SANTA ANA, Calif. – Returning for the second running of the California 8 Hour, the lone North American round of the flourishing Intetcontinental GT Challenge, Global Motorsports Group (GMG) is proud to confirm the entry of an Audi R8 LMS GT4 in the event’s GT4 category. Taking place within just a few hours from the team’s Southern California headquarters, the event will once again return to the historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with drivers Jason Bell, James Sofronas, and Andrew Davis at the helm.
“We’re all very excited to return to the second running of the California 8 Hours, and couldn’t be more appreciate of Jason Bell’s decision to run this event,” stated GMG team owner and driver James Sofronas. “Now in its second year, the 8 Hours should be great for everyone on our team. We were fortunate to take a second in the GT4 class year, and our hope this year is to take the top spot, as it’s a great event with a fantastic roster of international competitors. Ever since Jason joined us this summer, he’s been an instant fit within our program. Jason is not only a joy to work with and someone very passionate about racing, but he’s been incredibly fast and only getting stronger, as we saw with a fantastic close to the Pirelli World Challenge season where he took a strong podium in the GTSA class. Additionally, Andrew Davis brings a wealth of experience that any team can benefit from. It’s always a joy to work with Andrew and he will help round out a competitive lineup.”
As a multi-class, eight-hour race at a circuit where passing is always at a premium, the tricky 11-turn, 2.2-mile should once again prove an exciting format. Sporting a rich heritage in endurance racing, GMG has competed in events that include the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and of course last year’s debut of the California 8 Hour. In 2017, the team took runner up honors in the North American debut of the international GT-only series, and with at least a dozen teams in the GT4 category this year, competition promises to be high.
For Jason Bell, who has enjoyed a strong season of Pirelli World Challenge competition, the opportunity to continue his season is a welcome one.
“It has been a big process to ensure that we had the right driver combination for Laguna,” explained Bell. “The 2018 Pirelli World Challenge Championship just finished but I do not want to slow down in any way. I believe we have a solid team and a good group of drivers that will be able to not only have great pace, but also take care of the equipment.”
For Andrew Davis, a return to GMG and the California 8 Hour is one he relishes.
“It’s great to be back with GMG for the ‘8 Hour,’” stated Davis. “GMG has always run a very professional, well organized program that provides great opportunities for drivers like Jason Bell to really flourish, and it’s great to be a part of it. The Intercontinental GT Challenge continues to prove its worth as a growing championship that has captured a lot of interest from manufacturers, and I’m happy to continue with the team in our second run at it. Jason has been strong all year, and obviously James is coming off an incredible season, and when combined with the platform that Audi has provided with the R8 LMS GT4, I’ve no doubt we’ll run strong.”
Official practice begins on Friday, October 26, with the eight-hour challenge on Sunday, October 28. Broadcast plans will be revealed soon.
About The Thermal Club
Established in 2012, The Thermal Club is a private motorsports country club surrounding one of the longest and most distinct racing circuits in North America. Located near Palm Springs CA, the exclusive club offers members access to three racetracks, kart track, autocross, skid pad, tuning shop, garage, detail shop, clubhouse restaurant and spa. One of the defining attributes of The Thermal Club are the luxury villa-homes that are built next to the track and overlook the facility. For more information visit www.TheThermalClub.com.
Learn more at www.thethermalclub.com
About Mobil 1
Conventional oil is simply refined crude oil. Mobil 1 synthetic oil, however, is not only refined, but it is also distilled, purified, and broken down into its basic molecules. It is then rebuilt and added to, so that it can better protect against wear, high heat, cold weather and sludge buildup. Ultimately, this process helps your car’s engine run better for longer. You can explore more about these benefits below.
Learn more at www.mobiloil.com.
About CrowdStrike
With an extensive client base of leading global brands, CrowdStrike will be utilizing the Pirelli World Challenge as a hub for experiential entertainment, B2B networking, and as a forum for meeting with a litany of customers, prospects and partners. Race weekends will include executive-level security industry roundtables, combined with VIP access to the most compelling aspects of each racing venue. With a premium on forging and solidifying relationships, the utilization of both the series and GMG offers a great opportunity for the company to extend their platform.
You can learn more about CrowdStrike’s involvement in motorsports at crowdstrikeracing.com.
About 5.11 Tactical
5.11 Tactical. 5.11 Tactical is an Irvine, California-based brand of clothing consisting of uniforms and tactical equipment for military, law enforcement and public safety personnel. The company also operates a chain of retail stores, with 13 locations as of January 2017.
Learn more at www.511tactical.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
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