Lites: Jonathan Goring Laguna Seca race one notes

GORING CLINCHES 2008 IMSA LITES CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AT LAGUNA

Jonathan Goring clinched the 2008 IMSA Lites L1 Championship in his rookie season in his usual spectacular fashion - flag-to-flag -- with the new track record to boot- at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca in the American LeMans Series Monterey Sports Car Championships Presented by Patron weekend, on Saturday, October 18 in the opening event. Goring's team, Comprent Motor Sports, also secured the Team Championship at the same time by virtue of Jonathan's victory.

Driving the DP-02 Elan sponsored by Comprent, Skip Barber Racing School, Alfas Unlimited and Tifosi Eyewear, Jonathan Goring has claimed pole position at every race this season, so it was no surprise he was the Monterey polesitter. Dominating the series all year, Goring had such a large points lead going into the race that he needed just to cross the finish line in any position to clinch the championship. But that just isn't Jonathan's style. He came to race. From the waving of the green flag on Saturday morning, he led the entire field to the checker, sometimes by nearly twenty seconds, setting a new race lap record. In a pre-race interview, Goring said the team had gotten the setup just right and the car felt terrific for the race. How true. All season, the Athens, Georgia based Comprent team prepared the car expertly for him, and once again the car ran flawlessly, allowing Goring to cruise to the championship.

"Kevin, Brandon, Terry and everyone at Comprent deserve so much credit and my thanks for such a terrific car and such a wonderful season. They gave me such a great opportunity and I am so thrilled to have been able to bring home this championship for all of us," said Goring, as he enjoyed the victory celebration.

Jonathan, 18, has had a spectacular IMSA season this year. He is making a name for himself, not only as a quick driver, but also as a brilliant race tactician and strategist. His intensive study of the track, the car and the conditions gave him the ability to assist the team all season to engineer the car for optimum performance. Beginning with victories at both races at Sebring, Florida, Jonathan has had nine wins so far this season, and two second place trophies. He won back-to-back victories in the last two races. In addition to setting a new track record today at Laguna Seca, Goring broke the existing track record at Atlanta and smashed it at Mosport by two seconds. In addition to the track records, Goring has now won more Lites races than any other IMSA Lites competitor, and won the championship by a larger margin than in previous years. The 2006 Skip Barber National Champion has now become the 2008 IMSA Lites Champion, and is looking ahead to the 2009 season.

-credit: www.jonathangoring.com