SCC: A.M. Performance announces 2011 plans

A.M. PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BRING BACK NISSAN INTO GRAND-AM COMPETITION

Scotts Valley, California - January 11, 2011 - The newly formed A.M. Performance team announced today that it has acquired three brand new Nissan NISMO 370Zs, and will be preparing them for the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season. This will mark the return to GS action for the Z model after nearly three years. The new platform boosts a more powerful 3.7L V6 engine, completely new chassis and aerodynamics, refined suspension, and everything needed to compete with the high displacement V-8's that dominate the class.

In addition to full race car builds, preparation, and arrive-and-drive programs, A.M. Performance will be making its mark on the streets as well as developing high performance aftermarket products for a variety of platforms. The Scotts Valley, CA based company will be staffed with some of the most talented and passionate race car fabricators, tuners, and drivers in the country, and looks forward to a quick rise to the top by challenging the nation's leading aftermarket parts and race car fabrication companies both on and off the racetrack.

The team aims to complete building their cars and begin testing by March with an eye on making their Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge debut at the Barber 200, which will take place at Barber Motorsports Park on April 8-9, 2011.

Leading the company as CEO and driver is Brian Lock who has spent the majority of his career running the fabrication side of his family race team, GOTO:Racing, and most recently ran COBB Tuning Motorsports. No stranger to GRAND-AM competition, GOTO:Racing had its share of success during its very brief seasons, capturing a pole position, multiple top tens, and a second place finish and track record with Lock behind the wheel. As general manager and driver, he lead COBB Tuning Motorsports to eight track records, two championship, and developed the fastest stock chassis road race GT-R in the world.

Joining Lock with driving and chassis development duties will be Mike Sweeney. Sweeney brings with him multiple ST class wins, Rolex GT experience, and years as a professional driving instructor. The 29 year old brings not only speed, but experience in a wide variety of vehicles which will prove beneficial in developing the new 370Z chassis. In addition to being a great spokesman for A.M. Performance, he brings with him a very close relationship representing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, who are committed to finding a cure for blood cancers.

Brian Lock
Driver, CEO, A.M. Performance

"Words can't describe my excitement for our 2011 program. To be back racing in GRAND-AM full time, and working with Nissan to put their brand back in the spotlight in US road racing is an absolute honor and privilege. We look forward to climbing the GRAND-AM ladder and showing the country how fast A.M. Performance can make the NISMO 370Z go around the track."

"I have been waiting over two years for the chance to drive a GRAND-AM car full time, and now that that's happened, and to be able to share the car with Mike Sweeney only makes it that much better. His wins and performance record speak very highly about his ability; you won't find a better person to represent your brand and company."

Mike Sweeney
Driver, A.M. Performance

"Finally I get to go play in Grand Sport! GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge is hands down the most exciting racing in North America, and it's always fun being in the fastest class. Plus, as a founding member of A.M. Performance this deal is really exciting; it's fantastic to bring Nissan back into GRAND-AM, I can't wait to get the NISMO 370Z on track. In the meantime, we are going to stay crazy busy building the cars, getting our shop rolling, and setting up our driver development program. It's going to be a great year, so stay tuned, kids!"

-source: am performance