Ross Thompson joins PCM in GT class at Laguna Seca

Ross Thompson Joins Pacific Coast Motorsports to Tackle Rolex GT Class

PHOENIX, AZ (May 2, 2006) -- Ross Thompson joins Pacific Coast Motorsports (PCM) as the team heads into this weekend's sixth round of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and hosted at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - California.

Representing General Motors for the first time as a customer entry in the GT class, this weekend's debut at the 2.238-mile Monterey circuit follows PCM's purchase of the brand-new Pontiac No. 98 Pontiac GTO.R from Pratt & Miller Engineering back in February. With primary backing for Sunday's race, courtesy of Ironclad along with Wine Country Motor Sports, Ross Thompson joins David Empringham to lead the team's attack.

As recently as three weeks ago, Ross Thompson tested the car for the first time at Firebird Intl. Raceway in Phoenix, AZ. David Empringham then joined him for a second test at Buttonwillow Raceway Park the following week. PCM hopes to build on GM Racing's pedigree in the GT class, the Pontiac GTO.R debuting in the category last season to much acclaim and four victories.

Looking ahead to Sunday's 'U.S. Sports Car Invitational', the pairing of Canada's David Empringham with America's Ross Thompson looks set to be a solid combination of talents, both drivers delighted to be racing the team's latest entry. Empringham, the reigning Grand American Cup Champion, formed part of PCM's four-strong Daytona Prototype line-up back in January's 'Rolex 24 At Daytona' while Thompson makes his debut with the championship-winning team. The Ohio-racer's background includes starts in Trans-Am and NASCAR divisional competition with Laguna marking his Rolex Sports Car Series debut.

On doubling up the team's efforts by entering both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes this weekend Tyler Tadevic, PCM's Team Director, commented:

"I'm stoked to finally be taking part in the GT class and I hope we do General Motors proud with our entry. It's a great opportunity for us and I hope it will lead to even greater things for the future. We really believe in the competitiveness of the car and if we operate as effectively as a team, as we know the car is capable of, then I'm confident we'll be competing at the front.

Dave's race resume speaks for itself and we're delighted to run him at Laguna. We've been really impressed with Ross's feedback and ability in testing and feel he's a good fit to go with Dave's experience. It's great that Ironclad and Wine Country Motor Sports are joining us for Sunday's GT debut, as always it's a pleasure to represent them on track."

Ross Thompson aims to take full advantage of his debut run at Laguna:

"I'm just really grateful for the opportunity to run with Pacific Coast Motorsports as they make their GT debut. This is definitely one of the best opportunities offered to me since I began racing and I'm really excited to be paired alongside a seasoned professional like Dave Empringham. Laguna Seca is without doubt one of my favorite circuits on the west coast and I can't wait to hit the track and see what the car can do there."

Teaming up with PCM for the first time since January's 'Rolex 24 At Daytona', David Empringham said:

"I'm excited to be back racing with Pacific Coast Motorsports this weekend. Having worked with them on several occasions I know how strong their desire to compete at the front is! That desire coupled with the pedigree of the Pontiac GTO.R in GT competition will hopefully allow us a competitive run on Sunday. It's a tight field and we're coming in from scratch while others have been racing since January so it'll be a busy weekend but I'm looking forward to partnering with Ross and seeing how we go!"

The grid for Sunday's 'U.S. Sports Car Invitational', Round 6 of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, will be formed based on the results from Saturday's GT qualifying race. Sunday's 250-mile race starts at 3pm EST with SPEED broadcasting the race the following day at 12pm EST.

Timing and scoring can also be found online at: www.GrandAmerican.com.

-www.RossThompsonRacing.com.