two UA cars placed fourth and eighth as compulsory pit-stops began. The #23 Audi pitted with Guasch resuming 20^th – an additional 10secs “success” penalty imposed for finishing second in Race One – while Bintcliffe handed over his Audi to Palmer who returned to the race in 17^th – Bintcliffe having led for two laps when the race re-started.

With 20mins remaining, Guasch was up to seventh, 30secs off the lead with Palmer 16^th but the American charged through to a fine third place with three minutes remaining, Jay creditably taking 11^th place at the finish.

Upcoming . . .

The next round of the British series is a two-hour race staged at Snetterton, Norfolk (England) on May 15. However United Autosports begins its quest for FIA GT3 European Championship honors at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve circuit near Portimão (POR) on May 7-8.

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

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

“The #22 Merc that Mike had spent Race One dicing with exited the pits just behind me. I got my head down and pulled away, quickly reducing the gap to the lead Porsche. My tires were good in the second half of the race and perhaps with a few more laps, may have seen me challenging for the lead. I struggled initially to get sufficient heat into the tires in Race Two but was part of a three-car dice for second place before I pitted under yellows. Although we’ve achieved second and third places, we’re a little disappointed which shows what we are aiming for in 2011.”

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

“I started the opening race from fourth after a disappointing qualifying session on Saturday. I just couldn’t find a way past the #22 Merc – he made it as wide as a boat. My tires seemed better than his just before our pit-stops and I stuck it past him at Knickerbrook. Our pit-stop was a little late in the second race but I just put my head down, focused and pushed real hard. The Audi was awesome today and I’m delighted with our points haul from here. ”

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

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

“Jay did a very good job in Race One, holding station and I was looking forward to putting in a strong performance during the latter stages when we believed our car would come to us. I’d never previously done a race featuring a driver change or taken over a racecar from another driver before and the first couple of laps were a real eye-opener in just how different the Audi felt from practice and qualifying. While trying to get back ahead of a Ferrari, we both caught a backmarker who I don’t think saw me following the Ferrari closely. I tried to give the Ginetta room by putting two wheels on the grass, got airborne, but hit the barriers. The team did a great job in getting the car repaired for the second race but understandably it wasn’t 100% right. There was some confusion about when to pit otherwise I believe we could have achieved a top-six result.”

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

“I held position at the start of the opening race and ran comfortably inside the top-10 which was very pleasing considering I’ve not raced for a number of years and ran a steady stint in ninth place. In race two, our race was compromised due to the pit-stops occurring during the Safety Car period. We’ve all learned a lot and can move forward for future races which I’m eagerly looking forward to.”

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

“Mike [Guasch] lost vital time behind the Mercedes in the opening race – although he was faster. Oulton is such a tight and narrow track, it’s relatively easy to defend. Mike did get past the Merc but it was too late and while the pit-stop was perfect and Matt drove a very strong race, he just came up short against a very, very good driver in Richard Westbrook, a former Porsche and current Corvette ‘factory’ driver. Jay [Palmer] has had minimal testing in the Audi and produced a very good performance – in both qualifying and the race. Unfortunately John [Bintcliffe] who, like Jay, has been away from racing for a number of years and lacks mileage in the Audi, ran wide on to the grass and unfortunately paid the price. Mike deservedly picked up the Sunoco Driver of the weekend Award – for his two drives – which my fellow United Autosports co-owner Zak Brown collected here at Oulton 12 months ago at our first race meeting. He drove superbly all day ably backed up by Matt while Jay and John did very well to finish just outside of the top-10 with an ill-handling Audi. We’ve laid the foundations for a good maiden season in BGT with two podiums.”

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 1,300kg. Limitation at 8,500rpm 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.

* 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

Thursday, April 14, 2011

United Autosports Begins Quest For British GT Championship Title Honors

· First races for Bintcliffe & Palmer in Audi R8 LMS on United Autosports début

· Anglo-American team aiming for solid points haul at “home” Oulton track

Twelve months ago in the corresponding British GT Championship opener at Oulton Park (England), United Autosports made its race début just three months after the formation of the Anglo-American team and three weeks after taking delivery of its Audi R8 LMS sports cars.

Nothing more than a glorified test session in preparation for its maiden FIA GT3 European Championship program resulted in the ambitious Leeds-based outfit scoring two fourth placings, a fifth and an eighth to mark a successful British series début of the mid-engined R8 LMS.

But after a hectic and ultra-successful maiden 2010 season in which it scored class podiums not only in the FIA series but in the 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium), Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (Zhuhai, China) and Macau (China), United Autosports returns to the burgeoning Avon Tyres British GT Championship for a full season campaign in which it will bid for title honors in the GT3 category.

Matt Bell (GB) and Michael Guasch (USA), who raced in the FIA series with United Autosports last year albeit in different cars, team together for the first time while former “factory” Audi Sport UK British Touring Car Championship race winner John Bintcliffe (GB) has been tempted back in to full time competition after a multi-year break to partner long-time friend Jay Palmer (GB).

