United Autosports Chief Turns Back The Clock At Monterey Historic Meets

·       United Autosports claims wins in North America and England over same weekend

Stefan Johansson shares some last minute advice with Zak Brown (in car) at Monterey

United Autosports Co-Owner Zak Brown immediately turned the clock back after helping his new GT team achieve a magnificent podium place on its 24 hour race début.

The American entrepreneur returned to the US after placing third in the GT3 category of the Spa 24 Hours (Jul 31-Aug 1) to compete over two consecutive weekends at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The Californian track played host to the Monterey Pre-Historics (Aug 7-8) and then the four-day Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Aug 12-15) which saw tens of thousands of spectators attend to view a mouth-watering collection of over 600 historic automobiles racing on the world famous 2.238-mile Laguna circuit just as they did "back in their day."

 

Zak Brown exits the famous Corkscrew section of the Laguna Seca circuit in his McLaren M28. Ulsterman John Watson achieved third-place in the 1979 Argentine Grand Prix and also sixth in the Belgian GP in this actual car

Brown raced his ex-John Watson 1979 McLaren MP28 to sixth place after qualifying ninth at the Pre-Historics event. Last weekend Zak qualified 11^th and finished ninth in a quality 36-car field at the Reunion meet for 1966-1983 Formula One machines – the highest-placed McLaren Formula One machine.

Meanwhile “Super Swede” Stefan Johansson, who had placed the “sister” United Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3 sports car fourth at Spa, qualified in pole-position, led every lap and won the 1981-1989 FIA Mfg. Championship & IMSA GTP Race in Brown’s 1986 Porsche 962 IMSA GTP car.

This particular car won five races in its heyday and was driven mainly by Price Cobb and Rob Dyson. Brown was joined at Laguna by Historic Motorsports Productions LLC (HMP) partner Bobby Rahal who also raced some of his cars. Brown teamed up with Rahal plus Peter Stoneberg earlier this year to welcome in HMP’s new era of vintage motor racing.

Stefan Johansson (Sw) drove Zak Brown’s 1986 Porsche 962 to victory at Monterey. The 962 is one of the most successful sports cars in history, accumulating 54 wins in IMSA competition alone, 40 of which came between 1985-87. This particular Porsche won its début race at the Six Hours of Riverside (1986).

“Coming off the back of our incredible Spa achievement, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my last two weekends at Monterey,” confirmed Brown. “It’s always a privilege to get behind the wheel of the McLaren and to be racing it at Laguna doesn’t get much better. Stefan [Johansson] drove brilliantly to dominate his race event while the entire atmosphere last weekend was just awesome.”

While Johansson was winning in the United Autosports entered Porsche at Laguna, its European operation were chalking up win number one in England. Brothers Rob and Matt Bell joined forces for the first time and duly claimed a class victory in a two-hour, two-driver British GT Championship race at Silverstone (August 15).

The Bells scored a comfortable one-lap G4 category win in the 120mins race which marked not only their respective débuts in the British GT series but also the first time either had raced a G4 class Ginetta G50 entered and prepared by United Autosports. Matt, aged 21, co-drives with Zak Brown in the FIA GT3 European Championship at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS.

Englishman Richard Dean, Brown’s fellow co-owner of United Autosports, remarked: “It’s very pleasing for United Autosports to achieve its first class win in the British GT Championship on only our second outing in the series and our first with the Ginetta. Matt and Rob faced some very experienced Ginetta drivers and we came out on top.”

United Autosports Claim Magnificent Top-Three Finish On 24 Hour Race Début

·       American-owned outfit is best-placed Audi “customer” team in Spa 24 Hours

·       United Autosports’ Audi R8 LMS sports cars net third & fourth in GT3 category

·       Power steering issue in closing stages costs #68 Audi likely GT3 class honors

United Autosports claimed a podium finish on its maiden 24 Hour race appearance. (Left to right) Zak Brown, Mark Blundell, Eddie Cheever and Richard Dean celebrate third place in GT3 at the Spa 24 Hours on the winner‟s rostrum today (Aug 1)

United Autosports scored a stunning top-three GT3 rostrum finish on the American-owned team’s 24 Hour race début when Mark Blundell (GB), Zak Brown (US), Eddie Cheever (US) and Richard Dean (GB) steered their Audi R8 LMS home into third place in the annual and historic Spa 24 Hours this weekend (Jul 31-Aug 1).

