Mid-Ohio: Jeff Courtney preview

KENDA TIRES ROLLS OUT RED CARPET
Jeff Courtney Returns to Mid-Ohio

Milwaukee, WI (August 5, 2009) - KENDA customers, employees, family and friends will be in attendance at the Mid-Ohio race as KENDA Tires rolls out the red carpet in support. There will be 75-100 guests in attendance, all cheering and pulling for Jeff Courtney, driver of the No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. "I really want to thank KENDA Tires, they've been a long-time sponsor of mine and I cannot thank them enough for all they do," said Courtney.

Courtney and the Woodhouse Performance Team are preparing to return to the track at Mid-Ohio for the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship race. In 2008, Courtney had his best qualifier here, starting in 3rd place. The loss of transmission oil in Courtney's No. 99 KENDA Tires/Woodhouse Performance/Dodge Viper Competition Coupe killed any chance of a podium finish.

"That was a bad break for us last year," said Courtney. "But I love this track and I can't wait to give it another go."

Last season, teammate Tommy Archer took the checkered flag at the Mid-Ohio race, this year the No. 13 car will be driven by Charlie Putman. "It's great to have Charlie on board, this will be a fabulous venue to have him join the team," said Courtney. Courtney and Putman raced together in the Grand Am and Panoz series. The past few years, Putman has raced in the TC class, Mid-Ohio will be his first GT start.

Also new to the Woodhouse Performance Team is Matt Bejnarowicz. Bejnarowicz was instrumental in the tuning of the Viper Competition Coupe and the new Viper ACR street performance model.

Courtney was interviewed recently on Jim Tretow's Racing Roundup which airs on ESPN Radio 540 am, taped live from Paulie's Pub & Eatery located across from the historic Milwaukee Mile to promote the upcoming race at Road America. "I was excited to be asked to help promote the upcoming Road America event," said Courtney. "Jim's a great guy I had a lot of fun on the show." Courtney's spot on the show was arranged by Julie Sebranek, communications director for Road America. Racing Roundup makes the most of every opportunity to support local tracks and highlight local drivers. Check out Racing Roundup at www.racingroundup.net.

Watch live moment-by-moment racing recaps at www.world-challenge.com. Courtney gets a green light at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 9.

-credit: jcr