Champion to run Audi R8

Len Hunt, head of Audi of America, announced at the North American International Auto Show that Champion Audi of Pompano Beach, Florida will campaign an Audi R8 prototype in the 2001 American Le Mans Series.

With a rich history in endurance racing, Dave Maraj and Champion look to compete at the front of the grid with the factory Audi effort for top honors in 2001. Champion has a rich history in racing, most recently preparing to race its Lola in the Daytona 24 Hours. The Champion team also prepares the Audi S4s of Michael Galati and Derek Bell for the Speedvision GT Series.

"We wanted to expand the Audi racing presence by offering the R8 to qualified privateers. Champion has been a good racing partner with the S4s this last year and we are very excited that they will be running one of the R8s in 2001," said Len Hunt.

"We wanted to get back to the ALMS series with a full time effort. The Audi R8 proved to be the car to beat last year, so we are excited for the 2001 season," said Dave Maraj, president, Champion Motors.

The Champion Audi R8 will make its ALMS debut on March 4th at the Texas Motor Speedway.