The Leeds (GB)-based team’s “sister” Audi of Emil Assentato (US), Stefan Johansson (Sw), Alain Li (F) and Mark Patterson (US) added to United Autosports’ superb achievement by finishing fourth in class, the team’s brace of R8 LMS GT3 sports cars claiming ninth and 10^th overall in the 40-car field.

.

A power steering issue on the #68 Audi of Blundell/Brown/Cheever/Dean, just four hours from the finish with Cheever poised to re-take the class lead, cost them a possible GT3 victory following a lengthy pit-stop for repairs.

At one-quarter distance, the #68 and #67 United Autosports cars were placed fifth and 10^th in class respectively – the latter surviving two harmless spins. Cheever’s 128min stint saw him remain on “slick” dry weather tires, the American reveling in the treacherously slippery conditions as rain fell in varying degrees of intensity which saw the #68 hovering just outside the top-three.

With 6hr 25m gone Dean, who had qualified 10^th in class on Thursday evening and who had begun the race, was up to third in the #68 (9^th overall) with Johansson, who qualified the #67 Audi 13^th, eighth as heavy rain fell.

The #68 Audi enjoyed a relatively trouble-free night apart from a puncture and lay third (eighth overall) in the 16^th hour in contrast to the “sister” #67 Audi which endured a more eventful night. Assentato visited the gravel trap at Les Combes twice, the second resulting in a Safety Car to retrieve the Audi (0115hr), Li suffered a harmless spin, Patterson contacted a backmarker necessitating an 11mins pit-stop for bodywork repairs (0324hr) while Johansson had a puncture (0445). Despite these dramas, Li was sixth (14^th overall) at 0800hr.

Blundell swept the #68 into second place (sixth overall) during the pit-stop phase shortly before three-quarter distance (1000hr) prior to his own scheduled stop, with Patterson placed fifth (12^th). But the honor of taking the GT3 class lead (fifth overall) for the first time fell appropriately to United Autosports’ Chairman & Co-Owner Brown 19hrs into the race (1100).

With four hours remaining, Cheever and Assentato lay second (sixth overall) and fourth (10^th) in class but moments later Cheever in the #68 Audi and poised to re-take the GT3 lead, Cheever controlled a massive “moment” exiting the high speed Eau Rouge, a power steering issue diagnosed after two subsequent pit-stops costing 43mins and dropping the #68 to third in class (ninth overall) – one place ahead of the “sister” car – with three hours remaining.

#67 Cerutti / FXDD / Roger Dubuis Watches / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS

HOURLY OVERALL/GT3 CLASS POSITIONS: Driver rotations SJ/EA/AL/MP. Start Pos 21^st/13^th; 1hr 25^th/14^th; 2hrs 24^th/14^th; 3hrs 18^th /10^th; 4hrs 18^th/10^th; 5hrs 17^th/9^th; 6hrs 19^th/10^th; 7hrs 17^th/9^th; 8hrs 17^th/9^th; 9hrs 17^th/9^th; 10hrs 18^th/9^th; 11hrs 18^th/10^th; 12hrs 18^th/9^th; 13hrs 17^th/8^th; 14hrs 16^th/7^th; 15hrs 14^th/6^th; 16hrs 14^th/6^th; 17hrs 12^th/5^th; 18hrs 12^th/5^th; 19hrs 11^th/5^th; 20hrs 10^th/4^th; 21hrs 10^th/4^th; 22hrs 10^th/4^th; 23hrs 10^th/4^th; FINISH 10^th/4th

Emil Assentato (USA).Age: 61. Born: New York City, N.Y., USA. Lives: Locust Valley, N.Y., USA:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: None. Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2000 26th, 2001 34th o/a/9th, 2002 28th/10th, 2004 37th/16th, 2005 11th/2nd. 2006 21st/10th. 2007 19th/7th, 2008 13th/5th, 2009 17th/9th, 2010 28th/16th).
 

“I feel exuberated – it‟s a great result for our car – on my first 24 Hour race in Europe. My first stint which was in the dry, was conservative, getting to know the track and the car. The second stint was okay then I was in again for the night hours. After pitting for „slicks‟ on the drying track, I spun into the gravel trap exiting Les Combes on my „out‟ lap. But with just three laps remaining in that stint, I became over confident and spun at La Combes again, losing about three laps while I got towed out of the sand trap. That was disappointing because I let the team down. Later on Sunday I had a much better stint and was much happier with my lap times. The track was hot with plenty of rubber down for my last stint resulting in the car „pushing‟ a lot while the brakes were going off. You always think as a driver you‟re prepared for a 24 hour race but in reality you never are.”

Stefan Johansson (Sw).

