Monday, June 20, 2011

United Autosports’ Duo Continue To Lead British GT Championship Despite Non-Scoring At Brands Hatch


·American Mike Guasch dumped out of two-hour race in opening three minutes
·British duo John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer finish eighth in difficult conditions
United Autosports’ duo Matt Bell (GB) and Mike Guasch (USA) continue to lead the Avon Tyres British GT Championship despite being unceremoniously bundled out of the fourth round of the series at Brands Hatch (England) today (Sunday June 19).

Previous round Snetterton race winners Bell and Guasch looked to build on their 24.5-point series lead going in to the two-hour race but the American, having spectacularly brought his #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS up from a disappointing 12th place grid position to sixth in just over one lap of the 2.301-mile “Grand Prix” track, was assaulted by the #12 Ferrari at Druids Hairpin on lap two. The Audi R8 LMS, hit from behind, was too badly damaged for the American to continue.

Meanwhile John Bintcliffe (GB) and Jay Palmer (GB) will arrive for the next rounds at Spa-Francorchamps placed 11th in the 10-race series. The British duo recorded a fine eighth – in only their fourth race in the #24 Teknavo Audi – in the 120-minute race featuring changeable weather and track conditions and which saw the weight ballast for the Audi R8 LMS increased by 10kg.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after four rounds):
1 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 70.5-points
2 Gedie/Gedie, 63.5pts
3 Lester/Simonsen, 58.5pts
11 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 21pts

Luyendyk & Johansson Shake Down New Audi R8 LMS At Snetterton
Double Indianapolis 500 race winner Arie Luyendyk (NL) and former Grand Prix and IndyCar driver Stefan Johansson (SE) “shook down” the brand new Bell/Guasch Audi at Rockingham (England) last Wednesday. The duo, who both drive for United Autosports in the Total 24 Hours of Spa (July 30-31), completed over 100-laps. The Audi was then on display at a Draper Tools “Meet the Team” event the following day (Thursday) for staff and customers of the team’s partner in Southampton along with United Autosports’ FIA GT3 European Championship driver Joe Osborne who also entertained Draper guests at Brands today.

Upcoming . . .
The fifth & sixth rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship at Navarra (Spain) on July 2-3. Rounds five and six of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship staged at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on July 8-9.

Race (duration 120mins)
Qualifying: 12th #23 Bell, 1m 28.596s; 13th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 28.610s. Weather: Dry, bright.
Race Result: 8th (#24), +1 lap. Retired (#23). Weather: Damp/cloudy, rain/wet, sun/drying.

Guasch immediately made up five places on his grid position to complete the opening lap on a damp track in seventh and having overtaken the #12 Ferrari for sixth place on lap two, was tagged by the same car at Druids Hairpin. The American’s Audi ended up in the barriers with substantial front and rear bodywork damage.

Palmer settled into a steady rhythm as the track began to dry, Jay placed 10th with 15mins on the clock – 50secs off the lead. Palmer remained 10th on 30mins – 71secs down. Heavy rain began to fall minutes later with the Safety Car deployed on 40mins to recover stranded cars with Palmer placed a praiseworthy eighth.

Palmer, who had driven brilliantly considering he had not previously raced on the Brands GP circuit, made his compulsory pit-stop to hand over to Bintcliffe as the race re-started with 70mins to run but the former Audi Sport UK “factory” British Touring Car Championship race winner spun down to 18th place in the difficult conditions at the top of Paddock Hill on his “out lap”.

With an hour to run, Bintcliffe was 11th but was up to seventh place 10mins later. The sun appeared for the last 30mins, the track drying allowing John to set a string of personal fastest laps although Bintcliffe slipped one place to eighth on the penultimate lap as the #11 Ferrari came past on the pit straight.

#23 Molecule – Audi R8 LMS

Matt Bell (GB). Age: 21. Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, T&W. Lives: Barningham, N. Yorks, England:
“I’d only driven here once before, in a Ginetta, two years ago. Practice was red flag interrupted and traffic a problem but was P5 in the final practice heading into qualifying so 12th in ‘qually’ was disappointing. We could have and should have been in the top-six but I struggled to get in a clear lap. The track is narrow with few overtaking opportunities so the race was always going to be difficult but hadn’t expected it to be over so quickly! Today was a great shame. We’ll just have to pick ourselves up and move on to the next races at Spa.”

Michael Guasch (USA). Age: 53. Born: Palo Alto, California. Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA:
“I’d previous practice experience in a Ginetta around the ‘Indy’ track but the GP section was daunting to begin with but I steadily got to grips with it. Qualifying down in 12th always meant it would be a battle in the race. It had rained before the race but we decided to start on slicks. I made a number of passes but going into Druids for only the second time, I was on the outside, but the car on the inside just took me out – I can only assume he didn’t see me. The heavy impact shoved me into the barriers and pretty much destroyed the car. I went to the Medical Center but got the all clear. Amazingly we still lead the series.”