Bintcliffe and Palmer experienced their first ever runs in the Audi R8 LMS only last month (March 4) and then joined Guasch and Bell, the latter again competing in the FIA series, at Oulton Park (March 25) for their only runs at the picturesque track near Chester ahead of the Easter race weekend which commences with testing and practice on Easter Saturday.

The #23 & #24 Audi R8 LMS sports cars will contest two 60-minute races around Oulton’s 2.692-mile “International” circuit on Easter Monday (April 25) featuring a mandatory ‘driver change’ pit-stop which must be carried out between 23 and 37 minutes – the pit-stop being of a minimum specified duration. For the second race, an additional time penalty will be applied to the top-three finishers in the opening race.

Oulton Park is actually United's third race meet of the 2011 season. In partnership with Michael Shank Racing, United Autosports recorded fourth (Rolex 24 Of Daytona) and sixth positions (Grand Prix of Miami) in the opening two rounds of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

Provisional Timetable:

Saturday – 0930-1030 Practice; 1220-1320 Practice; 1630-1645 Qualifying Race 1; 1650-1705 Qualifying Race 2

Monday – 0935-0945 Warm-up; 1118-1218 Race 1; 1540-1640 Race 2

* All times are UK “local”

2010 Formguide:

Apr 05 – BGT Rds 1 & 2 – Oulton Park, England (#22: Guasch/Patterson; #23: Brown/Dean)

Rd 1 Qualifying: 3^rd #23 Brown, 1m 40.381s; 4^th #22 Guasch, 1m 40.533s. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.

Rd 1 Result: 4^th #23; 8^th #22. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.

Rd 2 Qualifying: 5^th #23 Dean, 1m 38.340s; 11^th #22 Patterson, 1m 41.004s. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.

Rd 2 Result: 4^th #23; 5^th #22. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.

Mike Guasch (left) with co-driver Matt Bell

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

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

“The first round marks my Oulton race début but not my first BGT race having contested an event at Silverstone in a Ginetta last summer. I drove the Audi at Oulton in testing earlier this year and it felt like the track had shrunk and makes the circuit even more challenging and exciting. With so many new cars entering BGT it makes it a bit of an unknown quantity. I think we have grown as a team from our experiences last year in the FIA series and have taken steps forward. So long as the ‘balance of performance’ is fair and doesn’t cripple the Audis like in the FIA series for the first half of 2010 we could be aiming for a podium finish at Oulton.”

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

“I made my Oulton, United Autosports, Audi R8 LMS and BGT début in the corresponding races last Easter, claiming fifth and eighth places. I love the Oulton track. It has a little bit of everything, fast, slow plus technical corners although there is very little run-off area so little room for mistakes. I believe Matt and I are going to be a very competitive pairing for the season but it is hard to know what some of the new cars and teams will bring to the table. Matt and I raced a R8 LMS in the FIA GT3 series last year so it’s not new to us. My biggest concern is that the series immediately gets the ‘balance of performance’ close and fair. As long as the cars are properly ‘balanced’ by the organizers, we have a very good chance of winning races.”

John Bintcliffe (left) with co-driver Jay Palmer

#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

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

“My aim is to be as near to the front as possible. Jay [Palmer] and I have limited mileage with the R8 LMS and there is definitely a knack in getting the most out of it. I first raced at Oulton in a Honda CRX while my last run there was in 1998 for Audi Sport UK in a British Touring Car Championship race. The track felt narrow when I tested there last month and it felt a lot faster between the corners than back then. It's great to see a variety of manufacturers in the series – it's good for British motorsport. I’m sure certain tracks will suit certain cars making the series more interesting.”

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

“The last time I raced at Oulton was eight years ago in a Westfield - I qualified on pole, won the race and set a new lap record – that would be nice to repeat but these races mark my first in six years so I’m just looking to enjoy myself. The Audi R8 LMS was fun to drive around Oulton but made the track feel like a go-kart circuit – it’s a great machine to drive with huge amounts of technology on board. I’m certain that this year’s BGT is going to be very competitive and hopefully the ‘handicapping’ system to equalize the performance will be fair.”

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

“Oulton is United Autosports’ UK operations ‘home’ circuit. We will have lots of guests, family and friends in attendance. I love Oulton Park, it’s one of the few remaining circuits in the world that has retained its originality and atmosphere. From a team perspective, we’ll be back at Oulton one year on from United Autosports’ very first race. It will be interesting to see any differences both operationally and on track as we return with our Audi R8 LMS sports cars. Matt Bell and Mike Guasch also have a year racing with us under their belts and should pose a competitive pairing all year. John Bintcliffe and Jay Palmer embark on their first season in BGT and both have approached the year seriously.”

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 TBA. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won seven championships across Europe in 2009-2010 plus Spa 24 Hours class victory in début 2009 season and Nürburgring 24 Hours class victories in 2009-2010 and scoring a total 64 victories.

* 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

Skype martyn.pass

www.audi-press.co.uk/