Age: 53. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début August 9 1981 (F2/14^th). F1 (1983, 85-91 – 1986/3^rd, 1987/2^nd), F2 (1981-2 – pole-position 1982/F2), GpC (1982-4), 1,000km sports cars (1988/1^st). Last race at Spa: August 19 2007 (LMS/Ret). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1983/6^th, 1984, 1990, 1991/6^th, 1992/5^th, 1997/1^st, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003/3^rd, 2006, 2007, 2008). Daytona (2000 23^rd, 2002 36^th/13^th, 2005/4^th, 2006/22^nd).

“The first goal in any 24 hour race always has to be to get both cars home and that’s exactly what United Autosports did. I started the race and managed to get past the #68 Audi but then had a big, big ‘tank slapper’ of a spin at Blanchimont caused by debris and gravel on the track. My second and third stints were good. We had no technical glitches to speak of with our car. I’d love to race this Audi again.”

Alain Li (F).

Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début 1998, Ferrari Challenge Series (1994-8). Last race at Spa: 1998. Other 24Hr races: None.

“It’s been an eventful 24 hour race début for me as you’d expect – especially at a place like Spa – and an incredible experience. I steadily picked up speed throughout my stints. I had to contend with light and heavier rain on “slicks” in my first stint. My second stint in darkness was a little chaotic. I was spun around at La Source by a slower car I was lapping, thankfully without damage to the car, but then had another spin. I was really pleased with my third stint, setting some good times and gaining places. To summarize a fantastic opportunity with a great team.”

Mark Patterson (USA).
Age:58. Born: Port Elizabeth, S Africa. Lives: Bronxville, N.Y., USA:
Spa 24Hr: 2009 17th o/a (Ferrari 430 GT3). Spa History: Début 2001. Lamborghini Super Trophy (2001). Last race at Spa 2009 (24hrs). Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2004 38th/13th, 2005 23rd/14th, 2006/2nd, 2007/9th, 2008/6th, 2009/41st, 2010/7th)

“I was fourth in to the car after Stefan, Emil and Alain and despite a spin early on, settled myself in quickly after that balletic move. I was back in the car in the early hours and was hit as I attempted to lap a backmarker at La Source causing left side rear bodywork damage which earned us a pit-stop for repairs. I was very happy with my third stint, a double, setting good, consistent times.”

#68 Remington / Singapore Exchange / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS

HOURLY OVERALL/GT3 POSITIONS: Driver rotations: RD/MB/ZB/EC. Start Pos 16th/10th; 1hr 22nd/12th ; 2hrs 9th/3rd ; 3hrs 12th/6th; 4hrs 15th/7th; 5hrs 14th/6th; 6hrs 12th/5th; 7hrs 9th/3rd; 8hrs 9th/3rd; 9hrs 7th/3rd; 10hrs 7th/3rd; 11hrs 8th/4th; 12hrs 10th/4th; 13hrs 10th/4th; 14hrs 12th/6th; 15hrs 9th/4th; 16hrs 9th/4th; 17hrs 7th/3rd; 18hrs 6th/2nd; 19hrs 5th/1st; 20hrs 6th/2nd; 21hrs 9th /3rd; 22hrs 9th/3rd; 23hrs 9th/3rd; FINISH 9th/3rd

Mark Blundell (GB). 
Age: 44. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début May 16 1987 (F3000/2nd). F3000 (1987-89 – 1987/2nd), F1 (1991-95 – 91 scored first-ever F1 point, 94/5th, 95/5th), sportscars (1989/3rd). Last race at Spa: August 27 1995 F1/5th. Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1989, 1990, 1992/1st, 1995/4th, 2001, 2002, 2003/2nd).

“I'm a little disappointed with only third place after leading GT3 and when a win looked realistic but that‟s endurance racing. It looked like a win, I had one moment when another car hit me during the race. Double-stinting [approximately 140mins] after seven years out or a racecar has been tough. I must admit I'm tired. The team has done a tremendous job to get onto the winners' rostrum in its first 24 hour race and I'm personally very happy to be in the best-placed Audi.”

Zak Brown (USA). 

Age: 38. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Opel Lotus Formula (1993/3^rd). Other 24Hr races: BritCar (GB), Daytona (1997/8^th, 1999, 2000, 2010/33^rd o/a/20^th) .

“I had a [lazy] spin but in a 24 hour race that’s not too bad! I did a stint and a half to begin with in varying weather conditions on “slicks” and managed to stick it out which was pleasing. On Sunday morning I just wanted to keep out of trouble – I’m glad I wasn’t told I took the GT3 lead as that would’ve been pressure I could do without. I had the honor of bringing the Audi home at the finish. I’m absolutely delighted with what our team has achieved this weekend.”

