Kia Motors Partners with Homestead-Miami Speedway for Grand Prix Weekend

Just five weeks after capturing its first podium finish at Daytona, Kia Motors will have an expanded presence both on and off the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway as the title sponsor of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race on March 5.  In addition to the 2.5-hour race being named the "Kia 200," the company's first-ever turbocharged vehicle – the all-new 2011 Optima Turbo – will serve as the official pace car for both the Rolex Sports Car Series "Grand Prix of Miami" and CTSCC races on March 5.

"Partnering with Homestead-Miami Speedway to create on- and off-track activations is an important next step in the development of Kia's U.S. racing program as we continue to grow our presence in the world of auto racing," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "Our first-ever podium finish at Daytona has created increased interest and expectations for Kia's motorsports efforts, and we are looking forward to an exciting weekend of racing and the opportunity to showcase the stylish and performance-oriented Optima Turbo to passionate followers of GRAND-AM racing."

In between the action on the track, fans also will have an opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art technology, impressive power and head-turning styling of several of Kia's new and recently introduced vehicles at multiple vehicle display locations at Homestead.

"Six hours of action featuring the best road racing circuit in America presents a terrific vehicle for brands seeking to elevate to a higher profile," said Matthew Becherer, president, Homestead-Miami Speedway. "It's an honor for us to welcome Kia Motors as a partner at the Speedway and to serve as a platform to promote Kia's second-year motorsports program."

Kia Motors and racing partner Kinetic Motorsports campaign the No. 10 and No. 12 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koups in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the CTSCC. Decorated driver Michael Galati will make his Kia racing debut at Homestead following Andy Lally's departure for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lally and Nic Jonsson drove the No. 10 car to a second place finish in the GRAND-AM 200 at Daytona International Speedway in the first race following Kia's "development year" in 2010.  The No.12 Forte Koup is piloted by former ST class champions Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood.

The Kia 200 will be broadcast on SPEED on Saturday, March 19> at 2:00 p.m. ET.  Race fans can follow Kia's motorsports program and receive live updates at www.facebook.com/kiaracing.

The 2011 Optima Turbo will be the first Kia vehicle to pace an auto race on U.S. soil, and its unique twin-scroll design improves combustion efficiency and low-end power to reduce turbo-lag.  The 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine produces up to 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of peak torque.  The all-new Optima has been collecting notable awards and accolades since arriving in December, including being named one of six Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted" and "Best of 2011" by Cars.com.