Michael DeNino news 2009-05-25

Racing Drivers Take on 24 Hours of Big Bear Mountain Bike Race
24-hours-of-big-bear-course

Andy Lally (Dacula, GA), Craig Stanton (Long Beach, CA), Mike Simon (Montgomery Village, MD) and Michael DeNino (Gaithersburg, MD) have teamed up to take on the 24 Hours of Big Bear mountain bike relay race.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge," says Lally, a two time winner of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Lally, who currently races in several premier auto racing series in the United States, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, ALMS, Rolex Sports Car Series and Koni Sports Car Challenge, recently started competing in mountain bike races where he has seen success early on.

Craig Stanton is a long time veteran of all things athletic and all things racing. Stanton has 20 years racing experience, including competition in NASCAR, ALMS, Grand-AM, USAC, Score and SCCA Pro. Stanton has also competed in several adventure races and 27 triathlons, but he is best known for his work behind the wheel of a GT sports car.

Mike Simon has more cycling experience than motor racing. Having competed in a 24 hour mountain bike race in West Virginia six times, Simon is extremely experienced with the terrain and weather conditions unique to the location of the race. "We are all aware of the challenges we will be facing." says Simon "I've been on the podium at this race twice before, but this time I have my eye on the top step." Aside from his cycling experience, Simon has competed the ICA and Formula Yamaha WKA karting series.

Michael DeNino, the the youngest of the four, recently competed in the inaugural season of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup with strong results and was recognized as the most dedicated driver in the 2008 season. Aside from his touring car experience, DeNino also has experience in junior formula cars, karting and cycling.

"We have a very strong, experienced team," says DeNino. "Our team is very fortunate to have support from Performance Drink, webmountainbike.com, Elite Cycles and Blue Competition Cycles. We will benefit greatly from having technologically superior equipment, allowing us to be both fast and consistent. It's going to be great!"

The race is a true test of endurance. Each rider will complete the 12 mile course roughly four times throughout the 24 hour period. "It's going to be a real challenge," notes DeNino. "We are all going to be pushing our limits, everyone on our team wants to win. We are all very competitive."

To help bring out their full athletic potential, the team will be using Performance Drink, the first scientifically proven performance enhancing drink on the market. "Performance drink has helped me win many races throughout my career." says Stanton "Any team that is not using it will be at a huge disadvantage."

"Teamwork is key, it's the aspect which I like most about endurance racing," says Stanton. "I am so grateful for the support of Performance Drink, webmountainbike.com, Elite Cycles and Blue Competition Cycles. Preparation is going to be the most important aspect of this race. Whether it's the 24 Hours of Daytona or the 24 Hour of Big Bear, you need to front load the program so that you're prepared for any event that comes up during the race. Our partners have supplied us with state of the art tools that will allow us to accomplish our goals.

The 24 Hours of Big bear is a well attended spectator event that takes place in Hazelton West Virginia, June 13-14. The team is entered in the four person sport male category. The race starts at noon on Saturday and concludes at noon Sunday. The team will be posting updates and photos prior to and throughout the race. Live scoring will also be available on the race organizer's website. (www.grannygear.com) You can follow the team via the following:

-credit: www.michaeldenino.com