Eddie Cheever (USA). 

Age: 52. Born: Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Lives: Indianapolis, USA:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Spa début May 22 1983 F1/3rd, F1 (1983, 85-89 – 1983/3rd, 1987/4th, 1988/6th), GpC (1986/5th, 1987/4th. Last race at Spa: 1989/Ret (F1). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1980/19th, 1981/8th, 1986/24th, 1987/5th. Daytona (2
006/17th, 2007/32nd)
 

“The United Autosports team did everything and more than anyone could have expected in its maiden 24 hours. Our strategy, pit-stops and engineering were all good. My first stint, getting in the car after Richard, Mark and Zak was difficult due to the conditions with the track going from wet, drying, getting wetter again etc etc, but that was the same for everyone. With a track as long as this, you get half good and half bad in terms of track conditions so you may as well suck it up and stay out [on slicks] which is what I did. The Audi R8 LMS was very good in those conditions. It has a lot of electronics that helps the driver to use whatever grip is available. That stint allowed us to put a dent in to the others and put us in the game. I didn't have any problems in the second stint. Around lunchtime on Sunday, I had a power steering problem coming out of Eau Rouge and I was lucky not to crash. 

Richard Dean (GB). 

Age: 45. Born & Lives: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début August 29 1992/Ret (F3000). F3000 (1992), FIA GT (1997/24th/12th), British GT (1998/6th/2nd 1999/2nd). Last race at Spa: September 26 1999 (British GT). Other 24Hr races: WillHire (GB), BritCar (GB), Nürburgring, Le Mans (2006/15th/1st, 2007/23rd/5th, 2009), Mondello Park (IRL), Daytona (2010/33rd/20th), Dubai
 

“The United Autosports did not exist six months ago. To achieve third and fourth places and be the best placed Audi team with both cars finishing, I have to be proud. That said, it's tinged with a little disappointment because a win was beckoning for a while. I started and my opening stint was trouble-free, the balance of the car improved as the stint went on. I then did a double stint behind the wheel in the wet which went well apart from near the end when I was on “wets” and the racing line was bone dry. It was looking like a three stint session in the car next time out but I picked up a punctured left front tire bringing my stint to a finish.”

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to Spa 24 Hour race regulations)
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 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, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories.

24h SPA 2010 Round 1 - Spa-Francorchamps

1     23     GT2     Dumas / Bergmeister / Ragginger / Henzler     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)     24:00:27.341     541     0.000     0

2     16     GT2     Narac / Long / Pilet / Lietz     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)    
24:01:44.163     541     1:16.822     0

3     79     GTN     Werner / Müller / Adorf /     BMW M3    
24:01:34.635     540     1:07.294     0

4     78     GTN     Müller / Lamy / Alzen /     BMW M3    
24:01:31.393     534     1:04.052     0

5     1     GT2     Waltrip / Cadei / Kauffmann / Cioci     Ferrari F430    
24:01:50.763     519     1:23.422     0

6     53     GT3     Häring / Konstantinou / Peyroles / Vannelet     Porsche 911 GT3 R    
24:01:45.255     518     1:17.914     0

7     4     GT2     van Splunteren / Hommerson / Machiels / Bastiaans     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)     24:00:27.995     515     0.654     0

8     99     GT3     Leinders / Martin / Duez /     Ford GT    
24:01:32.261     512     1:04.920     0

9     68     GT3     Blundell / Brown / Dean / Cheever     Audi R8 LMS    
24:02:13.983     503     1:46.642     0

10     67     GT3     Johansson / Li / Patterson / Assentato     Audi R8 LMS    
24:02:59.559     501     2:32.218     0

11     7     GT2     Ashburn / Rosenblad / Asch / Bergmeister     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)    
24:01:29.267     500     1:01.926     0

12     17     GT2     Bourret / Gibon / Belloc / Balandras     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)    
24:01:44.150     498     1:16.809     0

13     73     GT3     Ortelli / Mollekens / Lemeret / Verbist     Audi R8 LMS    
24:01:29.113     497     1:01.772     0

14     71     GT3     Mortimer / Bamford / Griffin /     Ford GT    
24:00:44.225     492     16.884     0

15     60     GT3     Slingerland / Soulet / Schroyen / Menten     Porsche 911 GT3 R    
24:00:29.164     488     1.823     0

