NewsFax 2002-04-23

SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge NewsFax
Volume 4, No. 2
April 23, 2002

DOBSON, KIRBERG TO CAMPAIGN FULL SEASON IN SSF IMPORTED AUTO PARTS BMW TOURING CARS:

SSF Imported Auto Parts returns to the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge with two newly constructed BMW 325 racecars. SSF is a leading national wholesaler of European automotive parts, and keeps its motorsports program well supplied with top-quality components. Marc Kirberg (No. 37 BMW 325is) and Ken Dobson (No. 7 BMW 325Ci) pilot the two SSF entries.

"We've built a top-notch team, and this season we're running BMW 325 racecars that are engineered and constructed in-house," said Hans Kopecky, SSF President and CEO. "All the pieces are in place for success."

"The races I attended last year gave me a taste of what I can achieve in 2002," said Kirberg, who will fight for the rookie title in 2002. "The World Challenge Series has a large, competitive field, and the experience will definitely bring me up to the next level of performance."

"It felt good standing on the podium last year, and you can bet I will be back," said Ken Dobson, was one lap away from victory in the season opener at Sebring, March 15.

A group of dedicated SSF employees comprise the company's motorsports team. The 2002 season is SSF's third year in World Challenge competition, and, with two visits to the podium last year, they've developed into a top contender for this year's championship. Co-sponsors Westek Electronics, Sachs Race Engineering, Bosch, Lemferder, Contitech, Pentosin, Iwis, and Ate are backing SSF Motorsports in 2002.

SSF Imported Auto Parts has five wholesale warehouse locations serving five west coast metro markets (San Francisco, Phoenix, Irvine-Orange County, Long Beach and San Diego), and ships parts nationwide. For more information, visit www.ssfautoparts.com.

PETER SCHWARTZOTT RETURNS TO TOURING CAR WITH A CIVIC, WILL MOVE TO RSX:

Three-time SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge race winner and 40-year road racing veteran Peter Schwartzott returns to the series beginning with Mosport in a Honda Civic Si Speed Touring Car.

Schwartzott will begin his 2002 season in a Civic, before moving over to brand new Acura RSX Type S, being joined by a second RSX driven by son Peter Schwartzott Jr.

The team is supported by American Honda, BBS Motorpsorts and Ground Control Suspension Systems. Additional technical and product support for Peter Schwartzott Racing comes from Skunk2, Jackson Racing, DC Sports and Afco Racing Products.

"I'm very excited to be associated with brands of such high quality and a series that has become a spectacular showcase for both drivers and the hugely popular sport compact vehicle," said Schwartzott Sr. "We are fully aware that the competitive bar has gone way up since we last won in '97, and we look forward to the challenge-that's the point, isn't it?"

A retired fine arts college professor, Schwartzott began SCCA racing in the early 1960s, competing in formula cars, sedans, the early Trans-Am Series, Nascar short track modifieds, VW Cup cars, Corvettes, race trucks, endurance series and, most recently, the World Challenge and Grand-Am Cup series. The team has won numerous championships, most recently the 1997-1998 (old) Speedvision Cup and the 1999 Motorola Cup.

Schwartzott Jr., who served as Crew Chief during those championship-winning years, will make his World Challenge driving debut later this season in the team's second RSX Type S. Racing remains a family affair for the Schwartzotts, as daughter Jennifer will continue working as a pit official. Granddaughter Emily is currently working in timing and scoring and loves go-karts.

"Who knows?" said Schwartzott of a possible third family member racecar driver. "Either way, the Schwartzott name will remain in racing for years to come."

TEAM FBR/TRANS SPORT READIES SECOND LEXUS FOR MOSPORT, SIGNS HYPE AS ASSOCIATE SPONSOR:

As the technical side of Team FBR/Trans Sport readies its second of three Lexus IS 300s for debut at Mosport, the marketing side has been busy seeking additional sponsorship, signing Hype Classic energy drink on as a team associate sponsor.

Mike Fitzgerald (No. 81) made the successful Lexus debut in Speed Touring Car competition at Sebring, recording a fifth-place finish. The second of three cars (No. 83) will be ready for testing in the next week, and will provide a means for team co-owner Mark McClean to make his first start in the series, at Mosport on May 19.

"The car drove really well for the first time out," said Fitzgerald. "We are dealing with some handling issues, but Franz Blam Racing is still developing some completely new suspension components for us. It's a great car. I'm happy with fifth, but we'll be looking for podiums down the line."

Hype Classic (www.hype.com <http://www.hype.com>) joins Team FBR/Trans Sport after a brief partnership with Conquest Racing in the Indy Racing League.

"We're very pleased to have Hype on board," said team co-owner Tim Pappas. "Team FBR/Trans Sport looks forward to promoting this new alternative in the energy drink market to the racing community and beyond."

-scca pro racing-