#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England.
“I went in to qualifying with less than four competitive ‘flying’ laps under my belt from practice after a 15 year break from racing at Brands. Qualifying just outside the top-10 was frustrating but that was down to my lack of laps in the Audi. I spun at Paddock on my out lap having just taken over from Jay – I was on slicks, the track was wet and although I felt I was taking it very gently, the car rotated. For the next four laps I took things very steady and let the car come to me. The weather played a big part today but apart from my embarrassing spin, we dealt with everything that was thrown at us.”

Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados:
“The start of the race was fraught but I was intent on keeping out of trouble. I held position and through attrition moved up some places before pitting after the Safety Car period. That was an issue in itself due to a very slow GT4 class Aston Martin trundling around which cost us a lot of time and was most annoying. But taking everything in to account, it was a pleasing result and another race where we’ve claimed some points.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
“Qualifying was always going to be ‘busy’ with 31 cars on the track but it was the same for everyone. Matt was unlucky on his new tire run with traffic as was John so we never had the opportunity to show the true pace of the R8 LMS which had a good balance. So we needed luck going into the race and to keep out of trouble but we didn’t get it. The Ferrari turned Mike around and out of the race almost destroying our brand new Audi R8 LMS in the process. Jay and John ran a clean race but unfortunately Jay frustratingly lost time behind a GT4 car that decided to go very slowly during the Safety Car phase which effectively lost the #24 Audi half a lap. We’re still leading the series but now by only seven points.”

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 1,300kg. 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

www.audi-press.co.uk

Thursday, June 9, 2011

United Autosports Aims For Back-To-Back British GT Championship Victories

·Bell & Guasch look to consolidate early championship lead
·Bintcliffe & Palmer aim for another top-five finish after multi-year race lay-off


The fourth round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship staged at Brands Hatch (England) on Sunday June 19 sees United Autosports bidding for back-to-back wins.

Matt Bell (GB) and Michael Guasch (USA) earned the team its maiden victory last month when the Anglo-American pairing swept their #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS to victory at Snetterton (England) which earned them a 24.5-point series lead after three rounds of the 10-race series United Autosports is contesting for the first time.

The John Bintcliffe (GB) and Jay Palmer (GB) #24 Teknavo Audi collected fifth place at Snetterton in only their third race at the wheel of their R8 LMS. Due to business commitments, both have been away from motorsport in recent years, but are quickly adapting to the V10-engined R8 LMS and in races featuring pit-stops for driver changes for the very first time in their careers.

Like the previous event at Snetterton, the Brands race staged on the 2.301-mile “Grand Prix” track, will be of a two-hour duration. The #23 Molecule Audi R8 LMS will be “held” for an additional 20secs “success penalty” during its mandatory driver change pit-stop.

Avon Tyres British GT Championship (after three rounds):
1 Matt Bell & Mike Guasch, 70.5-points
2 Jones/Jones, 46pts
3 Gedie/Gedie, 41pts
9 John Bintcliffe & Jay Palmer, 15pts

Provisional Timetable:
Saturday – 0935-1035 Practice; 1255-1355 Practice; 1745-1815 Qualifying
Sunday – 1000-1010 Warm-up; 1550-1750 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:
“United Autosports gave Mike and I a stunning racecar in the previous race at Snetterton which allowed us to score our maiden BGT race win. I was delighted to reward everyone in the team with that result but we’re hungry for more of the same success and where better than the next race at Brands and another two-hour race which again should suit our Audi ideally. I’ve only previously been around the Brands GP track in a Ginetta and it’s a great track.”

Michael Guasch (USA). Age: 53. Born: Palo Alto, California. Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA:
“Despite having a pit-stop ‘success’ penalty of 20secs at Brands I believe that if we can qualify well again and hang with the leaders in the opening part of the race, our Audi should come on strong in the latter stages and be in with a good shot of a podium again. I’ve never previously driven on the GP circuit but have spent time on the simulator learning it so that I’m prepared for when I arrive.”



#24 Teknavo – Audi R8 LMS

John Bintcliffe (GB). Age: 45. Born: Bridlington, E. Yorks. Lives: Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England.
“The key element for Jay and I in achieving a good result at Brands will be to hit the ground running in that we claim a good qualifying position. Then there is no reason why we cannot be challenging at the front in the race.”