16     81     GTN     Grosjean / Radermaecker / Alessi / Marchal     Mosler MT900    
24:00:41.329     466     13.988     0

17     66     GTN     Lichtner Hoyer / Eckert / Seefried / Rich     Porsche 997 GT3 Cup MY06     24:00:40.972     461     13.631     0

18     56     GT3     Corbel / Duchene / Beroujon / Bernard     BMW Alpina B6 GT3    
24:00:57.783     441     30.442     0

19     58     GTN     van der Straten / Al Azhari / Close / Qvick     Ford Mustang FR500C GT     24:00:28.744     431     1.403     0

20     55     GT3     Brandela / Lesoudier / Prignaud / Stepec     BMW Alpina B6 GT3    
20:49:20.143     417     3:11:07.19     0

21     86     GT3     Andre / Goethe / Wainwright / Demoustier     Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4     24:00:30.600     410     3.259     0

22     59     GT4     Dolan / Hancock / Wills / Twyman     Aston Martin V8 Vantage    
24:04:17.539     376     3:50.198     0

23     85     GT3     Giroix / Fatien / Valentini / Beltoise     Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4    
20:54:15.837     374     3:06:11.50     0

24     70     GT4     Viale / de Coster / NelissenGrade / Renmans     Aston Martin V8 Vantage     24:01:06.569     338     39.228     0

25     69     GT4     Deblauwe / Brugmans / Grandjean / Gerome     Porsche 997 GT3 Cup MY06     24:00:32.876     333     5.535     0

26     64     GT3     Renard / Verbergt / Wauters / van Hooydonk     Aston Martin DBRS9    
22:13:24.385     328     1:47:02.95     0

27     51     GT3     Margaritis / Hennerici / Piccini / Moser     Audi R8 LMS    
15:08:15.392     325     8:52:11.94     0

28     2     GT2     Bruni / Longin / van de Poele / Vilander     Ferrari F430    
13:20:16.287     295     10:40:11.0     0

29     50     GT3     Kumpen / Fässler / Luhr / Rockenfeller     Audi R8 LMS    
13:20:18.488     294     10:40:08.8     0

30     98     GT3     De Doncker / Kuppens / Palttala /     Ford GT    
11:46:19.998     249     12:14:07.3     0

31     91     GTN     Broodcooren / Marin / Barbaro / Corten     Porsche 997 Cup    
12:40:12.908     235     11:20:14.4     0

32     13     GT2     Westbrook / Holzer / Lieb / Goossens     Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)    
10:11:40.492     207     13:48:46.8     0

33     52     GT3     Fumal / de Lorenzi / Thiry / Thomas     Porsche 911 GT3 R    
6:15:03.983     135     17:45:23.3     0

34     74     GT3     Bouvy / Kelders / Blachemain / Tuchbant     Audi R8 LMS    
7:20:57.850     127     16:39:29.4     0

35     100     GTN     Vos / Schothorst / Coronel / Kolen     Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S    
4:16:47.312     91     19:43:40.0     0

36     84     GT3     Kox / Hayek / Bonaldi / Lee     Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4    
2:51:38.649     63     21:08:48.6     0

37     72     GT3     Franchi / Vosse / Stippler / Biela     Audi R8 LMS    
2:25:31.503     57     21:34:55.8     0

38     61     GT3     Brouard / Noziere / Kerkhove / Sougnez     Porsche 911 GT3 R    
1:51:40.383     43     22:08:46.9     0

39     63     GT3     D'Ansembourg / Grivegnee / Demay / Merche     Aston Martin DBRS9    
1:09:23.275     25     22:51:04.0     0

40     62     GT4     Barff / Ordonez / Buncombe / Buncombe     Nissan 370Z    
1:03:34.892     23     22:56:52.4     0

Let Battle Commence As United Autosports Sets Out On Maiden 24 Hour Race

·       Dean and Johansson record team’s fastest times in darkness

·       Sole American team prepared for 24 Hour race début in famous European race

The American owned United Autosports team starts its maiden twice-around-the-clock endurance race on Saturday (July 31) from 10^th and 13^th positions in the GT3 category for the Spa 24 Hours (Belgium).

Richard Dean (GB) set a personal quickest time of 2m 25.745s in the #68 Audi R8 LMS around the magnificent 4.35-mile Belgian venue with Stefan Johansson (Sw) at the wheel the “sister” #67 Audi posting a 2m 27.220s. The United Autosports Audi GT3 sports cars start the prestigious annual race from the eighth and 11^th rows of the 40-car grid.

