Autometrics adds Lazzaro, Kelleners for Daytona 24

World Class Drivers Join Autometrics Motorsports for the 2008 Racing Season
Ralf Kelleners and Anthony Lazzaro Set Sights on Daytona's 2008 Grand-Am Rolex 24

Charleston, SC (January 2007) -- Championship drivers Ralf Kelleners and Anthony Lazzaro will head to Daytona for this year's Rolex 24 hour race to compete with what will be the strongest team assembled by Autometrics Motorsports. Current team drivers Cory Friedman and Mac McGehee will also drive the grueling 3.56 mile course beginning Saturday, January 26 at 1:30 pm and finishing 24 hours later. The team of four will drive the No.14 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car sponsored by Jacksonville, Fla. based Mac Papers Company. Autometrics will also enter the No. 74 Porsche GT3 Cup driven by drivers Derek Skea, Bransen Patch and Jim Hamblin.

"We are extremely fortunate and excited to have Anthony and Ralf join our team," said Gordon Friedman, Autometrics Motorsports Team President. "Their involvement will help take our team to the next level of competition and sponsorship."

Anthony Lazzaro, 44, hails from Canton, Georgia and will be competing in his 12th Rolex 24 race. His professional racing career at Daytona has brought him 10 first place finishes participating in different races. Lazzaro's best performance in the Rolex 24 was a second place finish in 2003. Lazzaro's championship success started early in his career with five national championships and three world championships in the World Karting Association circuit.

"I look forward to driving with Ralf as our combined experience and passion for the sport will hopefully bring us the winner's trophy," said Lazzaro.

Ralf Kelleners,39, hails from Dusseldorf, Germany and began racing in America in 1997. He will take the wheel for the fifth time in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The first time resulted in a GT2 class win, fourth overall in 1997. Ralf's recent success in the Rolex 24 resulted in a 2002 SRPII class win, third overall. Both Lazzaro and Kelleners raced as team mates for race team Risi Competicion from 2002-2004.

"I am very pleased to be driving with my former team mate Anthony Lazzaro and Autometrics," said Kelleners. "Gordon Friedman and his crew are first class professionals who I know will provide a powerful car."

-credit: am