February 10 , 2008
CORSA MOTORSPORTS FACES CURVES ON THE TRACK
AND IN LEARNING AT SEBRING
With New Drivers and New Tires, Team Has a Lot to Learn

SANDY, UTAH - A week removed from testing at Sebring International Raceway, team principal Steve Pruitt and the rest of the Corsa Motorsports No. 48 Alabama Motorsports Park/Hankook Ferrari 430 LMGT team share a sense of encouragement as they prepare for the ensuing 2008 American Le Mans Series season.  

“Our time at Sebring last week was eye-opening.  We learned so much and took away a lot of good information.  Don’t get me wrong, we’ve got a long way to go and we’re on a learning curve,” explains Pruitt.  “Testing at Sebring was good for our team in a lot of ways.  We were able to get our drivers together, compare set-ups and needs, create team chemistry and begin to get a handle on the tires Hankook is introducing to the series.”

In October 2007, Corsa Motorsports announced a tire sponsorship with Hankook.  Despite having a winning reputation in many other forms of motorsports, Hankook enters ALMS competition in 2008 with international racing experience, but none in the series.

“Hankook is using our partnership to showcase its technology on the premier stage of road racing, the American Le Mans Series,” Pruitt continued.  “Hankook is a partner which is fully committed to helping Corsa Motorsports field the most competitive car on the track.

“As a team, we’re really glad to have Johnny Mowlem on board to assist us with the tire development,” Pruitt continued.  “Johnny has been involved in many phases of development for other tire makers.  He’s one of the best in the business.  With his knowledge incorporated with his driving ability and relationship with Ferrari, we think we have a really great chance to excel this season.” 

Mowlem is regarded as one of the world’s best sports car drivers.  He has earned podiums at virtually every major sports car race in the world, including Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours. 

“No one here is underestimating the challenge that the year in front of us brings,” said Mowlem.  “We have great support from Ferrari and Hankook is committed to success.  Testing has given us an opportunity to explore the car and tire, in addition to gelling as a team and improving communication.” 

In addition to Mowlem, drivers Gunnar Jeannette and Ralf Kelleners were also on hand for the test.  Kelleners will assist the team during endurance events in 2008.

Youthful yet experienced, Jeannette also brings a deep understanding of GT racing, and is pleased with the Corsa Ferrari 430 LMGT and the approach to progress they are making.  “The 430 is amazing.  I’ve got a lot of GT experience as a whole, and they are great cars,” Jeannette said.  “Aside from that, it’s cool to say I drive a Ferrari. 

“Things are coming together nicely and we are moving forward with the information we’ve been able to gather on the tires and our set-up,” Jeannette continued.  “Any time you introduce a new tire, there is going to be a battle.  Hankook has put a lot of effort into making this a success and with time, we’ll show Hankook the same success it has seen in other forms of auto racing.”

Kelleners brings a great endurance driving style and an understanding of what it takes to win in longer races.  “I have always been a safe driver,” Kelleners explained.  “I can drive quickly without being hard on the chassis or taking risks.  I can maintain a good race speed without getting into any on-track altercations or and try not to cause any altercations.” 

With three capable drivers and support from Ferrari and a major tire supplier in Hankook, Pruitt and his team are ready to compete and are hopeful of competing for podium finishes.

“It’s going to take time to get where we want to be, but we believe we have the resources to be competitive and successful,” says Pruitt. “Hankook has limited experience on concrete and our first four races are on that surface.  We’re looking forward to competing at home in Salt Lake City on asphalt in front of the hometown fans when the time comes. 

“We know there will be challenges, but we’re ready.  Our goal is to finish,” said Pruitt.  “As they say, ‘To finish first, you must first finish.’  We’re looking forward to a great year and we feel like we’re off to a good start.”

Corsa Motorsports
Founded in 2005, Corsa Motorsports is the only professional motorsports team based in Utah. The team operates from a 9,000 square-foot race services and technical facility.  Corsa Motorsports owns two Ferrari 430 LMGT cars and will field an entry in the GT2 class of the American Le Mans Series in 2008, with intentions to field a second entry the latter half of the year. Another Corsa Motorsports initiative is to provide technical race car tuning and performance services for custom race cars beginning in the summer of 2008.  The team is owned and operated by Utah commercial real estate developer Steve Pruitt.