Both “times” were set in total darkness on soft compound “slick” dry weather tires in the dying moments of the final 45mins session which finished 10mins before midnight. Spa and rain have always been traditionally and intrinsically linked and the weather Gods did not disappoint throughout the day which began at 0900hr.

The opening practice session for the 2010 Total 24 Hours of Spa took place in torrential rain which eased off midway through although the track remained wet. The afternoon pre-qualifying trial saw less than one third of the 90mins practice run using “slicks”.

The 63^rd running of the 24 Hours of Spa on Saturday at 1600hr after a 20mins warm-up (0910-0930). 

Racefans can follow the progress of United Autosports throughout the race:

Twitter: @unitedautosport or Facebook: unitedautosports

* Times quoted are “local” Central European Time.

#67 Cerutti / FXDD / Roger Dubuis Watches / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS

Emil Assentato (USA).Age: 61. Born: New York City, N.Y., USA. Lives: Locust Valley, N.Y., USA:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: None. Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2000 26th, 2001 34th o/a/9th, 2002 28th/10th, 2004 37th/16th, 2005 11th/2nd. 2006 21st/10th. 2007 19th/7th, 2008 13th/5th, 2009 17th/9th, 2010 28th/16th).
 

“This is my first visit to Spa [apart from the test earlier this month] and there is no doubt that it’s a difficult place to learn – particularly at night. It’s certainly a massive challenge for me to drive a new car at a new venue and in constantly changing weather conditions – it’s been something of a baptism of fire. The team is great, it’s an awesome car and I can’t wait for the green flag on Saturday.”

Stefan Johansson (Sw).

Age: 53. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début August 9 1981 (F2/14^th). F1 (1983, 85-91 – 1986/3^rd, 1987/2^nd), F2 (1981-2 – pole-position 1982/F2), GpC (1982-4), 1,000km sports cars (1988/1^st). Last race at Spa: August 19 2007 (LMS/Ret). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1983/6^th, 1984, 1990, 1991/6^th, 1992/5^th, 1997/1^st, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003/3^rd, 2006, 2007, 2008). Daytona (2000 23^rd, 2002 36^th/13^th, 2005/4^th, 2006/22^nd).

“We steadily improved the Audi throughout the day and the times have come down. We’ll take on some set-up changes from the #68 Audi which that car benefitted from at the end and I’m sure we’ll have a pretty good race car. Incredibly after three qualifying sessions taking us up to almost midnight I had traffic on every lap. But for 24 hour race grid positions are pretty academic. It’s just fantastic to be back at Spa and driving a 24 hour race again.”

Alain Li (F).

Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début 1998, Ferrari Challenge Series (1994-8). Last race at Spa: 1998. Other 24Hr races: None.

“It’s been a very changeable day in terms of the weather, which is exactly what you expect here, but it’s meant each time I’ve gone out on track the conditions have been completely different. I’m confident that I’ll improve on my lap times during the race with every lap but it’s just great fun for simply being here at Spa. Apart from the test day this is only my second time in the Audi and there is plenty to learn about this car. There’s definitely a lot for me to take in.”

Mark Patterson (USA).
Age:58. Born: Port Elizabeth, S Africa. Lives: Bronxville, N.Y., USA:
Spa 24Hr: 2009 17th o/a (Ferrari 430 GT3). Spa History: Début 2001. Lamborghini Super Trophy (2001). Last race at Spa 2009 (24hrs). Other 24Hr races: Daytona (2004 38th/13th, 2005 23rd/14th, 2006/2nd, 2007/9th, 2008/6th, 2009/41st, 2010/7th)

“I think we’re in pretty good shape for the race having survived all conditions Mother Nature has thrown at us during the course of 15 hours of on-track action today. We’ve steadily worked through the day to improve the Audi. This weekend marks my second Spa 24 Hours and I just can’t wait for the race to start. This place is what dreams are made of.”

#68 Remington / Singapore Exchange / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS

Mark Blundell (GB). 
Age: 44. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début May 16 1987 (F3000/2nd). F3000 (1987-89 – 1987/2nd), F1 (1991-95 – 91 scored first-ever F1 point, 94/5th, 95/5th), sportscars (1989/3rd). Last race at Spa: August 27 1995 F1/5th. Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1989, 1990, 1992/1st, 1995/4th, 2001, 2002, 2003/2nd).

“It’s been a typical day at Spa in terms of the varying weather conditions and a good warm-up for a 24 hour race in respect of ever-changing track conditions with gravel and oil on the surface. I had my first run in the opening morning session and my last stint behind the wheel gone 11pm so it’s been a long day. We’ve continued to hone the R8 LMS in preparation for the race so we’re looking in pretty good shape for the race.”

