RHC DRIVES PROGRESS WITH AUDI SPORT FOR FIRST FEMALE-ONLY LINEUP IN CONTINENTAL TIRE SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
RHC Lawrence-Strom (RHC) partners with Audi of America, Kettler Motor Werks and GMG Racing to field the first female-only driver lineup in IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history.
Gosia Rdest and Ashley Freiberg will drive the No. 50 Audi R8 LMS GT4 supported by RHC, GMG and Audi Sport customer racing.
Rdest, a Junior Driver for Audi Sport, is the only female participant to have competed in the Audi Sport TT Cup from 2015 to 2017 and recorded an impressive win at the 2018 24h of Dubai in an Audi R8 LMS GT4. In addition, Freiberg will return to IMSA after a successful season in 2015 with three podiums and one win at Road Atlanta. Freiberg is the first female overall race winner at Daytona International Speedway and the first female race winner in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.
Daren Jorgensen, principal for RHC and car owner of No.50 Audi R8 LMS GT4, stated, “As a father of four daughters, it’s a big moment for me to support the first all-female lineup in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history. Audi’s initiative to drive progress works to close the gender gap between equal pay for equal work, a pledge that Audi made nearly a year ago. I’m pleased to support women in motorsports and look forward to competing against Rdest and Freiberg in the BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.”
In February 2017, Audi announced a commitment to supporting pay equality, inclusivity and the growth and development of all employees. Audi also supports external programs to develop opportunities for women at educational, career and leadership levels through art and film, STEM and business to help inspire and secure the next generation of leaders.
Kettler Motor Werks and its principal, Brad Kettler, and Tristan Herbert, Senior Manager Audi Sport customer racing, worked tirelessly over the past week to make this endeavor possible. GMG Racing, a successful competitor in the IMSA paddock, will support the No.50 Audi R8 LMS GT4 during the upcoming race weekend.
The IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge’s season-opening event will mark the national debut for the Audi R8 LMS GT4, the latest of Audi’s customer-driven GT machines. Practice begins on Wednesday, January 24, with the BMW Endurance Challenge taking place on Friday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Source. Morgan Roush
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