Toronto-based Compass360/Racing today announced the team's driver line-up for the Grand Am Cup event at Laguna Seca. J.C. France – no stranger to Grand American as the pilot of the #59 Brumos Daytona Prototype – will be sharing the #06 Compass360 BMW Z3 Coupe with team owner (and 2003 Ontario Regional Champion) Karl Thomson. "These BMWs look like they'll be a blast to drive, and I'm looking forward to some good racing in Cup," said France.
"We're really excited to have J.C. join the team," said Thomson. "His experience speaks for itself and we're looking forward to returning the Z3s to the front of the pack."
The team is also continuing their support of young North American racers by fielding two 19-year old Skip Barber scholarship recipients. Billy Johnson, who's recently competed in Formula BMW and Star Mazda joins Chris Wehrheim in the team's #36 Z3. "These two are quick, consistent and have extensive experience at Laguna that'll be a real asset," said Thomson.
"We believe that Grand American is one of the best places for up-and-coming drivers to showcase their talents," added Thomson. "This series is without question the premier venue to launch a solid career in motorsports. Our young drivers for Laguna have proven themselves in open-wheel competition and are now ready to take podium finishes in professional racing."
Compass360/Racing's support of young drivers dates to the team's inaugural year in 2004, where talents like Jody Trudeau and Jeff Hersh helped the team secure an 11th place finish in the GAC championship. In 2005, 23-year old Jeff Wallace, 22-year old Becky Swafford and Tim Hauraney have already been part of the team. Hauraney, in particular, parlayed his drive with Compass360 at Daytona into a ride in a Porsche 911 in the FIA/GT series in Europe.
"We're committed to supporting young drivers through our involvement in Grand Am Cup," said Thomson. "This is a televised pro series that's got a growing fan base and has had explosive increases in its field size, which is exactly what sponsors are looking for. Right now, there's no question that Grand American is the place to be."
Compass360/Racing fields BMW Z3 Coupes (with distinctive opposing blue-and-white livery) in the series, and its cars are currently running seventh and ninth in the championship. The team is supported by sponsors Compass360 Design + Advertising, Hockley Autosport, mmwave Technologies, Burry Signs and Nautical White Yachtwear.
The US Sportscar Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca takes place April 29-30, 2005, and will be televised tape-delayed on SPEED Channel.
Information on Compass360/Racing is available at the team's web site:
http://www.compass360.com/racing or by contacting Team Principal Karl Thomson at (416) 993-3951.
No comments:
Post a Comment