Zak Brown (USA). 

Age: 38. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Opel Lotus Formula (1993/3^rd). Other 24Hr races: BritCar (GB), Daytona (1997/8^th, 1999, 2000, 2010/33^rd o/a/20^th) .

“I got out on track for the first time in Q1 so haven’t had many laps today but that’s okay, it’s an endurance race afterall! I was pleased with my times in Q2. I’m thoroughly enjoying the event with our incredible driver line-up. To have Eddie, Mark and Stefan onboard for United Autosports’ maiden 24 hour race is indeed a privilege. The Audi has slightly more horsepower since our last FIA GT3 races which is very good news while our engineering guys are doing a great job. The aim is for a reliable run to a GT3 podium finish come Sunday afternoon.”

Eddie Cheever (USA). 

Age: 52. Born: Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Lives: Indianapolis, USA:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Spa début May 22 1983 F1/3rd, F1 (1983, 85-89 – 1983/3rd, 1987/4th, 1988/6th), GpC (1986/5th, 1987/4th. Last race at Spa: 1989/Ret (F1). Other 24Hr races: Le Mans (1980/19th, 1981/8th, 1986/24th, 1987/5th. Daytona (2
006/17th, 2007/32nd)
 

“This is my third day in the Audi R8 LMS after tests at Snetterton [GB] and here last month and I’m getting more and more comfortable with it. Conditions have been strange in that it’s been wet, dry, damp then daytime, then nighttime. But every time I drive, the times are a little quicker. The balance is better than at the test day and that’s exactly what you need for such a physically demanding track like Spa which is a dream to come back to after all of these years. Team co-owners Zak [Brown] and Richard [Dean] have a superb outfit here, they should be complimented on what they have achieved in a short space of time.”

Richard Dean (GB). 

Age: 45. Born & Lives: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England:
Spa 24Hr: Début. Spa History: Début August 29 1992/Ret (F3000). F3000 (1992), FIA GT (1997/24th/12th), British GT (1998/6th/2nd 1999/2nd). Last race at Spa: September 26 1999 (British GT). Other 24Hr races: WillHire (GB), BritCar (GB), Nürburgring, Le Mans (2006/15th/1st, 2007/23rd/5th, 2009), Mondello Park (IRL), Daytona (2010/33rd/20th), Dubai
 

“Both Stefan and I managed to improve our grid positions right at the end of the final qualifying session. I thought we were going to be thwarted in achieving a representative time having encountered a Red Flag, rain or oil on the track all at the wrong time for us in the previous sessions. There was still a lot more time to come as incredibly, at the stage in the session, traffic was a major problem. But the most pleasing aspect is that we made changes prior to my final run which improved the Audi massively. We will now have a more consistent and easier car to drive for the race which is very good news.”

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to Spa 24 Hour race regulations)
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 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, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories.

United Autosports Prepare for Maiden Round the Clock Encounter

·       American team attends Spa 24 Hour race test day at famous Belgian circuit

·       New high-profile sponsors for prestigious European round-the-clock encounter  

(Left to right) Emil Assentato, Stefan Johansson, Alain Li, Zak Brown, Richard Dean, Mark Blundell and Eddie Cheever

The United Autosports team trucks now return to its base in Leeds, England, after a hectic four-week, 5,000-mile excursion which culminated in a one-day “official” test at Spa-Francorchamps today (Wednesday July 7) at the legendary Belgian venue in readiness for the annual 24 Hour race.

The American owned team enters two Audi R8 LMS sports cars in the twice-around-the-clock encounter. The #67 Audi was piloted by Emil Assentato (USA), Stefan Johansson (Sw) and Alain Li (F) today – Mark Patterson (USA) completes the quartet but was unable to attend the eight-hour test today due to prior business commitments.

Mark Blundell (GB), Zak Brown (USA), Eddie Cheever (USA) and Richard Dean (GB) were aboard the “sister” #68 R8 LMS. Both cars completed a combined near total of 200-laps around the magnificent 4.352-mile, 21-corner track considered to be one of the most challenging race circuits in the world due to its fast, undulating and twisting nature, recording the sixth and eighth fastest times in the GT3 class combining the morning and afternoon sessions.

Season-long United Autosports’ sponsors Remington, Cerruti and LG Electronics are joined by Roger Dubuis Watches, FXDD, Road & Track, Legends of Motorsports and the Singapore Stock Exchange for the famous Belgian race staged over July 31-August 1 which will mark the team’s maiden 24 hour event.