Jay Palmer (GB). Age: 38. Born: Harrogate. Lives: Harrogate & London, England / Barbados:
“I’ve never raced on the Brands GP circuit but it looks great. I thoroughly enjoyed the two-hour race at Snetterton and John and I will be aiming for another top-six race result.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
“We won the last BGT race so we’ll arrive at Brands on a high. But we also know that we need to be on our very best form, drivers and team personnel, to be in with a chance of achieving back-to-back wins. None of our drivers have done many, if any, racing laps on the Brands GP circuit. Matt and Mike are a strong pairing – they raced with us in the FIA GT3 series last year so they have experience of the Audi R8 LMS and this kind of two-driver GT racing. For Jay and John, who have both come back to racing after multi-year lay-offs, they’re having to learn the car, the circuits again and races featuring pit-stops, so for them to achieve fifth at Snetterton last time out was a tremendous performance.”

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 1,300kg. 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 websitebsite 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

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: 2nd #23 Bell, 1m 51.398s; 12th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 52.701s. Weather: Dry, bright.
Race Result: 1st (#23) -2.946s; 5th (#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 10th 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 10th before both United Autosports cars pitted for their compulsory driver changes on 40mins (lap 22) – Bell and Bintcliffe rejoining the race in 13th and 15th 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
www.audi-press.co.uk

Sunday, May 8, 2011

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

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 11th 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 11th – both drivers having their first competitive races for over six years.


Race 1 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 4th #23 Guasch, 1m 39.883s; 9th #24 Palmer, 1m 41.290s. Weather: Dry, cloudy.
Race Result: 2nd (#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 12th place and into retirement after contact with the barriers.


Race 2 (duration 60mins)

Qualifying: 3rd #23 Bell, 1m 37.562s; 10th #24 Bintcliffe, 1m 39.032s. Weather: Dry, cloudy.
Race Result: 3rd (#23) +30.411s P1; 11th (#24) -1 lap P1. Weather: Dry, sunny.

Bell and Bintcliffe started from third and 10th 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 20th – 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 17th – 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 16th but the American charged through to a fine third place with three minutes remaining, Jay creditably taking 11th 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: 3rd #23 Brown, 1m 40.381s; 4th #22 Guasch, 1m 40.533s. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.
Rd 1     Result: 4th #23; 8th #22. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.
Rd 2     Qualifying: 5th #23 Dean, 1m 38.340s; 11th #22 Patterson, 1m 41.004s. Weather: Dry/Cloudy.
Rd 2     Result: 4th #23; 5th #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/

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Draper Tools Becomes Partner Of United Autosports’ 2011 Programs

United Autosports’ brace of Audi R8 LMS sports cars will be adorned in Draper Tools livery for the Anglo-American team’s attack on the FIA GT3 European and British GT Championships next year.

Draper Tools Limited is a family-run company supplying hand tools to industry since 1919. In addition to car branding Draper Tools, based in Hampshire, England, will supply equipment and consumables for both United Autosports’ FIA and BGT teams.

The company sells products in all major tool categories including automotive, builders, DIY, gardening, construction, decorating and engineering. More recently Draper Tools, awarded accolades for the high quality of its products, has diversified into hobby, leisure and other non tool lines.

In addition to FIA races likely to be staged in England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and Spain plus BGT races (listed below), United Autosports will be in action again at the 24 Hours of Spa (July 30-31) where it claimed stunning third and fourth places in the GT3 category last year.

United Autosports will also work closely with Draper Tools so that valued existing and potential customers attend races in Europe next year and watch the action close-up. Draper Tools also has an agreement with Grand Prix Racing (GPR) who will be both promoting and selling the Draper brand via their Silverstone facility and its website.

2011 Avon Tyres British GT Championship
08 Mar  Silverstone  Media/Test Day
09 Mar  Silverstone  Test Day
23-25 Apr  Oulton Park  2hr race
14/15 May  Snetterton 300  2hr race
18/19 Jun  Brands Hatch  2x1hr races
07/08 Jul  Spa-Francorchamps  2x1hr races
tbc  Silverstone or Donington  2x1hr races
03/04 Sep  Rockingham  2x1hr races
24/25 Sep  Donington Park GP  3hr race
08/09 Oct  Silverstone Arena  2hr race
(Provisional calendar)


Clive Richardson, Marketing Director at Draper Tools:
“Our new association with United Autosports is a further extension of our ongoing brand awareness at the top level of automotive tool users. Our company is delighted to be the team’s prime tooling sponsor and are very excited at being linked with major brands like Audi and Dunlop. Being associated with these prestige brands on race tracks throughout Europe will further promote the Draper Tools brand in this key product sector.”


Zak Brown (USA). Driver, Chairman, Co-Owner United Autosports:
“It’s great to have fantastic partners such as Draper Tools support our team. We depend heavily on their superb equipment to help us build and maintain our racecars so the association fits perfectly.”


Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
“Draper Tools’ backing of United Autosports is a further endorsement of our new but fast moving team! Draper has a high end and extensive product range which fits perfectly with the exacting standards our team require. Motorsport always works in an extreme environment that proves any product and our engineers are delighted and proud to be in partnership with Draper Tools.”

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.