GRAND-AM to Add B-Spec Races

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GRAND-AM Road Racing announced today an exciting complement to its two existing sports car series, in the form of a  new "B-Spec" level featuring sub-compact cars in six races this season.

Currently, the six sprint races – planned for between 30 and 45 minutes in length – will  run in conjunction with GRAND-AM weekends at Homestead-Miami Speedway (April 27-29), New Jersey Motorsports Park (May 11-13), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (June 8-9), Watkins Glen International (June 29-July 1), Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Sept. 7-9) and Lime Rock Park (Sept. 28-29). Each of those weekends will also feature North America's most popular forms of sports car competition – the GRAND-AM Rolex Series and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

Regional racers who meet entry requirements are welcome at each event, with a concentration on event victories instead of a national championship. No currently licensed professional drivers will be allowed to participate.

A total of five manufacturers have committed to the new competition, with the following models involved: Mazda 2, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Mini Cooper, and Kia Rio. Additional future manufacturer entries are expected.

One of the fastest-growing segments of the automobile business, B-Spec is among the most affordable classes for entry-level racers, and is expected to enjoy great support from club racers.

Cars will be 4-cylinder models, with a target cost range of $20,000-$30,000.

B-Spec features showroom stock racing cars utilizing stock engines and chassis, fitted with a competition roll cage, racing seat and other safety equipment; and manufacturer-approved suspension components, tires and wheels. Weight and other variables will be used to balance performance among competing manufacturers.

Each manufacturer will develop an approved performance kit which is subject to GRAND-AM approval. These will be the only alterations permitted to the respective cars. All practice sessions will also serve as qualifying to set race grids.

"This new form of GRAND-AM racing will attract new racers and in the process, new fans," said GRAND-AM Managing Director of Racing Operations Mark Raffauf. "The cars are cool and the competition will be door-to-door, which should be a lot of fun for everyone – a nice fit with what GRAND-AM already has happening at every event."

SOURCE GRAND-AM Road Racing

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