Team USA Le Mans Endurance Kart summary

Team USA Scores Podium Finish in Le Mans Endurance Kart Racing Event

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (July 17, 2006)--In a true display of American fortitude and determination, Team Eagle, representing the United States, triumphed over adversity and posted a podium finish in the 24 Heures du Mans endurance kart racing event at Alain Prost Circuit July 2.

Team Eagle, part of a triad organized by Endurance Karting to represent the United States, experienced problems with a stub axle in the first hour of the race, which relegated the team to a 40th and last place position. Not willing to succumb to ill fortune, the six drivers comprising Team Eagle drove quickly and consistently, moving as high as second in class and eighth overall before finishing third in class and 10th overall.

"Team Eagle was the first U.S. team to finish on the podium in this event, and it is truly an honor to be part of the team," said Johan Schwartz, president of Endurance Karting and member of Team Eagle. "We are already looking forward to returning to Le Mans next year, and we hope to become a permanent fixture on the podium there.

"Finishing well before an international audience speaks well of our Endurance Karting program. It also makes us more eager for the 24 Hours of America in West Palm Beach, Fla., in January."

Like Team Eagle, Team Spirit experienced its share of triumph and tribulation in the race. Open wheel ace Sean Ferris Mataya drove the Team Spirit kart to the class lead during the first 90 minutes of the race, but mechanical trouble struck the team later in the event. Team Spirit finished a respectable 10th in class.

The third Endurance Karting United States team was Team Red, White and Blue. Like the two other U.S. teams, Team Red, White and Blue was made of mostly novice racers with some racing experience. The teams battled both the nine-turn course and competitors from New Zealand, Cyprus, Palestine, Isle of Man, England and the BAR Honda F1 team. Team Red, White and Blue emerged from the battle 16th in class and 27th overall.

After exhibiting its karting prowess overseas, the Endurance Karting program returns to American soil July 22 for a six-hour full-course event at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. Endurance Karting will also host a series of Family Camps at Lime Rock Park the following weekend, July 28 and 29. Family Camps promote family bonding as parents and children learn the ropes of endurance go kart racing.

Team USA Drivers:

Team Eagle
Kevin Bateman
Kevin Bligan
Yury Lakdo
Jim Machul
Johan Schwartz
Chris Sheerwood

Team Spirit
Hugo Alcantara
Luis Coelho
Pedro Crespo
Nelson Fontainhas
Tim Ikhizgilov
Sean Ferris Mataya
Joe Smith
Antonio Verissimo

Team Red, White and Blue
Bill Goodale
Jeff Gutterson
Jonathan (C.J.) Jacques
Dave Liseicki
Anthony Sanders
Glenn Smith
Russell Strate Jr.

-team usa-