SCC: Davy Jones to compete at Laguna Seca

American Racing Legend Davy Jones Returns to Sports Car Roots

Genoa, NV (May 15, 2007) Davy Jones, one of seven Americans to win the Historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, will return to one of his favorite tracks, Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway this weekend to compete in the Grand American Koni Challenge ST race.

Driving the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Spec. B #141 for the Icy/Phoenix Racing Subaru Road Racing Team, Jones debuted with the team last month at Homestead Miami Speedway where he and his teammate Dave Rosenblum finished eighth. Jones commented, "Laguna Seca is a drivers track and can demand a lot out of a racecar. I feel that I have the right car and driver combination to add another win to my Laguna Seca history. The Koni Challenge ST class is so competitive that your racing wheel-to-wheel every corner every lap."

Jones successful history at Laguna Seca dates back to 1982 when he set a new track record while competing in the Super Vee series against other notable Americans racers such as Michael Andretti and Al Unser Jr. Jones was just 17, he won the race from pole and set the record (1.02.210) racing the Ralt RT 5.

Jones is one of the most celebrated drivers in American Sports Car history. In addition to his 1996 win at the 24 Hours of Le Man, Jones earned 12 GTP wins driving the Jaguar for Tom Walkinshaw Racing. He earned top-ten finishes in 60 of 73 starts and competed in the IROC series from 1990-1994.

Jones' racing career began in upstate New York as an open wheel driver. His successful tenure in karts as a teenager led Jones to Britain, where at the age of 19, he competed in British Formula 3 and finished third in the demanding championship, his biggest challenger that year, the champion, was Ayrton Senna. His diversified ability led him to a successful open wheel and sports career career stateside. In addition to his unparalleled success in sports cars, Jones made six starts at the Indianapolis 500 and finished second in 1996, it was the third closest finish in Indy 500 history.

Throughout his career, Jones has represented the most respected manufacturers in auto racing, including BMW (McLaren), Jaguar Cars (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), Ford (Jasper Motorsports), General Motors, Porsche (Joest International), Mercedes Benz and Toyota. His latest challenge, competing with the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Spec is his first experience driving for the Japanese car company. "Subaru is very passionate about their racing. We race the same cars that one can drive on the street, the quality and reliability shows on and off the race track," said Jones.

Off the track, Jones consults for Fast One Consulting where he take great pride in advising motorsports development projects including race track design. In addition, Jones is a driver coach and operates ProControl Driving Academy at the Reno-Fernley Raceway.

Practice and qualifying for the US Sports Car Invitational Koni Challenge race at Mazda Laguna Seca kicks off Friday, May 18th. The 112-lap or 2.5 hour sprint race takes place at 12:20 PST on Saturday, May 19th. For more information, news and results, follow Davy and the ICY/Phoenix Racing team at www.ICYRacing.com.

-credit: kb