SCC: Laguna Seca: Automatic Racing preview

Automatic Racing Back on Track for Grand-Am Cup at Laguna Seca

MONTEREY, Calif. -- Automatic Racing left their No. 09 and 90 BMW M3s in California between Grand-Am Cup rounds, taking advantage of the extra time on the west coast to gear up for round four at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, April 30.

Jep Thornton and David Russell will be sharing the No. 09 BMW M3. They are currently sixth in the team championship, and less than ten points away from being back in the top three. Thornton has never raced at Laguna Seca, but he is optimistic about making up some points at the challenging 2.238-mile road course.

"Laguna should be a great track for the BMW's," said Thornton. "We are looking forward to the race with confidence. It should be quite a race since there will be a lot of drivers who have not had much experience running on the track. And we will have 60 cars on the track at one time. Wow!"

Russell will be competing at Laguna Seca for the first time, as well. He said that, "I think this should be a good track for us. There are a lot of flowing, mid-speed corners that are linked together. It will accommodate a well-balanced car, which is what we've got."

The No. 90 BMW had its share of problems during the last round, beginning with a flat tire that sent Dave Riddle spinning into a wall. The damage to the car has been repaired, and Riddle and co-driver Kris Wilson will be ready for more action at Laguna Seca.

Fans have a chance to see one of the Automatic Racing BMWs this weekend during Bimmerfest on Saturday, April 23rd. The event is being held at the Santa Barbara Auto Group in Santa Barbara, California, and attendees will be treated to over 700 BMWs on display. Admission to the event is free.

Automatic Racing will have two rounds of practice on Friday, April 29. Qualifying will be held at 11:45 am PT for the Grand Sports class, and the 200-mile Grand-Am Cup race will begin at 2:45 pm later that same day.

More information about Automatic Racing can be found at www.automaticracing.com.

Automatic Racing is sponsored by Automatic LLC, LandAir, Engine Studios, Rogue Engineering, Lynch Imports, Moton Shocks and Fikse Wheels.

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