SCC: APR Motorsports signs Gleason family

APR Motorsport Signs Gleason Family to Challenge for ST Championship

Many people will agree, APR Motorsport operates as a closely knit family more so than your typical race team and so signing two generations of the Gleason family to drive the #181 APR Motorsport VW GTi MK6 is the merger of two motorsport families resulting in a powerful combination thicker than water. Chris Gleason, Chris Gleason Jr. and Kevin Gleason will share driving duties in the #181 VW GTi MK6 in the ST class of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. The 2011 season opener at the GRAND-AM 200 in Daytona will see Chris Gleason Jr. and Kevin Gleason as the drivers of the first round with Chris Sr. providing support.

APR Motorsport first noticed Kevin Gleason in 2010 when he was competing in the Volkswagen TDI Cup where he scored 1 pole, 2 podiums and a 6th place finish in the season standings. After such success with VW's in the TDI Cup, APR Motorsport invited Kevin to come test with the team, where he impressed all with his maturity and pace. "Kevin was an absolute revelation for us. We knew he was going to be quick, but his attitude and work ethic made him a perfect fit for our team and we expect him to be able to battle at the front like a veteran", commented APR Motorsport Director Jeff Mishtawy.

Partnering Kevin for the first round at Daytona will be his younger brother Chris Gleason Jr. Chris has been a long time karter and club racer, winning multiple poles and wins in Spec Miata and in 125cc shifter karts. Jeff Mishtawy shared his thoughts about the youngest Gleason on the team, "We've been very fortunate to have some of the best young talent in the country work with us and Chris continues this tradition. With Chris' prior results we expect him to rise to the challenge of the CTSCC straight away."

Joining his two sons will be long time professional racer Chris Gleason Sr. With podiums and race wins in series as varied as Trans Am, Formula Atlantic, GRAND-AM and ALMS, Chris brings his incredible racing pedigree to the APR Motorsport team in support of the next Gleason generation of racers. "When a driver like Chris Gleason knocks on your door you sit up and pay attention" said Jeff Mishtawy. "With his wealth of experience at all levels of the sport, Chris Gleason is truly an asset for APR Motorsport and I'm looking forward to working with him and his sons."

Kevin Gleason perhaps summed up everybody's thoughts best, "I couldn't be more excited to be contesting the 2011 season with APR Motorsport. I knew from the moment I met the team that this was the place I wanted to be in 2011. With APR's state of the art facility, to the quality people who work with the team, I am looking forward to working extremely hard and achieving some great results. To be running the season co-driving with my Father and Brother is just awesome, it's something I could have only dreamed of and to have that dream come true is really special. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm looking forward to a great season."

So look for the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge to be a family affair as the Gleasons and APR Motorsport have their sights set high beginning next week at the GRAND-AM 200.

-source: apr