GMG Racing Press Release
Following an impressive 2013 season that saw the team take a company-high three victories and narrowly missing out on the GT championship, California-based Global Motorsports Group (GMG) will head to this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg four cars strong. As the season opener for the Pirelli World Challenge, the team will run their first campaign with the highly-touted Audi R8 LMS ultra.
Continuing their second full season of competition with Audi Sport customer racing, the team previously ran with Audi’s R8 LMS, a very similar vehicle to the ultra version. After a near-championship season in 2013, including victory in St. Petersburg, GMG team owner James Sofronas is excited for the new year.
“It’s really exciting to get back to our roots in the Pirelli World Challenge,” stated Sofronas. “It’s such a deep, competitive field this year, possibly the most competitive it’s ever been. With such a variety of marques and teams, we couldn’t be any more fortunate than to have the support of Audi Sport customer racing behind us, and with the best crew in the business. It’s going to be a tough year, but with guys like Andrew, Bret, and Bill with us, and with the help of The Thermal Club and Spyder, we’re ready.”
With four entries for the streets of St. Petersburg, the team will come in well prepared thanks largely to their long-standing relationship with The Thermal Club. As a private racetrack located near Palm Springs, just two-hours from the team’s Santa Ana shop, the team has been able to run extensive tests and development as they prepare their new machinery.
“Working with GMG has been a tremendous experience so far,” stated Lance Webb, heading up the motorsports division of Spyder. “Thanks to a long-standing relationship with some GMG’s customer base, we’ve been able to provide the team well during the cold winter months, and we’re excited to lend our brand of comfortable, technology-oriented apparel to motorsports.”
Entering the season after a heartbreaking defeat at the 2013 finale in Houston, James Sofronas will head up the team in the No. 14 Spyder / The Thermal Club Audi R8 LMS ultra. After enjoying the best year of his career, taking three victories, nine podiums, and finishing runner-up in the championship, the Villa Park, California resident is coming into the year prepared for victory. Running his team in three different professional series in 2014, Sofronas is certainly in one of his busiest years.
“We’ve been non-stop since last year to be honest,” stated Sofronas. “However, I’m excited to get this season going. We were so close last year, I really want it this year and am as prepared as I can be.”
“This is a big step for me and I’m very excited for the opportunity,” stated Palmer. “I’m under no illusions just how strong the talent pool is at this level, and I’m coming in with my eyes wide open. I really appreciate what everyone at GMG, O’Gara Motorsports, and The Thermal Club have done to get me this far in my career, and it will be exciting to get my first taste of everything on Friday.”
Returning to the team will be veteran driver Bret Curtis in the No. 32 United Steel / Spectra Resources / Valspar Audi R8 LMS ultra. Curtis, who ran multiple races in 2013, is looking for podium results in 2014 having taken a top finish of fifth last year.
“I really enjoyed the races we were able to run in 2013, and this season should be a great one,” stated Curtis. “The series has a big opportunity with the number of teams and manufacturers here, and everyone is well aware of just what a challenge it will be. GMG has been busy testing and getting prepared for this, it’s going to be a fun weekend.”
“It’s a great car to drive and it will be a very competitive race,” stated Ziegler. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with GMG and in The Pirelli World Challenge, and competing with this car just makes it all the more enjoyable. I just want a clean race in what is essentially my home race.”
Beyond the four cars entered for St. Petersburg, GMG is also slated for additional entries, including long-time team driver Brent Holden who will make his return at the upcoming Grand Prix of Long Beach.
With the team already en route to the scenic St. Petersburg street circuit, practice will begin thisFriday, March 28, with a double-header of races taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Race One will take place on Saturday at 3:25PM, and Sunday’s race at 11:25AM. Live coverage can be found at world-challengeTV.com with a television re-air on Sunday, April 6, at 5:30PM ET.
Founded in 2001 by James Sofronas and Fabryce Kutyba, GMG has quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning and racing facility. What began as a small 1200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility located in (Orange County) Santa Ana, California. The staff's experience, attention to detail, and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts world wide. Whether you want to maximize the performance of your street car, or race wheel-to-wheel on both amateur and professional racing series across North America, GMG’s reputation for service and quality is unmatched.
Learn more at www.gmgracing.com
About Spyder
Spyder was founded by avid skier and outdoor athlete David Jacobs. He rose to world-class rankings as a competitive skier, and stayed connected to the sport he loves by coaching, designing related products, and building one of the most powerful brands in the industry. His dedication to the sport of skiing and the Spyder brand is as inspiring as it is intriguing. Spyder's growth exploded over the turn of the century, and the company is now the largest ski-specialty brand in the world. David has recently discovered the adrenaline rush in racing classic Formula One cars, finding success - not surprisingly - in this new pastime. For a man who's thrived on sports, technology, and professional advancement, the world is sure to see David go a few more times around the track.
Learn more at www.spyder.com
About The Thermal Club
The Thermal Club is the premier private motorsports facility in the world. In addition to 4.5 miles of members-only racetrack, the Club facilities include a fully amenitized Clubhouse and Village unrivaled in the motorsports world. All 4.5 miles of our exquisite racetrack are designed to push both amateurs and professionals to their limit, giving members the thrill of driving at peak performance amidst the endless desert skies. Featuring three different private circuit configurations, trackside villas, a motorsport village with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, tuning shop, a fuel island, as well as member storage garages, The Thermal Club will bring the country club lifestyle to Southern California’s diverse car culture. More information can be found at www.thethermalclub.com.
Photo credit: GMG Racing