The United Autosports team has been on the road since June 11 with tests at Albacete (Spain) and Nogaro (France) plus FIA GT3 European Championship races at Jarama (Spain) and Paul Ricard (France) before arriving at Spa.

United Autosports’ Co-Owners Brown and Dean fly to North America tonight for the Legends of Motorsports historic races at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec (Canada) this weekend (July 10-11). The American will race his 1979 ex-John Watson/Patrick Tambay Formula One McLaren M28 Cosworth while Dean is re-united with his Oulton Park (GB) 1990 Gold Cup race winning Reynard 90D Cosworth.

Legends of Motorsports is a race series owned by Historic Motorsports Productions whose principal owners are Brown, Bobby Rahal and Peter Stoneberg. Canada’s motor racing hero Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula One Champion and 1995 Indy Car World Series Champion, will serve as Grand Marshal at the event.

#67 Cerutti / FXDD / Robert Dubuis Watches / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS (running as #112 today)

Emil Assentato (USA). Age: 61. Born: New York City, N.Y., USA. Lives: Locust Valley, N.Y., USA:

“The car is totally new to me – today was the first time I’d ever sat behind the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS. With more miles the confidence will come. The track is what you believe a Grand Prix track should be and is exactly what I had dreamt it would be like – it’s challenging and dramatic with huge elevation changes. I’d love to conquer it but not sure I ever will. I flew in to Belgium having finished fourth in the latest Grand-Am GT race at Daytona (July 3) which retains Jeff Segal and I the GT championship lead.”

Stefan Johansson (Sw). Age: 53. Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives: Los Angeles, California, USA:

“I’d driven the R8 LMS for the first time at Snetterton [GB] last month. There were a few niggles today but that is what testing is all about, finding these problems before the race and resolving them. I’m certain we’ll be on the pace when we return here at the end of the month.”

Alain Li (F). Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

“Today was my first drive in the Audi while it’s my first time back at Spa for around 12 years or so. The weather was superb today and the track was in good condition – just fantastic to be back. I’m learning about the Audi with every lap. I found it comfortable and nice to drive. I just need to find the car’s limits which will come with more mileage.”

Mark Patterson (USA). Age:58. Born: Port Elizabeth, S Africa. Lives: Bronxville, N.Y., USA: 

·       Not present at today’s test.

#68 Remington / Singapore Stock Exchange / Road & Track / Legends of Motorsports / LG Electronics – Audi R8 LMS (running as #111 today)

Mark Blundell (GB). Age: 44. Born: Barnet, England. Lives: Royston, England:

“I had a brief outing in the Audi at Silverstone [GB] in May and Snetterton last month but it’s great to get out at Spa again. We experienced an imbalance in the car this afternoon but made changes which found us speed and consistency. Eddie and I then finished off the test with a tire program. It’s been a very productive test.”

Zak Brown (USA). Age: 38. Born: Los Angeles, California, USA. Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

“There were a lot of fans lined up outside our garage to get a glimpse of Eddie, Mark and Stefan – it was a fantastic sight. It’s a huge privilege for me to have them in the United Autosports team. I raced here in the early 1990s so today was valuable to become re-acclimatized to this hugely daunting Spa track. We can now go away and study the data which can be put to good effect come the race week.”

Eddie Cheever (USA). Age: 52. Born: Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Lives: Indianapolis, USA:

“This was my first proper run in the Audi having had a brief acclimatization at Snetterton in wet conditions last month. We had some handling issues this afternoon which we worked on. But it was good to get in some mileage before the race. I’m looking forward to racing again at Spa and to be back behind the wheel for a 24 Hour race.”

Richard Dean (GB). Age: 45. Born & Lives: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England:

“I raced the Audi R8 LMS in the team’s début races at Oulton Park (GB) in April and did 20 laps at our  Nogaro test last week so I’ve had a couple of decent runs in the car prior to today. Having spent the day at Spa, we’ll now go back to the workshop with a big job list to tick off so as to make the car more comfortable and consistent in preparation for the race. It was amazing to see the reaction of the officials when Eddie, Mark and Stefan signed-on this morning – everyone just stared – they’re still regarded as heroes.”

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)

V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, 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, Michelin radial tires. Approx 500 hp (reduced power). Start weight 1,320kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories.

* An Editorial Copyright Free photograph gallery from the Spa test can be accessed at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports

* Detailed biographies on each of the United Autosports drivers are available on request.